A Daily Devotion for Thursday, October 29

Psalm 145:14-21

The LORD upholds all who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand

and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The LORD is righteous in all his ways

and faithful in all he does.

The LORD is near to all who call on him,

to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;

he hears their cry and saves them.

The LORD watches over all who love him,

but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.

Let every creature praise his holy name

for ever and ever.

Job 22:29

When people are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then he will save the downcast.

Recently I was asked the question, “Where have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in the people around you?” I was surprised (and still am) at how difficult that question is for me to answer. Unless they tell me or others about it, how would I know? How do I know how the Holy Spirit is moving in people, guiding, leading and changing them? There are a few people close to me who share their experiences, but not that many. There are likely people who don’t recognize the Holy Spirit at work in them, even though the fruits are evident. Maybe it is incumbent on us to bring these fruits out into the open and honestly identify the Holy Spirit’s work in others. Might that bring others’ attention in Christ’s direction? (Sounds scary, though.)

Holy Lord, please help me to understand these difficult questions. Is this work for us to do? Be with me, Lord, lead me and guide me. Amen

Becky, transforming

Pic of decorating cookies, taken by a friend