THE WEEKLY WORD: Led by the Spirit

By Pastor Paul & Dixie Phillips, Gospel Lighthouse Church, Floyd

But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

— Matthew 1:20

The Bible is clear. The Baby in Mary’s womb was conceived from the Holy Spirit. And then for 30 years the Bible is almost silent concerning Jesus.

There is one story recorded when He was 12. Jesus and His parents had traveled to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. After the festival was over, Mary, Joseph, and the group of people they were with headed for home. They thought Jesus was with them, but He wasn’t.

They returned to Jerusalem and found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, and asking them questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding. Then, we don’t hear anything about Him until 18 years later.

He shows up at the Jordan River and is baptized by John the Baptist. The sacred account in the Bible tells us that He was filled with the Holy Spirit and a manifestation of the holy trinity took place at His baptism.

Jesus the Son was standing in the water, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove landed on Him, and God the Father spoke.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love, with Him I am well pleased.”

— Matthew 3:16-17

After His baptism He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness…

— Matthew 4:1

Being led by the Spirit should always be an important teaching for every believer. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who was born of a virgin and worked side-by-side with God the Father, was led by the Spirit.

This should show the importance for being led by the Holy Spirit in our own lives. So many times, we make decisions throughout life without seeking the will of God or His counsel. A bad decision or choice could cause us and our families great harm or loss. Let’s be quick to seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit.

What a gift the Holy Spirit is to us! How wonderful it is to have the Holy Spirit and the teaching of Scripture to guide us through life. What a priceless benefit to have, the aid of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is our divine Helper.

Are you in need of direction today? Are you having to make some hard decisions and not quite sure which way to go?

Consult the Lord about your situation. He wants to hear from you and help you. His ways are higher than your ways. He knows what is best for you. He wants your life to glorify Him.

Maybe you are making major decisions like continuing higher education, deciding who you should marry, raising children, seeking a career change, or figuring out what church to attend.

The Holy Spirit was sent to the children of God to guide and direct our paths. God is no respecter of persons. If we will ask Him and give Him a chance to advise us, He will be faithful and true to do just that. If Jesus was led by the Spirit, how much more should we be. He is our example to follow! Seek the Lord for His will for your life today.

• • •

Pastor Paul and Dixie Phillips have been honored to serve the Gospel Lighthouse Church, 205 Madison Street, in Floyd, Iowa, since 1981. To find out more about the church and ministry go to www.floydslighthouse.com.