The Holy Spirit Guides Us

Posted on Dec 17, 2016 in Devotional, The Holy Spirit | Tags: choices, decisions, devotion, direction, guidance, Holy Spirit, leading, purpose

Dec '16

Before the Holy Spirit came to indwell servants of Christ, a system of lots was used to determine God’s will in many situations. In fact, just before the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), the disciples chose someone to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Christ. They used the system of casting lots to make the choice (Acts 1:23-26).

After the day of Pentecost, a distinct difference exists in the way followers of Christ operated to make choices. When a decision was made by some to send Paul and Barnabas out to declare the gospel, the Holy Spirit directed them specifically to do so; He spoke to them (Acts 13:2). And when Paul and Barnabas, in turn, traveled to Cyprus they were “sent out by the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:4). Read more…

The Lord is My Shepherd

Posted on Dec 9, 2016 in Devotional | Tags: blessing, direction, guidance, pasture, protection, sheep, shepherd

The Lord is My Shepherd

Psalm 23:1-3, NKJV: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

A sheep seldom knows where the shepherd leads it, but it has learned to trust the shepherd’s leading. The shepherd knows where the sheep will find food, water, and rest. The shepherd knows where the sheep will be safe and on what paths to safely take the sheep. The sheep simply needs to follow. The sheep does not have to understand why one path is better than another, or why one pasture is chosen over another. The sheep simply must heed the shepherds voice and obey. For in so doing, the sheep will truly find peace and contentment. Can you imagine how Jesus pleads with us at times, “Dear child, if only you would heed my voice and follow me–there is so much I have in store for you.” How marvelous it would be, if we could simply learn to be better sheep–then perhaps we would discover the remarkable wonders of the Shepherd.