Archive - October 2015

In the last few weeks I have been blessed to spend a lot of time with both of my two year old grandchildren. The Lord has really used them to teach me some lessons about the Holy Spirit.

1. The phrases “I do it” and “I can do it by myself” and the attitude that accompanies them begin very early in life.   Independence and pride may be an American concept that is encouraged.  Yet it is not the way Christ intends for His followers to live life.  Accepting help is hard for me. And yet over and over in God’s word He says things like “apart from Me you can do nothing!” John 15:5 The Holy Spirit is consistently referred to as our Helper in Scripture! And yet, I don’t want help with most things! It is hard to humble myself and ask the Lord for help in everything in life.
2. Holding a big person’s finger while walking up and downstairs, crossing the street or walking in unfamiliar places is comforting and empowering. So many times, these precious two year olds do realize they need help. They stick out their little chubby hands and say, “Come on, Nonna!” They take my finger as I walk with them or lead them. At this point, my heart usually melts and I am so filled with love for them. I think this joy is what the Heavenly Father experiences when we do ask Him for help. When we just look up and say, “Come on Jesus, I want to walk with You! I want to die to myself and walk in the Spirit! I feel safer and empowered walking with Him! Galatians 5:16 says we are to be “led by the Spirit”! Our Helper is always ready to lead us if we just ask! When I allow the Spirit to lead me instead of wandering off on my own, I experience Kingdom adventure and see His kingdom grow.
3. Having a security blanket to take to bed just makes life better. Both of my grands have some sort of “security blanket”. It comforts them as they are falling asleep. I love watching them rub the edges of their blanket as they drift off to sleep. I might not have an actual blanket but most nights as I drift off to sleep I need His comfort. I need to know He is in control of this messed up world. I need to be reminded that He will be there for me in every circumstance! Another name for the Holy Spirit is “Comforter”! John 14:16   “I (Jesus) will pray to the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.”

I am very thankful to Addison and William for teaching me more about Who He is!

My prayer for you today is that you will embrace the Holy Spirit as your Helper. Ask Him to lead you every morning as you arise so that you can experience His Kingdom adventure. I also pray that every night as you lay your head on your pillow that you will know Him as your Comforter in whatever your are facing.