Satan's most effective way of preventing us from receiving the Holy Spirit's graces is to make us think we already have them. We certainly won't seek what we think we've already found. The devil tries to pass off good things for God's things.
For example, Apollos had many good things about him. He was eloquent, "an authority on Scripture and instructed in the new way of the Lord," and "full of spiritual fervor" (Acts 18:24-25). Yet he didn't know Jesus personally; he only knew about Jesus. He didn't have the supernatural power of the Spirit; he had only natural power. Satan hoped Apollos would settle for human goodness and not receive divine grace. But Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos home with them and told him there was so much more and that he had not even begun to live. He needed to be born again and receive life in the Spirit.
On this second day of prayer for the Holy Spirit, let's not settle for anything less than everything the Spirit wants for us. Let's realize we aren't even close to having it all and that natural goodness is a far cry from the glory of God.
| PRAYER: | Father, may the receiving of Your gifts not be limited by my human weakness, but be unlimited by Your divine power. Come, Holy Spirit! |
| PROMISE: | "I give you My assurance, whatever you ask the Father, He will give you in My name. Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full." –Jn 16:23-24 |
| PRAISE: | Sister Marcia just celebrated her 25th anniversary of consecrated religious life. Her love for Jesus radiates through all her interactions with people. |
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