“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 the 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 glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
—John 16:12-15

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Led by the Spirit
By Jennifer Kane

I hear the whispers in the air—
A thousand voices everywhere,
Each claiming truth, each drawing near,
With passion bold or subtle fear.

They speak of power, self, and light,
Of hidden truths and second sight,
But though they boast and charm the soul,
They wander far from Heaven’s goal.

Yet in the hush, a gentle tone,
Like silver wind through branches blown,
Not loud nor proud, but soft and still—
It calls me upward, bends my will.

It does not flatter, twist, or spin,
Nor seek applause or thrill of sin.
It shines—ethereal, pure, and wise—
A lamp of grace before my eyes.

It whispers not of self-made peace,
But of a cross and soul’s release.
It points to Jesus, scarred yet crowned,
To truth where mercy’s depths are found.

It never strays from holy page,
Nor contradicts the ancient sage.
Its every word aligns with grace,
With righteousness and love’s embrace.

So though the winds may howl and call,
And shadows rise, and false lights fall,
I walk the path, though rough or steep,
Led by the Shepherd who will keep.

His Spirit lights the way ahead—
To living streams and broken bread.
No other voice can guide so true:
The one that glorifies not me—but You.

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Scripture: John 16:12-15

Our world is overflowing with spiritual voices, experiences, dreams, and supposed revelations, so it is critical that we test the spirits. Not every spiritual leading is from the Holy Spirit of God. Jesus made it unmistakably clear: The Spirit of Truth will glorify Him. The Holy Spirit always points back to Jesus—His life, death, resurrection, and reign.

Jesus, knowing the disciples were not ready to receive all He had to say, promised that the Holy Spirit would come and guide them “into all truth.” This wasn’t vague mysticism—it was about the truth of who Jesus is, what He has done, and what that means for salvation. The Spirit’s role is to reveal and glorify Jesus, not draw attention to Himself or to novel doctrines beyond Christ.

Today, there are many who claim to be Spirit-led but drift from the gospel, from the Scriptures, or from the Person of Jesus. We must beware. If what we’re being “led to” doesn’t point us more deeply to Jesus Christ—His words, His ways, His cross, and His glory—it is not the Holy Spirit leading us.

God’s Spirit never contradicts Scripture. The apostles—through whom the Spirit completed God’s Word—were given the truth Jesus couldn’t yet reveal, not because it was another truth, but because it was a fuller unveiling of the same truth: Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Are you following a spirit? Test it. Does it glorify Christ? Does it align with the Word of God? Does it magnify Jesus or sideline Him? The Holy Spirit never points away from Jesus—He exalts Him. If your spiritual journey doesn’t center on Christ, it’s time to turn back and realign.

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Lord Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth—Your truth. Help me to discern the voice of Your Spirit from the many voices around me. May I never follow a spirit that doesn’t glorify You. Keep me grounded in Your Word and led by Your truth. Amen.

May 17 2025