All Gift, Starting at Zero
A phone draws power only when connected to its source.
Devotional Credit
Open Windows, T. Austin-Sparks, The School of Christ, Chapter 8. Key text, 1 Corinthians 4:7.
Photo Credit
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T. Austin-Sparks points us to a simple truth that cuts through our endless striving. Everything that matters in the Christian life is a gift. Nothing life giving begins in us. There is no hidden spark we can fan into flame by effort. We start at zero, and God supplies the Life.
He explains that God does not polish up our old resources. God gives sight where there was blindness. He gives Life where there was death. He gives power where there was only inability. In Jesus we receive what we could never produce. This is new creation reality, not self improvement. We are placed into the Son, and the Son now lives in us.
Seen through the lens of the abiding life, this frees us from the tight chest of performance. The Father is not asking us to manufacture what He has already given in Jesus. He calls us to trust the indwelling Spirit, to rely rather than grind. Gratitude replaces boasting, because gift leaves no room for pride.
This also carries a family shape that keeps us grounded. God gives Life in His Son to a people. We share one fullness together in Christ, so none of us stands taller than grace. The honor goes to Jesus, and we walk together with open hands. Thank you, T. Austin-Sparks, for the reminder that the beginning point is zero, and the supply is all from God.
Journal Entry, Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I am the One who opened your eyes and brought you from death to Life. I placed you in Jesus, and I dwell in you. Your sufficiency is not from yourself. I am your sufficiency. I work in you to will and to do My good pleasure. I united you with the crucified and risen Jesus, so your old life no longer rules, and the Life you now live is by faith in the Son of God who loves you.
As you received the Lord, keep walking in Him by faith. Rooted and built up in Him, you stand in grace. Not by human power, not by a store of effort, but by My Life within you. I have given you everything you need for life and godliness. When you sense your weakness, do not shrink back. My grace is enough, and My power is made perfect in weakness.
All is from Me, through Me, and to Me. Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. Serve with the strength that I supply, so that in everything Jesus is honored. I began this good work in you. I will carry it to completion. I keep you from stumbling. I present you with joy. Christ in you is your hope of glory, and I delight to express His Life through you today.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of your phone at one percent. You can stare at the screen, you can press every button, you can wish it forward, but it only comes alive when you connect it to the charger. The charge does not originate in the phone. It is received. In the same way, the Spirit of Jesus in you is the living supply. Abiding is not white knuckle effort. It is a present connection where His Life flows and bears fruit through you.
Try this today in a specific moment. When a hard conversation arrives or an old temptation knocks, pause and turn to the Lord with a simple trust. Lord, I rely on You in this moment, express Your patience and words through me right now. Then step in with a quiet confidence, expecting His Life to be the difference.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that everything I need is already given to me in Jesus. Thank You for placing me in Your Son, and for Your Spirit living in me as my present supply. Thank You that I do not have to bring You anything to earn Your favor, since You have given me everything in Christ. Today I receive Your grace, I walk by faith, and I rest as You work in me and through me for Your glory. Lord, I trust You to live Your Life in me and through me in each conversation, task, and thought today.
Beautiful List of Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17; 2 Corinthians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 1:30 to 31; Romans 11:36; Romans 8:32; John 1:16; John 6:63; John 15:5; Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:4 to 11; Colossians 1:27; Colossians 2:6 to 7; Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:8 to 10; Philippians 2:12 to 13; Ezekiel 36:26 to 27; Jeremiah 31:33; Romans 8:9 to 11; 2 Peter 1:3; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9 to 10; Jude 24 to 25; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Colossians 3:3 to 4; Romans 12:3; Psalm 115:1; Psalm 16:2; Titus 3:5 to 7; 1 John 5:11 to 12.