Dirty Windows

Good morning boys and girls!

Have you ever tried to look through a window that is smudged and dirty? Well, if you have, you know that it’s hard to see out of it because the dust and dirt block any clear view. As we think of how the Holy Spirit acts as a cleaner in our lives, we can see how the Holy Spirit helps us understand the truth.

When we talk about the truth, we mean more than just facts or even beliefs. Our truth is a person, and his name is Jesus Christ. Our focus as children of God should always be on him, but sometimes our view of him is ruined by our disobedience, pride and independence. WE may not always have a clear picture of Jesus, but the Spirit is always pointing to God. He reminds us of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. In other words, the Spirit reminds us of what Jesus did while he was on earth. The Spirit reminds us of how Jesus spoke and acted so that we may become more like him. The Spirit helps us clear away everything that might get between God and us. When the Spirit is near, we are ready to hear and respond to what God wants us to be and to do. This is part of what it means to become more like Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us understand the truth.

When we are saved, we need help to live as believers. We might not always know what to do to please God in every situation, but God does, and he shows us what to do through the Holy Spirit. He shows us the actions that please God and the actions that do not please God. All we have to do is follow his lead and go in the direction he points us.

John 14:26 says, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, who the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.” A counselor is someone who gives you advice, or suggestions about what to do and what not to do. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be a counselor to remind the disciples of all the good things he had taught them. The Holy Spirit also helps us to understand Jesus’ words in the Bible, so the Holy Spirit is also a teacher.

Sometimes you may feel that living for God is hard. There are temptations to do wrong, or perhaps what God is asking you to do seems like it is too hard. The Holy Spirit comes to help us. He gives us the strength to overcome temptation and to do tasks that would be too hard for us to do on our own. He is our guide and teacher.

Let us bow our heads for a moment of prayer. Lord, we pray that your Spirit will help us as we seek and try to understand your truth. You have shown us what truth is through your son, Jesus Christ. Help us now to live this truth out each day. AMEN