​SELF-DISCIPLINE, WILL & THE HOLY SPIRIT by Esther Ebunoluwa Omoniyi

After SOV National Ladies Conference in July 2016, as my usual practice, I sketched out my “Word Applications”  i.e ways to apply the lessons I learnt in my life as a Wife, Mother, Prophetess and a Professional in my ministry. 
As a homemaker, I decided to write my resolve to “wash my dishes immediately after each meal” not later as I used to do. Laughs 

I knew in my heart that my resolve would take extra determination. Doing dishes after meal? Right after going through the stress of cooking? 

I wrote “NO DROPPING OF DISHES ON THE SINK” on a piece of paper and tagged it on the wall in my kitchen very close to the sink. as a “reminder” 

Most of the people who have come to our mission house for retreat can attest to this rule. 

I made my husband my “ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER” to check my commitment to the new habit I was determined to form. He is playing his part by encouraging me, reminding me and sometimes help me out when I’m fagged out. 

Few days ago, I was preparing for my message for an online ladies Conference, I struggled to squeeze out time for cooking and managed to eat very little. 

After the meal I packed the dirty plates to the kitchen, I dropped them on the sink but as I made a turn to leave my “NO DROPPING OF PLATES ON THE SINK” reminder stared into my eyes with a stern look. Laughs 

I winked at it smilingly and muttered under my breath “I have to complete my writing” and left for the sitting room to continue my typing ministry. 

I shared the rift between me and my paper  reminder with my husband. We so laughed about it. 

This attitude is like “grieving the Holy Spirit” making Him sad by ignoring His instructions and following our own ways. 

On a second thought, my husband said, this is exactly the same attitude some of us carry into the Word of God and relationship with the Holy Spirit. 

We are acquainted with what the Word of God says about certain issues, the Holy Spirit brings these scriptures to our remembrance at the need of it per time, it is our responsibility to either “comply” or “go our way”

We have our “will” to do. 

The Holy Spirit speaks, directs and guide us to the right path but our responses is dependent on us. He doesn’t force a rope on our neck to do the right thing and make the right decisions. He persuades. 

I counseled a lady sometime ago, she told me she was angry with the Holy Spirit for not “stopping her” from committing fornication. hmmm

I told her that since she’s a Christian, she has the Holy Spirit indwelling her and I confidently said “He has been warning you severally but you ignored Him”

At the end of our conversation, she admitted that she ignored all the previous promptings of the Holy Spirit before she finally fell into immorality. 
I had plenty dishes to do this morning because the paper tag can only remind me, it can’t “force” me to do my dishes against my will. I have to exercise self-discipline and yield my will to do what is needful. 
The Word of God will come to your remembrance per time, to guide you, warn you, encourage you, comfort you, reprove you but you must align yourself, your will to obey. 
Whatever aspect of your life the Word of God has been nudging you unto obedience, yield your will over. 
Prayer
Lord let my will be lost in thine in Jesus name. I receive grace to abide in you and walk in your ways. 

Scripture Reference 

” I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” Deuteronomy 30:19

” But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
John 14:26

” This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
Esther Ebunoluwa Omoniyi omoniyiesther1@gmail.com