Making Disciples

An Important Reminder

Melanie West
Small Group Leader

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. -John 14:26

At the age of thirteen I asked Jesus to come into my heart. He did and He lovingly let me know through His Holy Spirit. His presence was felt to me. How did I know? There have been situations where the Holy Spirit worked through me in such a way that I know, as I know, as I know that the Holy Spirit was working in and through my life.

One such event was early on. I had a long-term childhood boyfriend who professed to be agnostic. Dating was off and on since I did not want to seriously consider a lifelong relationship with a non-Christian. I was reading my Bible regularly and felt convicted to break off the relationship, but also to witness to this young adult. I prayed for the opportunity and that the Holy Spirit would allow me to be a vessel. 2 Timothy 2:21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

The opportunity did present itself. I prayed and prayed prior to getting together. While sharing my testimony the Holy Spirit spoke through me quoting scripture. The experience was surreal. The questions the young man asked were answered with scriptures chapter and verse. They were direct quotes. I was stunned and amazed with a feeling of just looking on. You see, I’ve never been able to memorize verses, never. This is just not my gifting. Unfortunately, the long-term friend did not see a need for a relationship with Jesus. We agreed amicably to go our own ways.

Running upstairs to my room, I opened my Bible and quickly recalled some of the chapters and verses that had been quoted. They were word for word what was written in the Scriptures. I sat in amazement. My prayer was one of gratefulness. I knew through this experience that the Holy Spirit had spoken through me. Those were His words, not mine. I was simply the empty vessel.

Have I always had such incredible experiences? No. But, I’ve had some. I don’t expect anyone to comprehend what took place. You see, the event was an experience and I’ve been told that you can’t explain an experience. You must experience an experience. It was just that, an extraordinary experience. I can only encourage others to ask the Holy Spirit to respond in their lives. But, for me, that night grew my faith exponentially.

The irony: this young man’s sister is the one who testified to me and helped me to receive Jesus into my heart. She is the one who impressed upon me the need for the Holy Spirit to be directing my life. She also presented Christ to my sister who is now a missionary for 27 years in Guatemala. Her son is a missionary in Africa. My girlfriend’s sister and parents were also agnostic, but accepted Christ into their lives late in life prior to their passing. My girlfriend and I still pray for her brother and his wife to find the Truth. But look at the discipleship, the spreading of the word that has taken place by simple obedience and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Today, I’m married to a wonderful Christian man who believes Joshua 24:15b: But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Of four sisters,  are all Christian. Most of our family is also Christian. My life is full, and I am grateful. Each day I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me; to work in my life and to help me glorify the Father. Sometimes I must wait and be patient. God goes before me in ways I do not know. But what I do know, as I know, as I know is that the Holy Spirit is real.

Prayer: Lord God, please guide me daily with your Holy Spirit. Help me to rely on You. Build my faith through the scriptures. Teach me and remind me of everything you have said. Through my experiences convict me to know, as I know, as I know that you are there and working through me.

The Reliability of God's Word

Joe Cardini
Highlands Elder

It’s likely not much of a stretch to suggest that life isn’t often filled with an abundance of certainty. This was true two thousand years ago and feels all the more factual today.

Most people don’t enjoy the feelings associated with uncertainty, which can include: Becoming Disoriented, Loss of Trust, Disappointment, Despair, Lack of Reliability, Fear, Confusion, Frustration, Brokenness… As a result, and perhaps like never before, we humans are on a quest to locate certainty, or truth, in order to create more reliability and calm in our daily lives.

Living at a time when Jesus lived, died and then rose from death could have (and certainly should have) made it easier to be a believer. After all, witnessing actual miracles, or, learning from those who walked with Jesus, provided a degree of authenticity most of the Old Testament prophets didn’t enjoy. Which makes David’s beautiful words in Psalm 19: 7-11 all the more inspiring. David chooses very specific words, with a degree of repetition, to highlight the certainty of God’s word.

Verse 7(a): The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.

Testimonies of those who have been saved by Christ, speak to the perfection of God’s word and the way in which God can transform lives by renewing and reviving souls!

Verse 7(b): The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

God’s law is enduring and therefore, reliable. Love God. Love People. Make Disciples.  Anyone can understand God’s intentions for us. Even those who are spiritually immature, or, have chosen a YOLO (You Only Live Once) lifestyle…They too have heard and can easily grasp God’s desires for us all.

Verse 8(a): The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.

God’s ways are always good. Though at times of trial we may feel uncertain and uneasy, our hearts can rejoice in knowing that the ways of our Lord and Savior are indeed, right and trustworthy! Living in accordance with God’s word brings peace, calm and contentment. Conversely, disobeying God’s word will often cause dysfunction.

Verse (b): The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The Ten Commandments are straightforward, clear and pure. Jesus provides further clarity by instructing us to Love God and Love People, Make Disciples. In its purity and clarity, the word of God often brings light to areas of the world and even our own lives that otherwise might have remained in the dark. God’s word is indeed a bright light!

Verse 9(a): The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever.

To fear God is to respect God for who He is. Creator of all. Savior, who offers His unwavering love to all.  Acceptance of our Lord for who He is produces a degree of reverence that compels us to live our lives in accordance with His word. God never changes. His word never changes. Our respect and reverence of God produces a clean faith lived out in our daily lives.

Verse 9(b): The rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.

David once again reminds us that God’s word is reliable, just and good for all who place their faith in Him.

Verse 10: More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

The world seeks the finest and most gratifying things in life, such as gold and sugary sweets. I’ll admit to my love affair with a certain Oatmeal Raisin Cookie made at a local bakery that just happens to be located within walking distance to my office. But the joy I receive when I give into my craving is always short-lived. As opposed to the deep, lasting effects associated with the words from our Lord!

Verse 11: Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

We know that our faith in Christ will bring us eternal peace and joy in heaven. But David reminds us that adhering to God’s word now, in this present life, brings us great reward. David later writes in Psalm 119: 165: “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble."

The Bible ultimately points us all to Jesus Christ. Our Lord and Savior who, in the greatest act of co-suffering love and forgiveness, died on a cross to save us. It is He who provides us with His word and His word is certain, dependable and reliable.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your endless mercy and grace.  Thank you for providing us with the blessing of your Word.  As the ever-changing currents of life attempt to pull us off-course, we can take comfort in the certainty of your Word.  Your prescriptions are reliable, pure and perfect.  Lord, I pray we remain thirsty for your commandments, knowing how sweet and edifying they are to our souls.  Father, let us seek your ways always.  Let us remember, always, to turn to you to quench our thirst for truth, joy and a deep, soulful peace.