Holy Spirit | Daily Encouragement

Tag Archives: Holy Spirit

Uncategorized

Independence Day

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17, NIV)

Freedom is not for the faint-hearted; nor is freedom for the weak-minded.

It is a double-edged sword: We have freedom “from” things — such as freedom from tyranny, from fear, and from slavery; and we have freedom “to” things — such as the freedom to choose, and the freedom to succeed. This freedom is not known everywhere in our world, which makes our heritage as a country even more special in the family of nations; not only for freedom’s benefits, but for its costs, as well.

Today’s scripture reminds us of a kind of freedom that is not limited by national boundaries or by physical borders. Its declaration is not written on paper or on parchment, but on the human heart.

This holiday, as we celebrate and ponder the gift of freedom in all of its manifestations, remember also the freedom purchased for us by the blood of Jesus, validated by His resurrection, and affirmed through the living testimony of faithful men and women. His Spirit not only reminds us of freedom’s benefits, but gives us the strength to bear its costs! – Luther

Tagged freedom, Holy Spirit, Independence Day, the book of 2 Corinthians

Leave a comment

Uncategorized

“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1, NIV)

There are times in life, as the psalmist in today’s scripture states, when it seems that God has departed on vacation; or is asleep; or is indifferent to our suffering. But don’t be fooled: God has not forgotten us, nor has He deserted us.

In such times, we need only reflect on our own personal history with our heavenly Father: The times when we thought Him late, but He was already at the point of decision — waiting. The times when we thought Him absent, but only because He was standing behind us. . . out of view. . . guarding our blind side. The times when we thought He was indifferent to our suffering, but He sent others to encourage us, to comfort us, to hold us; to hear us; and to wipe our tears.

No one loves us like our heavenly Father. No one. – Luther

Tagged christianity, faith, God, God's faithfulness, God's love, Holy Spirit, jesus, the book of Psalms

Leave a comment

Uncategorized

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6, NASB)

If it is true that we make trouble for ourselves because, as J. B. Phillips titled his classic book, “Your God is Too Small” (1953); the same might also be said because we think some matters of our life are too small for our heavenly Father’s attention.

We ought to accept the biblical challenge to acknowledge God in everything — large and small — whether in decisions or in giving thanks.

Through the Holy Spirit — Whom Jesus Himself referred to as the “Helper” — we have a companion who knows well the path; we have an intercessor who knows the mind of God; we have an energizer to sustain us; a teacher to educate us.

However, the Helper helps only by invitation. If we have not, it is only because we ask not. – Luther

Tagged christianity, faith, God, Holy Spirit, J. B. Phillips, jesus, prayer, the book of Proverbs