pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Holy Spirit


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Spirit Empowered

Reading: Acts 2:1-12

Acts 2:4 – “They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.”

Next Sunday is Pentecost Sunday! On this Sunday we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. In a way, this is like a second coming of Jesus. As we begin the week in Acts 2 today and tomorrow, we see how the Spirit empowers believers as they and we seek to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world.

Pentecost began on Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks. This Jewish celebration that was 50 days after Passover started as a harvest festival then morphed into a time to remember the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. The Law was what guided a devout Jew’s life. The Holy Spirit functions much in the same way for the followers of Jesus.

On the first Pentecost a mighty wind announced the coming of the Holy Spirit. This noise drew a crowd, through which the power of the Spirit was demonstrated. As “flames of fire” alit on the believers that were gathered together, “They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.” For the disciples, this indwelling Spirit gave them the authority of Jesus Christ. Empowered, they soon became apostles – “sent ones.”

For some of those who heard the good news in their native tongues, the Spirit began to woo many, to draw them towards Jesus Christ. Later in Acts 2, many respond to this call. They are like us. We one day heard the call of God upon our hearts. Opening our hearts, we received Jesus as Lord. Receiving Jesus, we then received the Holy Spirit into our hearts too. Like those first disciples, we are empowered to tell the story of our faith in Jesus Christ. Each in our own way, may we share our good news stories with others.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit! Your Spirit gives us so much: guidance, direction, courage, comfort, conviction, hope, power… Fill our hearts today with a desire to share our faith with others, so that they too may receive Jesus into their hearts, opening the door for the Holy Spirit to dwell in them. Amen.


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Overwhelming Power

Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23

Ephesians 1:18 – “I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see… the overwhelming greatness that is working among us believers.”

Today is known as “Ascension Day” in the church world. It is the day the Lord ascended back into heaven. Forty days after Easter, the risen Christ returned to the Father. In ten days we will celebrate Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the first believers. Our passage today reflects the effects of this outpouring upon the believers in Ephesus. Paul begins his prayer by thanking God for their faith in the Lord and for how their love of Christ is being lived out in the world. Paul then asks for a spirit of wisdom and revelation to be given so that these believers can know God even more. This would empower the church to live as an even more powerful witness to God’s love.

Then, in verse 18, we find an encompassing prayer. It is both request and reminder: “I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see…” To first see the hope that comes through God’s calling upon their lives. This hope rests in who and whose they are in Christ. Second, to see and know the “richness” of their place in God’s calling on their lives – an inheritance that is both now and eternal. This is to know love, yes, but also grace, mercy, salvation, peace… And third, to see “the overwhelming greatness that is working among us believers.” The power of God is in the love that overwhelms hate, division, oppression… The power is alive and moving in and through the followers of Christ. This power enables all believers to continue the mission of Jesus.

We have this Holy Spirit power in our hearts too. Therefore we can tap into this same overwhelming power. Our question is this: Are we willing to “see” the hope… the inheritance… the love of God so that we can channel these gifts out into the world? Believing in the power of God’s Spirit, we can unleash it in our lives. This is our call and our mission. May the eyes of our hearts be opened!

Prayer: Lord God, we pray for the same spirit of wisdom and revelation to be poured out upon us. Through this outpouring, transform us more and more into the image of Christ. May your presence fill us with the overwhelming power of your love. With this power within us, use us to transform the world, changing it to better reflect your kingdom of love here on earth. Amen.


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Daily in Christ’s Spirit

Reading: John 14:15-21

John 14:16 – “I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

Chapter 14 begins with Jesus explaining that he is the way, the truth, and the life. There is a promise of presence both now and in heaven in these words. Jesus is preparing the disciples for life after his death and resurrection. As we turn to this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus defines this promised presence. In verse 15, Jesus states, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The coming gift of this presence begins with living in right relationship with God. Jesus centers the relationship on keeping his commands. He lifted just two. The first is to love God with all that we are: heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second is to love one another just as Jesus loves us: unconditionally, humbly, completely, sacrificially.

