12th Day of Lent
The Spirit Leads Followers into Light
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" Romans 8:14
"I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort, believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me thru the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith."
Long ago I memorized the above words of Martin Luther in his explanation of the third article of the Apostle's Creed. Here Luther makes it abundantly clear that it is all the work of the Spirit in our lives to bring us to faith and to then follow on the journey of faith. Marty says the same thing in today's devotional. "We would not be
called to follow and we could not follow the call if it were not for the
inspiring presence of the Spirit of God."This is done by the words of the gospel, the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ, spoken and lived. I don't fully understand the work of the Spirit, but I am forever grateful for the many people who allowed the Spirit to work through them, to enlighten me and ultimately bring me to faith. I pray that I might also be an instrument of the Spirit, so that others might also believe. It's all about the Spirit, blowing like the wind; filling us, leading us, renewing us, and keeping us as we go. Thanks be to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit!
The Holy Spirit is an amazing gift from God, to know He is always with us and brings us into His family! I have dearly missed fellowship since leaving Utah and my family at OSLC! God is faithful and led me back to a Lutheran church here this last Sunday. While looking at the upcoming events and thinking I should participate in the Lenten supper, I saw an announcement for an Ultreya that evening! I went, and was enveloped by Love, accepted by God's family in a place where I was a "barely recognized newcomer to the gathering".........I am loved and I am accepted because of our dear and precious Holy Spirit that binds us together in Love!! Praise to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a "God Thing" to me! Glad the Spirit prompted you and you followed the Spirit's guidance!
ReplyDeleteIf it weren't for the Spirit, I would still be a guilt-ridden goody-two-shoes, trying to earn my own way to heaven! The Spirit fills me with peace, assuring me that even when I err, God can clean up the mess. I LOVE the process that the Spirit has led you through, Julie...trying a variety of experiences so that you would recognize your new "home" when you finally arrived.
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