Having a Mary Spirit

Chapter 4 Spirit Check

What spoke to me Most in this Chapter?

There were several things
1-It’s important to realize that in our desire to do things for God, ministry like any kind of power or position can be fancy food for the flesh.
I can relate to this statement because as I look back over my years of ministry I have to consider how much of the work I performed was assigned by God and how much I did because I believed God wanted me to do whatever work was available. Now I understand I had more of a Martha Spirit than a Mary Spirit. I was doing what I believe a lot of us do in the church. We take on responsibilities because we believe no one else will do it. How often do we give God an opportunity to allow someone else to do it? How often do we take try to take control from God in the name of ministry? I realize I was operating in the flesh, Flesh woman was in control more than the Spirit because the Spirit Woman was not have been drastically pulled from this situation and sat down so she could begin to develop a relationship with God, so she could begin to know God for who He really is. We must make sure we are feeding the Spirit and not the flesh.
2- I am transforming because Christ is filling me with Himself.
3- Even though John called Himself the disciple Jesus loved he let Christ define him. As I move towards a relationship and not just knowledge of God I pray Christ will define me.
4- Being Led- How to cooperate with the wooing and leading of the Holy Spirit (Following Paraphrased)
1- Tune your heart to His voice- look for the still small voice-practice, practice and practice listening
2- Mind the checks – if we feel doubt, stop and wait, do nothing. Direction from God will strengthen with time. If the course of action is not from Him in a few days or weeks it will fade or disappear
3- Test the message- check inner direction against scripture.
4-Watch for repetition- God gives confirmation through sermons, people, or miraculous provision. Themes will be repeated ( I like this one God is like our mothers, if you don’t listen the first time-He repeats Himself).
5-Take the next step- move in faith take one step at a time-as we practice obedience the voice of the Spirit becomes clearer and His instructions more definite.
6-Beware of the Spirit’s Withdrawal- If the Holy Spirit is insistent and you are not obedient you may feel a lack of the Spirit’s presence. According to Oswald Chambers, “God will never reveal more truth until you obey what you already know.”
7-Ask for and expect wisdom- do not rule out God’s help with the small details of life. We must let God direct our everyday lives or we may not be able to follow Him in crises. When you ask believe the Spirit will lead you into all truth. Look for the answer in faith.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10

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