[Jesus said,] "I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left — feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught."
—John 14:25-27 MESSAGE
I hate goodbyes, especially when I don't know if I will ever again see the people with whom I'm saying, "Goodbye!" This summer has been filled with such goodbyes, and I'm trying not to let them be final. Jesus makes clear that as he leaves his closest followers, he is not abandoning them. He is sending the Friend, the Holy Spirit, to be with them. His presence is their source of peace! He is Comforter, Counselor, Helper, and Friend. The Spirit will be with them and bring them into the Lord's presence whole and holy. The Spirit will help them remember, and even remind them of, Jesus' teachings and help make those teachings plain. And I believe with all my heart that these same promises are given to us, we who have been invited to hear Jesus' last extended conversation with the early disciples!
O Father, thank you for your plan to incarnate yourself among us in Jesus and then to incarnate yourself within us in the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, Counselor, Helper, and Friend. I praise you, O God — Father, Son, and Spirit — in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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—John 14:25-27 MESSAGE
Key Thought
I hate goodbyes, especially when I don't know if I will ever again see the people with whom I'm saying, "Goodbye!" This summer has been filled with such goodbyes, and I'm trying not to let them be final. Jesus makes clear that as he leaves his closest followers, he is not abandoning them. He is sending the Friend, the Holy Spirit, to be with them. His presence is their source of peace! He is Comforter, Counselor, Helper, and Friend. The Spirit will be with them and bring them into the Lord's presence whole and holy. The Spirit will help them remember, and even remind them of, Jesus' teachings and help make those teachings plain. And I believe with all my heart that these same promises are given to us, we who have been invited to hear Jesus' last extended conversation with the early disciples!
Today's Prayer
O Father, thank you for your plan to incarnate yourself among us in Jesus and then to incarnate yourself within us in the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, Counselor, Helper, and Friend. I praise you, O God — Father, Son, and Spirit — in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Continue reading...
**Prayer Updates!** 
**Hello everyone! Let's lift up these needs in prayer:**
**Safe Travels:** A parent’s heart is pleading for their daughter's safe return home. Let's pray for her protection in Jesus' Name.
**Christmas Celebration:** 
Let’s lift these requests in prayer, knowing that God hears and cares!
