Lately, some of my favorite passages of scripture have been John 14-17. Sometimes, my hunger for the Lord is overwhelming. I wake up some days and immediately, I am faced with the realization that this earth is not where I belong. I was made for another place. The book of Hebrews talks about being "aliens and strangers in this world" (Heb 11)--well, many times I truly feel that way. When this hunger for the Lord becomes nearly unbearable, I open up to John 14--gripping the pages like someone on their deathbed holding onto one final hope of a cure.
In John 14, Jesus talks about the promised Hope--the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth that will teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance. It is that indwelling spirit that is the down-payment of what is to come. Not only that, but He is God, who has made His dwelling in us.
When Jesus came, He made His dwelling among us, but even He said to his disciples that is was better for them if He went away, because the Holy Spirit would come and live IN US. What a promise!
My only consolation for not standing face to face with God in His heavenly throne room is to be in constant communication with the Holy Spirit. John 15 goes unto to talk about abiding in the spirit. This isn't just something to make us feel better--it is essential! The branches that do not remain in the vine will be cut off and thrown into the fire.
Abiding in the spirit is the only way we can have The Life (Jesus) living in us, keeping us from losing hope or trying to find satisfaction in other pleasures. It is only through constant communication with the spirit that we will be able to bear the distance between us and God, because it is through His indwelling Spirit that He has become immanant to us (made Himself known to us).
This week, meditate on the scriptures about the Holy Spirit from John 14-16. Each day, try to stop at least 5 times during the day and just acknowledge the presence of God inside you. Speak to Holy Spirit and talk to Him as a person. Speak to Him as though Jesus were standing in the room right in front of you looking you in the face. It doesn't have to be long, one to two minutes is fine. You will find that after a week of doing this five times a day, you will have an increased awareness of His presence throughout the day in whatever activity you are doing.
Lord, I ask that You will come and reveal Yourself to us even more. Show us who You are and teach us Your ways. We can't understand anything without You. Help us, God. Oh, how we love You!
Bless you all,
Amanda
Copyright © 2010, Amanda Rich, All Rights Reserved
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