Listening to The Holy Spirit

I’ve been reading the scriptures for almost 45 years. I’ve read a variety of translations, some older and some newer. Almost every time I read the scriptures I see something new and wonder “How did I not see that before?” I read a sentence by R. A. Torey, one of the giants of the faith from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I had never seen his insight and I had to chew on the statement for a while. The idea was new to me. “The Holy Spirit came into this world to be to the disciples of our Lord after His departure, and to us, what Jesus Christ had been to them during the days of His personal companionship with them.” In other words, the Holy Spirit always does what Jesus would do if he were here walking with me. Jesus said: “All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’” Some will remember the WWJD bracelets that were popular in the 1990’s. (That’s an odd sentece to write. It seems like only yesterday!) WWJD - “What would Jesus do?” Jesus would do exactly what the Holy Spirit wants to do. The Holy Spirit does what Jesus would do if He was walking with you. Is there a situation in your life that you are trying to figure out WWJD? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Ask and listen, ask and listen and you will find yourself doing “what Jesus would do.”

"Kindness is Like Snow"

The Holy Spirit is continually working to produce kindness in the followers of Jesus. The Spirit desires kindness In relationships, moments of conflict, and seasons of trials. The Apostle Paul regularly wrote about kindness. Here’s a sampling of what he wrote. “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Romans 2:4 (NLT) “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness …” Galatians 5:22 (NLT) “Love is patient and kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NLT) “God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility ...” Colossians 3:12 (NLT) “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Titus 3:4-5 (NLT) Are you letting the Holy Spirit produces kindness in your life? Are you growing in kindness? Are you asking yourself what kindness looks like in difficult situations? One last quote by the philosopher and author, “Kindness is like snow. It makes everything it covers beautiful.” Kahlil Gibran

Be Brave

As the time for Jesus’ capture and ultimate execution came near, He talked to the disciples about the coming trials they would face. He knew His arrest, trial, conviction, and execution were right around the corner. He wanted them to be prepared for the coming hardships. The Apostle John remembers Jesus saying: “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.” John 16:33 (NCV) Jesus’ words to the disciples 2,000 years ago are just as applicable today as they were when He spoke them. Every follower of Jesus can have peace in Him even though everything around them seems to be coming apart. Jesus reminded them, and us, that in this world and life we would all experience trouble. The types of troubles people face are varied and too many to list. Jesus’ encouragement is to trust in Him. By trusting in Him we can have peace and can be brave as we face troubles. If you are not facing troubles right now, you were recently or will in the near future. Not to be a “downer” but it is true. Trust Jesus! He warned you so you could have peace. Be brave! He’s with you.