ENGAGE #14

GOD EMPOWERS US WITH HIS SPIRIT. . .
if we let him.

The Bible says:

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal. 5:22

If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
Gal. 5:25

He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
John 14:17

I began reading a book today on the holy spirit.  I was struck by this statement the author, Francis Chan, made: "We are not all we were made to be when everything in our lives and churches can be explained apart from the work and presence of the Spirit of God."  I believe that there are actually many things in our lives and church that reflect the work of the Holy Spirit.  But, I also think that there are many things that "can be explained apart from the work of the Holy Spirit."  What would it look like if we really let God's Spirit take control of our lives?  How would it change what's really important in our lives?  How would it change the way that we pray?  How would it change the way that we make decisions?  How would it change the way we talk to people?  How would it change what we do when we are by ourselves?  How would it change what we do when we meet together/  What keeps us from allowing his power to overflow in our lives?

ACTION:
1. Consider this today.  What in your life & in our church can only be explained by the Power of God at work?  What can be explained apart from him?
2. In anticipation of the next engage, which will include a very important brainstorming session, think on this: How can we take the things that we do that have very little to do with the Holy Spirit and make them opportunities for him to work and do great and powerful things?


PRAY:
Open up your heart to the reality of the powerful and loving presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.  Listen for his direction today. All day.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(these are intended to help get discussion started - please do not feel confined to these questions: comment as you like!)
Today's discussion questions revolve around those asked above.