Led by the Spirit, Not by Feelings

Opening Verse

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Romans 8:14 (KJV)

Introduction

Feelings cannot be trusted. They rise and fall. But God calls us to walk by faith, not by what we feel. If we follow our feelings, we will walk in the flesh. If we follow the Spirit, we walk with God.

Devotional Story

A man once said, “I don’t feel God anymore.” He still prayed. He still read his Bible. But the joy was gone. He felt dry, empty, and forgotten.
One night, as he sat in silence, the Holy Spirit whispered, “Keep going.” No signs. No voice from heaven. Just the Word and a choice to obey.
Day after day, he kept praying. He kept reading. Nothing changed on the outside. But something changed inside. His faith was being tested. He did not quit.
Then one morning, as he read the Word, it cut deep. Not because he felt it, but because it was true. The tears came. The breakthrough came. God had been with him the whole time.
He did not need a feeling. He needed faith.

What This Means

We are not called to live by emotions. We are called to live by faith. Feelings are weak. They lie. The flesh wants feelings. The Spirit calls for trust. When we obey the Spirit, even in silence, we grow strong.

To live by feeling is to drift. To live by the Spirit is to stand.

Think About This

Are your choices led by emotions or by truth? Are you waiting to feel close to God before you follow Him? Faith obeys without proof. The Spirit leads without noise. Obey now. Delay is danger.

Prayer

Father, I repent for following my feelings. Teach me to follow Your Spirit. Help me to trust Your Word even when I feel nothing. I surrender my will, my emotions, and my understanding. Lead me. Strengthen me. Keep me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Closing Verse

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Galatians 5:16 (KJV)

The Wine of Renewed Faith

27. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

28. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (Matthew 23:27-28 KJV)

Introduction:

In a world where outward appearances often overshadow inner truths, the journey for genuine spiritual connection can be fraught with trials. Martin, a faithful man, finds himself struggling within the walls of his own church, a place where judgment and hypocrisy seem to replace the teachings of unconditional love and acceptance. This narrative explores the transformative power of listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, even when it leads you away from familiar places. It serves as a vivid reminder that God’s grace knows no boundaries and that true communion with Him can happen in the most unexpected settings. Through the intertwining lives of Martin and Ethan, a young boy sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, we witness how divine connections can restore faith, offer new beginnings, and bring peace that “passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7, KJV).

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, KJV).

Devotional Story:

Martin sat disheartened in his church, grappling with the verbal mockery of the elders, the very people who should be exemplifying Christ’s love. Around him, he felt a cloud of pretense, a gathering of judgmental faces masked by artificial smiles. “he thought bitterly. With a heavy heart, Martin knew it was time to leave.

Guided by a divine unrest, he wandered until he found another church, one with an aura of simplicity and authenticity. As he stepped inside, he sensed a compelling pull in his spirit, as if God Himself was saying,

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV).

Though he uttered no words, his heart felt the need for communion with God.

A young boy named Ethan, who had been assisting the deacons in cleaning up, felt the Holy Spirit stop him in his tracks. Ethan looked up and saw Martin. He knew what he had to do, a silent understanding filling him that bore the mark of Romans 8:14 (KJV):

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14 (KJV)

Ethan approached Martin, chalice in hand. “Would you like to partake in communion?”

Martin noticed that there was no bread, only wine. Yet, he felt a profound sense of completeness as he took the wine, echoing the words of Jesus:

“This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:20, KJV).

The moment was filled with a divine peace, resonating with Philippians 4:7 (KJV):

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (KJV)

Overwhelmed with spiritual fulfillment, Ethan later gathered his loved ones, exclaiming, “Rejoice with me, for the Holy Spirit has moved in mysterious yet profound ways today! A man who felt lost and judged found divine peace and communion in our humble sanctuary.” And there was great rejoicing, capturing the essence of Luke 15:10 (KJV):

“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10 (KJV)

Conclusion:

Life may lead us through churches filled with judgment and hypocrisy, but God’s voice will always guide us to where we truly belong. The absence of bread in the communion symbolizes that even when some elements of our spiritual journey seem missing, the substance of God’s love and grace remains ever abundant.

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV).

Listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance allows us to find profound peace and communion in the most unexpected places, reminding us that God is everywhere, ever willing to give us a second chance at spiritual fulfillment.

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 KJV)