Day #17

Ready for Ephesians, round three today. No set question to frame the readings around yet, just trying to listen to what jumps out.

"Having believed, you were sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise..." Eph 1:13

The word sealed caught my eye. Words that come to mind are : bond, locked, key, sacred, royal, power, to name a few.

In ancient China, the seal of the emperor was a very powerful object - it represented his God-given authority and sovereignty over the land and the nation - having the seal was just as good as being the Emperor himself.

And in the same way, the Holy Spirit is our very own 'Jesus seal'! It is God's most valuable gift to us, one that the world cannot give us.

But I guess this brings up the question - who is the Holy Spirit?

Looking up a few verses (at this point I have to admit I did not really know much about the Holy Spirit - God's spirit living inside of us? was about all I could recall from memory)

"The Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor know Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." John 14:17

Here Jesus is talking about sending a helper to lend us a hand. Someone whom the world does not see, but whom is very real to all of us. He is God's seal of promise on us, and He IS God's promise to us, that we may never be alone and away from Him.

"The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us..." Romans 8:26

What an encouraging phrase!

Perhaps this is why we always complain that our prayers aren't answered. Are we praying for the right thing? Often we are not sure what or how to pray, but the Spirit does. Do we talk enough to the Spirit? Or are we just taking it for granted that since the Spirit dwells in us, He should know our heart's desires, right?

Communication is a TWO-WAY street!

Talk to the spirit often - for He is your companion and guide, your counselor and friend, your shoulder to cry on, your helping hand in times of need, your pat on the back for a job well done and a boost back to your feet when you stumble and fall.

In all things, surrender them to God, and confide in the Holy Spirit. The more He is real to us, the more He can and will work through us for the glory of our Father. Without Him, what are we but a hollow shell?

Prayer : Dear Lord, we want to know Your Spirit deeper, in a whole new way. We pray You open our eyes and ears to look for and listen to His voice. Teach us, Holy Spirit, to put our trust in You, and create in us a clean heart, that we may not grieve You. We acknowledge Your seal of authority over us, Lord, and we choose to obey and live in line with Your will. Protect us and keep us alert and focused throughout the rest of our 40 day journey. In Jesus' name, Amen.