Reading: Luke 1:26-38, Ephesians 1:15-23, Psalm 119:9-16, 1 Kings 2-3

Recall:
“Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?” 1 Kings 3:9

I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! Ephesians 1:16-19

  How can a young person live a clean life?
By carefully reading the map of your Word.
I’m single-minded in pursuit of you;
don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.
I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.
Psalm 119:9-11
Reflect:
What a richness. The verses describe a huge leap of faith. It's a message that has been coming back to me repeatedly over the past few weeks. If I turn it over to God, if I trust in the Spirit, will God take care of the rest. Here is what is implied in these verses: If I trust in God, then I will have endless energy, boundless strength, wisdom, and the ability to lead. Wow. What a gospel I have to proclaim, what a gospel I have to live.
Respond:
God, I want to put my trust in you. I want to give myself to the Spirit, so that I respond to her breath as if it were my own. Continue to lead me, continue to draw me further into You.