Our Friend and So Much More

“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won’t draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you. Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why I’ve said, ‘He takes from me and delivers to you.’” (John 16:12-15 The Message)
The beginning of this verse is what I believe Jesus thinks when He thinks of me: “Girl, I’d fill you in on things… but you just can’t handle it.” And, sigh, He’s right. I’m that kid that always asked WHY and never took “just because” as an answer. I always look for all the information and crave more. I believe everything in life should have an instruction manual in a one-inch binder full of three-hole punched pages. And yet, rarely does that happen.
Can you imagine if Jesus really told them exactly what would transpire in the next few days? They wouldn’t have believed it or understood it. In His wisdom, He knew it. We wouldn’t understand either. As humans we simply need information in bite-sized pieces, and He was prepared.
Thankfully, after His years in flesh, Jesus knew there would be lots of “me’s” in this world; so we have not only a binder of information, but also a constant reminder of what was in it! As believers, we’ve been given a helper, guide, and teacher! The Holy Spirit. His guidance, wisdom and constant presence is such a precious gift for us during our years this side of heaven. He gives us spiritual gifts, a direct connection to God, and an opportunity to be led exactly where we are to go.
Most importantly, He’s our friend. I love how Jesus says the Holy Spirit will “take us by the hand.” When I’m holding my husband’s hand, I’ll follow pretty blindly. I feel safe and trust my guide… same is true with the Holy Spirit. But, keep reading, He won’t draw attention to Himself. He is the whisper in your spirit, never the screaming in your ear. We have to learn to listen to that whisper and tune out everything else.
Today take time to be grateful for all the Holy Spirit is for you…
By Carrie Peterson
The beginning of this verse is what I believe Jesus thinks when He thinks of me: “Girl, I’d fill you in on things… but you just can’t handle it.” And, sigh, He’s right. I’m that kid that always asked WHY and never took “just because” as an answer. I always look for all the information and crave more. I believe everything in life should have an instruction manual in a one-inch binder full of three-hole punched pages. And yet, rarely does that happen.
Can you imagine if Jesus really told them exactly what would transpire in the next few days? They wouldn’t have believed it or understood it. In His wisdom, He knew it. We wouldn’t understand either. As humans we simply need information in bite-sized pieces, and He was prepared.
Thankfully, after His years in flesh, Jesus knew there would be lots of “me’s” in this world; so we have not only a binder of information, but also a constant reminder of what was in it! As believers, we’ve been given a helper, guide, and teacher! The Holy Spirit. His guidance, wisdom and constant presence is such a precious gift for us during our years this side of heaven. He gives us spiritual gifts, a direct connection to God, and an opportunity to be led exactly where we are to go.
Most importantly, He’s our friend. I love how Jesus says the Holy Spirit will “take us by the hand.” When I’m holding my husband’s hand, I’ll follow pretty blindly. I feel safe and trust my guide… same is true with the Holy Spirit. But, keep reading, He won’t draw attention to Himself. He is the whisper in your spirit, never the screaming in your ear. We have to learn to listen to that whisper and tune out everything else.
Today take time to be grateful for all the Holy Spirit is for you…
- a helper
- a guide
- a teacher
- a friend
- a gift
By Carrie Peterson
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New Year's Day 2022All Things NewA New NormalA Renewed MindA New MissionA New BeginningSpring is Coming...God's Not DeadHis Presence As I Pray With Other BelieversHis Presence As I Fill My Heart and Mind with His WordHis Presence As I WorshipHis Presence As I WriteHim AloneGoodbyesOur Friend and So Much MoreTrust Your Gut...The Flooding of the Holy SpritLiving By the SpiritDon't Just Stand ThereThe Futility of Human EffortThe Will of God for YouThe Internal Battle for ControlEvery Good Tree Bears Good FruitAchieving Victory Over SinIlluminating Properties of SnowSearching
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March
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