We are told today that Jesus has not left us orphaned. He is with us. He has given us Himself through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He has given us an advocate and a comforter. We are never alone. If we are Christian, we have the Spirit because we can only be Christian through the Spirit. Today, let’s not pray for God’s presence because we know He is with us. Let’s pray for an awareness of that presence.

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Good morning! I’m glad we’re diving into John 14 together on this Thursday. Today, we’ll explore verses 15-31, where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, an ever-present Advocate for believers. He tells His disciples, “If you love me, keep my commands,” and assures them that He will send the Spirit of Truth to be with them forever. Unlike the world, which neither sees nor knows the Spirit, believers will know Him because He dwells within them.

Jesus comforts His disciples, saying, “I will not leave you as orphans.” Although He’s leaving physically, He reassures them that through the Spirit, they will continue to live in His presence. This promise brings a deep sense of peace, as Jesus declares, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Reflecting on the Spirit as our Comforter, I recall a humorous story from my professor. A student once misspelled “guilt” as “quilt,” writing, “Christ came to take away our quilt.” The professor’s note on the paper read, “That’s alright; He came to bring us a Comforter.” The Holy Spirit is indeed our Comforter, guiding us and filling our lives with God’s peace.

Remember, God doesn’t abandon us. Just as a child might feel lost in a store, only to be found by a loving parent, so too, God’s Spirit continually finds and holds us. Even in moments when we feel disconnected, God is with us. He’s not only beside us; He is within us.

Through the Holy Spirit, God dwells in us and remains ever-present. My prayer isn’t for God to come nearer—He’s always with us. Rather, I pray that we may feel His presence and be deeply aware of it, finding comfort, peace, and courage in every moment. May you experience that peace today and know you are never alone.

Thanks for being with us, and I look forward to exploring John 15 together tomorrow. Have a blessed day!