How to have mind and life controlled by the Holy Spirit

Mathew 6: 22-33 This is the story when Jesus walked on water and Peter walked on water too.

The Old Testament and the New Testament difference

The Old Testament is about the physical - blessings were Canaan - land and wealth of the world, God's presence was in the tabernacle, activities in worship were physical, peace on all sides was the promise of God, honour in the world was the reward. It was only a shadow of the spiritual kingdom to come in the future.

The New Testament, on the other hand is about the spiritual connection. The blessing is the promised land, a heaven where there is a banquet in God's presence. And so also His unlimited spiritual blessings. Now, our bodies are the temple where God dwells. Worship is in spirit and in truth. Jesus also did not promise riches on earth, but said that we are going to face persecution, trials and tribulations.

This Spiritual realm can only be seen with our spiritual eyes, that only the Holy Spirit can open.

What does Jesus do to connect us to the spiritual realm.

In the story Jesus sends his disciples into the storm, while He himself goes into the mountains. He knew very well that the storm was coming. He did this so that the disciples learn from the circumstances.

Similarly, Jesus may open the door of troubles to us. We may be struck in finances, careers, relationships etc. where there is a resistance. You may feel anxiety of the past or the future. You may feel paralysed, and stagnant. You may feel fear. Jesus sends us into such situations so that we can learn from them.

But when you know that God has let this trial into your life, trust that He will take care of you. Go to the mountain in prayer. When you seek Him earnestly, Jesus will come walking on the water. When the Holy Spirit takes control of our life things that were struck will start to flow. Similar to when Peter walked on water.

Move towards Jesus

As Peter was walking on water, he was going towards Jesus. In prayer go towards Jesus. As you start reading the word, you get closer and closer to Jesus, till you can finally see Him clearly.

Deceptions of the devil

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water they thought he was a ghost. In the middle of trials we often see Jesus through our emotions - as someone who is letting the hurt of the trials into our life. We may get bitter. But Jesus says, "Take courage"

When Peter saw Jesus and heard Him talk, he desired to walk on the water. If you want a life of Spirit then you need to accept the invitation of Jesus. Peter walked on water as long as he was focused on Jesus. But the moment he saw the wind he was afraid and started to sink. Very often our life will not be in order. We are not sure of how things will happen. But as long as you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and walk by faith, and let Jesus decide where you want to go you can walk in the Spirit.

Walking in the Spirit

Walking in the Spirit is like walking on a tightrope. Our eyes have to be focused. We have to be careful to walk by the word of God. When we walk by the word we will walk confidently even in the midst of storms.

Do not doubt

When the devil sees us walking in the Spirit, he throws a hook "Do you really think God cares for you? Do you think these things will happen?" But do not be distracted by the world. But be at peace - not the kind the world offers, but the kind Jesus gives.

Do not focus on anything that is not the Word of God and that does not align with the mind of Christ. Walk the narrow path, because on this path there is only you and Jesus - listen to only what he is saying.

Luke 6: 45 - "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."

What do you keep in the stores of your house? You keep good food, clean water etc. Do you keep garbage? Why then do you store the garbage of the world in your mind? Why are you feeding yourself with messages of the world that are useless and drowning, that pull us into darkness. But if this happens remember to hold onto hope and climb back into the spiritual realm - to the light.

Malachi 3:10 - "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

As New Testament people we have to give more than physical things to God. We have to offer our bodies, our minds and our lives to God. The windows of heaven will pour out His love, His peace and His blessings. Suddenly we see the flow. Eg: Hagar was stressed out, and God opened her eyes to see the well. When God opens our eyes we will see things happen in our life that are not possible in the natural. Then we'll will have the mind of Christ.

Only God can walk can water

Job 9:8 - "He alone stretches out the heavens

and treads on the waves of the sea."

Many miracles done by Jesus were also done by the prophets of old. But the one miracle that only Jesus did was to walk on water, because He was God.

Some more points

You hold Him, let Him take hold of your life. You focus on Him, let Him take care of your life.

We are not meant to walk in the flesh, but walk in the Spirit. To be controlled by the Holy Spirit.

The other disciples: When Peter walks on water why are you sitting in the boat and clapping? Why do you not desire for the same spiritual life of faith.

Our human nature wants to see God in the physical. The devil's scheme is to keep us focused on the physical things.

Everyone wants the judgement of the New Testament; but they want the blessings of the Old Testament.