Daily Devotions
Today’s Reading: John 15:18-16:4 & Psalm 27
“When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about Me. And you also must testify, for you have been with Me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27
What is truth? This question has plagued humanity throughout history. Individuals claim possession of total and absolute truth, while whole segments of our society assert that everything is relative and nothing is for certain anymore.
What about us? In the most real and literal sense, the Holy Spirit—the Counselor—is the answer to our search for truth. The Holy Spirit, sent from the Father, testifies and witnesses to Truth personified, Jesus Christ. The work and ministry of the Holy Spirit testifies to us that Jesus Christ came into this world, lived, suffered, died, rose again, ascended into heaven, rules and governs for the well-being of His church, and will return to receive us and all believers to Himself in everlasting glory. How can we say, “This is true?” Simple. The Holy Spirit works within us. The Bible clearly states, “no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3).
Many things and people, however, clamor to be lord of our life. Things promise us happiness … if only we own them. People assure us of success, or security, or wealth … if only we follow them. Then the Spirit of Truth testifies: Stop! Jesus Christ is Lord—your Lord! And you also must testify. Jesus’ use of the word “also” ties us into the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit into us. With the faith He gives, the Holy Spirit calls us to the work of testifying to the Truth—Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, who calls, enlightens, strengthens, and empowers, keep us in the holy faith so that our words and actions may proclaim the Truth, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Response
What “lords” clamor for your attention and devotion? Ask the Spirit of Truth for strength and guidance.