Week One: Starting To Follow Jesus
Yesterday we prayed: God, help me get to know You as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, You are my Guide.
Who is the Holy Spirit, and how does He guide us? Do we have to act really spiritual to get the Spirit’s attention? Jesus promised something different.
Jesus described the Holy Spirit as a comforter, advocate, helper, and friend. Do you know anyone like that? Maybe a mentor, mother, or wise friend? As you read Jesus’ words, think about the Holy Spirit as your Comforter, Advocate, Helper, and Friend.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” — John 14:16-17 NIV
Jesus made this promise to His followers while telling them He would soon leave to be with the Father.
“So let me say it again, this truth: It’s better for you that I leave. If I don’t leave, the Friend won’t come. But if I go, I’ll send him to you.” — John 16:7 MSG
His followers might have felt confused, worried, or even abandoned, but Jesus clarified that His physical leaving was less about going away and more about coming closer.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” — John 14:18-20 NIV
Jesus was coming closer because the Holy Spirit would not only be with us, but in us: The Spirit did what Jesus promised and came to fill His followers with the same comfort, power, and love that filled Jesus.
By saying yes to living Jesus’ way, we invite the Holy Spirit to help, comfort, and advocate for and through us.
“The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you.” — John 14:26 MSG
God chooses to live within us and guide us. In the coming weeks, we will identify practices for becoming more hospitable to God’s presence in our lives.
Pray with your own words, or try these:
God, thank You for the Holy Spirit. Will You continue to help me know You as Comforter, Helper, Advocate, and Friend? I trust You to guide me as I follow the way of Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.