Word#2

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. John 14:14-18, 26-27

When Jesus says we can ask for anything, we must remember that our asking must be in His name - that is, according to God's character and will. God cannot grant requests contrary to His nature, and we cannot use His name as a "magic formula" to fulfill our selfish desires. If we are sincerely following God and seeking to do His will, then our requests will be in line with what He wants, and He will grant them. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us to live as God wants and building Christ's church on earth today. By faith, we can appropriate the Spirit's power each day. Where does your faith lie today? I pray that it is in the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember, His love is a gift. You cannot earn it. You must receive it. There is nothing that you can do in this life to make God love you any more or any less than He already does. His love is unconditional. That is the essence of the Gospel. That is the Good news. Right where you are, in the midst of your trial, in the midst of your drama, He loves you. Accept His love today. Accept His power today. He can change you life if you let Him. In Jesus' Name, J.H.