The Spirit-filled life is the way to genuine freedom. Like Frank Morris with his faithful guide dog Buddy, we can, with the Holy Spirit guide inside us, do immeasurably more than we could before. We discover new desires and new abilities. We are enabled to move forward confidently instead of just trying to cope with life's problems.

This Spirit-filled experience is renewed each day through prayer and Bible study. These are the principal tools the Spirit uses to help us grow [as we'll see in guides 14 and 15]. Prayer keeps us in close contact with Christ and the Word of God keeps us focused on His resources. This is how we begin to replace bad habits and attitudes with healthy qualities.

The Spirit-filled life is a gift for every believer. We can all be successful in the Christian life, moving forward at whatever pace God enables us, but moving forward. Romans 8 gives an exciting description of the Spirit-filled life. Read it when you can, and note how many times Paul points to the “Spirit” as the power behind the Christian life.

Have you made the wonderful discovery of the Spirit-filled life? Are you conscious of the presence of the Spirit in your life? Are you experiencing His life-giving power? Make sure there is no barrier between you and Christ that might prevent Him from pouring out His priceless gift. Open up your life to the greatest power in the universe.

Dear Father: Giver of every good and perfect gift, I praise You today for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. I ask Jesus to come and live in me and fill me with the Holy Spirit. Drive out my old habits, energize me with Your divine qualities. Make mine today a God-guided, Christ-controlled, Spirit-empowered life. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.