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I
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me. |
| Little Foxes |
Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom. —Song of Solomon 2:15
When these things are present in my life, I have discovered that God's special presence is absent:
* Self-pity. Feeling sorry for myself always seems right at first, but I should never give in to it if I cherish the presence of the Dove.
* Self-righteousness. This is the identical twin of self-pity. I reflect on my obedience and imagine that God is giving me a little pat on the back.
* Defensiveness. This is not merely being "touchy"; it is the natural instinct to resist any criticisms. It is the opposite of turning the other cheek (Matt. 5:39).
* Seeking a compliment. "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips" (Prov. 27:2).
* Listening to gossip. I am not sure which is worse—telling another "the latest" or listening to it. It is hard not to listen, especially if it is delicious, bad news about someone I find threatening.
* Talking too much. "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise" (Prov. 10:19). John Wesley often said that for every hour we spend talking, we should spend two hours in prayer!
* Rushing. Getting in a hurry almost always moves me ahead of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not in a hurry.
* Pointing the finger. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged" (Matt. 7:1). Pointing the finger in judgment invariably includes keeping a record of wrongs—which the Bible advises us not to do (1 Cor. 13:5). Doing so will result in the departure of the Spirit's special presence.
When I come to terms honestly with the absence of God's special presence, I am more likely to be in a position to find Him.
Excerpted from The Sensitivity of the Spirit
(Charisma House, 2002).
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You might enjoy this weeks
posts from my Blog “A Joyful Noise”-
Confession
is Good for the Soul (digested Sermon)
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4 comments:
Hi Hazel...liked your list of little foxes. And...a little self pity and a whole lotta rushing filled some of my days over the last month or so as life got increasingly busy and hectic and stressed. Thanks for the good reminders and thanks for the Link Up.
Love the artwork you find here, Hazel... the English looking one at top is so lovely and old fashioned. My taste exactly! :) And perfect for your "tell me a story..." ~ Pam, apples of gold
I remember reading an article about Kathern Kulhman. When she came into a meeting where people were obviously not being reverent, she told the congregation, including the then new convert, Benny Hinn: "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit; He's all I've got." So important to give attention to HIS presence. The rest will fall into place.
"Talking too much" hit me square between the eyes. Something I find myself guilty of lately. Two hours of praying for each hour of talking, huh? I don't know if I'd ever get off my knees (lol).
Will meditate on these, Hazel. Thank you for hosting.
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