Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 12 – John 14:26 – The Counselor – Growing As Disciples
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:25-26 (NIV)
Recognize And Respond
Slow down. Expect to hear from me. Listen attentively. Watch and wait for my activity. I’m not sure what you are saying to me. Can you make what you are saying clearer to me? Yes, I can. Let me ask you a couple questions. Go right ahead, I’m listening. How would you describe the pace of your life? I live a hectic life. It seems like I’m always racing from one thing to another. Sometimes, I have a hard time even catching my breath. I feel weary and worn out. I need to slow down. I need some rest. I can see that. How would you describe the noise level of your life? What do you mean by that? Do you have blocks of time or even moments here and there when and where you are quietly waiting for my instructions? Not really. Are you making time to hear from me? No, I’m not. If I were to quietly speak to you, would you hear me above the noise of your own life? I doubt it. Those are honest answers.
Would it surprise you to learn that I am trying to speak to you every day? No, not really. Would you be shocked to learn that I want to speak to you in the seconds and minutes and hours and days of your life? I have suspected as much. No, I wouldn’t be shocked. Would you be sad to learn that you race right on by most of what I am trying to say to you? Yes, I would be very sad about that. Now, you have my full attention. I’m sure that you can recall many times when you failed to recognize and respond to what I was trying to show you? Yes, I can. What has happened to you when you have failed to recognize and respond to what I have wanted to teach you? When I have failed to recognize and respond to your voice I have usually taken an action that has gotten me into trouble. I have made serious mistakes. I have made major missteps. I have wasted large amounts of time. I have deeply regretted not recognizing and responding to your wise counsel. That’s right. What do you now want to do differently? I want to slow down and take time to recognize and respond to all that you want to teach me. I want to put into practice all that you are showing me. Will you listen attentively to my voice? Yes, I will listen attentively to your voice. Will you set aside a time and a place to meet with me? Yes, I will. Then I will remind you to remember and put into practice all that you have heard and learned and received in Christ. That will be very good. Yes, it will.
Holy Spirit, thank you for being my teacher. I am your full-time student. I will listen attentively to all you want to teach me. Remind me of all I need to remember and put into practice. Counsel me so I will live my life faithfully and fruitfully for the glory of God. Amen
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