Devotion:
Read Mark 13:9-11.
Jesus knew that his followers would face persecution and trials, and he encouraged them to lean on the Holy Spirit’s guidance when they are brought to trial. It would be practically impossible to know in advance how to respond to false accusations, and Jesus wanted them and us to know that we are not alone in facing opposition. The Holy Spirit still guides us if we are open.
Let me hasten to say that Jesus is not telling those of us who teach, preach, and speak publicly in faith settings to skip the preparation, neglect our study, and simply go to our classes and worship services, hoping the Holy Spirit will give us the words. I like to come to the classes I teach well prepared with a good study plan and notes. But I have also learned that the Spirit often moves in our class discussions in ways I did not anticipate; and when I relax and allow the discussion to move in those directions, I often experience a lesson that was much better than the one I had prepared. My best-prepared plans are sometimes simply a starting or jumping off point for the Holy Spirit to use in guiding us.
Personal Worship Option:
Heavenly Father, send your Spirit to be with us when we study and prepare to speak. Help us to listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance at all times. And when we find ourselves in situations in which we do not know what to say, give us the right words through your Spirit. Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment