This devotion is our invitation into deeper fellowship with the Holy Spirit. He is the promised gift we celebrate at Pentecost.
Paraklétos (παράκλητος) is the Greek word John uses in recording Jesus’ teaching on the Holy Spirit. It only occurs 5 times in the New Testament (John 14:16, 26, 15:26, 16:7; 1 John 2:1) It is very difficult to find one English word that expresses the full meaning of Paraklétos. We will spend these few days looking at the various translations of this word and how each word speaks to the person of the Holy Spirit.
DAY 4 • HOLY SPIRIT: COUNSELOR
PAUSE IN HIS PRESENCE
Take 1-2 minutes of stillness and silence to focus your scattered senses on the presence of God.
READ
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful (John 14:26-27 CSB)
REFLECT
The Holy Spirit as our Counselor (another translation of paraklétos) invites us to uncover our pain, fears and hurts. He offers healing, deep healing, where we need it giving us wisdom and direction through His presence and His word. As Counselor He also can show us how to live in His fullness and freedom.
CONVERSATION WITH GOD
A big part of conversation is listening. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes to sit in the presence of God and allow Him to speak as your Counselor.
CLOSING
As I walk through this day, I take this truth with me:
-
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful (John 14:27)
-
You make know to me the path of life; in your presence of fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11)
Thank you that the Holy Spirit is with me and dwells in me (John 14:17b).