Daily Devotional: Tuesday, March 16

Speaker: Ben Sigman

Theme: The Holy Spirit

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Not to Us by Chris Tomlin; No Not One by Christy Nockels; Love Came Down by Ben Cantelon; Til I See You by Hillsong.

Read: Ephesians 3:16-19; John 13:16; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

Think:  Corrie TenBoom once said, "If God sends us on strong paths, we are provided strong shoes." Many of us can relate. Have you ever been out on a hike with the wrong shoes? One year, when I was a girl, my family took a trip to Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. I remember having some kind of "toe dilemma" where I insisted on wearing flip flops instead of more sturdy shoes. I was irritated by the seams in my socks and couldn't be persuaded to wear them, no way, no how. That day, we climbed up ladders, down into underground caves, along narrow pathways- and I remember regretting my decision the entire trip. Those stupid flip flops slipped and slid to the point I just gave up and sat down while the rest of the family kept exploring.

Sometimes we get so focused on the pain or the irritation of the moment, that we can't see past it to embrace an incredible opportunity. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, "I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong."

God's Spirit is always leading and guiding us into knowledge and truth (John 13:16). Our only job is to respond to Him and do what He is leading us to do. But what if you don't know what His Spirit is leading you to do? Jesus promised that the Spirit of Truth will guide us into all truth, so keep seeking His truth, and God will keep guiding.

God knows the path He is preparing us for, and the kind of shoes we will need to navigate it. He promises to give us the resources we need to carry out the purpose He has given us. He offers us Himself to help us and guide us and teach us along the way. Even though I didn't bring the best shoes that day, God's grace provided me a pretty incredible slew of images and memories, flip flops and all.

Do: Write down what direction you think God is asking you to take today - Forgiveness? Sharing your faith in Jesus with someone? Speaking out or shutting up? Ask God to reveal your next right step.

Pray: Jesus, I want to be aware of the Spirit leading me. I want to listen and yield to the directions you have for me. Your directions are the best directions, and I want to trust You. Amen.

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

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