Part 3: How to Hear From the Holy Spirit

Do you often ignore that still small voice and then later regret it? Are you sensitive to the vibes you get when you meet someone new or enter a restaurant? Do you trust your intuition? Many of us have been told "Oh, you're too sensitive" or "Oh, get a tougher skin". Can you relate? Our feelings and our sensitivity to that still small voice are gifts we have been given to help us navigate through life, avoid danger, and make good choices. Let's face it we live in a rough and tough world and people who are "sensitive" are often criticized. Well, this week I am writing to encourage all of us to tune out those folks who criticize and get back in touch with the Holy Spirit and her gentle guiding. So, how do we live by the Spirit in this loud and fast-paced world?

                                                      

Find Time to Get Quiet
We live in a noisy world. From the constant rings, dings, and beeps of our phones to the loud blasts of construction everywhere to the steady barrage of news and information coming at us. All this noise separates us from ourselves and from the Holy Spirit who is often trying to communicate to us. When we make time to get quiet, we allow our spirit to connect with the Holy Spirit. God is always speaking to us, the question is "Are we listening?" 

Distractions abound and it is up to us to make the decision to find stillness so we can hear that still small voice. Being still goes against our 'get it done now" culture,  but the Bible clearly exhorts us to  "Be still and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). Did Jesus ever hurry? I don't think so. He made time daily to be still before God and if he made it a priority, so should we, don't you think?

Listen to Your Body 

Our bodies are also vehicles through which the Holy Spirit can communicate to us. I notice that my stomach churns when I am having a difficult conversation. Migraines - as horrible as they are - also have messages and it is up to us to discern what that message is. Just this past weekend, I had a terrible one. After figuring out the physiologial cause, the deeper spiritual message to me was to spend less energy on other people's problems and focus more on my health and my problems. Yes, I am a recovering codependent with an elderly mother. 

Read the Bible 

I cannot stress this enough. People have stopped going to church and many have lost their connection with God. A good way to reconnect is to spend time reading the Bible, the most copied manuscript of all time. It is the inspired word of God. In it, we can learn more about the Holy Spirit and how God wants us to live. 

There are nine fruits of the Spirit which means behaviors that show we are living not according to our flesh (ego), but more like Jesus. Do you know what they are?

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Patience

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Self control 

The more we exhibit these characteristics, the more loving person we become. We will be more tolerant of others. Have more joy, and find the peace we all seek. 

For Reflection 

Do you make time to get quiet on a daily basis? It is one of the steps to building our spiritual muscle and one way to grow spiritually. Which of the fruits of the Spirit could you need help with? If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, the next step is to ask for the Holy Spirit to fill you and then focus on one of the fruits to practice in your daily life. Sticky notes around the house are a good reminder. 

If you enjoyed this post and would like to join our community, simply enter your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly posts AND a copy of my free guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path", and remember, communication and community are a two-way street so feel free to connect with me and others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @ArielPaz08. 

In the meantime, check out my other offerings on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple. Pop on over to Pinterest and enjoy the collection I have curated for you. I just recently started posting on Instagram so follow me there too!

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned as we learn more on how to ignite the power within so you can take back your life and discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

Part 2: How to Live a Life Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Do you need more boldness? Have trouble speaking up or making decisions? Made poor relationship choices? If so, then this week's post is for you. Last week we talked about who the Holy Spirit is and this week I'm sharing on what the Holy Spirit does for us, which is a lot. 

                                                

As you may recall from last week's post, Jesus told his disciples that when he ascends to Heaven, he would send the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, Jesus breathed on the disciples and said "Receive the Holy Spirit," (John 20:22) and they were filled with power and boldness. Up till then, they had been timid and fearful. Now they had the Holy Spirit which enabled them to go out and spread the Gospel, face numerous challenges, and even give their lives for Christ. 

He is also called The Counselor, The Comforter, and the Spirit of Truth. This supernatural power empowers us as human beings to do the will of God, to forgive those who have hurt us, and the authority to speak up for what is right and to discern what is true. 

The Holy Spirit Empowers Us
We all know how tough life can be. Frankly, I don't know how people survive without the power of God. The challenges of life can be overwhelming, but God gives us his Spirit to empower us and to guide us in the vicissitudes of life. The Holy Spirit gives us power and boldness to speak up and to stand up for ourselves, others, and for God. 

