Today's Daily Bread

 

 

                                                                                

Guidance Needed

February 2, 2014 — by Bill Crowder

Our Daily Bread 

 

 

Read: James 4:11-17

When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. —John 16:13

 

Bible in a Year:
Exodus 29-30; Matthew 21:23-46

St. Nicholas Church in Galway, Ireland, has both a long history and an active present. It’s the oldest church in Ireland, and it provides guidance in a very practical way. The church towers over the town, and its steeple is used by ships’ captains as a guide for navigating their way safely into Galway Bay. For centuries, this church has reliably pointed the way home for sailors.

We can all certainly identify with the need for guidance. In fact, Jesus addressed this very need during His Upper Room Discourse. He said that after His departure the Holy Spirit would play a crucial role in the lives of believers. As part of that role, Jesus promised, “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

What a marvelous provision! In a world of confusion and fear, guidance is often needed. We can easily be misdirected by the culture around us or by the brokenness within us (1 John 2:15-17). God’s Spirit, however, is here to help, to direct, and to guide. How thankful we can be that the Spirit of truth has come to give us the guidance that we often so desperately need. Set your course by His life, and you will reach safe harbor.

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand. —Williams

The Spirit is a reliable guide in all of life’s seas.

 

Insight

 

Many Bible teachers consider the book of James to be the New Testament parallel to the Old Testament book of Proverbs. This is because James offers a significant amount of practical wisdom for day-to-day living. This includes wisdom on how to respond to trials, how to approach the Scriptures, and how to deal fairly with one another. It also addresses the challenge of controlling our speech, understanding God’s purposes, and enduring life’s difficult times. Very practical words for very practical life situations.