Lenten Daily Devotional - Day 24 - Tuesday - 3/12/13

Devotional Scripture:  John 16:1-16

Devotional Thought:

" . . . he will guide you into all truth." - John 16:1-16

Ever been suddenly left alone?   I mean the type "alone" that suddenly swallows you up in it's own strange sort of way?

Ever had a time in your life when you actually said out loud, "is anybody there?"  Maybe in that situation you were hoping to hear a friendly voice . . . any voice. 

Sometimes being alone is actually what we need.  For some, being alone can be frightening . . . especially in a world that seems to be changing around you a lot faster than you seem able to keep up.

One thing for certain from today's scripture lesson . . . the disciple's world is getting ready to change.

Jesus is telling his disciples that he will be leaving them soon.  The thought I get out of today's scripture is that the news of Jesus leaving is almost too much for his disciples to bear. 

Yet . . . Jesus wants his disciples to know that even though he is leaving, he has made arrangements for the coming of the "Counselor" (NIV) or Holy Spirit. Jesus goes on to teach some of the things the Holy Spirit will do for and with the disciples in his absense

First, the Spirit will convict (counsel) them when they do wrong.

Second, the Spirit will guide (counsel) them toward the truth.

Third, the Spirit will make known (counsel) to them the many wonders of a loving God.

The Jesus reassures (counsels) the disciples that the Spirit will be God present with them always.

The same Holy Spirit is available to each one of us in our lives as we open our lives to Jesus.

As you continue to work to clear away and make straight the path that leads to Easter . . . ask the Holy Spirit to guide your focus on the work that needs to be done before March 31st.

God's grace still amazes me . . . ><>