04.25.07 thequest UPdate

thequest family,

Last week, I drew out some of the "The Acts of the Holy Spirit" and challenged us to renewing our moment-by-moment relationship and obedience to our Savior and the Spirit.

I continued musing on how the "Branching Out" or the Vine and Branches picture in John 15 related to the Holy Spirit. The Father and Jesus are in the middle of Jesus' teaching. Remember, the Father is the Gardener and Jesus is the Vine & we are the branches. Where is the Spirit?

As you keep reading (or as Jesus kept talking that special last night with His followers) one can see the important place the Holy Spirit has:

"Now I am going away to the One who sent me...you grieve because of what I've told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate (Holy Spirit) won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you." John 16:5-7 NLT

The Holy Spirit is the critical part of the whole plan. The Father and Jesus had to do their work, but without the Holy Spirit we'd still be stuck. God Himself wouldn't actually live in us. God would still be the transcendent, all powerful one who defeated sin and death. But without the Spirit and His presence in our lives, God wouldn't be so close and intimate with us.

I'm wondering out loud with you if we take the Holy Spirit for granted and don't relate to Him as He desires. He is our Advocate. He is God with us. He is active and alive. He spoke to the primitive followers (examples in Acts 8:29; 10:19; 13:2; 21:11, etc.)

He still speaks, so the question is:
Am I listening and moving on what He says?

Press on,
Mike

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