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by Pastor Abby Davidson

And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ~Romans 5:5

The Spirit of God dwells in us. Have you ever stopped to think about what that means?  The Holy Spirit convicts, comforts and counsels us. It also guides us in our thoughts and actions.

Consider that as a child of God, when you go somewhere, the Holy Spirit goes with you. That truth baffles me. In my home, my neighbourhood and in my church, my presence is joined with the presence of God.

Have you seen evidence of the Spirit in your own life? It can be hard to identify sometimes. Unless you’re given an It’s a Wonderful Life experience of seeing the world without you it, you may never know the extent to which the Spirit works through you to bless other people. I admit that often I can see the Spirit working in others better than I can see it in myself.

My word for the year has been discernment. I want to grow in this area and being discerning requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. I believe that God makes this available to all of us but it requires shutting off all the other voices and distractions so we can hear what he is telling us.

You probably know what I’m talking about. Sometimes you get that little nudge from inside. You leave a conversation feeling that something was left unsaid or you can’t get a certain person off your mind until you pray for them. That’s the Spirit prompting you. We know when the Spirit is working because we see its fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

As a church we want this for ourselves and for those in our community. We prayed/sang it in church on Sunday.

Holy Spirit you are welcome here, come flood this place and fill the atmosphere… your glory God is what our hearts long for, to be overcome by your presence Lord.

Having the Holy Spirit in us is to be overcome by the glory of God. That’s no small matter. Where the Spirit is, and by consequence where you are, God is at work.

Pray that God will open your eyes to see how the Holy Spirit is working in your life. Ask for sensitivity and obedience when the Spirit prompts you.