The Holy Spirit Helps Us!

Last week we chatted about the spotted water hemlock—the
deadliest plant in North America. One bite of this plant can kill
someone within two hours.

Of course, there are lots of things that seem good at first glance but
end up being toxic. Toadstools sure look like mushrooms.
But once eaten, you know what you consumed is NOT edible!

Everyone would agree that swans are beautiful.
But they, too, can also be deadly.
Many birds will eventually give up if an attacker is too strong to fight
against.
But swans will NOT give in!

They’ll attack by flying full speed at a predator and will begin biting it.
They’re also known to drown the predator by fiercely holding it
underwater until it dies.

Again, there are plenty of things that appear good or beautiful at first
glance but have fatal consequences once we experience them.

The question of the hour is:
How can we know what’s toxic and what isn’t?

Oftentimes we can’t.

This is where dependence on the Holy Spirit comes into play.

One of the job descriptions of the Holy Spirit is to help us know the
truth.

Check this out:

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will
not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell
you about the future” (John 16:13) New Living Translation).

It’s essential that we learn to depend on the Holy Spirit!
How do learn to do that?

By totally surrendering to Him.

So I guess the real question of the hour is:
Have you totally surrendered?
Have you yielded to the authority of Jesus Christ?
Are you living in radical obedience to Him?

He has given us His very Spirit to empower us,
guide us, and to bring us into truth as we depend more and more on Him.

“But the Advocate, 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 14:26 NIV).

Thoughts?