But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. - John 16:13
What Guides You?
When I examine my heart with the question, more times than not, it seems like some inner system, a well of me. Thoughts, reactions, ideas, responses, and more are drawn with very little effort … they just come up from the well of me. How did they get in there? What put them there? Are they good? The last question is easier: no, not all are good.
Another question: What are the odds I have interpreted my life accurately?
If what guides me is a collection of conclusions, and for some (or even much) of my life I have concluded and interpreted inaccurately, then there are some falsehoods - lies in the well of me.
What if there was something outside of me that could guide me to the truth? If Jesus was right,
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)
A work must be done, and a guide must come. The record shows I cannot do this on my own. I must be shown, told, encouraged, taught, comforted, invited, and most of all loved to a new way. And that is exactly what God determined that He would do … "I will help you."
My job? To do what must be done when being guided:
- Give the Spirit constant access, to the best of my ability.
- Give the Spirit my trust: that He is leading me, showing me, and teaching me the way.
- Give the Spirit my attention: to pay attention to what is coming up from the well in me, and discerning with Him what is good and what needs the exchange program.
It is the exchange of the lies that I have believed about myself, God, and others that must go. I have found if I don’t see them, nothing changes.
If I ask the Guide for help, He shows me, and I can confess I believed the lie and turn it in for the truth. Honestly, there are many times I have realized I was on auto pilot, and the pilot wasn’t good. This false-self/flesh consists of a collection of lies that has me afraid, proving, and hiding. None are good, and all are exchangeable IF I can walk with the Spirit and allow the Spirit to walk with me and transform the well of me.
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. - John 16:13 (AMP)
Holy Spirit, I sincerely embrace you as my Counselor, my Comforter, my Strength and my Guide.[40] Thank you for sealing me in Christ.[41] I honor you as my Lord, and I ask you to lead me into all truth, to anoint me for all of my life and walk and calling, and to lead me deeper into Jesus today.[42] I fully open my life to you in every dimension and aspect – my body, my soul and my spirit – choos- ing to be filled with you, to walk in step with you in all things.[43] Apply to me, blessed Holy Spirit, all of the work and all of the gifts in Pentecost.[44] Fill me afresh, blessed Holy Spirit. I receive you with thanks and give you total claim to my life
An excerpt from The Daily Prayer Memory Verse Cards.
