(John 16:13)
Developing teamwork is vital in conducting Kingdom business. In our analogy of a football team, the coach on the field assists in calling the plays, but his most important job is to communicate those plays to the quarterback. This coach is there to encourage and strengthen the team’s confidence. He never leaves the field until the game is over.
The Coach on the field for the Church, of course, is the Holy Spirit. He is the Head Coach on the playing field with us. He is always encouraging us when we get tired or hurt. He will be with us until the game is over.
When a player is discouraged with his performance, this coach begins to build up his confidence. He will tell that player that he is going to make it, that he can win the game. That is the Word of the Holy Spirit to us—we can make it, we can win, we are the Lord’s very best, and nothing is impossible to us with God on our side.
The Holy Spirit will only speak or call the plays that He hears from the Father. But when He hears them, He communicates those directions to the quarterback—or pastor or ministry leader—who in turn communicates to us, his teammates.
- Think of some examples of when you distinctly heard the voice of the Holy Spirit. How were you able to tell that it was His voice?
- Keep in mind, anything the Holy Spirit says will line up with God’s Word. He cannot speak contrary to it.
- The Holy Spirit is not an it. He is part of the divine Person of the Godhead and is capable of being grieved like a person. (Eph. 4:30.)
- Be aware that the Holy Spirit is with you, every single minute. Remember: He will never leave the playing field until the game is over.
- Below are some verses to study and meditate on. Be mindful of the Person of the Holy Spirit with you today.
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you” (John 16:7).
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16).
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isa. 30:21)
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for sending the Holy Spirit to communicate Your love, encouragement, and instruction to me, my other “teammates,” and the “quarterback” of our team. Every day, help us to recognize His voice and to distinguish it from all the other voices in the world. I pray that we will follow His voice and the voice of a stranger we will not follow—in our personal lives as well as in the ministry we serve. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.