So what is required of us if we truly want to live this Abundant Life? Dr Stanley puts it this way: “…moment-by-moment dependence on the Holy Spirit.” (p5) That means we must, on purpose, be aware of His Presence in us. That means we must desire to allow Him to live through us. That means we must put in the time and effort to know Him, so we can follow His guidance. This means we must read the Bible, study it, apply it, pray, listen to godly teaching, music and entertainment…this means we must completely and radically change the way we live life. Yet to be honest, how many believers do any of this, much less do them daily?
Most people want enough of the Holy Spirit to get them to Heaven, but they do not want any more of Him because that might change “their” lives. They still want what they want, and as a result, there seems to be three unnecessary outcomes in their Christian Life. They think: 1- I give up because this Christian Life just doesn’t work or 2- I haven’t given up, but I only have defeat and discontentment in this Christian Life, or lastly, 3- I might not give up but I am just going through the motions in this Christian Life. Obviously, all three of these are not only sad, but certainly NOT what God has in mind for His children. Again the problem is that, either through ignorance or stubbornness, we continue to be dependent on MMI, instead of on the Holy Spirit which does not lead to the Abundant Life.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
<>< Peace, Diane
