Obeys The Holy Spirit’s Leading

Obeys The Holy Spirit’s Leading

A HERO’S TALE

You’ve seen the Walt Disney movie Pinocchio, right?

It’s the story of a wooden puppet who comes to life, thanks to a magical Blue Fairy, and goes on a quest to become a real boy, just like his creator, Geppetto the wood-carver, has wished. The Blue Fairy assigns Jiminy Cricket as Pinocchio’s conscience to help the puppet learn right from wrong as he experiences the big, scary world outside his doors. Before leaving, the Blue Fairy says, “Now remember, Pinocchio, be a good boy, and always let your conscience be your guide.”

If you’re a Christian, you have someone to guide your life, too. But fortunately, it’s someone far better than a chirping insect. You have God’s own Spirit!

As we learned in yesterday’s devotion, the Holy Spirit’s work is essential in our salvation. But the Spirit doesn’t leave us after that. He lives inside us!

DECODING THE MESSAGE

Read that again: God’s Spirit actually lives inside all followers of Jesus. What an amazing truth!

Before Jesus ascended back to heaven, he promised his disciples (and all other Christians afterward) that he would send the “Helper,” or the Holy Spirit, to be with them forever (see today’s verse). It’s one of the greatest blessings of following Jesus.

God isn’t a faraway God. He’s not a God who sits way off in heaven and doesn’t care about his children. No! He loves us so much that when we trust in his Son, he actually sends his own Spirit to live in us.

Jesus called the Holy Spirit the “Helper” because that’s just what he does. The Spirit helps us by

• showing us our need for a Savior;
• telling us what’s right and wrong;
• making us more like Jesus;
• giving us different abilities to serve God;
• praying on our behalf; and
• much more.

If that’s not a Helper, what is?

So forget tiny cartoon crickets! That’s just Disney make-believe. When you feel that tugging in your heart to do what’s right, that’s the Holy Spirit talking to you. Let him be your guide!

BATTLE PLAN

Look up “Holy Spirit” in a study Bible concordance to learn more about the incredible third person of the Trinity. Ask your parents for help, if needed.