Seattle, October 28, 2005. (115)
THE SPIRIT AT WORK IN OUR LIVES. The Spirit as He works in our lives is always very practical. He has been sent to the church to lead and guide her into all truth. He is the Spirit of truth. As the beloved of the Lord we are the recipients of His might and power in our lives. He illuminates the Word to us that we might be built up, a spiritual house. The household of faith. He is also our teacher who directs our prayer life. Prayer is so vital for spiritual growth. Jude 20 When He prays, through the church it is praying in the will and purpose of the Lord. The words are not superfluous but filled with divine care and love for the church. The depths of this kind of prayer at times is misunderstood. Even by leaders who are spiritual, yet have never seen or experienced that prayer of travail. Paul explained it as being “with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Rom. 8:26-27 Paul travailed in the Spirit for the Galatians that they might know what it is to have Christ formed in them. His prayer had to have been very intense and with deep heart felt utterances. It was not a common prayer. Gal. 4:19.
THE LOVE OF A TRUE HEAVENLY FATHER. Of His love, there is not question. His very nature is love. He is the essence of all that love can be. It is not like natural love but embraces the whole of His character. In the statement of Jude, “keep yourself in the love of God,” there is a challenge. Jude 21. Maintaining a healthy spiritual life depends on us, individually. Every possible preparation has been made whereby our spiritual life is maintained at its highest point possible. It is accomplished by keeping the commandments of the Lord Jesus. Which is considered by Jesus as a sign of love for Him. This is the key to the love of the Father being directed toward those keeping His Word and His will. John 14:21.
MERCY WHICH EXTENDS TO ETERNAL LIFE. The Lord Jesus is the _expression of the mercy of our God to all. It is divine mercy and is as much greater than human nature as the sunshine is brighter than the darkness. Jude 21 Through the “tender mercies,” the moving of great compassion within the innermost being of man. His tender mercies exceed the combined mercies of all men. It was made known by the visitation of the “dayspring,” the breaking forth of a new day, the dawning of a new life, eternal life made available to all. Purchased and delivered by the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus. Luke 1:78 There is no other source of such abundant mercy.