Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Opening Scripture

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, you are the source of all truth, wisdom, justice, and love. Lead me in your paths today. Help me to constantly rest my life upon the eternal foundation of your loving presence. Save me from hurry and worry, haste and confusion, wrongful desires, and the snare of evil. May your Holy Spirit enlighten, instruct, and guide me as I follow the Lord Jesus this day. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

John 14:15-31

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. Come now, let us leave.”

Reflection  

Today’s passage offers a powerful explanation of the astounding invitation that has been extended to each of us to enjoy intimacy with the Trinity. Until now, not a lot has been said about the Holy Spirit, beyond Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus.

In this Upper Room Discourse, Jesus explains the crucial role that the Holy Spirit will soon be playing in the New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, the Spirit of God would come on a person for a special purpose, but after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit would live in all believers continually.

The indwelling of God’s Spirit is part of our mysterious participation in the Trinitarian Fellowship. As Jesus explains in today’s passage, “I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you… the Spirit lives with you and will be in you… my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

All three Persons of the Trinity are co-equal, with each serving in a distinct capacity. There is order in the Godhead, but not rank. Father, Son, and Spirit are perfectly united in essence, purpose, and power. Jesus’ statement that “the Father is greater than I” was an expression of humility. The Father “sent” the Son to be the Savior of the world, but as Jesus has repeatedly stated, He and the Father are One!

Now that Jesus has returned to the Father, the Spirit of Truth reveals God’s truth to us, opening our hearts and minds to the person and work of Jesus, affirming our place in God’s family, and guiding us as citizens of His kingdom. We are invited to live continually in His presence and participate in His mission.

All of that provides a divine peace that passes human understanding!

Flourishing Habit

Mental and Physical Health

Two major keys to flourishing are Gratitude and Forgiveness. Numerous studies have shown that an attitude of gratitude helps to foster forgiveness, which improves mental and physical well-being, reduces anxiety and depression, and promotes better social connections.

Today’s Opening Scripture provides this “flourishing” instruction: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.” It all starts with an attitude of gratitude. To rejoice is a choice! We choose joy… not because of our circumstances, but despite them. Then we submit to the Spirit’s control throughout the day.

When we “pray continually,” we remain in God’s presence, acknowledging His involvement in every encounter. That’s part of our mysterious participation in the Trinitarian Fellowship. We don’t just go to God when there’s a problem. We live constantly in His presence, sharing challenges and celebrating blessings with Him.

That intimate, continuous relationship provides the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). So, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Are you anxious and worried? Is your heart troubled and afraid?

Take God at His word. Trust Him to provide for you. Cultivate the kind of relational closeness to your Heavenly Father that fosters a deep and abiding confidence in Him. In every situation, by prayer and petition, present your concerns to God. Let His peace guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!