Living this side of the cross we may easily take for granted the great gift of God...Himself.  He is willing to occupy the inner being of all who believe.  Our text for January 2, 2011 is John 14:15-21.  Jesus is preparing the disciples for His departure and has already given them some very important reminders but in this text He begins the first of five teachings on the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is also referred to as the Comforter, the Advocate, the Counselor and the Spirit of Truth...among other names.  Some of us were saved so young that we know very little about what life is like without Him.  Those who have become believers later in life testify of the profound difference of perspective since the day they said "yes" to the Spirit's desire.  What is different in your life since the Spirit took up residence in you?

Our study for December 26 from John 14:12-15 will consider a most unusual phrase.  Jesus said that those who believe in Him will do greater works than He did!  What could that possibly mean?  I have never walked on water, healed a sick person, raised up a man from the dead or calmed a storm.  I have been in many situations where I had wished I could do one or all of those things.  In spite of the claims of some of our brethren and their wonder working powers, the kind of works that Jesus and the apostles did are not the greatest works of this age.  There is something greater and many of you that read this little blog have already been a participant in that greater work.  You may not have even known how great it is.  It may not move the masses to praise the Almighty but your participation in the greater work is bringing joy to the angels in heaven and glory to God for eternity.  Learn more this weekend!