Verse 16 feels conditional, based on verse 15. In verse 16 we read, “I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever.” As we press on we see that “knowing” Jesus leads to knowing the “Companion” or Holy Spirit. Reading on, knowing Jesus is again tied to keeping his commands, which is tied to knowing the Spirit. To “know” Jesus is to follow him, to walk in his footsteps, to model our lives after his example. This forms a relationship with Jesus. Through this relationship, the Spirit will “live with you and will be with you.” Receiving this presence, we have Christ in our hearts. In us and loving us, Jesus tells us that he will “reveal myself to them.”

The Spirit – the counselor, comforter, advocate, companion – will be with us and will make Jesus known to us. The Holy Spirit empowers, leads, and guides us to keep the love commands. It teaches us and reminds us and convicts us, leading us to grow in our relationship with Jesus. With Christ’s eternal presence in our hearts and lives we are far from “orphans.” In fact, it is just the opposite. Through the Holy Spirit’s presence, we have Christ with us always. May we choose to walk daily in that presence and love.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for Jesus’ love. It is a love that conquers sin and death. It is a love that conquers hate, pride, greed, lust, selfishness… It is a love that calls us in, that fills us, that sends us out to be love in the world. Following Christ’s example, use us today to make others feel loved – by us and by you. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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Non-Linear Faith

Reading: 1st Peter 2:2-3

1st Peter 2:2 – “Instead, like a newborn baby, desire the pure spiritual milk of the word. Nourished by it, you will grow into salvation.”

Peter was a great leader in the early church. His faith was bold and strong. Peter had walked with Jesus himself for three years, slowly building his faith. He walked on water – not early in his walk with Jesus and not for very long. Peter was willing to fight for Jesus, drawing his sword in the garden – only to be rebuked by the Prince of Peace. And although he denied knowing Jesus after his arrest, Peter’s faith had been fully restored by the risen Christ. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter became one of the faces of this new movement of faith that would become known as Christianity.

As we turn to 1st Peter 2 today and tomorrow, we do so with a key understanding: most folks in the early “church” were new to Jesus and to the faith. Can you remember those days? Doubt was frequent. A return to your old ways was not uncommon. This is Peter’s audience. In verse 2 he writes, “Instead, like a newborn baby, desire the pure spiritual milk of the word. Nourished by it, you will grow into salvation.” Instead of relying on yourselves, turn to God. Recognize the newness of your faith and invest in its growth. Delve into the practices that will help your faith to grow. These disciplines would include prayer and meditation, worship and fellowship, studying God’s word, service, and even fasting. These things grow our faith.

The reality we experience when growing our faith reveals that it is non-linear. The progress is unsteady. We often fail early on. As we grow in our faith, though, we start to take more steps forward than backward. We realize again and again that the thing we’ve always done, well, it is sin. We confess it and strive to repent and grow. We start to see things undone or unspoken as sins of omission and we begin to live more faithfully, more boldly. Yet we never “arrive.” We can always be a little closer to Jesus than we were yesterday. Day by day may we strive to be more like Jesus in all ways. Yes, O God, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes, hearts, and minds to the ways that you seek to draw us deeper into faith. Guide and strengthen us as we continue to work out our salvation. Amen.


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Faithful, to the End

Reading: Acts 7:55-60

Acts 7:59 – “Lord Jesus, receive my life!”

Photo credit: Alex Woods

Soon after Jesus’ death, the church began to form and grow. The apostles and disciples of Jesus began to meet, to worship, to care for others, and to share the good news. The gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost empowered the community of faith. Many were coming to a saving faith in Jesus. One of those filled with the Holy Spirit was Stephen. He spoke boldly and healed people in the name of Jesus. For this he was brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Instead of backing down or recanting or being silenced, he boldly proclaimed Jesus as Lord to them. Fueled by the Spirit, Stephen looked up and saw heaven opened with Jesus standing at God’s right side. This proclamation triggers his death by stoning.

Facing this horrible death, Stephen prays, “Lord Jesus, accept my life!” His trust in Jesus is complete. His belief in his eternal destination is sure. In both of these ways, he offers one more powerful witness to Jesus. Trust and surety in the face of death remains a powerful witness today. In times present to those nearing death, I’ve seen people’s faith shine and I’ve heard their trust in the destination. There is a calm, a strength, a peace evident in those with faith.

