Meet the Holy Spirit - 1

“’But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.  And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you no longer behold Me; and concerning judgment, because the rule of this world has been judged. 

“’I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.  But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.’” John 16:13

“Who is the Holy Spirit?  It is interesting that throughout Scripture the Holy Spirit is not given a personal name, but is described only in terms of His work.  The Spirit remains anonymous as to His personal identity.  This has led some to think of the Holy Spirit as being less than a person.  He is sometimes thought of as a ‘power’, or a ‘force’, or an ‘influence’ which we need to tap and make use of in the way that wind can be used to fly a kite, or steam to drive an engine, or water to run a hydro-electric generator.  But this is not adequate.”*

Jesus promised that He would not leave us alone; that the Holy Spirit would come to be with us in our journey.  Some think the Trinity is sort of a hierarchy with God, the most powerful on the top, Jesus sort of his general manager and the Holy Spirit a bit of a janitor who takes care of day-to-day details.  Yet the mystery of the Trinity is that they are co-equal and each has taken a “part” of the Plan for us to work out in unique ways.  The Holy Spirit is with us from the moment we entrust our lives to the promise of God’s grace through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  In the coming days we will look a bit more at Him.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS:  ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  I need more of you to send updates please!  For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action! 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  That the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes!  Hans’ (friend) and Barbara’s (sister-in-law) projects have both ended and they need new work.  (Hans needs paying work – he has been volunteering to fill the time.) 

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Deborah, who recently lost her mother to cancer, her father to his subsequent suicide, had also married recently.  In her words:  “I had some good news about my husband, on Friday afternoon. His biopsy showed that the prostate cancer has returned but it is contained within the prostate and does not appear to be as serious as we had feared. We are both very relieved.  I appreciate your prayers - and those of the people I don't know who read your daily devotions. Deo Gratias!”

Adrian for new accommodation.  Kent’s mother recovering well. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Paul NS.  Adrian’s pain meds not working well.  Tim (my little brother), feeling stronger but needs financial help, especially with no health insurance.  Pray he secures a disability pension.   For Michael C, with his own health concerns & for his wife, Diane, as his mother is fading away with Alzheimer’s and ill health.  David still needs prayer for his health, but is doing better.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression. 

For a solution for Audley and Beverly (a stroke survivor who is unable to be left alone for long.  This limits Audley’s ability to travel for work).  Tim B with headaches, that their doctors will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton.  Gwen (13 year old) -- headaches and attitude toward her mom. 

Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ )  Wisdom for doctors caring for Tim, Doris, David, Gary and Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Cucuawe is recovering from the loss of his 17-year old daughter and his father-in-law to cancer.  Galdor recovering from the loss of his mother and he needs to focus on securing a new job.  For Yourri who lost a friend.  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  For Reg and his ministry, that the Lord would bless him in unexpected ways.  An unspoken request for help from mounting fear and financial failure.

For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who is becoming involved with a cult that is filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows.  For David K, that his path forward is filled with faith.  Isaias (health, strength and family safety as he continues his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there.  For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  For those still affected by the many natural, financial and political disasters in the past year.  For the rest of the world to stay calm with regard to war, the economy and most of all for those who are believers, to pray and help others have peace during this time. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim and Blacky might find satisfying work.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.
 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price