08-07-24-DAILY READING-ENG.

EXPERIENCING THE SPIRIT

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This book will reorient your thinking back to biblical teaching on the Spirit's role in your life. It will also clarify the apparent confusion between natural talents and spiritual gifts, and help you get in step with God's purpose for your life. As you understand the strategic plan in the heart of God to send the gift of the Holy Spirit, you won't struggle with burnout from serving God or carry the weight of anxiety and stress.

Your Christian life will produce joy, not burdens that weigh heavy on your soul. The gift of Pentecost was not just for the early believers; it's for you. As you study this book, you'll discover there are no excuses for watching the activity of God from a distance. He has chosen and equipped every believer for kingdom work. God sent the Holy Spirit on assignment. So what is that assignment? What is He doing in your life? How do you get in step with Him and enjoy abundant life as Christ has promised?

This book, though not an exhaustive study on the Holy Spirit, will be a practical guide to allowing the Spirit to help you experience the power of God's great salvation in every area of your life. As you begin, we'd like you to consider a couple of issues. First, allow the Holy Spirit to open the Scriptures and teach you. Too often we come to a study like this with a lot of baggage that may or may not be biblical. We allow many things to shape our thinking—past experiences, books we've read, teaching we've listened to, or just our own assumptions.

So come with an open mind and heart to experience the fullness of the Spirit. Listen carefully to the Holy Spirit, for He's the Spirit of Truth. Second, ask yourself some tough questions: Can I honestly say I'm experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit in my life? If not, why not? The promise of God has been given you, and He expects your life to be shaped by His presence. You cannot remain the same. So prepare yourself to make some adjustments according to what the Spirit shows you.