READ JOHN 14:23-31
“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. (V.26)
The Lieutenant was adamant, when our detective section caught a homicide, that everyone would be called into work. The first 48 hours were critical in determining the outcome of the investigation. The quicker we identified the suspect and made the arrest the safer the community. A swift response reduced the chances for the suspect to cover their tracks or flee the area; increased our chances for recovery of crucial forensic evidence; reduced crime scene contamination and enhanced our ability to locate key witnesses and obtain accurate statements. So, it was “all hands-on deck” from the primary investigator to the unit secretary. The Eight O’clock coffee flowed like water from a cooler in stomach irritating strength but necessary to keep sleep deprived bodies active and operating at peak efficiency. Despite an arrest in the “First 48,” exhaustive work still remained to ensure the case was solid and in compliance with all the laws and procedures of the criminal justice system.
Thinking of the “First 48,” I am reminded of New Year’s Eve and Day when we hurriedly prepare for parties to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. We rush to make resolutions to improve the quality of our lives as we flip the calendar. Great idea! Good intentions! Time to clean up some of the things we need to finish from the previous year and set new parameters and goals for the coming year. But do you involve the living Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, in your new design for living?
Renowned Christian Author, Stormie Omartian, was given the following advice by her Pastor Jack Hayford, “Don’t let where you are become a prophecy of where you are going to stay!” It reminds us that we have good intentions but lack the heart felt desire and discipline to carry them through to fruition. This becomes the case when we fail to include the Holy Spirit in our planning process. Involving the Spirit requires that we take our time to examine our plans in the context of God’s word. Thus, we submit to the Spirit’s leading to make the foundational life transformative changes that will bring us true and lasting satisfaction, joy and peace.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Life, like homicide investigations, can come at you with unrelenting speed and demands. However, there is a time when we need to purposely slow things down, focus on God’s word and heed the advice and leadership of the Holy Spirit. Then you will make New Year’s resolutions that will keep you on God’s chosen course for your life.
Dear God, open my heart to the leading of your word and the voice of the Holy Spirit.