He enables us to forgive others. He pricks our conscience when we disobey God. He gives us direction and guidance. He helps us remember the word of God when we need it. He alerts us to physical and spiritual danger. He gives us authority. 

The Holy Spirit Guides Us
I was just telling a neighbor the other day about the divine guidance I am receiving about a tooth decision. God directs our path, often without us even realizing it. He sends us to people who can help us. When we become sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we are able to discern which path to take and when it is time to make a decision and when it is time to wait or do further research. Learn more about decision making by reading these posts. 

The Holy Spirit Helps Us Become More Godly

There is a battle going on inside each of us. It is the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. The flesh (aka the ego) wants that which gratifies us in the moment or makes us feel superior to others. That extra piece of cake. That high paying job that steals our time with family and often our health. That feeling of being superior or always right. 

Spirit, on the other hand, wants that which will grow us up and help us to have more peace. To be kinder and more patient. To control our anger. To be humble and gentle. To seek unity instead of division. To understand one another rather than prove our point. 

For more on what the Holy Spirit does, read this article. 

For Reflection

As you see, the Holy Spirit can be quite powerful in our lives if we allow him to. Do you struggle with making the right decisions? Do you have trouble with anger, impatience, or self-control? Would you like to have the help of the Holy Spirit? 

Stay tuned for next week's post when we will talk more about what the Holy Spirit does for us and how to receive the Holy Spirit power into your life. 

If you enjoyed this post and would like to join our community, simply enter your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly posts AND a copy of my free guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path", and remember, communication and community is a two-way street so feel free to connect with me and others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @ArielPaz08. 

In the meantime, check out my other offerings on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple. Pop on over to Pinterest and enjoy the collection I have curated for you. I just recently started posting on Instagram so follow me there too!

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned as we learn more on how to ignite the power within so you can take back your life and discover YOUR destiny!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

Finding True Peace

On a scale of 1 - 10, how peaceful do you feel today? What is stealing your peace? Worries about the future? Your family? Your finances? Staying at peace can be a challenge in today's chaotic world. People are seeking peace in a multitude of places and through a variety of means. But did you know we have been given the gift of Peace by God himself and that true peace is constant? In this fourth week of Advent, we celebrate what I believe is the most precious gift of all - the gift of Peace. 

Some try to find peace by amassing a fortune or attaining a certain status thinking wealth or notoriety will bring them peace. Wealth can disappear quite quickly if we are not careful. Who and what is popular today can be unpopular tomorrow. The world is fickle. Others try to find peace by drinking away their problems. Food, drink, and material possessions will never give us lasting peace. They provide only temporary satisfaction. Hopefully, you have learned this. 

Others go a more spiritual route. They try meditation, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, yoga and the like. Now I am all for relaxing the body and clearing the mind. But these, too, are only temporary, as practitioners well know. How many times have I gone for a massage or to a yoga class and then, a few hours later, my peaceful feeling is disrupted by an aggravating phone call. It takes constant effort to remain at peace through external means. 

What is True Peace? 

First, let's describe what true peace feels like. True peace is surrendering and letting go of control. It is trusting and believing. It is an inner calmness that resides deep in our souls. True peace never leaves. It does not change with our circumstances or our feelings. 

When the challenges of life muddy the waters, we may doubt and become anxious but when we learn that these challenges are meant to grow us up and teach us to trust more in God and his faithfulness. Jesus said: "These things I have spoken to you so that IN ME you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulations, but I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). Did you get that part? IN ME. 

True peace does not come from anything in or of this world. It comes from the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. In fact, it is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. And how do we receive the Holy Spirit? By receiving the gift of Jesus Christ, that's how. Maintaining true peace can only be accomplished with supernatural power which comes from a relationship with Christ. And Christmas is the perfect time to receive Jesus's invitation to "Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28-29)

When Your Ship is Sinking 

When the disciples were in a tizzy on the sea of Galilee and the winds and the rain pounded their tiny boat, what did Jesus tell them? He said "Oh ye of little faith,". In other words, Jesus was right there in the ship with them and they were STILL afraid. Don't we know that Jesus is right there in the boat with us? No matter whether we are going thru: Covid, chemo, crisis, or chaos, Jesus is always with us. Now that is comforting. 

