JESUS SPEAKING
“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. However, the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14: 25-26.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Jesus informed his disciples that he would soon be departing; leaving them behind, but not alone. In his absence, he promised to send a replacement; a helper; a person to guide them; a spiritual entity that would remind them of every word he had ever spoken. After the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus ascended in to heaven; having been glorified, he sent his Holy Spirit in to the hearts and minds every believer (on the day of Pentecost.) The disciples were granted the authority to forgive sins; cast out demons; raise the dead; and heal the sick. Similar acts of service and love currently reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit living within the believer; irrefutable proof that Jesus Christ did indeed arrive at his destination. Even today, he sits at the right hand of God; a position of honor, from which he continues to guide and direct his church.
In the early 20th century a bold and daring explorer named Roald Amundsen set out to reach the remote poles of the earth. He arrived at the South Pole in 1911, and the North Pole in 1926. As the story goes, during his northern expedition, he carried along a homing pigeon. Homing pigeons mate for life; and when separated from their mates, they have a unique ability to return to their nests from anywhere in the world. Before journeying North, Amundsen, not wanting his wife to worry, promised to release the pigeon upon arriving at the North Pole. When the bird reached its nest in Norway, his wife was elated. The pigeon was a symbol; a message proclaiming that although the explorer had arrived in a harsh and distant land, he was still very much alive; and would undoubtedly return someday.
The Holy Spirit is also a symbol; it’s a message and a reminder that Jesus Christ is alive. Many have received the promised helper; others have not. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their lord and savior, have also opened their hearts and embraced his messenger. If you’ve never received the Holy Spirit, go somewhere quiet, and ask God to give you this free gift. The Lord never withholds His Spirit from those who genuinely ask Him.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, and that he’s seated at Your right hand. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit; guide and direct us; teach us; and remind us of everything that You have said. May we be faithful followers; may we never grow weary; may we never waiver; and may we never turn away from Your truth. May Your will be done in our lives always; and in the lives of our fellows. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 