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A Glory Seed Devotional
The Holy Spirit is not called the Comforter for nothing!
The other day a Facebook post from a dear friend began, “Depressed today. Has not been a good week.” And then the writer went on to explain the situations that blotted out the sunshine and plunging them into the dark damp cave of despair. When I checked this morning there were 32 people who through prayer joined the writer with prayers and words of encouragement. While I have not responded on Facebook I have joined them as many others have I suspect.
This morning thinking about my friend I thought about what Peter wrote. “Dear friends, don’t be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire. Be glad for the chance to suffer as Christ suffered. It will prepare you for even greater happiness when he makes his glorious return. Count it a blessing when you suffer for being a Christian. This shows that God’s glorious Spirit is with you.” (1 Peter 4:12–14, CEV)
I know with all my heart my friend believes in the power of the scriptures and their ability bring encouragement. However, experience also tells me when life turns against us the resulting discouragement can be a formidable foe with the ability to challenge our faith not necessarily in God but faith in ourselves. It’s almost like discouragement shakes it fist at Peter’s words and shouts, “SO WHAT!”
Silence is not only golden it is also powerful! I believe there are times when words are ineffective in lifting people out of the dark damp caves life drops them in. One of the most effective ways is illustrated in chapter 2 of Job. Job had found himself in the deepest, darkest cave he’d ever experienced and “For seven days and nights, (three of his friends) SAT SILENTLY ON THE GROUND BESIDE HIM, because they realized what terrible pain he was in.” (Job 2:13, CEV, emphasis mine)
I really appreciate how Eugene Peterson renders Jesus promise of leaving his peace on earth in chapter 14 of John. “I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. PEACE. I DON'T LEAVE YOU THE WAY YOU'RE USED TO BEING LEFT--FEELING ABANDONED, BEREFT. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.” (John 14:27 MSG, emphasis mine) The Holy Spirit is the comforting, encouraging presence of Jesus and there are times when the Spirit silently warms and enlightens us against the darkness and dampness with the presence of Jesus.
To my friend and any others who these words will fall on you are not alone! The Holy Spirit accompanies you as you move through your time of testing if you will become quiet and listen to your heart beat you will experience the presence of Jesus.
Believe it! Experience it!
Grace and PEACE,
Gary
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“Turn to the LORD! He can still be found. Call out to God! He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6, CEV)
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Scripture marked CEV are taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Scriptures marked MSG have been taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.”
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