Typically, I begin each message
with a tidbit of gossip about my life, the peaks and valleys, failures, and
successes, however I cannot in and of itself, take any personal credit, for the
good as I am a debtor to many. In fact, I owe a wealth of gratitude to a fellow
servant in Christ, who patiently through immeasurable kindness invested in my
wellbeing and took personal interest in my salvation, named Terrell Williams.
He was for me, at the nimble age of twenty-three (23), the expression of the fullness
of Christ. A great deal of what I learned as a young Christian, I not only received
it, but witnessed it as well through the testimony of his life. He was held in exceedingly
high esteem by others, and immensely respected, but it was never beyond him to share
a moment of his time with me. He was to me, what Paul was to Timothy.
He always gave me his full attention
and consideration, and he did not put on airs, considering his stature among
the people, as he was not only a warrior of faith, but a highly decorated
Soldier (airborne, ranger, special forces), from the time of his enlistment in
the early 70's. He was a quite man, with a gentle spirit, as I instantly recognized
God's presence, the attributes of Christ, and the fruits of the Spirit, through
his tireless love towards me and so many others. Once when my finances were
running low, I found a gift in my coat pocket, completely unaware that he knew
of my consequence, and inconspicuously placed it there. I was at a point where I
was trying to earnestly grasp something that just was not working in my favor (it
did not make sense). I was doing what was required of me, but I felt as if I
was missing something, where I began to ask within myself, “what about me.”
The church would come together and
pray, using the familiar term, tarry (meaning to wait). I would pray in
earnest, attentively read my Bible, attended services three (3) times a week, but
I did not feel or see anything, and I did not feel any differently within, as I
have always heard what would or supposed to occur.
Today’s episode is titled.
Lo I am with you Always!
John 16:6-7
6 But because I have said these
things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the
truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the
Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Time would pass, and I would go
through the same again and again, suddenly beginning to wonder if something was
wrong with me alone, or if maybe supposing sin’s presence was so great within
me, that regardless of what I’ve heard, the Lord continued to pass me by, time
and time again. Brother Williams approached me and inquired, “What’s wrong?
I explained as best as I could, as I replied, it looks like everybody is receiving
the Holy Ghost but me. He smiled (as he always did) and attentively explained
it to me through the revelation of scripture and applicable biblical context. He
expounded by saying, the Holy Ghost is not obscured in an outward show of feeling
or lost in the display of sudden emotion, but rather receiving the promise of
the Comforter who seals God's word in your heart, and causes us to do right,
when the will and convenience to do wrong is always present. Not according to
the fallible laws of humanity, but rather governed by God's inerrant word. After
hearing I was immediately reassured, elated, filled with an abundance of joy.
John 14:26
26 But the Comforter, which is the
Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto
you.
