Water is powerful – a necessity for life and also a threat to life when it surges out of control.
There is One who is always in the midst of the waters, bringing life every day and sustaining life when it is threatened. This same Spirit is with you now.
Feel and know the Spirit's presence.
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:14-17
Sometimes we have a tendency to measure people from where we think they ought to be, instead of how far God has brought them. The Samaritans were not where the Jewish people thought they ought to be. Remember how surprising it was when Jesus said the Good Samaritan was the true neighbor (Luke 10:25-37)? In Acts, God showed that the Spirit was not just for the Jews. Previously, the Samaritans had been looked down upon, yet here two leading members of the early church witnessed their conversion. The Samaritans received the same gift that the Jews had received — they were declared equal. The Holy Spirit does not discriminate. The Spirit’s love is extended to all who believe in Jesus, even people we find hard to accept.
Are there times when you need acceptance, but don’t know where to turn? Turn to Jesus and the Spirit will be with you. Is there anyone in your life whom you’re also struggling to accept? How will you show the love of Jesus to them?
Laura Rector
Spirit, thank you for declaring all who love Jesus are equal and accepted — even me. Help me with those I find hard to accept. Amen.
Beside the healing stream,
Drink in the Spirit's power.
In the midst of the whelming flood,
Know the Spirit's care.
Let the Spirit carry you
As the river carries a vessel
To its destination,
To its home.