Dear Friend:
Do you want to go deeper with God?
Few, if any, would say no . . . but many simply don’t realize how to do so. But how isn’t
necessarily the place to begin. Most likely, you need to begin with whom.
Clearly, this whom is the Holy Spirit.
About the Spirit, Jesus said to His disciples, “It is best for you that I go away,
because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to
you” (John 16:7).
Here’s why He made that shocking statement just before His death: the Spirit’s
indwelling creates and encourages a closeness to God that Jesus’ physical presence cannot.
It’s better to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within you than to have Jesus in the flesh sitting
across from you at the dinner table or standing next to your hospital bed or filling your
church’s pulpit.
During my early years as a Christian, I kept a safe distance from
the Spirit. Explaining Him was encouraged, but seeking to experience
Him? Strongly discouraged. Sadly, that attitude is just as common today.
Perhaps you have this same mind-set . . . maybe without even realizing
it. But if we’re all being honest, most would admit the Spirit is very
intriguing.
But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, "Where are you going?" But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. (John 16:5-8)
Like moths, we’re attracted to the heat and light of this divine flame,
but barriers keep us from flying closer. For example, the fearful unknown
might shun us away. Mystery and confusion, not to mention unbiblical
superstition and extremism, shroud the Spirit. What a shame!
I’ve lived long enough and ministered broadly enough to realize that
flying closer to the flame is not only possible, but it is precisely what God
wants for us. It’s possible for you to have an intimate, vibrant, and deep
walk with the Spirit. It’s possible to feel the warmth of His presence
and to follow the light of His guidance. He’s a person! He isn’t a cold
and sterile truth to be studied on the page and stuffed in the head. He’s
like fire!
Starting this August, our Insight for Living broadcast will focus on the
significance of the Holy Spirit. Fourteen sermons, in fact. I couldn’t be
more excited to help others understand who the Holy Spirit is and how we
can walk in His power, energized by His indwelling presence.
Now hold on—don’t call me an extremist. You know Insight for Living
Ministries. We’re 100 percent biblical. At the same time, God is 100 percent
personal. So we’re going to get very personal in this study. We’ll explore
how the Spirit enlivens us, indwells us, empowers us—and how He even
intercedes for us!
As we encourage others to go deeper with God this August, will you
join Insight for Living Ministries by praying for us? Will you commit
even further and send us a generous financial gift? The consistent praying
and giving of God’s people fuel this ministry!
Don’t be afraid of going deeper with the living God. Don’t let excuses
hold you back or distractions draw you away. He’s near. He’s ready to take
you deeper. What are you waiting for?
Flying closer . . . going deeper with you,
Pastor Charles R. Swindoll