The Holy Spirit Enlightens Us

A Word of Truth #162  

By nature, we are all spiritually in the dark. We can’t know God, we can’t find salvation, and we don’t see God’s gifts. When the Holy Spirit brings us to faith He turns the “light on.”

The Holy Spirit enables us to know our Savior, love Him, and trust Him. The Holy Spirit enlightens us to see and experience the spiritual peace that comes from knowing that our sins are forgiven and that we are “right” with God. Paul says that the “peace of God surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) because it is unknowable and inconceivable without the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.

Confidence in this life, comfort in every trouble, and the certain hope of eternal life are other gifts that we also see because the Holy Spirit enlightens us.

Though we have been enlightened by the Holy Spirit, we still carry much darkness in our lives. So our prayer may always remain: “Lord Jesus, Light of the World, send the Holy Spirit and shine on me!” {WCE}

What is a Good Work in God’s Eyes?

A Word of Truth #163  

What is a good work? Most people would agree that a good work is anything that helps someone. But what if that good work is done for a selfish reason or with an ill-motive? Is it still good? Some people might say, “yes,” but God would say “no.” In fact, God informs us in His Word, the Bible, that for any work to be good in His eyes, it must flow from faith in Him and be motivated by love for Him.

The writer to the Hebrews states, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (11:6). Jesus adds, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15) and “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The works we do out of faith in God, in accordance with His will, and motivated by Christ’s love are truly good in God’s eyes.