Holy Spirit – Page 14

Galatians 5:16-26 – Plug in to the Holy Spirit’s Power

This may be a passage you want to return to over and over again. It is always great counsel to remember where our power comes from. I love how Paul starts this section. “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” He uses the powerful word “So,” which we know to be like “Therefore.” It tells us to remember everything that comes before it as if it were restated in its entirety before he gives us new counsel. What are we supposed to do now? Let the Holy Spirit guide us. That sounds simple enough, doesn’t it?

We are exchanging the reality of being chained to the law, and the expectations that come with that affliction, for the freedom of the Holy Spirit’s leading. Paul says, “But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.” Cool. The Spirit is not going to lead us down a path that will be contrary to the law anyway. Since we are sinful creatures, the tendency to sin is inside us. When we let the Holy Spirit guide us, imagine the battle going on inside us between good and evil. The Holy Spirit is definitely stronger. When we rely on our own wisdom, that’s when we make foolish decisions.

Galatians 3:1-5 – Are You Feeling the Burn?

Read Galatians 3:1-5

How would you answer Paul’s question? “Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses?” I’m guessing, that is probably not a question you have been asked before. Acknowledging the Holy Spirit in our lives is key to testing our level of faith, whether we are hot or cold in terms of our spirituality. My question “are you feeling the burn?” refers then to the spark of the Holy Spirit igniting your heart and soul.

Paul is concerned here for his Christian friends in Galatia (and us). He knows that it’s easy for people to fall back into old patterns of living (following the law and believing they are saved by their works). In part, it’s because of the comfort zone effect. It’s what we know. Especially when we start to lose the fire or “burn” we felt when we first believed. We start to think something is wrong or that we should be acting in a certain way to get the spark back.

Luke 3:21-38 – Meet the Family

Read Luke 3:21-38

Today’s reading has two parts, (1) Jesus’ baptism and (2) recitation of his family tree. Both have their own power. Jesus’ baptism is recorded here and in the other Gospels. Luke’s account is very short and interestingly placed after we are told (in previous passage) that John the Baptist was in jail.

No matter the order of events, we are now focusing on the start of Jesus’ ministry. While most people were getting baptized because of sin, Jesus did not have sin. His public appearance was simply to be used by God to reveal Jesus to the world. The Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, announced God’s love for his Son, Jesus. (Noticed the capitalized “S” in son.)

Jesus’ earthly mission has begun! Continue reading “Luke 3:21-38 – Meet the Family”

Luke 3:1-20 – Prepare the Way

Read Luke 3:1-20

Today we have a snapshot of John the Baptist. Just several short verses ago we learned how an angel brought the Lord’s message to his aging parents, telling them their son would prepare the people for the coming Messiah. We see that prophecy, as well as Isaiah’s words from the Old Testament, coming alive before our eyes.

John is quite a character. We are told he was living in the wilderness. I suppose that elicits a certain image in your mind, doesn’t it? He would have been very resourceful to maintain that lifestyle. He listened to God’s call on his life and gave it his all. Continue reading “Luke 3:1-20 – Prepare the Way”