After having received the living waters of the Holy Spirit, we realize that our heavenly Father is a bountiful provider for His children. He gives us more than we can ever ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20). He supplies our "needs fully, in a way worthy of His magnificent riches in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). Jesus also gives bountifully. For example, He gives us a hundred times more than we gave up to follow Him (Mk 10:30). The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit constantly lavish Their love on us.
In the midst of such an abundant life (see Jn 10:10), we are commanded by the Lord to "live soberly" (1 Pt 1:13). The only way to live soberly amid such an abundance is to be great and total givers. We must give abundantly — "good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over" (Lk 6:38). We must give quickly — almost as fast as God gives to us. We must give everything.
This would seem to solve our problem of how to live soberly while receiving an abundance. However, the Lord keeps on giving, and the more we give, the more He gives (see Mk 4:24). He always outgives us. To maintain sobriety, we must continue to give everything quickly, as long as we live. Live an abundant, sober life.
| PRAYER: | Father, make me delightfully sober. |
| PROMISE: | "Be holy, for I am holy." –1 Pt 1:16 |
| PRAISE: | Marvin and his wife Georgia struggled with alcoholism. They turned their addiction over to Jesus, and received healing and freedom. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College