Speaking to his disciples, Jesus said: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth… you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17). There was a cork who was having a great time just … Continue reading Not made of stuff that sinks
holy spirit
In our weakness that strength goes viral
There’s an expression that drives me nuts: ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ (No, it’s not from the Bible.) Even though it’s true that God helps those who help themselves, he doesn’t ONLY help those who help themselves. He also helps the down and out and those who are chasing their tails. In Romans 8:26 … Continue reading In our weakness that strength goes viral
Not alone (in these 3 ways)
This week we’ve been talking about facing trouble and persecution as a follower of Jesus. Most overt persecution happens in other parts of the world. But I’m convinced that it’s going to be more and more common here in North America. It’s a big deal. And we’re naïve to ignore it. And we’re super-naïve to … Continue reading Not alone (in these 3 ways)
Your spiritual gift
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul writes, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them… Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (verses 4, 7). In a profound passage, Paul explains how God gives spiritual gifts to all Christians. If you are a follower … Continue reading Your spiritual gift
Come, Holy Spirit
We had our big Vacation Bible Camp a few weeks ago. It’s hectic, fun, busy, chaotic… and all about Jesus and the goodness of God! Our church has a top-notch Youth Coordinator. Her name is Julie. Before the week began, she took a big white board in her office and wrote “Come, Holy Spirit!” along … Continue reading Come, Holy Spirit
The distance you’ve already come
Yesterday I talked about the fruit of the Spirit that Paul lists in Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB): “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” As a follower of Jesus, these traits will start to grow in your life. If you’re like me, you’ve probably looked at that list and scratched your head in … Continue reading The distance you’ve already come
The future you
Many people are confused about who the Holy Spirit is and what he does. That’s partly because they’ve been given confusing information. I remember a school dance in grade 7. A teacher told us that we needed to “leave room for the Holy Spirit” between dance partners. So whoever the Holy Spirit was, he was … Continue reading The future you
The roar of the Spirit
This week I’ve been answering questions about the Holy Spirit. (To see devotionals you may have missed go here and search by date.) Today let’s keep at it. After giving some significant insights about the Holy Spirit, Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). But why … Continue reading The roar of the Spirit
But what does the Spirit actually DO?
This week I’m answering some questions about the Holy Spirit. So far we’ve talked about whether the Spirit is an “it” or a “who,” on whether the Spirit makes you “feel” different, and what holiness means. Here’s today’s question: What does the Spirit actually DO? After all, if the Holy Spirit dwells inside of us … Continue reading But what does the Spirit actually DO?
Earmarked for God’s purposes
This week I’ve been answering some questions about the Holy Spirit. On Monday we explored whether the Spirit is an “it” or a “who.” On Tuesday we asked if the Spirit makes you “feel” differently? Here’s today’s question: What does it matter to you that the Spirit is “holy”? First, we need to understand what … Continue reading Earmarked for God’s purposes
