Good morning beloved child of God.
“The Jerusalem which is above is free and is our mother” (Gal 4:26). Glorious things are told of you, O city of God.
Psalm 87
On the holy mountain is his city
cherished by the Lord.
The Lord prefers the gates of Sion
to all Jacob’s dwellings.
Of you are told glorious things,
O city of God!
‘Babylon and Egypt I will count
among those who know me;
Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia,
these will be her children
and Sion shall be called “Mother”
for all shall be her children.’
It is he, the Lord Most High,
who gives each his place.
In his register of peoples he writes:
‘These are her children,’
and while they dance they will sing:
‘In you all find their home.’
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
TODAY’S WORD: And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Lk 11:9ff)
REFLECTION: In Luke’s Gospel chapter 11, after Jesus encouraged his disciples to ask, seek, and find, he further explains a simple but effective truth we can hold onto. “If you then, you who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
What I always take away from this passage is that Jesus invites us to ask the Father for the Holy Spirit. Jesus understands the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and encourages us to desire the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is more important, valuable, and more precious than anything we can ask or seek from God. The prophets and even Jesus operated under the influence and guidance of the Spirit of God. How else can we best function in our lives? This is because the Spirit of God gives life! Be guided!
Shalom
DAILY PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you are merciful, gracious and kind. May I never doubt your mercy and love nor hesitate to seek you with confident trust in order to obtain the gifts, graces, and daily provision I need to live as your beloved child and constant friend.” Amen.
The Lord of hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Think positive. It is well with you. God is in control. Have a blessed and fulfilling day.
ONE PERCENT BIBLE CHALLENGE: GENESIS 13.