John 14:15-17
If you love Me, keep My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.
Years ago I was listening to a sermon tape of Donald Grey Barnhouse. (Yes it was the old reel to reel type). For that time it was state-of-the-art.) He related that a lady in his church (Let’s call her Jane) was traveling to a conference with three other women. One of them mentioned that they were going to have drinks and asked Jane if she would like to join them.
Jane had recently committed her life to the Lord and was not living the same lifestyle she previously lived. In reply to their invitation she asked them to wait just a moment, then she prayed, “Holy Spirit do you want a slug of liquor?” Then to the woman who had invited her, she said, “The Holy Spirit and I say no.”
Wow! I am sure it became very quiet in that car as they continued their journey. As we read the last few words of today’s Scripture we find a truth that many times is overlooked; “He lives with you and will be in you.” Stop and ask where you have been or are now taking the Holy Spirit. If He was visible would you feel comfortable having Him there?
There is another aspect to this issue. Are we making the decisions about where we are going? Since the Holy Spirit lives within should we not seek His guidance in our life? It means surrender to self, but it will result in victory.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil