To Be Led By The Spirit

​But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Gal 5:22-25

As we continue in our journey in this life as a believer; there is nothing as important as learning to walk in the abiding presence of the Lord, and to know His presence in our life. Anything that is done in this life is pointless and futile; unless God is in it. Moses made this clear when he said to the Lord in prayer "unless your presence goes before us; we will not go." Ex. 33:12-16

 As a new believer; when I looked back at the path I'd left behind me, I was ashamed of the life I'd lived so far. I'd become a hard, cynical, manipulating person who would stoop to almost anything to get my own way. I had reaped many of the seeds I'd sown already in sorrow, and a failed marriage; and the one I was in on shaky ground too. I had many memories of things I'd done and said that brought pain and heartache to the people in my family, and relationships with other's. As a new Christian, the Holy Spirit clearly revealed myself to me; and the consequences of my choices. He made it clear to me it was up to me if I really wanted to change; and as I studied the Word of God; it peeled off the layers of sin and deception that had developed in my life. I needed and wanted His conviction, and correction. Simple honesty is necessary in a meaningful relationship with God; he already knows us; He sets about to reveal ourselves to us, and many times it is painful to see how deceitful we really are. It is His cleansing blood, his forgiveness and mercy, and His power to change our hearts that brings lasting change; and redemption. However, the more you desire to walk with Jesus, you will find the more the world will not agree with you, or accept you, as Jesus teaches us. But, that's another teaching.
Mat 5:10  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus is our example of what it looks like to follow the Holy Spirit as He leads. The disciples, watched Jesus and learned, as they were moved by the Spirit thru the scriptures.

As Jesus walked among the people the most important characteristic in the healings and workings of miracles he performed was how the scriptures speak of him being "moved with compassion", as he touched and healed those who came to him. Matt. 11:28-30, Mark 9:22, Luke 7:13,14, Matt. 15:32

The fruit of the Spirit develops:
⦁ Love and compassion is the predominate power behind the manifestations of the Spirit
⦁ The evidence of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit is- peace, power, holiness, supernatural faith; regardless of the circumstances. Sympathy is an emotion of pity and is passive, but compassion causes action to change the situation.
⦁ Someone walking in the abiding presence of God will manifest an unshakable presence of peace and love; even for; and in the midst of their enemies. Ex. Paul and Silas had compassion on the jailor who held them; who became afraid when the earthquake freed them. Acts 16:25-28
⦁ Life or death will not affect them; as Paul said "whether we live or die, we are the Lord's". The enemy has no power over anyone walking in such faith.
⦁ Our Actions and Behaviour Will Always Lead To Love and Restoration- Scripture tells us "Love works no ill toward it neighbor", and is the fullfillment of the law. Someone walking in the Spirit exhibits the fruits of the Spirit, and never desires evil toward another. Rom. 13:10, Rom. 14:19

Characteristics of Being Led By the Spirit

⦁ Being Led By the Spirit in One Day Increments- There is great relief to the soul when we finally realize the truth of Jesus teaching to not worry about tomorrow. Only be concerned about being obedient to Him in the things he's called us to do today.  Obedience to the known will of God is necessary to have an open door relationship with the Lord.
⦁ It is Crucial to live in peace with people; as much as possible- Strife kills anointing; and it brings a breach in our walk with the Lord. I guard my soul in this area the most; because the devil knows that if I'm in strife with someone it will hinder my walk with the Lord. If I allow it to continue; the presence of the Lord will lift off of me.  We don't have to agree with everyone to live in peace with them; learn when to keep quiet, and when to walk away from a bad relationship if necessary.
⦁ Prayer; Worship; and Quiet time is crucial- The more you spend time with someone; the more you know them. When we come away with the Lord alone; it is there we will find Him coming to us; and revealing Himself to us in very special ways. Satan will do everything He can to distract us, draw us into everything that seems more important. I find it difficult to communicate how important it is to come away and be alone with Jesus; if you make up your mind to commit time to Him; you will not be disappointed. He WILL MAKE HIMSELF KNOWN TO YOU; IF YOU ARE PERSISTANT; AND DON'T GIVE UP. When you feel dry and dead in your spirit (we all do at times) be honest with him about this; This is the very time when your honesty will pay off. Tell him you need the Holy Spirit to pour His love and presence into you; that you have nothing of yourself to offer; because THIS IS REALLY THE TRUTH. God loves this kind of honesty; and you will find that His presence will rest upon you; and you will know it.
⦁ Desire is the fuel that brings us into His Presence- The more we experience His presence; the more we are drawn to Him. It does come to the place that we would rather be with Him, than anyone else. He is like a magnet of Love. Once you've experienced what it's like to have a dialogue with the King of the Universe, nothing else will be able to compare to it. If the world wants nothing to do with you, it doesn't mean your nothing to the Lord-His company, is more precious than diamonds, or any other person in this world.
⦁ The Gifts and Manifestations of the Glory of God Come From The Abiding Presence- In the book of Acts we see the disciples as they are moved by the Holy Ghost; they called on him in every situation; every moment, and depended on Him in their service to the Lord. Miracles, and healings took place as they walked in obediance. They took Jesus with them everywhere they went.
⦁ The Presence of God is Evident When There is No Fear- Someone walking in the presence of the Lord will have a fearlessness, and conviction in their life. Their stand for God will be solid, no matter what the cost. People filled with the Holy Spirit know the truth of Paul's words:
2Ti 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 
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⦁ We Will Only Know God To The Degree That We Know His Word- Someone who has an abiding presence of God will be a student of the bible; there is no other way to know the character and person of God.
⦁ Humility- a spirit of meekness, willing to be corrected or disagreed with. Even when we are right on an issue; it is better to let a thing go than to let strife and irritation build in our souls. I've had to learn this is important; peace is what I seek after at all cost. If I see someone doing or saying something I know is wrong; prayer is the key. God can change the situation without me saying a word. If it does become necessary to say something; I've learned to have it be as simple and short as possible; then leave it to God. If it's clear the person isn't willing to hear anything from you, heed your discernment-and leave them to themselves. Don't let them destroy the peace in your life.

