1 Corinthians 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

We usually play our best rounds on our home course. We are familiar with each contour and tendency of every break on its putting greens. We know every bend and hole in the fairways and where the rough is the deepest. We have trees we use for aiming points and mountains pointing to the break of a putt. Conversely, when we go on vacation and play a course for the first time, our games and mindsets usually suffer. Amateurs have a hard time adjusting to the unfamiliar. From the days of Moses until Temple was built, the tabernacle was the primary place of worship for the Israelites. The tabernacle was the portable sanctuary which contained the Ark of the Covenant and other holy vessels of furniture. When they traveled through the wilderness, it was broken down and carried by staves slid though the two golden rings on each side. The Israelites had to transport the tabernacle for God’s presence and worship purposes. In the New Testament, the dwelling of God was fulfilled by the Holy Spirit filling the temple (body) of the believer as noted by the quoted scripture above. This new and perfect covenant is much greater. In Hebrews 8:6, the scripture confirms by telling us, “but now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” The writer goes further in verse 7 and informs us if the first covenant was faultless, there would be no need for another. Wherever we go, the Holy Spirit goes as well. When we are in unfamiliar territory or wilderness, the Holy Spirit is present for guidance and direction. The more we seek and desire His direction and influence, the greater His presence in every aspect of our lives. Jesus even deemed the future manifestation of the Holy Spirit as a greater presence than having him in bodily form. In John 16:25, Jesus told his disciples, “These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.” In other words, things were going to be less confusing for those who have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. Jesus does not promise our journey will be easy or without trial. He does, however, promise the presence of the Comforter in the midst of these low times. This promise is the great testimony of the Christian. He is there with us on the mountain tops of life, but manifests His great comfort and direction in the valleys of distress and disappointment. This is the message our world needs to hear as it attempts to legislate fairness, peace and contentment!