Lutherwoman

How does the Holy Spirit make “the mind of Christ” available to us? He reminds us of all we need to know—He prompts and teaches us. He is one with the Father and Son (though separate and distinct) so He gives us the mind of Christ. How does this make you dependent upon the Holy Spirit? Because I am a sinner, there is no good in me except what Christ gives. This understanding, though at a basic level because I see in a mirror dimly, throws me at the Holy Spirit hungering for wisdom from above instead of earthly ‘intelligence’, which is worthless. How does this relate to listening for God’s voice? The Holy Spirit teaches us what is from the Lord and His Word. I must test whatever I hear against the Word and depend on the Holy Spirit for truth.

The Holy Spirit brings to my mind all He wants me to know and remember. That is a paraphrase but He is my Helper, truly. I believe God speaks through His Word, using the Holy Spirit. So nothing I hear from God will go against Bible teachings. If any words I hear do not line up with His Word, they are not from Him. Last week during a difficult time with a hostile elderly parent the Lord brought to my mind Ex. 14:14. Instantly I was comforted as He spoke these words to me and I could continue loving this person and see them as God sees them.

I learned this concept of the Trinity in Sunday School: sorry it is so huge! But it helps me, in my small dumb brain, to understand. Jesus is teaching us that we can do nothing on our own, just as Jesus cannot do anything without the Father. Jesus is equal to the Father and He IS God, yet He is fully man also. He is showing the doubters, who accuse Him of preaching on the Sabbath, that His Father commands Jesus. In other words, Jesus is proving Jesus’ claims. I must practice daily my time with the Lord, who will teach me and show me. There has to be a willingness—even an eagerness—to submit, just as Jesus submitted. Step by step I can follow His plan—be it a church ministry or ministry of doing dishes—as I submit and trust Him. I believe Jesus sees and hears the Father through the Word and prayer.

Q1. (Mark 1:33-39) What pattern do you see emerging in Jesus' prayer life? Why do you think he spends Quiet Time with the Father before the day begins? How does this prepare him for his ministry? How did the disciple desires for Jesus differ from what Jesus felt impelled to do? (Mark 1:37-38) Why? Do you have a Quiet Time? What could you do to improve the quality of your time with God each day? Jesus either begins his day in prayer or He prays through the night. He often goes away to lonely places, mountains, etc. He is with His Father first before all else. It is so hard for me to be disciplined in this, I am ashamed to say. But how can I live my life each day without turning to Him first? How can I make good decisions without Him? I cannot. How can He use me when I flit about like Martha? This is why I’m here….to practice getting back with Him first each morning—to seek Him and His wisdom. I have my journal, my prayer buddy dear husband, and no mentor yet. Each day this week I have spent time in His Word in the morning. But I am distant from the Lord. Praying for safety to seek Him. In my life very few people have been safe, and unfortunately I think God is unsafe. I tend not to go to Him. But just because I struggle in my heart with this does not mean He cannot heal me from this.

Hello! I’m Di from Missouri. My prayer is to better discern His Voice and learn Godly wisdom through deeper study of His Word. I’m tired of the world and I spend far too much time wasting my time. It is time to be who God is calling me to be despite what the culture tries to dictate. There is a sense of urgency He is placing on me to walk closer with Him.