Nougat 5

Ever felt the need for extra strength for the journey, or needing some wisdom along the way? Today’s Holy Nougat might offer the assurance needed.

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Hallelujah! What an awesome Savior. I can’t speak for anyone else but I know if my salvation was left to me alone … I’d have messed up beyond redemption long ago. Just typing this, and some major messes present themselves in my mind; reminding me that but for God’s grace, I would have been in real problems. And even for the most sanctified amongst us, it is the move of God’s Spirit that keeps them holy.

Now we don’t always want to do what pleases God. There are times when pleasing God is hard work. Or it’s counter to our own desires. It may be little things, like making time to connect during the day; or resting in the middle of an intense project. Ironically, those little ones are perhaps more critical for our spiritual and psychological well being than those the public see. Perhaps the next time we get the nudge, we might pause for prayer – it could be the difference needed.

Of course there are the bigger things – being Philip to the eunuch (Acts 8); the Samaritan woman to the community that shunned her (John 4); or the little child forfeiting lunch for Jesus to feed the multitude (Matthew 14). None of those mentioned knew what the outcome of obedience would be; they obeyed.

And no, it’s not blind or passive obedience that God desires; God’s Spirit lives in us. Rather, God seeks such an intimacy between us and God’s Spirit dwelling in our hearts that we yearn for moments to obey God’s will. Like the yes that (finally) came when Jesus gained control of our lives. Willing and joyful (I hope), despite being somewhat uncertain about the future.

That was God’s Spirit at work. In us, with us and for God’s glory. To keep the momentum, we seek opportunities to be alone with God’s Word; to get a firm grasp of what God’s Spirit M-O (modus operandi) is, so we can recognize God’s ways of being. And of course, an open channel of communication between us and God’s Spirit can’t hurt. Prayer (alone or with others), Praise (in our hearts or aloud) , and Proclamation of God’s Promises (to our spirit or to others) helps to strengthen our relationship and encourages the desire to yield to God’s Spirit.

This time reflecting on the nougat is another example. May God’s Spirit be a welcome addition to our lives and the Source of Wisdom in all we do.

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May all we seek be found in Christ