Today’s Scripture: John 14:23-27
23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. 25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Today’s Devotional
If you watch any law shows on TV or have spent anytime in courtrooms you know that lawyers are sometimes called “counselors”. They are not counselors in the therapeutic sense of the word – like psychologists. Rather a counselor is someone who give counsel.
It’s always good to have someone in your corner. Someone who can give you advice, help you think through things. We all need someone who knows how things work and can lead us through new experiences because they have been there before. And we all need someone who can speak on our behalf when we just do not have the words.
Jesus tells his disciples in this passage that he is not going to leave them alone. Rather, God will send an advocate – a counselor – to be with them. This advocate is still with us – the Holy Spirit.
We don’t speak a lot about the Holy Spirit. I wonder why that is? The fact is, it would be impossible to live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is here, as Jesus said, “to teach you everything and remind you of everything I have told you.” That seems important! In other words, it’s the Spirit – our counselor – who teaches us how to live as Disciples of Christ in the everyday world.
Just as we would not go into a courtroom without a counselor, we should not move through this life ignoring the Holy Spirit. The Spirit guides us in decision making, points out where we are missing the mark, gives us words when we have no words, and comforts us when we are faced with the troubles that come from living in this world.
Try this today: as you move through the day pray “Holy Spirit, you are welcome here. Fill me with your presence and guide me in this moment.” See what happens. I believe we have a powerful advocate – we just need to be open to the Spirit’s guidance.
Today’s Prayer
Holy Spirit, you are welcome here this morning. Fill us with your presence and guide us through this day.
Amen
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