WATCHWORD:
15-17 “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you! John 14:15-17 The Message
I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. 2 Corinthians 6:16
Meditation:
The Spirit of Truth
Historic fact: In 1842 there were approximately 25 worshipers in the vast and beautiful St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. In 1843, one year later, they were forced to add chairs in the outer lobby to accommodate all who came to worship. The difference? The book, A Christmas Carol, was published weeks before Christmas and was a best seller. Apparently, the story touched the hearts of the readers.
What was it that reading a simple book made such a change? I think the visitations of the ghosts of Christmas past and especially the ghost of Christmas yet to come touched their conscience. They did not like the prophecy that they read into the storyline.
What is there about ghosts and spirits that cause us anxiety? How often during our growing up years did we hear ghost stories and spirits entertaining us in a variety of ways, maybe at night, around a campfire. We learned about angels when we attended Sunday School classes at church. Did they seem to be mysterious, ever-present. Did that bother you when you were young?
Jesus gave us a comforter, a presence in His absence. Do we take that seriously? Do we take that as a matter of fact, spiritual fact?
For the disciples in His day, this was coming from the Master who had been walking with them for the past three years. They resisted His leaving and pleaded with Him to stay. But He responds by telling them that God the father will provide another Friend, another Comforter, another Helper to be with them. Still they resisted to the point where Jesus would tell his followers “Do not let your hearts be troubled”.
Are we still resisting? Are we denying the presence of the Holy Spirit within us? Do we find it difficult to tell others about what the Holy Spirit has told you, or moved you, or inspired you? This is where your faith takes on true meaning. It’s the important hard part of being a Believer. What is most important to you? Faith or fame? To reflect His Word, and share it, or keep it to yourself? Think on that.
Prayer to Strengthen Our Walk:
Heavenly father, I confess my need for a deeper faith in You. Strengthen my belief in Your promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Increase my faith to move mountains, and let doubt have no place in my heart. Help me trust You and Your timing and plan, knowing that Your ways are higher than mine. I desire a faith that can withstand the trials of life and emerge stronger. Grant me a bold Spirit to speak and share the graces that you have graciously given me. Thank you for being a faithful God, and may my faith in You deepen with every step of my journey. Amen.
