"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." John 14:16-17 KJVThis morning I was really struck by these words. Our "Comforter" is the "Spirit of truth" which the world cannot receive because it doesn't see or know him, but he dwells in us. Most of my life I've valued honesty and marveled at the way so many of those around me played fast and loose with the truth. In fact, in the world sometimes you're seen as naive and foolish if you DON'T do things like cheat on your taxes. Nevertheless, sometimes I've caught myself "stretching the truth" or being tempted to do so. Never before have I been so struck with the value of honesty as when I read this verse. The Spirit of Truth is to be my COMFORT!
Pilate's question to Jesus comes to mind (John 8:38): "What is truth?" And it strikes me that if I don't always find the truth comfortable and comforting, perhaps I've not seen the real truth. I think back to yesterday's blog about Lazarus and Jesus' words that the end result was not death. That was the REAL truth, though what APPEARED to be true was that Lazarus died!
Jesus words come back to me, "Let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me." How often do my troubles and challenges in life come because I let my heart be troubled instead of believing? How often do I forget that God has promised "ALL things work together for good"? When I see what appears to be death or illness in my life, whether literal or figurative, do I believe in that "death" or do I believe in the eternal life I've been promised? And if I'm having trouble believing in God's goodness in the midst of my current surroundings, what can I do about it?
It strikes me that the most important thing is faith. Do I believe in the power of Jesus' prayers? He said HE was going to pray that the Comforter be sent to me! Surely HIS prayers have been answered!
Another verse comes to mind, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death." 1 John 3:14 NIV Do I love those around me? Some of them are challenging to love! Their behavior makes me uncomfortable. Am I willing to remember the truth that they are God's children, and love them, no matter how they appear? According to this verse, this is the training I need to ensure that I do not "remain in death" (focused on those things that appear negative in my life and believing them to be real). Allowing God to fill me with His love allows me to begin to see as He sees and to accept the truth of eternal life in my own experience.
Father, once again I cry with that Father that came to Jesus, "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief." Thank you for the promise of the Spirit of truth in my life, and may I accept that spirit fully. Thank you, Father, for your love and care! Thank you for your many gifts! May your love so fill me that I see all of life through YOUR eyes. Thank you, Father! May Your will be done in my life this day. Father, you know the challenges I face today. Please give me the vision to see the TRUTH. May the Spirit of Truth guide my thoughts and actions this day, I pray! I look forward to seeing mighty miracles as you "raise the dead" in my life this day! Thank you, my Father!
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This blog is simply a sharing of my "daily bread" - my daily walk with God. If something I've said has touched your heart, or sparked a new thought, I'd love to hear from you.