The Redeemed Become the Redeeming
Her touch on life used to be destructive. Now, under the rising sun of His Spirit, every rooftop she touches blooms with light.
Inspired by In Christ by E. Stanley Jones
Photo Credit: Unsplash
In today’s entry from In Christ, E. Stanley Jones draws our attention to the intimacy and dynamism of mutual abiding with the Holy Spirit. He reflects on Jesus’ promise in John 14:16–17 that the Spirit would not only be in us but also withus—our Paraclete, the One called alongside to counsel, guide, and energize. Jones unpacks the meaning of the Spirit as both “Counselor” and “Comforter”—not just offering direction, but supplying vitality, strength, and creative power through His indwelling presence.
Through the story of a once-despairing woman transformed into a radiant vessel of grace and creativity, Jones illustrates how the indwelling Spirit doesn’t merely correct us or tame us—He empowers and redefines us. We are not dissolved into the divine, but infused with it. His strength becomes our strength, His creativity flows through our humanity. Our destructive patterns give way to constructive living. The redeemed, in the hands of God, become instruments of redemption to others.
Personalized Journal Entry
In the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am the One who was sent by the Son, promised by the Father, to dwell in you and with you. You are not alone. I am your Counselor—called alongside you in every moment, every decision, every breath. I guide you into truth, not just with words, but with presence. My wisdom becomes your insight, and My purity radiates through your thoughts and actions. I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Your past no longer defines you. Where despair once choked your joy, I now breathe life. The old has passed away; behold, all things have become new. You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord—walk as a child of light. My creativity stirs within you. What once fell to ruin under your hands now flourishes by My touch through you. Your story of redemption is not for you alone—it is a spark meant to ignite hope in others. You are My workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which I prepared beforehand, that you should walk in them.
Remain at His feet, but do not slump in shame. Stand tall in grace. I am conforming you into the image of the Son from glory to glory. The very power that raised Him from the dead is at work in you. Let Me live through you—your life is now hidden with Christ in Me. You are being created anew, and through you, I am creating.
(John 14:16–17; Romans 8:15; 2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 5:8; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:11)
Prayer
Father, I rest in the reality that You have not left me to navigate this life alone. Your Spirit lives in me and walks beside me, imparting Your life as mine. I trust the One who abides within to express Your wisdom, Your creativity, and Your love through me today. You’ve made me a new creation—free, radiant, and fruitful—not because of my striving, but because of Your grace. I receive that grace afresh this morning, confident that Your Spirit is shaping me into one who redeems the broken around me—not by my power, but by Your presence. Thank You for the miracle of mutual abiding.