Let me share one of the most comforting verses in the Bible.There are times when we feel as if our prayer life is deflated. In fact, there are times when we feel deflated, generally speaking. Things are not as they should be. We feel as though we can barely do the basics let alone follow … Continue reading The Spirit helps us in our weakness
holy spirit
If you are “in Christ” his Spirit is in you
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)In the previous devotional we talked about how Jesus' righteousness, faithfulness and perfection gets credited to us. When his people stand before their Maker, God he sees not their sin (because Jesus has paid … Continue reading If you are “in Christ” his Spirit is in you
Attention to detail
The biblical stories are filled with details. Although some of them may seem curious or confusing, they are significant. Since they are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16) they are there for a reason. And if they exist to teach us and give us hope—which Romans 15:4 says they are—then we are wise to pay … Continue reading Attention to detail
Getting heaven into you
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). There are days when we need a reminder that in Christ you are not … Continue reading Getting heaven into you
Not just for official religious people
There are different lists of “spiritual gifts” in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” Each Christian has at least one gift. These are given to God’s people to benefit “the common good.” But hold on a minute. What is … Continue reading Not just for official religious people
Holy Spirit, I cooperate with you
“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts…” (Galatians 4:6). Barry Cooper provides a helpful illustration when thinking about the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of a Christian. “Imagine you want every room in your home painted white. And imagine that you already have a painter standing … Continue reading Holy Spirit, I cooperate with you
Giving the Spirit the scope to do his work
Jesus said: “’Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive” (John 7:38-39). What are the “means of grace”? Historically, these are practices which God puts into our lives and which … Continue reading Giving the Spirit the scope to do his work
Christ will wipe it off
The Bible never fails to surprise. I recently came across 1 Peter 4:14 where the apostle is writing to encourage believers who are surrounded by hostility. Here is what he says: “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” … Continue reading Christ will wipe it off
Incremental, not accidental
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). A few years ago I was walking through the mall. Someone called my name. “Matthew?” I turned around and the other person said, “It’s Luke.” It was someone I used to play hockey with twenty years ago. We grabbed … Continue reading Incremental, not accidental
Our Comforter and Advocate
In the last couple of devotionals I highlighted that the Holy Spirit is our Helper. Jesus said: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever…” (John 14:16, ESV) In Greek, the word is Parakletos. It’s a word that is also translated as Counselor, Advocate and Comforter. … Continue reading Our Comforter and Advocate
