I love books! One of the most delightful experiences is to go to my library and discover an old book that I had forgotten I had. That happened to me recently.
I was in my office at the church with a few minutes to spare before a board meeting. I surveyed my book case, not searching for anything in particular. I spotted a devotional that I did not know I had. From the feel of the book, I’m not sure it was ever opened. It has been sitting on that shelf for about five years since I brought those books from home. All that time, I have been totally unaware that it was mine to have.
That is the way it is with many of our spiritual treasures. They are sitting on our “spiritual shelf” just waiting for us to discover their value. How often do we fuss, when peace is available to us? Or how often do we struggle along in our own weaknesses, when God’s strength is waiting for us on our “spiritual shelf?” God has so much for us, yet we often get by with so little.
In church Sunday, we talked about a life-long partnership with the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who releases God’s treasures into our lives. “…those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires…. the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” [Rom 8:5-7NIV]
In Romans Chapter 8 (NIV), Paul mentions the Spirit 19 times – 19 times! It is one of the most amazing chapters on our partnership with the Spirit of God. Take a moment to read it today.
Father, I don’t want to live one more day without Your Holy Spirit operating in my life. I don’t want to live in my own strength, or my own thinking. Spirit, make my thoughts Your thoughts, enable me to walk daily in partnership with You. Amen.
