Passage of the Day:
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” 15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with[b] water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire, Luke 3:7-16.
Reflection:
John the Baptist is often referred to as the fore runner to Jesus. Between the end of the Old Testament and the birth of John, God remains silent for 400 years. Perhaps, this may have brought wide speculation among John’s followers that he was the promised Messiah. When asked directly, John makes it clear that his earthly ministry is simply one of forgiveness through water. However, when the Messiah arrives in the scene, a heart of passion fueled by the Holy Spirit will be the sign of the One who is to come.
Prayerful Action:
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit, Galatians 5:24-25.
Restoring Your Heart:
Keeping in step with a Holy Ghost, invisible to human eyes, is a difficult concept to grasp. Yet, when accidents suddenly occur out of nowhere, even atheists lift up their hands up to heaven. Perhaps, you have to put two passages in the Bible together, Matthew 7:13-14 and Galatians 5:25. If you have walked down the road less traveled, your eyes recognize subtle signs of this path. As Christians begin to discern God’s still small voice, 1 Kings 19:12, a heart of passion for God may be conceived.
Song of the Day:
I was introduced to the song Pass It On at my high school youth group. This campfire song illuminates the concept of sparking your faith with the power of the Holy Spirit. As 2024 continues to fly by, may the Holy Spirit fill you with a heart of passion.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 