Thanksgiving week 3

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Scripture: John 16:12-14 (NIV)
12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all 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. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.

Meditation:
            Today I want to give thanks for the Holy Spirit. This is the Spirit that enters into us confirming to us our salvation. The Holy Spirit is responsible for bringing into being the church as we read in Acts chapter two:(NRSV) “2 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” We give thanks that the Holy Spirit helped to create and helps to sustain the church.
            Another reason we are thankful for the Holy Spirit is that the Spirit is agent that inspired the writers of the Bible. Without overriding the authors personalities the Holy Spirit guided the writers of scripture so that we can know that: 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NRSV) “16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” The Holy Spirit is the seal of authority on the Bible. So we give God thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit in the writing of our Bible.
            We also give thanks for the Holy Spirit because the Spirit lives in us and convicts us of sin. 2 Timothy 1:13–14 (NRSV) “13 Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.”
            Let us give thanks then for God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our God is a God of endless love and mercy. Through the love and grace with which God loves us we are to love others who do not know that love, so that thanksgiving may increase more and more.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit we thank you that you are so intimately involved in our lives. It is you that makes us aware of our sin, but also brings the comfort of forgiveness. Thank you for being with us each and every day of our lives. Revive us again right now we ask. That under your power we may reach each one who needs to know you. Amen.

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