6-4-2026

Good Morning!

      John 16:13; “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

    We just completed a family trip to Wisconsin Dells. Three vehicles leaving at different times from different places, what could go wrong? We all have GPS, maps on our phones and in our vehicles, and a hearty desire to get there. What could possibly happen? The first leg was to meet up in Rochester, Mn. and spend the night. Our first issue was we were given three different routes to Rochester, so we used the “shortest route.” We drove through portions of Minnesota that a wise driver wouldn’t but we had GPS so off we go. Vehicle #2 (oldest son and family with wife the navigator) was cruising along when suddenly, they are to travel down a gravel road, he is about to question this route when the navigator’s phone rings and it kicks the map off the screen. So, he continues on the gravel road, hoping no bean field is the next path (a different story) before she reconnects to the map. Safely back on track, they arrive in one piece. The next day, Vehicle #3 (youngest son, family, wife the navigator) had a commanding lead to get to our destination but was nowhere to be seen when we arrived. They entered the wrong address and went to a different part of the complex where we stayed.

    Fortunately, we have a guidance system that is far more reliable than even the best GPS; we have the Holy Spirit to guide us by reminding us of God’s blessings, promises and his wonderful words of grace.  He brings to mind all of God’s graciousness and steadfast love for us.  “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” “Cast all your anxieties on him for he cares for you” “Christ came into the world to save the world not condemn it” “Be still and know that I am God” these are but a few there are many more for you to hold onto at the various times of your life and the journey you are on.

    The challenge in our life is much like the GPS; do you trust it?  While the GPS has been known to lead us astray once in a while, God’s Spirit never has.  So, we need to trust in God’s grace for our life.  We need to always keep in mind that God’s desire is for you to live as his redeemed child.  God’s desire is to have you live with him in eternal joy.  We need to keep this in mind.  There may be some bumps along the way, there will be times when the path isn’t clearly visible to us but God is always there for us to protect us, to guide us, to heal us, to give us life. 

    Jesus came into this world to give you life.  He came to give you hope.  He returned to heaven to rule and to intercede on our behalf.  He promised that the Holy Spirit would come to guide us and to lead us home.  This is the promise that God makes to you.  Trust his Word to see you through.

Father, as we face the struggles of this life, we sometimes are lost.  You send your Spirit to guide and comfort us. Give us the strength to trust your Spirit when we feel lost and beaten.  Be with those who especially battling life’s challenges.  Give them the courage to rely on you, in the precious name of Jesus, our risen Savior, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret