Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Romans 8:14-17

¹When the day of Pentecost came, they were all

together in one place.² Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

 ³ They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit

and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.⁵ Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.

⁷ Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?⁸ Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus

and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome ¹¹ (both Jews and converts to Judaism);

Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”¹² Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Reflection

Our scripture today is a great reminder of how to tell if what we are learning comes from the Holy Spirit. Everything the Spirit does glorifies Christ. The disciples who gathered for Pentecost begin to glorify Christ by sharing the great story of God’s love for us. If you read on, Peter begins to preach about the love of God we have in Jesus Christ. This is his one theme and it is the one theme that we have that is taught to us by the Holy Spirit. Why do you think it is important that we remember that the Holy Spirit only glorifies Christ?

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Acts 1:7

⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Reflection

Our scripture today reminds us that there are many things about our future we do not know (primarily how and when Jesus will return). What we do know about our future is

revealed to us in time by the Holy Spirit. How do you think the Holy Spirit can teach us by showing us things to come?

Monday, January 19, 2015

John 14:25-27

²⁵ “All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ 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. ²⁷ 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.

Reflection

This week we are talking about how the Holy Spirit teaches us. In this scripture from the Gospel of John, Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit. One important part of the gift that we are given is that the Holy Spirit brings remembrance to the words of Christ. Have you ever read or heard a scripture and it was exactly what you needed? This is the work of the Spirit bringing us the right word from God when we need it. How have you witnessed this gift of the Spirit in your life?

Weekly Theme January 18 through 24

Teaches Us

  “But the counselor, 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.”

 -John 14:26

             

Teaching is very important to our spiritual development as well.  When it comes to spiritual development, all the knowledge and information that we need doesn’t just automatically flow into our consciousness the moment we accept Christ, become a disciple, and start following him.  It is a teaching process.

How does that teaching process take place in our spiritual development?  That process is different for every disciple because we all are unique and learn in different ways. 

However, when it comes to spiritual growth there is a common element in the teaching and learning process.  That common element is the presence of the teaching and enlightening of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit teaches us.  The Holy Spirit teaches us through other people.  The Holy Spirit teaches us through the wisdom of the Bible.  The Holy Spirit teaches us through history and through the lives of disciples who have lived before us.  The Holy Spirit teaches us through the action and belief structure of the church.  The Holy Spirit teaches us in many different ways but here is an indisputable fact for all Christians: The Holy Spirit teaches us.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Galatians 4:4-6

 ⁴ But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. ⁶ Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” ⁷ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Reflection

Our scripture today reminds us of the fact that we are the

children of God. This time we hear another word that we are God’s heirs. This is another word for child but what ramification do you think that the inheritance we have from our God is the grace we have found in Jesus Christ. What do you think is the best use of this inheritance?

Friday, January 16, 2015

John 15:26-27

²⁶ “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. ²⁷ And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

Reflection

Our scripture today reminds us that the goal of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to show Jesus in and through us. One major part of this is to testify to what God has done for your life in Jesus Christ. How has God in Jesus Christ changed your life?

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Matthew 10:32-33

³² “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.  ³³ But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heave

Reflection

Today, we have a reminder that we have an obligation as children of God. The Holy Spirit reminds us that we are

children and a part of that reminder is to share our faith with others. Are there things that make it hard for you to share the good news of Jesus Christ? Take time now to ask God to help you move past these barriers.