Jesus said "I came to bring you peace not as the world gives,". Did you get that? "Not as the world gives." Jesus also promised "I will never leave you nor forsake you." We, who are believers, can count on God's promises. God never lies and He never goes back on His word. Who else do you know that can promise that? Whatever storm we are going through, Jesus promises to navigate us through it and bring us out of it. I know, because, I have been through many storms in my life and I'm still here today thankfully. Glory to God. 

Personal Story
After much turmoil and chaos in my life, (read my true story "The Power of Faith: a journey to healing, wholeness, and harmony") I tried many methods, I've realized there is only one way to hold on to peace. When everything around me is in chaos and turmoil and the ground is shaking beneath me, I hold on to the one person that can handle it all and his name is Jesus. 

Now if you don't know Jesus, you may not understand how this works, and that's okay. You can call him God for now but those of us who have been through the fires of hell know him more intimately. We know his name is Jesus and he is our true peace. 

For Reflection:

So what storm are you going through today? A breakup? A financial loss? An illness? Whatever it is, ask Jesus into your situation. Ask him to give you his peace. Keep your eyes focused on him and not on your circumstances and he will keep you in perfect peace. 

If this post has encouraged you, do join our community and receive my weekly posts. You'll also receive my free guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". All you have to do is enter your email address in the box provided. While you're at it, pass it on. Someone you know may need a little hope this season. 

Need a gift? Consider giving a copy of my inspirational true story, "The Power of Faith: a journey to healing, wholeness, and harmony" available on Amazon and your favorite booksellers. Or my newest ebook, "Take Back Your Life: 5 Keys to Reclaiming Your Personal Power" available on Amazon, Apple, and Barnes and Noble. 

For all kinds of interesting tips and info from exercise and diet, to mindfulness and meditation to the benefits of tea, pop on over to my Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/arielpaz/boards/ 

I wish you and yours true peace this Christmas season. May the Lord be with you, comfort you and give you his peace. Merry Christmas!

 
Until next time,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

How to Know When the Holy Spirit is Speaking

What do you know about the Holy Spirit? Do you believe He exists? If so, how do you get the Holy Spirit and why does it matter?                          

Unless you belong to a Pentecostal church, you probably won't hear much teaching on the Holy Spirit. There is a lot of debate about the activities and functions of the Holy Spirit. Many pastors shy away from anything they don't fully understand. Talking about Jesus is one thing, at least he showed up in human form. Talking about a spirit gets into deep water for some people. But we're courageous here so jump in with me.                                  

At a recent church service, the speaker began a message on the importance of the Holy Spirit. I was glued to my seat. It is not often preachers talk on the subject. Sadly, however, the guy sidetracked to a story from his childhood talking about the "spirit of bbq" and his grandmother's cooking. His appetite for food got the better of his message so I decided to pick up where he left off.

Knowledge of the Holy Spirit is extremely important in the life of anyone attempting to live a peaceful and harmonious life. If we are unaware of the forces working within us, we are powerless to combat them and we will be defeated every time.

So today I'm going to share  a personal story  about following our inner promptings. Here's a situation that happened today.

I was peacefully working on my computer, when my cell phone rang. It was my mom.  I hesitated but answered anyway.  She was very irritated and the conversation did not go well.

"Something told me not to answer the phone, " I said to my son after I hung up.
"That was the Holy Spirit," he replied.
"I didn't listen - again." I said.

So that's how it goes. The Holy Spirit was warning me not to pick up the phone. I felt it, but I went ahead and answered the call anyway. How many times have you felt a hesitation but gone ahead and done whatever it was anyway? I had the same feeling walking down the aisle. I ignored it then, too, and the marriage ended in divorce.

God wants to protect us and guide us. When we accept Jesus into our lives, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us to help us. The choices and decisions in our lives lead us either towards God or away from God. We have free will and it is up to us to choose.

The Jesuits, a branch of the Catholic religion, call these inner promptings "consolations and desolations". Here is an article describing the difference. And another one here.

Following the Holy Spirit requires mindfulness. It requires us to be mindful of the feelings and promptings we get from God in the present moment.  When we slow down enough to be fully present, we are more able to feel these promptings. It is then up to us to heed them or not.

I hope you have enjoyed this post and it has encouraged you in how to tune in to that still small voice that wants to guide and protect you. If you would like to receive my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path", enter your email address in the box provided.

Until next time, I'll be practicing listening and obeying.
Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz