Preparing with Hope February 5, 2023

One of the "goals" of this blog is to help you to grow as a "disciple".  A disciple is someone who is following Jesus and leading others to do the same.  So, it's great for you to study God's Word every week.  It's fun seeing so many people attending worship on Sunday.  But if we aren't leading others to follow Jesus and sharing with them what we're learning, then we're really missing a necessary step of discipleship.

So, before you do anything else...start with prayer.  Pray and listen to God.  Quiet your mind and ask the Holy Spirit to not only open God's Word for you, but also to give you the chance to share what you learn with others.  

Now read through the text (you might want to print this out).  Remember, this isn't a race.  Take your time.  Observe what God is trying to say to you.  We're going to read each verse three times this week.  The first time mark every reference to the Holy Spirit by circling the word or words (It may not use the words "Holy Spirit" but may use a word to describe the Holy Spirit.  Circle it anyways.)  Again, don't rush.  Check to make sure that you've found every time it is referring to the Holy Spirit.
Now, read the verses again.  This time but a box around every reference to God or Lord or Jesus.  Try and see how this is connected to the Holy Spirit.  

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Finally, read through the verses one more time.  This time try and observe if there is a theme that God is speaking to you.  

Is there something God is calling you to share with someone else?  Remember, a disciple is not only learning about God but also sharing what they learn with others.  What is God calling you to share with others?

As you read through the verses, is there something specific that the Holy Spirit does for you that brings you comfort?

Is there something God is calling you to do?

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried;
      he descended to hell.
      The third day he rose again from the dead.
      He ascended to heaven
      and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic* church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen.

*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places