We have covered so much ground in studying our ‘word of the year,’ holy, that I sometimes forget where we started. So I went back and looked. After giving holy some meaning, some biblical context and definition, we spent the weeks of Lent looking at all that it means for something or someone to beContinueContinue reading “Holy Spirit: Our Sanctifier”
Author Archives: Shelley Linn Johnson
Holy Spirit: Our Gift-Giver
So now we know that Jesus models for us not only what ministry for the Kingdom looks like but how to do that ministry: in the power of Holy Spirit. Jesus is also our visual aid for demonstrating how to serve from giftedness: by way of spiritual gifts. And Jesus, He possessed all the gifts,ContinueContinue reading “Holy Spirit: Our Gift-Giver”
Holy Spirit: Our Power
Her words landed on my screen, “I don’t know how people do life without Jesus.” My eyes filled with tears of gratitude as I absorbed the truth of her observation. I knew in the depths of my being what an absolute wreck I’d be without Him holding and helping me. Jesus told us…“you will receiveContinueContinue reading “Holy Spirit: Our Power”
Holy Spirit: Our Strength
In the midst of life’s most recent overwhelm, I fought the temptation to grasp for control. Even as I wrestled with feelings of needing to do more, Holy Spirit once again brought to mind the opening stanza to the hymn, “Jesus Paid It All:” “I hear the Savior say,‘Thy strength indeed is smallChild of weakness,ContinueContinue reading “Holy Spirit: Our Strength”
Holy Spirit: Our Advocate
I hear the word ‘advocate’ and I think of merciful people who come alongside a child in need of help navigating the court and public health systems they’ve been thrown into. I think of public defenders who take-on cases for people who cannot represent themselves effectively in a court of law. These defenders stand beforeContinueContinue reading “Holy Spirit: Our Advocate”
Holy Spirit: Our Love
The outpouring of the Spirit flooded the room as women of every age made their way to the altar to pray, repent, receive grace upon grace. Each woman going forward shared a common trauma and tragedy. Each held deep wounds, regrets, shame. Yet in that holy space, they removed their masks and revealed their truestContinueContinue reading “Holy Spirit: Our Love”
Holy Spirit: Our Truth
Jesus opens His famous Sermon on the Mount with ten ‘blessings’, known as ‘The Beatitudes’. And number one on His list is spiritual poverty – the willingness to admit, most humbly, our need for God and His grace. Some have called this the foundational virtue that makes way for all of the other blessings andContinueContinue reading “Holy Spirit: Our Truth”
Holy Spirit: Our Seal
Authenticity. In a world where imitations make an appearance in every arena of life, we rely heavily on ways to prove authenticity. A legal document, for instance, has the stamp and signature of a notary. A marriage license or birth certificate has the embossed seal of the issuing agency. A well-bred dog comes with documentsContinueContinue reading “Holy Spirit: Our Seal”
Holy Spirit: Our Friend
As independent as we are, no one operates best by themselves all the time. We need people. In fact, we are hard-wired for community by the One who dwells in eternal community. And when we’re most honest with ourselves, we embrace our need for an intimate friend, one who will come alongside us through allContinueContinue reading “Holy Spirit: Our Friend”
Holy Spirit: River of Life
Sometimes, Holy Spirit ‘falls’ on believers, like “showers of blessing to refresh” our souls (Acts 3:19-20 MSG). Or He falls like rain in response to true faith – like that of Cornelius and his household as Peter shared the gospel (Acts 10:44 NLT). In this way, Holy Spirit washes, renews, and restores, bringing new lifeContinueContinue reading “Holy Spirit: River of Life”