Daily Reflection – 4/23/2020
Sacred Scripture
The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven [is above all]. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.” (John 3:31-36)
Reflection
In the United States today the concept of rationing has come back. There are only so many of a certain item in the supermarket that one can buy. Families are rationing their supply of commonly consumed foods in case the supply chain becomes more restrictive. We are vividly reminded that earthly things are not in the abundance they once were.
In these days when paucity is real, we are reminded by today’s scripture that there is no rationing of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are available to us. God gives him to us without measure. He doesn’t reserve his Spirit only for special people. He doesn’t hoard the Spirit in case supplies get low. He is always ready—even eager—to give us more.
He wants to make spiritual truths come alive in your heart. He wants to convince you that Jesus is your Lord. and Savior. He wants to show you your sin so that you will repent and be set free. He wants to assure you that he has triumphed over evil and that Satan has been condemned. And he wants to give you the power to share the gospel with the people around you.
The problem is that we often “ration” His grace . Or at least our response to it. We often do it because we are afraid to let God unleash His almighty power in our lives.
In these days especially, we should be turning more to Him and asking Him to unleash His gifts in our lives. We need to hope. We need to dream. We need to be reminded that earthly things pass but His love does not.
Why is that? This is a time when we have learned painfully that there are events which are truly beyond our control. This is a time when we are being reminded each day how transient our lives are. This is a times we need to be filled with His Spirit so that we can be His light in a world that seems to have dimmed.
God is offering you an unlimited amount of grace by the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It’s up to you to decide if you will ration or not.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord Jesus Christ, let your Holy Spirit fill me and transform my heart and mind that I may choose life — abundant life in you and with you. And give me the courage and strength to always discern good from evil and to reject everything that is false and contrary to your holy will.”
Daily Note
Have you called on the Holy Spirit lately? If you’re facing a difficult decision and need some spiritual insight, he’s ready to guide you. If you’re struggling with doubt, he is ready to strengthen your faith. If you want to share your faith with someone, but you don’t know what to do or say, he is ready to give you his words. If you are dealing with the chains of addiction or a pattern of sin that seems impossible to break, he is ready with his power and his encouragement. That is the gift that awaits us each and every day,
