I had a wonderful Bible study last evening with my study and prayer partner. Although we live in two different states, we are truly connected in the spirit. It’s a wonderful thing to spend time communicating with someone who is as passionate about worship and the word of God as I am.
There have been times when we prayed together until I was overcome by the anointing of the Holy Spirit and could do nothing but worship and "go in." I have hung up the phone unable to utter coherent words. There are even moments when the word of God touches me so deeply, that tears flow down my cheeks like raindrops.
Oh, how I love sharing with my husband Kenya all the things I learn and benefit from during our long-distance lessons. Both he and I feast on God's word together long after my conversation with my dear sister in Christ is over.
There's nothing like time spent in the presence of God.
Well, during our session yesterday, we discussed Luke 1:41 when Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth after the Angel Gabriel visited her. The Bible says, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”
How powerful!
These two were connected in the spirit, so much so, at the sound of Mary’s voice, the Holy Spirit overtook Elizabeth and moved by His mighty power. Then, verse 42 shows Elizabeth speaking into Mary’s life. “In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!’”
As I meditated on the lesson, I began thinking about how each of us needs someone in our lives that “makes our baby leap.” In other words, there should be spirit-filled individuals who activate the presence of God within us and can also speak into our lives.
I don’t know about you, but I want folks connected to me who are also connected to God.
Amen?
Otherwise, I'll be tied to individuals who are carnally-minded, and hinder me in my spiritual walk.
And we know how much the word of God warns us against being carnal or fleshly! That's why, today, I'm adding Romans 8:6 NKJV to your cup of inspiration. It says, “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you'll be reminded that every time we willingly join ourselves to carnality, we die spiritually. But when we walk in the spirit, we choose life and peace.
Galatians 5:16 KJV says, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” And a huge part of walking in the spirit, is surrounding yourself with spiritually-minded people who are connected to God; speaking what He speaks; walking according to His word; and encouraging you to do the same.
So I admonish you to closely examine your relationships. Are your connections connected to God? Be sure to ask and answer this question, because you and I cannot afford to have any dominant influences that aren’t under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
And if, by chance, you are in a marital or close-knit familial relationship with an individual who does not know the Lord, you have a wonderful ministry opportunity! Pray for that person. Love them. Be an example. Let the light of Christ shine through you daily. You never know how much of an impact you can have on someone just by living a life of holiness in front of them.
Lord, thank You for this word today and for reminding me of how important it is to examine my associations. I pray right now for Your guidance and help as I release toxic relationships and embrace divine connections. With all my heart I trust You to connect me to those individuals who will help me grow, develop, and flourish in ways that are pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
