Ponderables #2

When I sit down to write this blog each week, I wrestle with two things. First, what to write. There's so much that I want to share. I struggle with which thought to pass along to you. I'd post a daily blog entry but reality tells me that my schedule is already too full. Second, how to limit what I write. A heart that is overflowing tends to create an overflowing blog entry. I struggle to keep this to just 300 to 400 words.

This week, I will eliminate part of the struggle by not giving just one thought. Instead, I'll pass along three quick ponderables. Though the thoughts are an easy, quick read, if meditated on they might challenge and/or alter your walk in the Spirit.

* Praying in and through the Spirit is a matter of our will. The Apostle Paul wrote, "I will pray with the Spirit". (1 Corinthians 14:15) Being in a certain location and/or having a certain kind of emotion should have no bearing on our praying in the Spirit. This isn't a being at church thing. Praying in the Spirit isn't something that is produced because of a certain song being sung or played. All that is necessary is our will.

* Praying in and through the Spirit is a matter of our discipline. Again, referring to Paul when he wrote, "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all." (1 Corinthians 14:18). Evidently Paul had learned that praying in and through the Holy Spirit isn't a matter of convenience. It is a matter of necessity. The discipline of praying in the Spirit causes one to push aside the lesser (the busyness of a schedule) to obtain the greater (the benefits of flowing together with the Holy Spirit).

* Praying in and through the Spirit is a matter of our availability. Again, referring to Paul when he wrote, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25) While I readily recognize that the walk in the Spirit is far, far more than praying in our heavenly prayer language, praying in the Spirit is a part of our walk. To me, that means that throughout the day, utilizing my prayer language is a natural part of my lifestyle. While I am driving in my truck, I'll pray in the Spirit. At times while standing waiting in line, I can quietly pray in the language of the Spirit.

Meditate on these thoughts. I'll be back next week. Vickie and I pray God's richest blessings upon all that you do for Christ and His Kingdom.