Once we've experienced the manifest presence of God, and known what it is like to be led by His Spirit; we will never be satisfied with less in our lives. But, it is a process; and there are pitfalls and trials we will encounter along the way.

⦁ Don't Try To Fake the Abiding Presence of God, It Never Works-  When we are feeling very "human", dry and like the Holy Spirit is miles away....don't try to muster up a fake anointing; if you do the Lord's presence will go even farther away. The Lord hates phoniness. Be honest about our weaknesses. Any anointing we walk in comes from Him and Him alone.
⦁ Pride kills Anointing- I've learned to go to the Lord on a regular basis, and ask Him to reveal to me where I've allowed pride or wrong motives to creep in, this is another very dangerous thing that Satan uses all the time. We become puffed up, and thinking we are "somebody", when as Paul says "we are nothing." And, as Jesus says; "Apart from Me, you can do nothing."

Note: We can learn the bible front and back; and become a leader in the church, a pastor, minister; but it means nothing to God unless it is the position we were called into by Him; and if we are doing the work out of love for Him, not out of obligation or recognition. Our status is not important to Him; he isn't moved by our accomplishments; He is interested in one thing; our hearts, and walking in obedience to His will. Matt. 5:9, Heb. 12:14
Mat 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 
Heb 12:14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

⦁ Bad relationships with ungodly people- If we continue to allow shallow people who live in sin to be in our company for long periods; they will affect our lives. Our decisions are affected, and the depth of our obediance to the Lord. Sometimes we have to make up our minds to keep some people at arms length in order to maintain our closeness to the Lord. We can have as close a relationship with Him as we really want; it is a choice. 11thess. 3:7-14, 1Cor. 5:9-11-13,
⦁ Unrepentant Sin Kills Anointing- When someone is in a sin, there may be an outward show of holiness, but there will be a shallowness, and a lack of conviction for the Word of God in their life. One of the signs of this is someone who does not emphasise the importance of salvation in Christ; and His shed blood as our covering from sin. Someone who is in sin will avoid these topics. Compromize will also be evident. Saul is a good example of this. Jealousy, envy, pride drives the Holy Spirit away.
⦁ Lack of integrity; dishonesty-God watches our daily walk, how we treat people, if we are honest in our dealings and business, in our work. It affects our walk with Him.
⦁ Holiness- Holiness is an acquired desire. Our flesh naturally resists it. We have many a battle with the flesh for the things it desires. But, over time; walking in prayer, and seeking God's face; and experiencing His presence at deeper levels causes you to desire Him more than anything else. His presence is worth anything we may struggle with to let go of. I can testify to this.

There is nothing more important in life than to be at peace with God, and man. Walking in the peace and love of Christ brings us in proper balance and our life becomes worth living.

As we pursue His presence, and seek His will for our lives; He gives us purpose, establishes our souls, and stabilizes our hearts. 

When Jesus was sent by the Father to the earth; it was to accomplish the eternal purpose of our redemption. They were in perfect agreement together in this plan. When Jesus came, he submitted himself to all the Father allowed in his life; including the sufferings and trials; to accomplish the goal set before him. Jesus made the statement that he did nothing unless He knew it was of the Father's will. Remember; it was the Spirit of God that led Jesus into the wilderness, to be tempted 40 days and nights, by the devil." Sometimes being led by the Spirit means great trials; but for great eternal purposes.

In the same way; when we become born again, our life changes to the same degree. Now we are on the road to eternity, and the Father is the one who we submit to in order to accomplish the eternal purpose we were sent here for. We are here for specific reason's, and God has important goals for each of us; including the people set before us to witness to, and affect.

As we continue to walk in obedience; doing the best we can day by day; our vision for God's will in our lives becomes clearer, and many demonic strongholds are broken. It is the combination of the Word of God, walking in obedience, and committing our lives to Christ that brings stability, and His eternal perspective to us. As we continue to walk with Him; our lives become centered on His will, and His desires for us. Then, as our souls continue to grow; service to other's becomes more important than grabbing and getting for ourselves. His Spirit causes us to reach out to other's in need; it is His Spirit growing in us that plants the desire to lift someone else up; just as we have been.

The more we yield to His Spirit the more concerned we become about other's souls; and where they are going to spend eternity.  Our focus gradually changes from one of self-centeredness, to other's. The most important driving force of the Holy Spirit is bringing a person to Jesus for salvation; the more we walk in the Spirit; the more we become aware that this is really the most important issue of all.
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For example; Paul, who was a murderer, and persecutor of Christians became the great apostle to the Gentiles. The Spirit of God led him thru many trials, and hardships, until he finally was sent to Rome, to stand before Caesar and witness for Christ. No matter what we have done, or how we have sinned; God is able to turn our destiny around and bring glory to Himself thru our lives if we submit ourselves to the Lord in the same way.

I pray we will wholly submit ourselves to God as Jesus did; and be able to stand before the Father in heaven some day and have Him say to us "well done good and faithful servant."
Lorna Couillard
2007 Teaching for Teen Challenge