"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you." John 14:26 (NRSV)
The Holy Spirit is probably the least talked about and most misunderstood person of the Trinity. Yet, it is the part that lives within each Christian and that we commune with each day. The Holy Spirit is our advocate, spiritual guide, moral compass, and a reminder of how we must live to glorify God—using the example set by Jesus Christ. He who was wholly divine, yet wholly human.
It is easy to think of the Holy Spirit as only coming to pass as a result of Jesus's promise. As Trinitarian Christians, we believe the three persons of the Godhead have existed since the beginning. Although not mentioned in great detail until the New Testament, references to the Spirit are found in the Old Testament beginning in Genesis. In Genesis 6:3, in talking about the wickedness of man we read, “Then the Lord said, ‘My spirit shall not abide in mortals forever." It could be argued even earlier when the Lord spoke to Cain; it was through the Holy Spirit (Genesis 4:6).
Heavenly Father, we believe in you, our one God creator and ruler, Jesus Christ your Son, one being with you, and the Holy Spirit of your very essence shared with humankind. Through your grace, you have sent us the Holy Spirit to live within each of us. In that gift, we come to recognize your full holiness, and it leads us to purity and righteousness. Father, we embrace this freely given gift. Please help our hearts to be open to its promptings and help us respond to its guidance. Mold us and make us into your people. Amen.
Peace,
Pastor Tim
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