Today’s Reflection
TO ACT ON GOD’S WILL, we learn to make sacrifices. We can let go of what we want right now for what we know we want for all eternity. We stop chasing material possessions and comforts when they conflict with God’s will. A constant focus on and submission to God’s will seems daunting because it hinges on self-denial: constantly putting God’s will before our own. That’s what Jesus did. It’s not easy, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do it too.
—Christopher Maricle, The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits (Upper Room Books, 2007)
Today’s Question
How can you rest in the Holy Spirit as you make sacrifices? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.
—John 14:16 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Make me a channel of God’s love, to be suffused with the Holy Spirit and guided by the Holy Spirit in all things.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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4 Comments
I believe it is the Holy Spirit through which God and Jesus provide guidance. Doing important things for someone that at the moment they can’t do for themselves is something I’m guided to do. At the same time I am helped by actions that are not so easy for me. Perhaps this is resting in the Holy Spirit.
Thankful to help with church cleanup yesterday. Quite a few people came and much was accomplished.
Prayers for Julie’s fingers and foot, a safe environment, Marcy’s health and well-being (ski trains are running here in NH), safe and productive mission work by Mary in Indonesia, and better treatment for Jill’s condition. God’s peace to Lou, Connie, Andrea, April, Rick, Darr, Edy, the UR family, all believers, and soon to be believers. Thank You, Lord.
Trusting the Spirit will provide the means, the strength, the words – this frees us from being “creators”, and just allows us to be in step and obedient. He does not ask us to do great things, but to be ready to respond greatly, with love, time and attentiveness. What is required is not beyond our capabilities, provided we are relying on Him and not ourselves.
It is a joy to notice the days lengthening, especially when there is abundant sunshine. I must temper my excitement on this mild weather weekend, knowing March can be long and dreary. I will soak up the sun while I can, enjoying the simple pleasure of putting on my sunglasses in the car.
This is definitely something on which I need to work. Discerning His will for me and having the courage and self discipline to follow His lead. I also need to trust that He will not ask what I am not capable of giving. I am always sure my Reynaud’s keeps me from being of use to Him, but I should trust His ability to provide.
Prayers for Robert, may he continue to enjoy and contribute to his new church family. What is a “ski train”?
Prayers for jill, may she enjoy the fleeting sun. I regret to tell you that you and I will enjoy the sun for today only, tomorrow brings clouds and rain, and by Thursday, colder temps and snow. Sorry to bear such bad news.
Prayers for Mary, may she not get the coronavirus and be successful for the Lord in Indonesia.
Prayers for Marcy, may she be receiving her aid and medications and oxygen again.
Prayers for Rick, may he have time for God and fun while he studies.
Prayers for Andrea and her grandson, April, Betsy, BJ, Connie, Edy, and Lou.
I am alone with h today, so I took extra medicine for anxiety. It is not a prescription, but it helps tremendously. It is CBD and it may help your PsA Jill. It helps with pain, Megan uses it for her arthritis. H received 15, 000 extra pay on Friday and transferred it out immediately to another account that is not joint. H does not know I know of this other account, he thinks he is cleverly hiding it.
Prayers and thank you UR, including those at the UR
This has been a process over time. Being guided by the spirt to me means being patient listening for the spirts guidance. Gods timing is much different then mine. Resting in the Holy Spirit is where I go when I’m letting go of my wants and desires. It then allows me clarity to who and what he would have me be. I’ve been asked by men I’ve sponsored what that looks like. I always answer it’s the voice in my head that’s louder then all the others. It was a beautiful spring like day today for us. Many of the plants and trees are beginning to open up. We attend service today and the Transfiguration service was perfect. I’m getting in the groove of my new schedule. I was thankful to be in worship and fellowship today.
Robert, you inspire me and all that you do. I’ve not been back to Boston for a few years. The snow and ski train sounds like fun! Keeping you and Erich in my thoughts and prayers. Jill keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that a better treatment is close at hand, I’m glad you had some time out in the nice weather.
Julie, keeping you Megan in my thoughts and prayers, for your Healing, well being and safety, that God will provide you with a safer and happier environment. God can always find use and purpose for us. You are a blessing to this group.
Continued prayers for Marcy, Andrea and her grandson, April Betsy, Bj,Connie and Edy, and Lou. As well of joys and concerns for all the UR visitors.
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