Faith & Insight: The ever-flowing spirit

Bible thought: “He who believes in me, as the scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” But this he spoke of the spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive; for the spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:38-39

When I first heard of the Holy Spirit, I was amazed at all that this third person of the Godhead had done. But the key words there were “had done.” It was a time that I was slow to accept the working of God in the present time. But, as our text indicates, the spirit would be given when Jesus was raised to glory. So, we now have access to his very spirit!

Being an outdoors person and a hiker, I love bubbling springs and rushing rivers. They are refreshing, pure, reviving, and life-giving! Jesus says that’s what flows from deep within those who have his spirit.

We are living in troubled times. We deeply need the spirit’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to bubble up in us and flow out, bringing newness of life to us and those around us. Glory be to God!

Expand thy wings, celestial dove,

brood o’er our nature’s night;

on our disordered spirits move,

and let there now be light

~ Charles Wesley

Heavenly father, thank you for your presence in me right now. I allow you to grow the precious fruit of your spirit in me. May I yield to him today, tomorrow, and always.

I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bruce Henderson is the pastor/minister of Airport Road Church of Christ in Carson City.