“God’s Spirit Poured Out!” This is the week in the church we celebrate the Day of Pentecost. It’s also the beginning of what we have come to know as “ordinary time” from now until the beginning of Advent. We are going to talk about the many ways God’s Spirit is poured out on us and for us during this longest season of the church year. Not only that, but also what affect God’s Spirit has on us and those around us when we receive it. The second chapter of Acts reminds us that even though we come together as community, we do NOT always understand each other! Let’s look, this week, at ways we might bridge the gaps in our communication with others through God’s Spirit that’s poured on us!
Monday, June 13 -
When we think back to the baptism of Jesus we remember the Holy Spirit coming from heaven in the form of a dove. Today, we encounter a much more graphic depiction of the Holy Spirit as it comes in forms of “violent wind and divided tongues of fire!” I think the time had come when God needed to get the peoples’ attention. Jesus had promised this gift from God when he ascended into heaven. Little did the people know what to expect! Take that as today’s message that God is full of unexpected gifts. Watch for what that might mean in your life today!
Tuesday,June 14 -
What does it mean to live in community? It can mean different things to different people. Often, what it means is that we struggle to communicate when we find ourselves in the midst of the people who comprise community. Such was the case with the people on the day of Pentecost when they suddenly could not understand each other as God’s Spirit was poured on them when they began talking in different languages. Our languages may not be literally different, but we often confuse each other by the ways we communicate. Think today about ways you might bring clarity to your communication with others. Let God’s Spirit be poured on you and THROUGH you!
Wednesday, June 15 -
Psalm 104:30 says in part, “When you send forth your spirit, [we] are created.” What a beautiful sentiment! When God’s Spirit is poured out for us we are indeed the beneficiaries. The important thing to remember is that God’s Spirit is continuously poured out for us all the time. We believe that our God created and IS creating. Given that fact, think of all the ways today that God is continuing to create you by the pouring of the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, June 16 -
Paul tells us, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” Our God is SO amazing. While God gives us individual gifts and loves us for who we are individually, God has created us to live and move and have our being in community. So, when we consider Paul’s verse 7 from I Corinthians 12, we’re reminded that we are to share what God has blessed us with. God’s good gifts were not meant to hoard for ourselves. This week as you have become more aware of the many ways the Spirit has been poured out for you, remember to plan for all the ways you can share this blessing from God.
Friday, June 17 -
Jesus said, “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.” Jesus helped the disciples envision what this new-found gift (the Holy Spirit) was about. Just as the winter snows in the North make the southern rivers swell in the spring, so God’s Spirit that is gently poured into us, FLOWS from us as we act on all God calls us to do. Let’s think today about God’s Spirit that is poured out for us and for many. For our part of that wonderful gift, what ways can we use it to the best advantage of those around us? Finally, remember to be thankful for this most generous ongoing gift of God!