December 6, 2022
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26(ESV)
Such an amazing promise! Jesus was talking to the disciples, but this is for us, too! The Helper (Counselor) is from God Himself. The name given here implies supplying strength or knowledge when it is needed. “All things” is an extensive base. We can trust that nothing is beyond the Helper’s scope. “He will teach you” implies we will learn something new, and He will remind us of things we have already learned or known. Matthew. 10:19,20 says, “…for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” I can trust God no matter the circumstance. I need to cast ALL my cares on Him.
December 13, 2022
“But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.” 1 John 2:20(ESV)
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To be anointed symbolizes being set apart. When anointed with oil, we symbolically have oil covering us from head to toe. I also see the oil as protective, a bit like the oil covering a duck’s skin and feathers. The water around them doesn’t penetrate and soak them, which would make them heavier, not float as well, and vulnerable to fungus. The anointing does the same for us – it doesn’t let the hardships of life penetrate, but if we immerse ourselves in the oil of the Spirit daily, continually, when these negative events are thrown at us, they will glide off and not penetrate our soul.
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The Spirit gives us the knowledge we need. Therefore, we need to be “poor in spirit” (Matthew. 5:3), empty of ourselves. This makes room for God’s Spirit and ALL the knowledge we need for any situation. My goal is to be completely covered and filled with God’s Spirit to be used by Him continually.
December 20, 2022
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25(ESV).
The Spirit of God gives us life. To live it fully, accomplishing God’s plan, we must constantly seek the Spirit’s direction to walk in the way He has designed for us. Keeping in step implies always paying attention to the leading of the Spirit. I see a picture of being part of an orchestra where every instrument is vital: following the conductor to make the beautiful music of the masterpiece we are playing; sometimes going faster, sometimes slower, speaking our faith loudly or whispering comfort, sometimes short staccato involvement, a fermata, standing firm in a commitment and watching The Conductor closely for the right time to pull back. I commit to keeping my eyes on The Conductor of the symphony of life so I can be used fully and blend with the other instruments in perfect timing.
January 3, 2023
“…But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49 (ESV). This scripture verse reminds me that we are to acknowledge Him before we take any step, ask His direction, and ask for His presence. In Ex. 33:15, Moses says, “…If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Then we will have the power to accomplish His will for that day, that task, that moment. I commit to not moving forward unless I clothe myself with the Spirit’s power.
January 10, 2023
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” Romans 12:6 (ESV). None of us deserves these gifts, but God, in His Grace, gave them to us. If we do not use the gifts given to us, not only will the whole body of Christ suffer, but we will also feel unfulfilled and lack the joy we should be experiencing. So I need to be faithful and look for ways to serve others with the gifts I have been given.
