Morning by Morning, January 2 - Living “In the Spirit” and Blessing by the Spirit Like Simeon Good morning, Lord Jesus. As I behold You, You are changing me into Your image by Your Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). ... “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the Law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your Salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.’ “And His father and his mother marveled at what was said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed’” (Luke 2:25-35). Even before the Day of Pentecost, Simeon was a man of God consumed by the Spirit of God. “The Holy Spirit was upon him” (v. 25). The Holy Spirit brought prophetic revelation to him of this coming encounter, as “it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit” (v. 26). And at just the right moment, in the fullness of time, “he came in the Spirit” to just the place of his long-awaited encounter (v. 27). And finally, the Holy Spirit moved in words of prophetic blessing over Mary and Joseph (v. 34). What was the focus of all this activity of the Holy Spirit? Who was the focus? You were the focus. You are always the ultimate focus of the Holy Spirit. As You would later declare of the Holy Spirit, “He will glorify Me” (John 16:14). Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me and lead me (Ephesians 5:18; Romans 8:14). Lead me to Jesus. Give me a hunger for the Presence and revelation of Jesus. Give me grace to wait upon You and Your timing, to be “in the Spirit” to be at just the right places at just the right times for the fulfillment of Your plans and purposes for my life through my encounters with You. Like Simeon, let my eyes see my Salvation and know Your peace. Then speak Your words of blessing through me into the hearts of those who need to hear Your encouragement and hope through their own encounters with Christ (2 Corinthians 14:3). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays My friend, may you live in the Spirit and bless by the Spirit as the Holy Spirit focuses your heart on Jesus Christ, in Jesus' name. Happy New Year! God bless you!
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries Mailing Address: 412 S. Adams Street #148 Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Please share this word to encourage a friend! Anyone can sign up for free at: https://messiah-ministries.org | 
