Today’s Encouragement is, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Has Given Us-
Already—He has given, now. It’s His gift to us, and it is His Spirit living within us. Not when we are better Christians or when we deserve it (we never can!)… but now.
So, why don’t we “feeeeel like it?” The Spirit of God is not a feeling! He is a person. Without form or flesh, yet still, He exists, is sent from God, and lives within all believers; He influences, guides, and speaks to us in unique, creative, and unlimited ways.
A simple but clear analogy would be that a relative passed away and left you a million dollars in a certain bank account. You were told this at the reading of his will, but… You didn’t believe or accept it; you didn’t go to the bank to check it out and just said, “Ok, whatever.” So, the truth is – it’s real and available – but you haven’t accessed it yet.
How do you access the Holy Spirit?
These practical steps may help:
Choose to believe and act on your beliefs; like the analogy, go to the bank! Decide to accept that the Holy Spirit dwells in you.
Listen—quiet your mind and ask God to speak to you. Today, God speaks to us through His Word, through others (sometimes…), and through His Holy Spirit.
Pray – ask God to help you hear Him. “You don’t have because you don’t ask” (James 4:2)
Thank You, Father, that You want us to hear from You through the Holy Spirit. Help us to believe, accept, and hear from You – through Your Spirit.
Holy Spirit
Francesca Battistelli
Today’s Encouragement 