John 15:8 – This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV)

This morning, when I was driving to work, I was listening to a Farsi language tape from Muslims who had become Christians. (I speak Farsi.) I noticed that they had a very lively church with a powerful message, songs and prayers, and I could feel their desire for God and for spreading the gospel. By listening to the tape I was moved, and was led to think about the power of God.

The first thing I did was to go on my computer to the Bible Gateway website at www.biblegateway.com/ and typed the word power in the word section. Voila! Hundreds of passages came up on the screen. I started reading the verses from the New Testament first, and was truly blessed to know how amazing the power of God is! I said to myself, "Now I have to use this power and start to become more fruitful and active in my Christian walk as that church was in its walk." Then I started pondering the prayers that I heard on that tape: "Father, pour the Holy Spirit in us much more so our innermost being can overflow!"

The flowing of rivers of water that Jesus talked about in today's scripture verse crossed my mind, and I imagined two natural rivers: one, a narrow and calm river with less water, so slow that it is unable even to sweep away the dead leaves that have been clinging to it for a long time; the other, full of lively waters with a flowing stream and gushing sound that from a distance brings chills to anybody passing by.

These two rivers remind me of two types of Christians: one, joyfully active and fruitful in his or her calling; the other, a secret and closet believer whom nobody can tell if he or she is a Christian. Then I said to myself, "Christians must come out of their closets and start praying for the gifts of Holy Spirit to empower them."

Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

Prayer: Father, thank you for your gift of the Holy Spirit that is given to us freely to empower us spiritually. We confess that we have not always taken it literally. Open our eyes so we can see all the divine gifts that you have promised and for years stored for us. May we receive and cherish them with gladness. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.

When we moved, I found a trail near our new home. I often saw people walking on that trail. Some would walk alone, some with friends, and some with their children. Parents usually walk patiently and slowly while holding on to their children. I had thought to myself, "What if the children were to let go of their parents and hold the hand of a stranger instead, without paying attention to the existence of their parents?" How would the parents react to such a heart-breaking action? The world would seem to end before their eyes.

This would be the same with our heavenly Father, who created us to be His, when He sees us worshipping other gods, asking guidance from fortune tellers, mocking His words and denying His existence, while He loves us beyond our imagination — to the point that He sent his only Son to die on the cross for our salvation.

I sometimes think of the great patience that our heavenly Father possesses. He continues to give us the chance to go back to Him. With my human weakness and zealous attitude for God, I want to destroy those who reject Him. However, I realize that He is holding out His hands and giving everyone a chance to come back to Him, to walk with Him, and to be in His presence forever. This shows His unconditional and amazing love for us. We can only praise His holy name.

Prayer: Our heavenly Father, we express our gratitude and thanksgiving with our worship and prayer at the foot of Your throne. It is a privilege and an honour to walk with You. Your love for us is beyond our imagination. When we were lost in sin, we were in torment, but walking with You gives us the ultimate comfort, sheltering us from our enemies. Lord, have mercy on Your children. Open our spiritual eyes so that we may see You and know that You are the true God to be worshipped. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.