Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 323

November 18;   Acts 11:12;   100/260(II);   ‘The Spirit Told Me’

Acts 11:12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man's house.

Cornelius, the Roman Centurion, was told by an angel who appeared to him, to send men to Joppa, looking for a man named Peter, and ask Peter to come to share the gospel with Cornelius.  Peter, a Jew, had never gone into a Gentile home, but the Lord had dealt with Peter’s heart, that the Lord shows no partiality.  This verse teaches that the Holy Spirit told Peter to go and share the gospel with the Gentiles.  Romans 8:14 tells us that the sons (and daughters) of God are led by the Spirit of God.  Verse 16 of Romans 8 also teaches that the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit.  What these verses and others teach is that a Christian is to be led by the Holy Spirit.  What a blessing that is.  God the Father and the Lord Jesus have a plan for each of our lives.  The Holy Spirit, who is on the earth ministering through us and to us, will lead us in line with the Lord’s perfect will for our lives.  It takes some effort and diligence on our part to listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Our mind is usually speaking loudly to us.  We can learn to quiet our mind down so that the Holy Spirit can speak to our spirit and lead us.  We know that generally speaking, the Word of God is the Lord speaking to us and guiding our life.  But we can take time to pray quietly in the Holy Spirit (tongues) and as our mind quiets down, we can listen for the Holy Spirit’s leading.  As you begin to diligently seek the leading of the Holy Spirit you will be able to quiet your mind and receive His specific direction. Do not quit and give up, ask the Lord Jesus to help. Keep at it.  Once you learn to hear the Spirit, it becomes easier to know His will.