Jesus said He would send the Comforter to “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8 KJV). How does reproving us for sin, righteousness, and judgment give us comfort? Of course, when we repent we have comfort, but that is only a remedy for the iniquity that had already occurred. What if the Holy Spirit was able also to prevent sin by guaranteeing our obedience; thus, fulfilling Christ’s words about the Comforter, but graciously giving more? “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?” (Luke 11:13). The OT prophets prophesied of such a gracious gift from Yahweh (Ezekiel 36:27; Micah 7:19). And, Paul wrote by inspiration, “It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). LORD, You are our help from ages past and our hope for years to come, teach us to value Your comfort and appreciate Your Spirit vouching our obedience that we may rejoice Your heart this day. Overcome the wicked one. Return quickly, Lord Jesus, and deliver us. In Your All Powerful Name, we pray. Amen.
Holy Spirit Secret of Our Success
Communion of the Holy Spirit
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen” (2Corinthians 13:14 KJV). We have much more to do with the Holy Spirit than we think. His presence is so pervasive, we tend to discount Him or not make legitimate attempt to account for His work in us. More likely, we think of His influence in more dramatic settings such as Pentecost. But, the Spirit has a small voice, too. To the degree anyone listens to His voice, they are in communion with Him. When someone ceases to commune with Him, then they grieve Him. “Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). Those who continue to the end are the elect of God. LORD, work in our hearts to not grieve Your Spirit. Teach us to treasure Your influence and keep away whatever makes You distant from us. Make us holy, for You are holy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Accentuate the Positive
Traffic slows on the freeway when there is an accident on the opposite side of the median strip — going the other direction! Why? Lookie-Lous [“Hey, look at that accident, Lou!”] even momentarily paying attention to someone else’s problem, cause snarled freeway traffic for a mile. Hard not to do it! News agencies say, “If it bleeds, it leads,” not just the tabloids next to the checkout aisles at the grocery store. The public views stories about sensationalism, and viewers attract advertising dollars readily. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2 KJV). Lofty sentiment, but it takes a True Believer to make it work. Our job is to set the example for the world to follow, not simply to follow the world. If no one listens, then that’s the Holy Spirit’s problem. Only God can work that in anyone. LORD, make us the “light of the world. A city that is set on an hill” (Matthew 5:14) to give Your Spirit the opportunity needed to bring people into a right relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, work that in us and them, we pray. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 