You do not look fit for the Lord's presence this morning, and neither do I. How can such unlovely creatures in our spirits be ready for the Lord to take us home to be with Him forever? Each of us will spend time preparing our face and body to meet the world this morning, but how many of us can apply a base coat of soul makeup to prepare for the Lord's arrival? In Thessalonians, Paul reminds us to comfort each other with the promise that we shall ever be with the Lord. 'Ever' does not start tomorrow after the Lord has whitewashed us in the stream of the eternal cover up. 'Ever' began when we surrendered our life to Jesus. Of course the old hymn has the answer for us - what shall take away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Praise the Lord! God does not go by how we look to each other, or by what we think in our private hearts. We feel the urgings of the flesh, and are tempted to sin by the Devil and his minions. God sees us in pristine condition, cleansed and made whole by the blood of His Son on the cross. We walk in this sinful world in a constant cleansing by the Holy Spirit. We sin and ask forgiveness; we are tempted and call for strength to resist, and we hurt and call for help in this life. The Spirit is here with us, disappointed and grieved by our sins, but also sanctifying and strengthening. The Spirit is here to comfort us when we are in pain. Ever has begun for you and me.
We often speak of the Spirit being 'there' with us as though the Lord's Spirit will meet us somewhere up the road when things become difficult. No, the Holy Spirit is HERE with me at all times, just as He dwells in you at all times. We are never left alone to face the world and its powers on our own. Praise God for the Comforter - He is HERE now!
God bless you on this new morning!Bucky
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