[Ronzo]

A simple little thesis I put together on living by the Holy Spirit. I come from a charismatic background, so the person of the Holy Spirit is a favorite subject of mine!

[Ronzo]

In the "Nature vs Nurture" thread, betty boop said the following:

The mystery for me is the Holy Spirit -- who is "in" the world, yet somehow not of the world. This is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity -- that is, God.

I continue to meditate on that issue. Ronzo has had some wonderful things to say regarding the Holy Spirit recently. Maybe he can shed further light -- and also you, marron, and Alamo-Girl.

With that inspiration in mind, I decided to create a little article outlining my thoughts and beliefs in regard to the Holy Spirit, and how we as Christians are to relate to him. By no means is this a comphrensive treatment of the Holy Spirit, just some theological points that I feel are most important (to me, anyway...)

Please feel free to post any questions, comments, concerns or corrections.

My article is an attempt to be extremely practical and biblical, not philosophical. The Holy Spirit is given to believers for a very precise and useful purpose, and I wanted to highlight that in my musings. However, if anyone has any philosophical insights, they are welcome to share them.

[White Mountain]

From your article: 11) ... the Holy Spirit does not take control of a believer. ... We must everyday, and every minute of the day, consciously choose to live by the leadings and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

12) ... you must listen for the Spirit's guidance and direction, and know how to discern when the Spirit is speaking ... In listening prayer, you literally will yourself to tune into the Holy Spirit, and minimize those other voices that are speaking to you. ... When you engage in this spiritual discipline, you will hear God speaking to you in your thoughts. You will be able to discern the truth. ... Listening prayer--contemplation--meditation are absolutely critical disciplines for a Christian of any denomination. ... without these disciplines, we cannot know that still, small voice of God within.

My compliments! Very well done!

May I also add that the influence of the still small voice of the Spirit upon us is a cumulative thing, distilling upon the soul as the dews from heaven, growing stronger and stronger as we engage quietly and consistently in that spiritual discipline of prayerful listening and living accordingly:

Deuteronomy 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

D&C 121:45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

Book of Mormon, Helaman 3:35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

[Quix]

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

I'd type in tongues, but I'm not sure how to do that [no joking or offense intended]!