Devotion's by Deborah

Devotion 4-2-24, Ephesians 4:30- "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." God's Holy Spirit lives in each person who truly believes that Jesus Christ is God. The person who prays for salvation, forgiveness of sin, and a right relationship with God will be forgiven and will be given the privilege of the presence of the Holy Spirit within. The Holy Spirit takes up residency in each person who prays, believing. To the extent each person submits to God, is the extent to which the Holy Spirit exerts influence. Each person still has free will. There is always a choice. To whom will you submit? Roman 6 indicates we either submit to and serve God, or we submit to and serve Satan. Many people think having one foot in each kingdom is acceptable. That form of conflicted behavior results in grieving the Holy Spirit. God, the Holy Spirit, lives in you for the purpose of transformation and total submission. He is grieved by wishy-washy behavior, thinking, and words. Ephesians 4:23-24, "...that you may be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth." "Newness" is accomplished by the Holy Spirit in you. He is your "guarantee," your stamp, for redemption. He lives in you as proof you are saved. He is the transformer of your life, the power behind the renewing and creating. Do you want that to continue? Then do not grieve the Holy Spirit by a return to "old life" thinking, speaking, and behavior. Ephesians 4:27 says, "do not give the devil an opportunity." You can not have feet in both kingdoms. You must choose whom you will serve. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit. John 16:13-14- "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you."