Dear Doves,
 
Having been a professing "Christian" my whole life, I did not really rededicate my life until over twelve years ago.  Even then, and actually until recently, I did not understand what it meant to be "Holy Spirit led" in my every day walk.  Here is what I have learned, hope it maybe helps someone else out there!
 
We live on a country road and the speed limit is 55mph.  About a month ago I was driving down our road when the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit said to my heart, "Slow down, you don't know who may be watching."  I checked my speed and saw I was only driving about 58mph.  I thought for a moment, and then I said, "Yes, Sir, I'll slow it down."  A little perplexed, I drove on thinking a little self-righteously that I am a very good driver, no accidents or tickets in over a decade.  But it seemed that the Lord had a reason and so I  obeyed Him.  Not to mention that here in our small town all traffic infractions are posted in the weekly paper.
 
Later on that day, I was shopping at Walmart in the cosmetic aisle.  I picked out some make-up and after reading the color I went to put it back, but lost the exact spot.  As I normally do,  I went to put it back on a nearby shelf.  The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, "Put it back where it goes."  Hmmmm....this is getting curious, but I know now that the right answer is, "Yes, sir" and so I found the right spot and continued on shopping; keenly aware that I was being watched by my Father and He was teaching me something.  On the way home I asked Him what this was all about. I am living a sactified life; I do not "do" any sinful things.  I walk in my house with a blameless heart, I do not curse, we are tithers and givers, I pray and intercede, work in my church, raise my children to serve the Lord.  What is this new conviction going on?  Here is what the Lord spoke to my heart:
 
Sanctification is a process.  When we are first saved, and our spirit is redeemed, our minds are not renewed.  We may still struggle with different areas of our life until we learn (faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God) what God's Word says about it. When we learn one thing, we continue learning all the while being gently taught (if we submit that is) by our loving Father.  The Lord was showing me how to be Spirit led in my every day life.  He was showing me what it means to make Jesus MY LORD and not just my saviour.  I learned that it is very important to submit and yeild to the sweet, gentle voice of the Lord in the little things, otherwise, you will never be promoted to the bigger things. You will become deaf to the voice of the Holy Spirit.   If we look at the world today we can see how deprave humanity is becoming.  Why?  Because the bible says that they seared their conscience so much so that the Lord gave them over to a depraved mind in which they are unable to clearly hear His voice (Romans 1:28-29).  Jesus is returning for His bride without spot or wrinkle and if we are willing and obediant not only will we eat the BEST of the land, but we will be unashamed at His appearing (Deut. 28 & 1John 2:28).
 
I can tell you as I have begun really listening to the Holy Spirit in the seemingly insignificant things, He has promoted me and my family time and again.  We have had complete strangers offer us keys to their property to ride our horses because they said, "I can tell right now that you are good people."  That is the favor of the Lord!  That is God's promotion!  Oh, and here is a side-note on the speed limit story I mentioned above:  As my husband and I returned from a ride on Saturday, I told him about my lessons from the Lord.  My husband pointed out a new road sign I had never noticed indicating that the NEW speed limit for a segment of our road was reduced to 45mph.  Praise the Lord He does lead, guide and protect His people!  We just have to have ears to hear!
 
Love,
Dawn