MONDAY, OCTOBER 30
Colossians 2:1-10
Hebrews 12:1-6

“I am small and despised…”

THE SPIRIT CLEANSING (III)

The life of sin and the life of grace are mutually exclusive and opposed to each other. The devil will persuade you otherwise, but no one can serve the flesh and God. You must die to sin if you want to live unto God. If “…ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live” (Rom 8:13). There is encouragement and hope for the sorely-tried contestant. Think not of your own carnal appetites and your selfish gratification. Think of the holiness of God. Look to the Saviour! Call on the Holy Spirit Comforter.

You are not alone in your spiritual race. Others have run before us and successfully finished the course. See, we are compassed about with a great cloud of witnesses! So let us shed off every weight of sin and “run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” (Heb 12:1-2). Our Lord won the victory with His own blood to gain Heaven for us. Can we hope to “sail into Heaven” if we continue to soak in sin? You say, “But it’s so hard to stop. I want to but can’t.”

But the Comforter says, “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin” (Heb 12:4). The Lord is at hand. He is a rewarder and helper of them that diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). Read Philippians 4:13 for the Spirit’s assurance to us. At times He will send chastening for our correction (Heb 12:6-7). Thank God for chastening: it is for our good. It is the Holy Spirit’s way of cleansing and refining.

The Highway of Holiness is the way of the Spirit. It is the only way that leads to Heaven. It is not an easy way but it is a safe way. It is not a broad way, for it is strait and narrow. Those who walk in it need to persevere with spiritual stamina, for it is a long way, a life-long way. As we travel along we find we are not alone. We have a strong Companion, the Holy Spirit Comforter, by our side. He helps us, not just once or only for a day. But He helps us every day, all the way! His best help is to purify us and make us more like Him!

THOUGHT: Am I walking with the Comforter?
PRAYER: Lord, keep me and cleanse me, day by day.