It’s Time to Get Excited (part 4)

Last week I talked about how we can get excited when we see ourselves the way God sees us. Today, I want to discuss how we can get (AND STAY) excited if we learn to “walk in the Spirit”. I know there are a wide variety of beliefs regarding the Holy Spirit, but I believe we must walk IN the Spirit, which is a daily decision.  

Galatians 5:16-17 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.   

How do we walk in the Spirit? 

• Abide in Him  

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me 

• Remain devoted (fasting and prayer) 

Mark 9:28-29 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” ²⁹ He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer. (KJV “prayer and fasting”) 

I believe Jesus was referring to a lifestyle of devotion (not so much fasting about this particular thing).  

“It isn’t that prayer and fasting make us more worthy to cast out demons. It is that prayer and fasting draw us closer to the heart of God, and they put us more in line with His power. They are an expression of our total dependence on Him.” (Guzik) 

• Trust His will and timing 

Matthew 6:10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 

2 Peter 3:8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 

• Avoid strongholds 

Ephesians 4:25-28 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 

• Have faith 

This is pretty obvious, but walking in faith is essential to being a part of what God is doing. Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

Now, this whole message has been a set up for next week’s message where I will discuss miracles. Do you believe in miracles? Sometimes they can be “small miracles” like getting a good price on something you need to buy. Let’s learn to walk in the Spirit and get excited for “big miracles”!