Month: January 2014

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is Mine. This is why I told you that He takes from what is Mine and will declare it to you.” John 16:12-15 HCSB

There was once a fictional movie made in which the main character was given the power to only tell the truth without reserve. It was virtually impossible for him to tell a lie. This seemed like an entertaining plot, but the character would often say inappropriate things at the wrong times that caused conflict, confusion, and even hurt people. In the movie this was intended to be funny. The Holy Spirit dwells within every believer to help guide him in all Truth in order to live a life of integrity.

In these verses Jesus uses the term “Spirit of Truth” for the Holy Spirit. Jesus declared He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit is to declare the truth of Jesus Christ. The Bible also states, “The Truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Jesus desires for every believer to abide in the truth, to know His plan for his life, and to bring honor and glory to God the Father. The Holy Spirit helps us discover the truth about Jesus and the truth about our own lives so we can become more like Jesus and bring glory to Him.

Challenge: Listen to the truth as the Holy Spirit reveals it in your life. Seek and follow the Truth (Jesus Christ). Pray that others will see the truth of Jesus Christ in your life as you live a life of truth.

“When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment.” John 16:8 HCSB

There have been times in my life when I have felt the urging of the Holy Spirit. I have been convicted to do or not to do something. This is the Holy Spirit working within my life to guide me in the right direction. Sometimes He has prompted me to help someone in need and at other times He has directed me to avoid a certain person or activity so as to not sin.

The Holy Spirit works in our world to convict a lost person of his or her sin and the need to accept Jesus as his or her personal Savior. The Holy Spirit also convicts believers of sin and points them in right direction – toward righteousness. Jesus is the supreme example of righteousness; we should strive to be more and more like Him each day. The Holy Spirit will help us become righteous. The Holy Spirit also convicts people of the judgment that is coming when everyone will face a Holy God and be required to give an account of his or her life.

Challenge: Ask the Holy Spirit to work in the world and in your life. Follow His prompting and direction. He will guide you in the ways of righteousness and will help you to be a witness for Jesus Christ.

“Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth, it is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7 HCSB

It is always a delight to have our four children come home for Christmas. This year our collective schedules did not coincide and they visited at different times. As always the day they departed for home was a sad day, but we understand they must return to their own homes and jobs. The house that was so full of conversation and laughter now seems so quiet and empty.

Jesus told His disciples that He was going away and going back to the One who had sent Him. Certainly the disciples did not want Jesus to go. They wanted Him to stay with them, but that was not what was best. God’s plan was to send the Counselor (Holy Spirit) to dwell within each believer. If Jesus had stayed on earth only a few people could have enjoyed His presence, but the Holy Spirit would come to dwell within every believer and provide guidance and direction.

Challenge: Are you relying on the Holy Spirit to guide you? Are you listening to the voice in your spirit that convicts you when you do something that is wrong? Ask God to speak to you through the Holy Spirit and give you direction for your life. Be willing to listen and respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. What is the Counselor prompting you to do today?