June 29

the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you. — John 14:17 BSB

Mark well the two stages of the Christian life. The first is the Spirit’s work in us, and the second is the Spirit’s personal coming to abide within us. All true Christians experience the first, but few fully understand and receive the second. There is a great difference between building a house and residing in that house to make it a home. Similarly, there is a difference between the Holy Spirit’s work in regenerating a soul—the building of the house—and His coming to live, abide, and control our innermost spirit and entire life.

Have we received Him not just as a guest but as the Owner, Proprietor, and Keeper of the temple He has built to be a dwelling place for God through the Spirit?

This is my wonderful story,
Christ to my heart has come,
Jesus, the King of glory,
Finds in my heart a home.

I am so glad I received Him,
Jesus, my heart’s dear King,
I, who so often have grieved Him,
Now to His feet I bring all.