The Christian - The Temple of God

​If ye love me, keep my commandments. Joh 14:15  

This short verse sums up a great deal, and could take volumes to break down. But in this devotion, I'm going to only focus on the importance of this verse, in regards to the intercessor. It is the most vital, and distinct statement from Jesus that reveals how we can know, and check ourselves-in the realm of obtaining answers to prayer.

Jesus told the disciples, and us-if you love me, keep my commandments. A direct, clear statement which doesn't leave any confusion. But, it cuts to the heart, where every individual will stand, in regards to receiving answers to the petitions they present to the Throne. The longer an intercessor serves God in this realm, the more he/she will come to understand how important this short statement is-and how precise is it's ability to reveal to us-where we really stand under the all-knowing gaze of God the Father, and Christ our Redeemer.

The measure of our love, and obedience gauges how much of the power of the Holy Spirit we will be able to receive, and have access to, in our walk with the Lord. The amount of persecutions, or hardships won't help us discern our place in God-the disciples many tortures, abuses, and persecutions, and their deaths tell us this. What shows us quicker than anything else whether we are abiding in Christ or not; is whether we are getting our prayers answered, or not.

When disobedience sets down roots in us-it closes the door to heaven, and our prayers are as brass-hitting the ceiling, and dropping to the ground. No amount of faith is going to do any good. David found this out, when he sinned with Bathsheba. It took Nathan confronting him, to bring him to repentance before David was restored. Gods ways have not changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

This doesn't mean always getting a "yes" for an answer either. If the answer comes as a "no", "not now", or "not as your asking"-we have no need to be dismayed. God uses untold numbers of ways to guide us, steer us away from dangers, or move us in a direction He wishes us to go. But, the aspect of our free will is also something the Lord is always dealing with. Our relationship with Him has so many levels, and there are so many outside forces, from unbelieving people, the demonic realm, and our own flesh, that makes walking in obedience to God like going through a landmine-and God takes all of this into consideration. In heaven, we will be shown much that we haven't discerned or understood here. 

But, through the trials, the warfare, the battles we wage, if we are walking and abiding in Christ, we will have a solid peace. The Holy Spirit will guide, and give answers to our inquiries. 

When praying for nations, communities, leaders-specific information will be revealed to us, as God wills it to be so. This is not to be broadcast to the world, unless the Lord specifically says so. Many intercessors and prophetic leaders today talk far too much, and do a lot of damage in the cause of Christ. A true intercessor, or one being used in the prophetic will only reveal 5-10% of what God shows, and says to them in a lifetime-and only after a lot of prayer first. And, when they do, they'll be as sure as anyone can be, that they've heard from God-and be willing to take the consequences of a wicked world, and die for it, if necessary. I'd ask some today who are very loose and easy with their prophecies-are you willing to die for what your saying? 

When we walk in righteousness-this does not mean we will never make a mistake, and never sin. But, we don't live in a pattern of sin. When we do sin, we repent immediately, and ask for the Holy Spirits help, to cleanse our hearts, and for the blood of Christ to cover us. When the Lord sees a heart that seeks Him out of sincere love, he treasures that individual, and I can say from experience-he watches over you, with jealous love.

In closing-when reading and cross referencing this short verse-the intercessor will come away with a good understanding of how vital Jesus' words are.

If your prayers aren't being answered-if the door of heaven is shut, this is the place to start. By spending quality time searching your heart and soul before the Lord-with this verse in focus.
Lorna Couillard

THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH
Some added wisdom from F.B. Meyer

There is no adequate translation for the word Paraclete. It may be rendered “interpreter,” “comforter,” “advocate,” but no one word suffices. The Greek means “one whom you call to your side in the battle or law-court.” His advent depends upon the praying Christ (I will pray the Father), and upon the praying Church (ye shall ask). The Holy Spirit must be a person, or He could not be compared as “another” to Christ. It is characteristic of this dispensation that He shall be in us, and His indwelling brings with it that of the Father and the Son.
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“We will… make our abode.” That word abode is the same Greek word as is rendered mansions in the former part of this chapter. God prepares a mansion for those who believe in Christ, and asks in return that we shall prepare our hearts as guest chambers for Him to dwell in. As He enters the loving, cleansed, and believing heart, we hear Him say: “This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it,” Psa_132:14. And what a word is that, my Father will love him. That He should love the world is wonderful, but that He should love us would be incredible, were He not infinite, and did He not see us in Jesus Christ our Lord.