Engaging the Spirit

Overview
When Jesus was about to be arrested and crucified, he told his disciples something astonishing: Im about to leave you but it is better for you if I go. I will send you another comforter. This other (of the same kind) he spoke of was the Holy Spiritthe presence of God, not externally, but within. And, sure enough, 50 days after his resurrection, the Spirit is poured out on the disciples on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). This was a big dealto have the Spirit with us was, in Jesus eyes, more than good enough to make up for his physical abscence. But for many Christians, terms like walking in the spirit have no daily meaning. We just arent sure how to get started in paying attention to the Spirit. These experiments are meant to prompt your daily relationship with the Spirit. These arent methods to get the Spirit theyre ways of acknowledging Him, and opening up to what He is already doing and saying. For more from the Bible, look at John 14-16, Acts 2, Galatians 5:16-26, Romans 8:1-17.

For a 3-minute video introduction to these practices, visit www.fbcslo.org/pages/online-resources

Practicing
Here are some easy experiments to try this weekpick a few and do them each day. Pay attention to how your attitude toward God, toward His Spirit, and toward others changes as you do them. You might want to keep a brief daily journal to write down notes and spark thoughts. Ask for the SpiritIn Luke 11:513, Jesus tells a few parables with one point: if we ask God, He will surely give us the Holy Spirit to guide us. Now, while we believe that the Spirit is active and present in a believers life at the moment they turn to Jesus in faith, this experiment is about asking for awareness and help following the Spirit. Set aside a few moments each morning, even before you get out of bed, to ask God to help you hear, follow, and obey the Spirits guiding today. You could start by praying the 23rd Psalm (as a warm up to turn your heart to God), and then ask God simply and directly that you would be aware of His promised Spirit. Spirit-dependant ReadingJesus tells us in John 16:12-14 that the Spirit will take what Jesus has to say, and deliver it to us. This happens nowhere more surely than in the Bible, Gods Word. This week, take time somewhere in your day to read a brief passage in the Bible. Read it slowly, a few times. Before you begin, and as you read, ask the Spirit to guide your mind and open your eyes to Jesus. Jot down some notes from what you experience as you read. What is the Spirit asking you to believe? What is He asking you to do? What is He directing you to feel? Spirit-flowing RelationshipsThis week, as you engage with people (particularly those you find difficult), invite the Spirit to flow through you. Dedicate one day this week to praying silently for each person you see, that the Spirit would bless them through you however He sees fit. (When you discover you have forgotten, dont fret. Just take a breath, and start again. No pressure hereGod already loves you!) Get dressed in the SpiritThis may seem silly to you at first, but give it a go. Colossians 3:12 speaks of clothing ourselves with Jesus character: compassionate hearts, kindness, meekness, humilty, patience. And Ephesians 6:11-18 speaks of putting on the armor of God. This week, as you get dressed, imagine that you are putting on each attribute of love and the armoreven speak them aloud. While you do this, ask the Spirit to clothe you in this fruit today, and to guide you. Spirit-restingPsalm 23 speaks of God as one who leads us to rest by still waters. Psalm 127 tells us that God gives rest to His beloved. This week, during break-times and as you go to bed, ask the Spirit to restore your soul and help you rest in Gods strength.