In addition to all of this, Stephen showed grace. As he was dying, he shouted, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” One last, powerful witness to God’s love and grace. Stephen served his Lord faithfully, right to the end. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for Stephen’s faithful witness. Move us by the same Holy Spirit. While we may never face death for our faith, Lord empower us to be strong and bold when needed. In ways small and perhaps large, guide us to profess our faith in you and to stand for all that is good and just and right and holy. Amen.


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Devoted?

Reading: Acts 2:42-45

Acts 2:43 – “A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles.”

Today and tomorrow we walk with the early, early church. The Holy Spirit has just come upon the apostles and other believers. In the opening verse we see what the first “church” was like. They studied the word of God and the example of Jesus. They gathered regularly to be in fellowship and to share meals. They spent time in prayer. To all of these practices of faith, “they devoted themselves.”

Before pressing on in the passage, we must ask ourselves a few questions. Does this sound like your church or community of faith? Are the people in your community of faith devoted to these practices? And are you, an important part of the body of faith, are you personally devoted to giving daily and regular attention to these practices of the faith? Devotion to the spiritual disciplines, as individuals and as a community of faith, it is a necessity if verse 43 is to be realized in and amongst us.

In verse 43 we read, “A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles.” The sense of awe and the signs and wonders – these are the actions of God. We cannot in any way manufacture these things. The awe, signs, and wonders are, if you will, God’s “response” to our faithful devotion. When we are faithful to the practices of our faith, we open ourselves up to God working and acting in our lives and in our faith communities. The Spirit at work then leads to unity, to caring well for one another, and to the revelation of God’s goodness in the world. These faith practices will, in turn, lead to adding to the community “those being saved.” So, again, the questions: Are you and is your faith community devoted to these regular practices of the faith?

Prayer: Lord God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, upon our faith communities, and upon our neighborhoods. Filled with your Spirit, increase our devotion: to you, to the example of Jesus, to the community of faith, and to the unsaved world. Draw us day by day closer to you so that you may use us and our communities of faith in more and more transformational ways. Amen.


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Eyes Opened, Hearts Warmed

Reading: Luke 24:30-35

Luke 24:32 – “Weren’t our hearts on fire as he spoke to us along the road?”

As we continue in Luke 24, Jesus takes a place at the table with his two disciples. They have been on a seven mile journey, so they’re likely ready to eat. When Jesus takes and breaks the bread, blesses it and gives it to them, “Their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” In the movement and words of communion, recognition comes to these disciples. Presence becomes real. Eyes are fully opened. And then Jesus disappears.

After this encounter the two disciples say to each other, “Weren’t our hearts on fire as he spoke to us along the road?” Something was stirring, something was at work. We too feel this at times. The Holy Spirit tries to stir us to action or tries to open our eyes or heart or mind to something or someone. We feel a nudge to go to that place. We hear a whisper calling us to visit or text or call that person. And when we are willing, brave even, and take that step of faith, we too encounter the risen Christ as our hearts blaze with love for God and for the other.

But this is a step that we can initially struggle to take. Once in a while we’re lucky like the two disciples were. Jesus makes himself present. After each of these encounters and after the moments when we did take a step of faith, we become more and more empowered to do as these two disciples did. We tell others our Jesus story. Some of the time it is literally telling others about our Jesus. Most of the time, though, it is allowing that encounter or that experience to change us, to fill us with the good news, equipping us to live out our faith more boldly. Doing so, others come to know Christ’s love for them. In all that we say and do, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, we rejoice in those encounters with you, in those times when you open our eyes and warm our hearts. These encounters are powerful and transforming. Keep our eyes open and our hearts willing, O God. Then send us out. Use us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the world. Amen.


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To Live As Love

Reading: Acts 2:38-39

Acts 2:38 – “Change your hearts and lives… be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ… receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

This week our readings focus on God’s promises to us and our response to these promises. The promises are centered on God’s love for us. Our responses are centered on our love for God. This love is expressed in the sacraments of baptism and communion and in the ways that God’s love is faithful, especially in our times of trial and suffering. Our response is our faithful living as we daily seek to love God and others, building the community through love.

In Acts 2, our focus today and tomorrow, Luke covers the basics of entering the Christian faith. It begins with the prophetic call heard anew in the words of John the Baptist: “Change your heart and lives.” This involves our choice not to live for self but for Jesus Christ. In love, it is placing God and others ahead of and above self. This step of surrender and humility opens our hearts to truly loving God and neighbor.

