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Jesus In Me By Anne Graham Lotz

Day 2 of 7:

Enjoying the Presence of the Holy Spirit

I grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina. Most of my memories are filled with warmth, love, and fun that included hiking with my family to the ridge behind the house, enjoying Chinese meals complete with chopsticks, and playing Bible games with my grandparents.

One thing I don’t remember is being taught about the Holy Spirit, even though Jesus was central to my family.

It was not until years later when I was teaching a weekly Bible class that I learned the amazing truth of who the Holy Spirit is. I was twenty-nine years old and doing my best to convey insights into the gospel of John for the five hundred women who sat before me each Wednesday. In hindsight, I was like the blind leading the blind. 

One week I was cramming as usual in preparation to teach John 14 to my class. And there it was! Several thoughts came to me in quick succession as I read John 14:16–17…

…That the Spirit was another counselor.

…That the Spirit was a distinct person from Jesus but just like Him.

…That the Spirit would come from the Father.

…That the Spirit was with the disciples at that time but would be in them at a future time.

The Spirit would be “another” counselor. So who was the first counselor, who would make the Spirit another one? Jesus! The Spirit would be exactly like Jesus yet another distinct person. He would come down from God. Even as Jesus had come down from God in human form, the Spirit would come down from God in spirit form. Jesus clearly identified the Counselor as the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). The disciples already knew Him because Jesus was filled with the Spirit. They were with Jesus; therefore, they were already with the Spirit. But Jesus was announcing that a day would come when they would no longer be with the Spirit because the Spirit would be sent to indwell them.

What an amazing, wonderful discovery that still thrills me! It is more than worthwhile to give the Holy Spirit our attention so we can get to know Him, love Him, and enjoy the presence of the One who is Jesus in me—and in you.

How does it change your view of the day or week ahead to know that Jesus is in  you?

John 14:16-17 King James Version

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Jesus In Me by Ann Graham Lotz

Day 1 of 7:

Loving the Person of the Holy Spirit

I’ve heard the Holy Spirit spoken of as an “it,” a feeling, a dove, a flame, a ghost, an emotion, or even an ecstatic experience. He is frequently referred to as the third person of the Trinity, as though He is a postscript to the more significant Father and Son. All of which is inaccurate. 

While the Holy Spirit may be symbolized by a dove or flame, while His presence may be accompanied by an emotion or feeling or ecstatic experience, He Himself is distinctly separate from those things. The Holy Spirit is not a thing but a person. So at the outset of our exploration of who the Holy Spirit is, we need to be clear that we are not speaking of an “it.” We are speaking of a “He.” He is a living person. He is referred to as the third person of the Trinity not because He is the least but because He is the third person to be more fully revealed in Scripture. 

In the Old Testament, although the Holy Spirit and God the Son—the living Word who became Jesus in the flesh—are present, it is God the Father who is primarily revealed. In the Gospels, while the Father and the Holy Spirit are certainly present, it is God the Son who is primarily revealed. Beginning with Acts and the epistles, although God the Father and God the Son are also present, it is primarily God the Holy Spirit who is revealed. 

If the Holy Spirit is a person with an intellect, will, and emotions, what is He really like? What is His personality? What are His responsibilities? Are you intrigued by this mysterious person? I know I have been and still am. 

One of my deepest, richest joys has been discovering who the Holy Spirit is in every step of my life’s journey. What a delight to see how each name that He has been given in Scripture—Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, and Standby—shows us more of His character. Experiencing the reality and power of the Holy Spirit has provoked in me a deep love for the One who is always present…Jesus in me. 

As you read the names of the Holy Spirit, what name catches your attention as Someone you especially want to turn to in your life today? Why do you think that is?

1 Peter 1:8 King James Version

8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: