DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
OCTOBER 8, 2026
READ: John 16 (Focus vs. 5-15)
MEMORY VERSE
When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin. John 16:8
BACKGROUND
When Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest, ran a small Bible college, he learned that a couple who worked there was stealing supplies.
Although at times it’s right to address wrongdoing, Oswald decided in this instance not to confront them, instead asking God to bring the matter to their hearts and minds.
After several weeks, they came clean, expressing regret. “I’ve known about it all along,” Oswald said, “but we wanted to wait until God’s Spirit spoke to you.” Moved and astonished, the couple surrendered their lives to Jesus.
God’s Spirit at work is what Jesus promised His friends before He died: “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).
The disciples grieved at the thought of Jesus going away, but He reassured them that this was for their good. Then “the Advocate,” God’s Holy Spirit, would come to them (v. 7).
Through the Spirit, God convicts people of their sin: “He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment” (v. 8). He also guides people “into all the truth” (v. 13).
The Spirit continues His work today so we too might not “fall away” (v. 1) but rather enjoy life eternal. God gives us the Advocate to convict us when we’re wrong, comfort us when we’re sad, and lead us to worship God.
Amy Boucher Pye
INSIGHT
As Jesus was about to return to His Father (John 16:5), He comforted His disciples and promised to send them the Holy Spirit, “the Advocate” (v. 7). When the Spirit came, He would “guide [them] into all the truth” (v. 13).
Believers in Christ receive the Spirit when they trust in Him for salvation (Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:13).
We can rely on the Spirit’s guidance in our day-to-day lives to convict us of sin and remind us of the truth (John 14:26; 15:26). As He did with the disciples, the Spirit will provide the words we need to honor Christ in difficult circumstances (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:11-12).
We can ask God to give us a responsive heart to respond to the nudging of the Spirit.
Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
How have you experienced the prompting of the Holy Spirit? How do you see the Spirit at work in your life?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“The Spirit continues His work today so we too might not “fall away” … but rather enjoy life eternal. God gives us the Advocate to convict us when we’re wrong, comfort us when we’re sad, and lead us to worship God.” Amy Boucher Pye
PR’s TAKE
“Without the Holy Spirit, God (seems) far away…With the Holy Spirit, the Gospel is the power of life.” St. Athanasius
“We can rely on the Spirit’s guidance in our day-to-day lives to convict us of sin and remind us of the truth…provide the words we need to honor Christ in difficult circumstances …We can ask God to give us a responsive heart to respond to the nudging of the Spirit.” Alyson Kieda – Adapted
“…In the busyness of life, it is easy to forget that the same Spirit who descended on the Apostles is also dwelling in you – ready to guide, strengthen and sanctify your everyday life.
PRAYER
“Faithful God, please help me to have a tender heart, that I might respond to Your Spirit’s nudges of grace.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“COME THOU HOLY SPIRIT COME”
Come, thou Holy Spirit, come,
And from Thy celestial home
Shed a ray of light divine;
Come, Thou Father of the poor,
Come, Thou source of all our store,
Come, within our hearts to shine.
Thou of comforters the best,
Thou the soul’s most welcome guest,
Sweet refreshment here below;
In our labour rest most sweet,
Grateful coolness in the heat,
Solace in the midst of woe.
O most blessèd Light divine,
Shine within these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill;
Where Thou art not, man hath naught,
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds; our strength renew;
On our dryness pour Thy dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away;
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
On the faithful, who adore
And confess Thee, evermore
in Thy sevenfold gifts descend:
Give them virtue’s sure reward,
Give them Thy salvation, Lord,
Give them joys that never end.
