January 22, 2014 - "My Bible Coach"

Good morning to you all, I pray you are making a healthy plan as you move toward your Super Bowl parties. I saw a COOL picture this morning that used sandwich sections, veggies and rolled meats and shaped them into a stadium, using the ruffly lettuce as the grass around the playing field. I wish I was that creative. :) For those of you asking and praying with me about my project, Apples, Brownies or Both? a devotional cookbook, it was mailed back to the publisher yesterday with my first rounds of edits. Not sure about the turn around time, but at least we are one step further to distribution. Thanks for your love and support. Yesterday as we examined the unconfined abilities of the Holy Spirit, and one of the terms used was advocate. I like that term. Here's how the definition reads: advocate noun |ˈadvəkit| a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy: he was an untiring advocate of economic reform. • a person who pleads on someone else's behalf: care managers can become advocates for their clients. • a pleader in a court of law; a lawyer: Marshall was a skilled advocate but a mediocre judge. After many years of pastoring, I am still intrigued as to the multitude of interpretations that can drawn concerning one passage of scripture. And yet I know that my understanding is based off certain filters, as are others. Variables such as denomination, experience, culture, region, and other people influence what we feel the Word of God communicates. I get that. And, as I grow in the things of God, certain passages now touch me differently. But we really need to fight for pure truth in this period of time in which we find ourselves. So many have opinions and make bold statements about revelations they feel they have received. I enjoy listening and gleaning, but the Bible teacher I MOST follow is the Holy Spirit. There are certain things in life we can delegate - gaining biblical wisdom is not one of them in my opinion. And without wisdom, I can find myself wandering aimlessly. Not good! In John 14:26 we read: 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. I need that promise; how about you? I need the Holy Spirit to be my Bible Coach and the head trainer for my daily workout. I need him to support me as I publicly endeavor to live a life of humility and holiness within the context of a world who rejects the truth. I feel supported and encouraged because the Holy Spirit KNOWS THE TRUTH and can constantly remind me, "YES, God did say!" Man I need that! I need the Holy Spirit to stand with me when the voice of the enemy of my soul is trying to attack the very purpose and heart of God within me. Say YES! This day, let's thank God for the promise in John 14 and listen carefully for those reminders. Have a great one! PK