Welcome Holy Spirit 

John 14:15-31

The person of the Holy Spirit is such a mystery to the body of Christ. Unfortunately, the topic of the Holy Spirit has been a source of controversy. It is because most, if not all, of us have our own ideas filtered through the grid of our own experience and theological exposure. Let me simply say that we are probably all wrong.

In this portion of scripture, Jesus makes the disciples aware that His approaching departure from them will leave them with questions and concerns that cannot be answered apart from divine involvement and assistance.

With that it mind, Jesus begins to unpack for them the reality that a person of the Godhead will soon make His abode in each of their lives. John goes to great lengths in the 14th, 15th and 16th chapters of John to make all who will read his letter aware that the Holy Spirit is a person. Personal pronouns are used repeatedly to describe the Holy Spirit.

In this current culture, the leadership of this day, for the most part, has made the Gospel complicated. Hoop after hoop is set in front of the body of Christ for the believer to jump through. This is primarily due to the fact that men do not understand that God is not trying to fix us but rather transform us.

The person of the Holy Spirit and His daily ministry in our lives is not about improving how our flesh behaves. Rather, the Holy Spirit aids me in living a life that is crucified to the lusts and cravings of the flesh that would keep me from exalting Jesus and enjoying God. God is not trying to fix the old carnal, natural man, but instead to mature and grow up the new inner man of the Spirit.

The life of the believer was intended to be simple: (1) Love God (2) Love others (3) Listen to the Word (4) Live out the Word. This all sounds easy. However, it is impossible without the daily assistance of the Helper of the Holy Spirit who provides teaching, counseling, and advocacy for each step and breath of our daily journey - if we permit Him.

Remember, Jesus said that this Helper would bring all things that He has said to you to your remembrance. In other words, the only substance that the Holy Spirit works with is the Word. No word in your life. No work in your life.

So much more could be said, but this is a devotional, so let your life become a living devotion of honoring the Father, glorifying the Son and surrendering to the Holy Spirit. You will not always succeed in the eyes of man, but in the eyes of God amazing things will be occurring in your life.