Upper Room | Devotional

Upper Room | Devotional
11-06-10
The Right Moves

Read John 14:11-18

I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

-Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
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I like to play some very challenging games on my computer. Many of them give me hints about making my next move, guiding me to more advanced levels of play. Often, however, I allow my independent spirit to take over, and I ignore these hints, trying to master the game with my own moves. As a consequence, my progress is much slower — or I fail completely and have to start over. But when I take advantage of the built-in help features, I improve my skills and move on to more difficult challenges.


In a much more important way, in our spiritual life we are also meant to move to new levels. After his death, Jesus told his disciples that they would move on to incredible levels of responsibility. However, Jesus also assured them that if they asked, the Holy Spirit would help and guide them. When I am faced with obstacles in my daily Christian living, God also offers me the Holy Spirit to guide my moves.


By studying God's word, praying daily, and listening to the still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12, KJV) of the Spirit in my mind, heart, and will, I access the "help features" that God provides for us. When I choose to ask for help and obey God's commands, God will show me how to move to the next level of my Christian discipleship.

Joni Melnick (Pennsylvania, USA)


Loving Father, help us always to rely on you to show us the next step to follow your will. Amen.


God waits for us to ask for help — and then gives it.


Software engineers