A Divine Present
John 16:13-14
The Spirit-filled life is a life lived under the control of the Holy Spirit. It begins when we submit ourselves to the Lord. This involves a deliberate yielding of all we are and all we have to Him – our work, families, finances, and ministry. (Matthew 16:24) Such submission does not occur automatically at salvation; it is a choice we make. God expects us to surrender our old, self-centered ways and live as His child under the Spirit’s control. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We can confidently let go of our old ways because of who the Holy Spirit is. Jesus called Him “the Spirit of truth” who speaks only what He hears from God and who seeks to bring glory to our Savior. (John 16:13-14) He can be fully trusted.
Today many people talk about “getting more of the Spirit.” By that, they mean acquiring spiritual gifts, divine power, or visible manifestations. But God prefers that we ask ourselves, “How much of me is under the command of God’s Spirit?” The more we submit to His control, the deeper will be our intimacy with God and the greater our transformation into Christlikeness. As He shapes us, we will also become more productive and fruitful. That is quite a present – a divine person to live within us and to transform us into who God wants us to be.
The Holy Spirit is a gift that never wears out or becomes obsolete. His counsel is perfect for every situation. His presence fulfills Jesus’ promise to never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) Thank God today for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit!
Daily Devotions with Dr. Charles Stanlley, InTouch Ministries