The Spirit Can Be Grieved

I would that all my brethren and sisters would remember that it is a serious thing to grieve the Holy Spirit; and it is grieved when the human agent seeks to work himself, and refuses to enter the service of the Lord because the cross is too heavy or the self-denial too great. The Holy Spirit seeks to abide in each soul. If it is welcomed as an honored guest, those who receive it will be made complete in Christ; the good work begun will be finished; and holy thoughts, heavenly affections, and Christlike actions will take the place of impure thoughts, perverse sentiments, and rebellious acts.

The Holy Spirit is a divine teacher. If we will heed its lessons, we shall become wise unto salvation. But we need to guard well our hearts; for too often we forget the heavenly instruction we have received, and seek to act out the natural inclinations of our unconsecrated minds. Each one must fight his own battle against self. Heed the teachings of the Holy Spirit. If this is done, they will be repeated again and again until the impressions are as it were lead on the rock forever.

God has bought us, and He claims a throne in each heart. Our minds and bodies must be subordinated to Him; and the natural habits and appetites must be made subservient to the higher wants of the soul. But we can place no dependence upon ourselves in this work. We cannot with safety follow our own guidance. The Holy Spirit must renew and sanctify us. And in God’s service there must be no halfway work. Those who profess to serve God and yet indulge their natural impulses will mislead other souls. Said Christ, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). “This do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:28).—Manuscript Releases 18:47, 48.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 33
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Prayer Requests
—-I have a friend that’s having suicidal thoughts due to depression and other things. Please pray! Kathy
—- Please pray for Robert and Carol. Robert has been sick since Thanksgiving and Carol is having issues also. Wonderful brother and sister in Christ. Also remember Hannah as she can’t attend church without a ride. Ernest
—-Please send up prayers that HR will be generous in granting time off to care for my Dad. He is recovering from surgery and needs medical assistance. I’ve already used up my FMLA which ended last week. Vicki
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Dear Friends,

Some years ago, I saw a little film clip of a dog and his master. That border collie was very well trained and a joy to watch. His owner put him through a series of complicated moves that were just amazing. Since the collie was totally focused on his master and allowed nothing to distract him, he knew just what to do and when to do it.

Just as that dog kept his eyes on his master and took his direction from him, so we are to keep our eyes on our Loving Saviour. “Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God.” Ps 123:1,2 “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7

Think of it! The One Who loved us so much that He died the cruelest of deaths to redeem us from the power of the enemy is our Creator, our Helper, our Strength, and wants to be our constant Companion. Our dearest thoughts should be of Him.”I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” Ps 77:11, 12 Our conversation should be about His blessings. As Paul says, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. …so stand fast in the Lord. Phil 3:20-4:1 Our leisure time should be spent reading His Holy Word for through His Word we are sanctified. (John 17:17) Our greatest pleasure should be in doing those things which please Him. “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:21, 22

May we ever look to our Dear Saviour for the direction we need in every situation. May we stay ever close to Him “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Heb 12:2 “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thes 5:23, 24

Rose