Devotional - March 19, 2004

One of the most profound, yet simple mysteries ever revealed is the doctrine of the Trinity: God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. All three are one, yet separate; distinct, but the same; separate ministries but the same purpose. All three were present before the universe was created, and all three will be there after its over. We call it the Trinity, because it means "Three in one."

We learn everything we need to know about the Father , Son and Holy Spirit from Scripture. But, somepeople question this doctrine because the word "trinity" is never mentioned in the Bible. I'm sorry, but that's not a good argument for numerous words are not mentioned Scripture and that doesn't mean they're not real! In addition, these doubters may suggest that the three entities never appear together as distinct characters in the Bible. Wrong!

Look at Luke 3:21-22. Jesus was in the water praying when the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form while God, the Father spoke from heaven saying, "This is my Son." All three persons of the Trinity appeared together and separately, proving they are distinct but work together.

There's more to this example than merely correcting a misconception. For example, look at what Jesus was doing when the Father spoke and the Holy Spirit moved on Him. He was praying. Now I don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill here, but could it be that prayer often sets in motion God's action of our behalf?

Today, many people need God to show them He is there. The good news is the Holy Spirit dwells in our heart for just that purpose. But in addition, God desires that we dwell in him through prayer. It's called practicing the presence of God and it begins when we approach God in prayer.

Today, why not pray like Jesus. Pray to the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit in the authority of His Name.