TDR: 15 February (Ephesians 4:30)

‘Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God’ (Ephesians 4:30)

We are absolutely dependent upon the Holy Spirit for life, light, teaching, and sanctification. Without His presence, power and operations we are dead, dark, ignorant and carnal. We should therefore be very careful not to grieve or dishonour Him.

We do so when we neglect, slight, or make any improper use of God’s holy word; when we indulge in hard thoughts of God, or low thoughts of the Lord Jesus; when we mind the things of the flesh in preference to spiritual things; when we trifle with, or indulge in any sin of omission or commission; when we slight His intimations, abuse His gifts, and listen to Satan, the world, or the flesh, in preference to Him.

When the Holy Spirit is grieved He suspends His influence, and we find no assistance in duty; we become cold, carnal and indifferent; we taste no sweetness in spiritual things, and the ministry of the word becomes dry and lifeless; the Bible is a sealed book; there is no power in prayer; no gratitude for mercies received; and religion becomes a task.

Oh grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed unto the day of redemption; but sow unto the Spirit and you shall reap life everlasting.

Return, O holy Dove! Return,
Sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made thee mourn,
And drove thee from my breast.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘Many of the people among whom I laboured were Hyper-Calvinists, and therefore, though higher than the New Testament myself, I did not give satisfaction to all, and was at times charged with preaching Arminianism. This was no small annoyance, as I rather prided myself on the soundness of my creed; my mind therefore became gloomy, but the Lord gave me that word, to stimulate and comfort me, “This also shall turn to my salvation, thought your prayers, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” [Philippians 1:19].

I therefore begged the prayers of the brethren, and looked for the fresh supply of the Spirit, which gave me joy, peace and holy satisfaction; and in answer to prayer, the Lord soon removed the principal complainer from us’.