Observation and Obedience: Jesus is talking here, the disciples were asking and listening. They wanted to know how to pray. He gives them "the Lord's Prayer", which is a prayer of asking. "Father, reveal who you are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil." (MSG)
Following the lesson on prayer, Jesus then goes on to give them the lesson on ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open. "Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in." (vs10)
Even we, in our sinful, human state know how to give good gifts to our children. Didn't we just spend a whole lot of time and energy shopping, ordering, wrapping and giving good gifts?! Doesn't it feel good to find just the right gift and give it to your loved ones? Don't you get excited to watch your loved ones unwrap and squeal with delight over the gift that you've given? The verse today says God gets just as excited to give us what we ask for and what we need.
And what do we do with His gift of the Holy Spirit? Do we unwrap, appreciate and then set it aside? Or......wouldn't the right thing be to put this gift to use and see what power, love and deliverance will be released into our lives. And how will we know if we have unwrapped the full gift and are using the gift properly? Here's the answer....
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
The spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There are no laws against things like that.
As we wrap up 2018, it is with a humble heart and much gratitude that I thank you for journeying with me through the Calendar Devotionals of the year 2015. It was a year that stretched us, blessed us and drew Tonia and I closer to one another as well as the One we trust most because He loves Large and Eternally. My prayer is that you were also blessed, stretched and loved Large as we revisited what God laid on Tonia's heart in that year. Thank You to the women who stepped up and shared their hearts as guest writers. You blessed us so. We continue to miss Tonia in so many ways and in the missing we honor her by listening and looking for God's leading and encouragement to shine His Light Even More.
Prayer: I would like to share this prayer from Psalm 138 as we turn the page and step into all that God has planned for us in 2019! Make it your prayer for the New Year too!
"Thank you! Everything in me says "Thank you!"
Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
and say it again? "Thank you!"
Thank you for your love,
thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
you made my life large with strength.
When they hear what you have to say, God,
all earth's kings will say "Thank you."
They'll sing of what you've done:
"How great the glory of God!"
And here's why: God, high above, sees far below;
no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.
When I walk into the thick of trouble,
keep me alive in the angry turmoil.
With one hand
strike my foes,
With your other hand
save me.
Finish what you started in me, God.
Your love is eternal - don't quit on me now.
In Jesus name we ask......Amen
Encouragement: "May your hearts be clear and lightened, unwrapped and open, as you greet another year coming through the door. We are, after all, the best gifts we can offer each other---truly the sort that "keeps on giving." Judy Kinney
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