DCLM DAILY MANNA - BEHOLD, THE COMFORTER

MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2017

BEHOLD, THE COMFORTER

-JOHN 16:1-11

KEY VERSE:

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you" (John 16:7).

As the end of the world approaches, believers in Christ shall experience untold tribulation. However, we have the promise of the Comforter, the Holy Ghost Who is our Helper, Comforter and Strengthener in these perilous times. The Lord Jesus Christ has forewarned us about the dangers and hostilities of these end times so that we can prepare our minds to keep our faith unto the end. The main reason He has revealed this to us is so "that ye should not be offended" (John 16:1) or be made to stumble in the faith. There are several lessons we can learn from our text. One, we are forewarned about the hostility of the ungodly people both within religious circles and the non-religious. Two, the need to prepare one’s mind against persecution. The Scriptures affirm that "…all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). Three, the strength of the Holy Ghost in one’s life. This is why the Lord said it is "expedient" for Him to depart this world so that He can send the Holy Ghost unto us. The Holy Ghost has been sent since the beginning, from the time of the apostles in Acts chapter two. Moreover, the need for every believer to recognize, desire and possess the Comforter in His fullness is reiterated in our text. He has a lot to do in one’s life and ministry as a Christian. The Holy Ghost searches all hearts (John 16:8-11; 1 Corinthians 2:10,11); convicts of sin (John 16:7-11) regenerates (Titus 3:5); bears witness with us (Romans 8:16); adopts into God’s family (Romans 8:15,16). He is the one who can help and grant victory during temptations. He strengthens and helps us to pray as we ought. He quickens and helps our body. He comforts and counsels the believer. He leads and guides the believer to do God’s will and work. He empowers, illuminates, inspires and reveals the deep things of God to the believer. No believer can be all that God intends he/she to be or do all that the Lord has appointed for him or her to accomplish in this world without the Holy Ghost. Therefore, consecrate your life to God. Be sanctified by faith in Christ Jesus and press forward to having the glorious experience of the baptism of Holy Ghost.

Thought for the day: It is best to be filled with the Spirit than be full of wine.

Bible Reading in one Year: ROMANS 10 - 12