Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  2024  Day 52

February 21;        Acts 18:5;         107/260;        ‘Compelled by the Spirit’

Acts 18:5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

Though Paul was called by the Lord to minister to the gentiles, he usually went into the synagogue of the city, he was at, first to share with the Jews.  In Corinth, Paul went into the synagogue for several Sabbaths and preached to the Jews and Greek proselytes.  Many believed and were converted.  Timothy and Silas joined Paul who felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to continue to minister to the Jews.  When we became a Christian, the Lord put the Holy Spirit into our spirit.  One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit in our spirit is to lead us (Romans 8:14, 16).  Our success in ministry and in life is greatly enhanced by our ability to be led by the Spirit.  The Lord has a perfect will for our lives and the general way He leads us is with the Word of God.  But the Lord has specific direction for each of us, just as He did in this verse for Paul.  How exciting this is to know that Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, has a specific plan for our life and that when we take the time to listen to the Holy Spirit, He reveals that specific plan.  I am convinced that this is one reason the devil tries so hard to make life so busy.  It is difficult to stop the busy-ness and begin to quiet your mind down and sense the leading of the Holy Spirit in your spirit.  It is the most difficult when you first purpose in your heart to listen for the Spirit’s leading.  As time goes on, it will be easier and easier to quiet down your mind and listen for the Holy Spirit’s direction. Quietly praying in tongues is a key.  This sensitizes your spirit so you can hear the Spirit.