This step often leads to a profession of faith. For many in the church, this first happens in baptism, an outward sign of an inner faith. Infant baptism has become the “norm” in many faith communities. In these cases, the parent(s) commit to raising the child within the community of faith. Later, whether through a formal process like confirmation or through membership vows in a local church or through a gradual warming of the heart, we confirm or profess our faith in Jesus Christ as “adults.”

The Holy Spirit, God’s indwelling presence, is a piece of this equation. Becoming a part of our lives, whether through the waters of baptism or through the profession of faith, the Holy Spirit works within us, changing hearts and lives, drawing us deeper and deeper into a relationship with Jesus Christ. This ongoing process continues, hopefully each day of our lives, empowering us to live as love in the world. May this be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you today for calling us into your family. Thank you for your patience and for your grace. Fueled by your love, these allow us to remain in right relationship with you. From this place, filled with your love, send us out into the world to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Amen.


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Genuine

Reading: 1st Peter 1:6-7

1st Peter 1:7c – “Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Photo credit: Kim West

Earlier in the week, when we read from 1st Peter 1, we focused on our inheritance. As you’ve maybe observed or even experienced, inheritances don’t always come easily. Yes, there are the “silver spoon” examples that come to mind. And, yes, many come to us naturally or organically, without much fuss. To a degree faith can fall into this category. I grew up going to church, so faith was “assumed.” But singing the songs and learning the Bible stories of Noah, Daniel and the lions, Jesus and the children… are much different things than actually having a faith of one’s own.

As a junior in high school I was at a youth group event, a rock-a-thon. My fun and enjoyable time in a rocking chair was disrupted by news (via a knock on the church door in that pre-cell phone world) that a good friend was in a horrible accident. Praying for him in the sanctuary balcony with two friends, I felt that tangible presence of the Holy Spirit. Held in those “arms,” I rejoiced in hope, even in the midst of a time of distress.

Through this experience and other moments of trial, my faith was “tested by fire.” In time I came to have a sure faith that is my own. One day I, like all believers, hope to experience what Peter points to at the end of verse 7: “Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” O Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in the moment, no, I wouldn’t have chosen any of the experiences that refined and tested my faith. However, you are far, far wiser than I am. Each moment, each tear, each time of despair – small stepping stepping stones to this place in my journey of faith. Thank you for each of them and, more so, for your abiding presence in each of them. Please continue to walk with me day by day. Amen.


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Moved Forward

Reading: Acts 2:32

Acts 2:32 – “This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.”

Today we return to Acts 2 and focus on the last verse of this week’s passage. Peter is addressing a crowd of people who have been drawn to the disciples by the sound of the Holy Spirit descending at Pentecost. There is a Thomas-esque feel to this scene. The people cannot wrap their heads around what has happened. At first many want to just dismiss the whole thing. Maybe you’ve been there too.

Many years ago I was a one-hour-a-week Christian. I attended church regularly, at first at a small Lutheran country church and then at a larger United Methodist church when we moved to a larger town. It was there that God started trying to push me past my one-hour limit. At first, I wanted to dismiss that push. But voices added to the feeling and the Spirit persisted. First it was couple’s group and then men’s group. It was teaching Sunday School to volunteering at youth group. Then it was the call past volunteering to leading youth group. All along the call of the Holy Spirit grew and grew. Voices of encouragement grew. Would I trust this feeling and the words of those close to me to take a leap of faith, away from a 23-year teaching career and into the ministry?

As other voices spoke into my life, the question was this: Did I trust these voices? Would I trust the voice of the Spirit? Long ago, Peter spoke these words to some people asking these questions: “This Jesus God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.” Words alone do not make believers, even words whispered from God. The power of Peter’s testimony was the same as what led me to take a leap of faith: I could feel the words. I could feel the Holy Spirit moving me, pulling me forward in faith. As trusted voices speak and as the Spirit moves in your life, may you too step forward in faith, witnessing to the power of God.

Prayer: Lord God, more than words on a page or spoken by a friend, the Holy Spirit moves, whispers, nudges. It is a force, a fire, a tangible feeling. Stir this in each of us, making the words come alive, making our faith come alive. Amen.