Father, today being my dad’s birthday, I would give You praise for the wonderful blessing of parents who have endeavored to follow You. They, like me, are not perfect, but they have faithfully shown me the Way. All praise to You, Heavenly Father!
John 15:26-27 (<<click here to read the passage)
In our church services, we use different mediums. I strive to link as much as I can together according to whatever the sermon is addressing. It doesn’t always work that way but many times it does. The Scripture is at the core, the sermon is built on that foundation. Expounding upon the text to make it applicable and easily understood is my goal. I also try to find pertinent illustrations. Sometimes they touch the heart, other times they touch our funny bones! If we remember the stories, we are more apt to remember the Scripture.
On many occasions, I attempt to put together a solid PowerPoint presentation that goes along with the sermon. I try to find pictures that engage the mind visually, as I am also providing verbal engagement. I select hymns that, once again, point to the key concepts of the Scripture at hand – audio stimulation.
Overall, my goal is to communicate God’s Word in as many different ways as I can. Some things will stick in some people’s hearts and minds, whereas other things will impact others of different mind and heart sets if you will.
My Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation says, concerning verse 26,
Jesus uses two names for the Holy Spirit-“Advocate and “Spirit of truth.” The word Advocate conveys the helping, encouraging, and strengthening work of the Spirit. Spirit of truth points to the teaching, illuminating, and reminding work of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit ministers to both the head and the heart, and both dimensions are important.
God has already put into place a means of reaching our whole person. Every aspect of who we are can be impacted by the Holy Spirit. Read again, what an Advocate accomplishes and then, what the Spirit of truth points to. I’ve highlighted them to make it a bit more impacting.
The Holy Spirit impacts us on many levels. I make myself available to the Holy Spirit so that He can use me as He chooses. May He continue to do so by whatever means necessary. Amen.
Sept 30th, 2021, Thurs, 6:21 pm
