Today's Passage - Romans 8:27-28

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Romans 8:27-28   "And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ' Paul mentioned here an important work that the Holy Spirit does, which is to "intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" day and night.  The love from Holy Spirit is much like love from a mother, it's a love that never gives up.  He lives inside us and He understands our weakness and struggles, so He pleads on our behalf before Father God.  He's like a defense attorney in a court who keeps on fighting for the rights of the defendant.  In fact, Holy Spirit is the counselor, which means "the one who stands beside us."  Holy Spirit is the one who's always beside us to give us more strength.  On the other hand, He also understands the will of Father God, so He can pray blessings for us according to God's will.  Because He lives inside us, He can place the will of God into our mind and thoughts, so that our mind may be renewed to understand God's will.   Paul continued by saying that "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  This scripture passage is often misused to comfort the victims who have suffered some tragedy.  The truth is that natural and manmade disasters are both direct or indirect results of sin of human beings, not the will of God.  In the midst of all the suffering, however, we can still see the mercy of God, but we can't see it by our nature, but rather we need the revelation and prompting by the Holy Spirit.   Therefore, verse 27 and 28 cannot be read separately.  It is only possible for us to see God's way in the midst of human suffering through the guidance by the light of the Holy Spirit.  Are you in all kinds of trial and suffering?  Sometimes you may not understand why these things happen to you, so you need to welcome Holy Spirit to work within you, to open your heart so that you can understand God's mercy and become your strength.  Don't reject Him easily, because He is the one who's standing beside you and helping you.                                  Pray with Pastor Tong           Dear Holy Spirit, we thank you because you are our comforter and helper, and you are standing beside us to support us.  May the Spirit of the Lord open our eyes so that I can see your mercy and blessing in the midst of any suffering.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!