Trusting the Holy Spirit 1/5/2013

"But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me." (John 15:26)

It was a quiet night in Burbank as team members David, Mark, Sharon, Debbie, Ruth, Nathan, Dean, Sai and Steve, gave out tracts and the gospel was preached. Sometimes we are tempted, when there is little or no outward response to the our efforts, to assume that the "tree" is bearing no "fruit." However, scripture teaches patience: "Therefore be patient, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain." (James 5:7)

The Bible also shows that the saving work of the Holy Spirit often involves the efforts of several unrelated workers: "And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." Perhaps this is so that many laborers will be blessed by each soul who is won to Christ. "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise." (Proverbs 11:30) "Say to the righteous that it shall be well
with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings." (Isaiah 3:10)

It is worth noting that the fellowship that is shared each time the team goes out, is another clear fruit of the Spirit. The prayer time when we gather before hitting the street, is a time of comforting ministry and exhortation. It's been likened to a small campfire upon which each one adds a log, resulting in a huge bonfire. Jesus describes, "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him or knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:17)