“And I will pray the Father and He will give you another Helper that He may abide with you forever --- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him, but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

Beloveds of God, life is filled with so many challenges that bring us to the edge of our own limitations; Challenges that sometimes cause us to want to throw up our arms and give up. But something within urges us to keep fighting through pain, sorrow, and defeat. That voice within assures us of the victories to come.

Jesus knew that we would come against opposition and challenge. Repeatedly, He promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit. “Remember now,” He said to His disciples, “I will not leave you alone! I will not desert you or forsake you. I will not leave you desolate. I will be with you always, even to the end of the world. If you will put your faith in me and trust in me, come what may, I will be there for you. You will be clothed with power from on high. The Holy Spirit will come to you. The Holy Spirit will be your strength. The Holy Spirit will do great things for you and through you. The Holy Spirit will see you through.” (John 14:15-17 adapted).

That great promise should excite, thrill, and encourage you! The promised presence and power of the Holy Spirit should quicken your spiritual pulse! My brothers and my sisters these are the promises that stir my spirit and soul! These are the promises that fuel my passions! These are the promises of God that inspire me to go on to see what the end is going to be!

If you are going through something now, let me encourage you with the promises of God: (1.) God promises to be with us through the Holy Spirit to give us comfort. (2.) God promises to be with us through the Holy Spirit to give us courage.  (3.) God promises to give us a commission --- a special job to be His witness. Will you accept the Lord’s promises? For we all can witness to the fact that God keeps His promises. Be encouraged this week and STAND ON THE PROMISES OF GOD.

Please note that the Shepherd's Voice is moving to a bi-weekly publication. The next installment will be posted on August 31, 2020.