"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." - Ephesians 1:11-14
"I do not think the Holy Spirit will bless just any act of service that is done even by well-meaning people, because if He did, it would seem as if He had set His seal to a great deal that was not according to the mind of the Lord. Let us so act in our work that there is never even the smudge of a dirty thumb across the page, and nothing of pride, self-seeking, or anger. Instead, let all that we do be done in humility, in dependence upon God, and in faith - and always in a holy and gracious spirit, so that we can expect the Holy Spirit to take it over and bless it. That will, of course, involve that everything must be done prayerfully, for our Heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13); and we must ask for this greatest of blessings, that God the Holy Spirit may work with our work.
Then we must believe in the Holy Spirit, and believe to the highest degree, so as never to be discouraged or think anything is too difficult. Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Genesis 18:14). Can anything be difficult for the Holy Spirit? It is often an imposing thing to get into deep water so as to be forced to swim, as we like to keep our feet touching the sand. What mercy it is to feel that you cannot do anything, for then you must trust in God and God alone, believing that He is quite equal to any emergency!" - Charles Spurgeon, Following Christ
"Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." - Zechariah 4:6
Following Jesus is impossible in our own might and under our own power. You should not, but probably will, determine to do better next time if you persist in following in your own strength. You are really just putting a good face on going your own way. Occasionally you might find yourself walking the same path with Jesus, but you are not really following Him. "I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back." That old song but it might lead you to believe that you decide to follow Jesus and then your life runs on its own power. And you would be wrong!
When we were born again, we all became temples of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19) Our spiritual lives are powered by His power. Our ability to follow Jesus is totally dependent upon the presence of the Spirit and faith. Bottom line, we can only follow Jesus, the Son of God, when we are submitted to the power and leading of the Spirit of God and follow by faith.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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