From the Edges – HSG – Holy Spirit Guidance – Morning Devotions

From the Edges – Morning Devotions

Pastor Calvin Cook – May 29, 2024

HSG – Holy Spirit Guidance

John 16:13-14When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

We look forward to big events, celebrations, note worthy accomplishments. We plot and plan for the next great event. Often in the preparation and the celebration we forget to ask the great question “what is next?” This week is High School graduation in many places and schools. Young people have been working for at least 12 years for this milestone. We have placed importance on education and especially this celebration of achievement. And we should! However, amidst the celebrations have we even considered in many cases what’s next.

I almost feel in the scripture that is shared this morning from John’s Gospel are the words being asked by the disciples “what will be next?”, “what will we do when you are no longer guiding us?” Interestingly enough there is the reminder from Jesus of the great and master plan for all of humankind who calls upon the name of the Lord. The reminder becomes a direction that we should be following. Jesus didn’t just say in passing, He promised that we would receive the Holy Spirit who would guide us! This isn’t just a quick reflection to being handed over to some other deity’s direction. This is Jesus saying, read the words carefully – you will receive direction through the full power and presence of God. WOW! Can we even imagine what that must be like? Of course we can’t or we would be so much better as the people and the church of God.

We are commonly asking the question of our High School seniors. What is next for you? College, trade school, work, nothing much, vacation, etc…… I admit I am a little grieved by this because in just looking at the next couple of days, graduation, farewells, parties lies the hard brutal facts that there is something so much more that God has planned and that the Holy Spirit will lead all who call on the name of the Lord to.

We must change our thought process, not just about graduation and the entrance of our young people into adulthood, but in asking the important questions. Pray through this – What is God leading me to? What do I need more of for this journey? When will I see that in the end there is a new beginning? Prayerfully and with the comfort of the presence of the Holy Spirit be willing to discern what is next. We will be guided! We will find a way! We will succeed in whatever we attempt as long as God is involved.

Closing words this morning from Isaiah 48:6 “You have heard; now see all this; and will you not declare it? From this time forth I announce to you new things, hidden things that you have not known” – May the Holy Spirit guide you !