Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This verse has been one of those scriptures that has become very real to me over the years. The promise and reality of God’s abiding Presence with us wherever we are brings a security that no earthly relationship or possession can give. Jesus said “I will never leave you or forsake you” To sense the presence of God daily is not a dream or an impossibility, nor is it a euphoric goose-bump “feeling” It is something that is real and should be natural for any Christian. Jesus promised in John 14:15 that He would send the Holy Spirit, who is God, to be with us, in fact he says He would live within us!

The nation of Israel saw God’s glorious presence in the form of a cloud, they knew God, but only from a distance. The promise of the Holy Spirit coming to us means that we can know Him personally and intimately. The reality of His peace, His rest, His power and presence can overshadow us daily. The Bible says of Him that He is our Comforter, Counselor and Helper.

Following are a few things that we begin to see happen in our lives as we develop a deeper friendship with the Holy Spirit.

• He Helps us in our Weakness – Romans 8:26
• Gives Assurance of Salvation – Romans 8:16
• Brings Freedom from Fear – Romans 8:15
• Gives Access to God the Father – Ephesians 2:18
• The Kingdom of God becomes Reality – Rom 14:17
• Our Faith grows – 2 Corinthians 4:13
• Liberty and Freedom comes – 2 Corinthians 3:17 ; Galatians 5:18
• We can Walk in Step with Him – Galatians 5:16
• Praise and Worship becomes natural – Philippians 3:3 ; John 4;24
• Divine Revelation comes – John 16:13 ; 1 Corinthians 2:9
• God’s Love becomes more real – Romans 5:5
• Our love for others increases – Philippians 2:1-7
• Our Character changes and spiritual fruit is evident – Galatians 5:22
• Grace, Power and Wisdom comes to us – Acts 6:3 ; Acts 8:4-8
• We operate with Spiritual Gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Without Him we carry no authority, liberty, life or power with which to effect this world, but with Him we can become conduits for the atmospheres of heaven to invade this earth bringing life, healing and joy.

The Atmosphere’s of heaven flow through the empowering reality of the Holy Spirit in and through us.

Acts 17:28 – “In Him we live and move and have our being” May we all develop a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit releasing His life and joy.