Day 145: Loving Jesus

25 May, 2015

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Monday, May 25th, 2015
CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Samuel 7:1-8:18
John 14:15-31
Psalm 119:33-48
Proverbs 15:33
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1oydZbT

Commentary from Pastor Mike White:

I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. – Jn 14:18

Jesus exhorted His disciples to prove their love for Him by saying, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (Jn 14:15). But we are not expected to be obedient on our own. Jesus immediately promised His disciples that the Hoy Spirit – His Helper – would abide with them forever (Jn 14:16).

Jesus promised He would not leave His disciples powerless to fulfill His commands. He instructed them to wait in Jerusalem until they were filled with power from on high (Lk 24:49). Then, and only then, would they be able to fulfill His commandments. Then, and only then, would they be able to adequately demonstrate their love for Him!

Jesus is not after behavior modification; He is much more interested in heart change. When we try to change from the outside in, we will fail; but when we allow God’s Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out, we cannot help but succeed.

Do not try to do alone, what God has already given Himself to achieve. Rely on His Holy Spirit for everything.

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. – Rom 8:11

Prayer:

Father, I know Your Holy Spirit is my Helper, Comforter and Guide. Remind me to rely on Him for everything. When I need instruction, He is there. When I need encouragement, He is there. When I need anything, You are inside of me!