One thing we must regularly remind ourselves is this.  The ONLY PERSON YOU CAN CHANGE IS YOURSELF!

That’s important because 1) You will wear yourself out trying to change others and 2) You need to remind yourself that you have some work to do.

So how do we practically “draw the circle around ourselves and work on everything inside the circle?”  Here’s some deeper thoughts.

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God, the loving father, has not left us alone in this process.  As Christ-followers, God the Holy Spirit, was sent by Jesus to guide us in this “change thing”.  That means that we must humble ourselves and let the Holy Spirit guide and counsel us, not just draw up our ideas of what needs to change and what doesn’t.

Now, this leads to an interesting dynamic in our lives.  We must hear the Holy Spirit and respond (in obedience) if we want real change to occur within.  Otherwise we are just embarking on a “self-improvement” exercise which will not really last.

This hearing and obeying challenges us because we like to be in control and be busy and do the work ourselves.  However that’s not the way the Holy Spirit works.

So join me next week as we interview the Holy Spirit!

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Share these thoughts with your spouse to get the most benefit!

What “self-improvement” projects are you currently working on?

How could you grow your confidence and ability to hear the Holy Spirit?

What would need to change for you to really hear what the Holy Spirit wants to say?

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Psalm 51:11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.  (King David speaking…)

Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 1:14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

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