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Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Take Up Thy Cross"1 (Lyrics) |
John 16:12-15 – I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 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. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. (NIV)
At the beginning of anything that is new and unfamiliar, like a new community to live in, or a new job with more responsibility, one can feel sort of scared, wondering about what is to come next. It is helpful to know that Jesus' Spirit can guide us through when things are tough, helping us to cope with what is changing. Do you feel this fear of an unknown future? Be comforted, for in verse 13 of today's reading from John 16, Jesus tells us that the Spirit of truth will guide us into all the truth and disclose what is to come. However, we do need to commit each day into the guidance of Jesus' Spirit.
I find that my day goes much better when I commit it into the Lord's guidance early in the morning when I am praying following the day's devotional. Thus, I start the day with Jesus' Spirit, asking Him to be with me throughout the day, organizing everything that I need to do so that it all comes together with calm expectation. I can feel the Spirit of Jesus leading me through the day.
The Holy Spirit speaks only what He has first heard from the Lord. It is wonderful to have such a close Friend directing us through the day with divine truth. There is a lovely, calm feeling as everything works out: no worrying or fretting! It removes that hurtful feeling of loneliness and fear. We are not alone; Jesus' Spirit is with us. Lord, thank You for such a calming and encouraging input into our day.
Maybe what is yet to come for us is the great love of God filling your life and mine with joy. Come, walk with Him, and all will be well!
Prayer: Dear Lord, we often feel alone and unable to cope. Please fill our emptiness and fear with Your love, and help us to make room in our day to be aware of Your activity. In Jesus' loving Spirit, we pray. Amen.
daughter: "Update May 12, 2025: Please keep praying for my daughter. She needs the Lord in her life*** April..." 
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Amen Iris!
Comforting indeed Iris.
Thank you for your devotional today.
Thank you, Iris for your devotional this morning.
Thank you Iris for your thoughtful and timely devotional. Blessings.
Today’s devotional reminded me of the poem “I Met God” by Ralph Cushman.
Thanks, Iris, for your reassuring message…and reminder of the way to start our day!
Iris
What a cool comforting feeling to start the day. (Every day.) Thanks God.
Thank you Iris, that is a big help and hits home for me, I will work hard to remember what you and what the Bible are saying to me. and the Spirit!
Awesome. That is what I do to. Good direction no problems. The easier way is to trust your own heart — but that way your connection to the mighty power of God is weakened.
Dear Iris: Thanks for your perceptive prayer. God is so good to us daily and brings us through extremely hard experiences and lonely periods, in His own way and time.
Hello, Ms. Iris
Today God spoke to me through your today’s message. Just what I needed to hear. God bless you!
(Brazil)
God knew that I needed to hear this message TODAY! ! My work is having their planning meeting today and my portfolio is changing and I was so worried about it. Not now though – thanks for your devotion today and for writing what the Holy Spirit led you to write. God is in charge! Praise the Lord!
Iris, I so love your Devotionals. I must tell you that I save them, print them off, put them in a binder and often use them when I lead our morning Ladies Group. God truly gave you a gift which you use for his glory.
God Bless you and keep you.
Some days it all seems to come together to make the point clear.
Today’s devotional in These Days was entitiled “You are not alone”. We are definitely meant to know that God is with us.
Thanks for your devotional.
Hi Iris,
I am one of the regular readers of the PresbyCan Devotional, and I am always amazed although I shouldn’t be, by when I read a devotional that speaks directly into my particular situation. Thank you for your words today. I am moving from my family home of 20 years to a new community and I needed to hear God speak through you today. I am going to print this devotional and continue to read to keep me centered in God’s love and peace for me and my son. Blessings on your ministry.
Thank you Iris. I do appreciate your words.
HI Iris – Just a word to say thank you for your daily devotions on the PresbyCan Daily Devotionals. Your devotional spoke directly to me, and I want to say thank you for your continued faith in Christ and the encouragement your devotionals have given me.
Recently I noticed some unusual vision problems. Before seeing my ophthalmologist yesterday morning, I read the devotional, which I do each day, and was encouraged by your words. Apparently the sight problem is nothing serious and should correct itself.
I, too, need that close friend you spoke of, and that thought gave me some peace as I visited my specialist. I firmly believe the Lord has brought us through a couple of tough years, but it is good to have encouragement along the way. Thank you again, and please keep your devotionals coming.
Dear Iris,
Thank you for the devotional.
May God continually bless you in writing and in all ways.
Thank you so much Iris for this lesson. It is really a good one for everyone and especially one that I need to learn to do everyday. I am sure it will make my life better. God bless you. Keep on giving us such great lessons. I always enjoy yours.