Sunday, February 1, 2026

Knowing the warning signs and antidotes of drifting gives us clarity, but clarity alone won't prevent us from drifting. The hardest moments are often the small, everyday ones, like when we're tired, triggered, or caught off guard.

In those moments, we still have a choice. Guilt, anger, greed, jealousy, or pride can quietly rise in us, and even when we know what's right, we don't always choose it.

That's simply part of being human.

In Luke 9, we see this play out with the disciples. When a Samaritan town rejects Jesus - James and John respond with anger and offense.

Luke 9:54
When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?”

This might be why Jesus nicknamed these two the “Sons of Thunder.” Feeling disrespected and justified in their anger, James and John were ready to bring it! And though we don't know from Scripture the words Jesus used, he immediately rebuked them (Luke 9:55-56). He didn't fuel their anger - he corrected it, and they moved on.

While it would be incredible to have Jesus physically beside us, telling us what to do in every situation - before our hearts lead our actions toward a drift - he didn't leave us on our own.

He sent the Holy Spirit! And when we accept Jesus into our lives, God's presence is with us always: our guard and our guide.

As we look ahead this week, we will examine how the Holy Spirit speaks to us and helps us navigate the direction of our hearts.

Ephesians 1:13
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.

Discussion Questions:

Ice Breaker: Think about a time when you received directions or guidance (GPS, tour guide, coach, mentor). What happened when you followed the guidance? Can you remember a time when you didn't?

In what ways does sharing our journey with others who are also on an adventure with Jesus help us discern his voice more clearly?

Read John 16:13–15: What stands out to you about how Jesus describes the Holy Spirit in this passage?

Where do you feel most prone to drifting right now - spiritually, emotionally, or relationally?

Reflect and Respond: In your own words, what does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be both our guide and our guard? How have you seen the Holy Spirit prompt, correct, guide, or guard you in the past?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing me with your Holy Spirit as my guard and my guide. Thank you for the nudges and the connection through Scripture and others that offer me ways to hear your voice over the noise of this world and the reactions of my sinful heart. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Hebrews 2:1
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.