Daily Reading: Luke 11
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! (Luke 11.11-13)
Devotional Thought: “What did you ask Santa to bring you this Christmas?” It usually doesn't take children long to answer that question! And when they do, parents usually figure out a way to make sure that gift is under the tree - if they can afford it and they know it is good for their children. God, being an even better parent than us, will give good gifts to his children when they ask.
In Luke 11, Jesus teaches about asking God for the things we need. What do we find ourselves asking for? It’s interesting that Jesus inserted his comment about asking for the Holy Spirit into this conversation that had nothing to do with that. He just knew that when we ask for something, the very best thing God can give us is his presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit! At another time Jesus said it like this: “Do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6.31-33)
We are God’s children, and our asking should reflect that. Take time to seek the presence of the Lord this season! Ask God to surround you with his presence through the Holy Spirit. Ask him to fill your heart with the Spirit every time you pray! He will do it!
Prayer: Lord, we are told in Scripture to "earnestly desire the higher gifts." What higher gift could there be than you? I ask you to give me your presence through the Holy Spirit this Christmas. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 138.1-8
1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;
2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD.
6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.
8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
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