“He will guide you into ALL truth.” Jn. 16:13
WWJD bracelets…remember these? The letters stand for “What would Jesus do?”, the question the bracelet wearer is supposed to ask himself as he navigates daily life, picturing Jesus standing next to him guiding his words and actions. Super cool, but what’s is cooler is what Jesus Himself says about working in our lives. In Jn. 16:7 Jesus says, “I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” Incredible! Jesus appears to be telling us that we are better off that He is no longer physically with us. What?
Jesus explains, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth….the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you ALL things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Jn. 14:16-17; 26
Ok, Ok, if we truly believe this, that the Spirit of the Living God is dwelling within us, then why by our words and actions do we deny His power? …When the rubber of our life meets the road of daily living, why do many of us appear to prefer a “magic pill” or an “easy out” answer to our situations and relational difficulties, opting for lip-service to God rather than seeking intimate relationship with God (thus denying His power within us)?
In our marriages, at our work place, with our kids, amidst an illness, and the like, what are we turning to for practical direction? What voice of influence are we listening to in the wee hours of night? Truth be told, if we’re honest with ourselves, all too often we’re attentively nursing the advice of our well meaning but foolish friends, society, Oprah, Phil, and self. ~~We want wisdom, power and direction, but we deny investing in a vibrant relationship with the One who gives it!
All significant relationships require diligent investment…why would one with God be different?
Our Lord continues, “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into ALL truth... He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is Mine and make it known to you…If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing… ” Jn. 16:13-15; 15:4-5.
Then Jesus gives us this promise: “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” Jn. 15:7
What are we waiting for?
This week we Clearys have been so blessed to host a man from Northern Nigeria, where the murder of Christian’s is an everyday occurrence. This man, his wife and 6 kids live in utter dependence on Jesus for their very breath each day. ~Friends and family sat around a bonfire, spellbound and in awe of God, as this man vividly recalled God supernaturally rescuing him and sparing his life from irate Muslim mobs intent on killing him on 2 different occasions recently. Praise You Jesus.
God, You are so real, so tangible for those who draw near to You. Forgive us Lord for our unbelief.
~Shaun and Betsy
