1 Corinthians 12:1-31 – Your Special Abilities

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

Isn’t it great that as believers we not only have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, but we are also given special abilities or gifts. Some of us have been walking around our whole life with these superpowers but may not have realized what they were for or how they are to be used to further the kingdom of God. How does it make you feel to know you have a purpose as a chosen child of God?

The apostle Paul teaches us what these abilities might be. Because the idea of spiritual gifts or abilities may be a new concept for many, Paul’s analogy of a body makes a lot of sense. There needs to be many different gifts because there are a lot of “jobs” to do within the body of Christ. Continue reading “1 Corinthians 12:1-31 – Your Special Abilities”

Acts 2:1-47 – When the Holy Spirit Came

Read Acts 2:1-47

This passage describes the time the Holy Spirit made quite a splash with Jesus’ followers and those looking on. This was a pivotal moment, and the Christian church was born! Pentecost is still celebrated today by Christians around the world, and the Jews now celebrate the 50 days after Passover as Shavuot.

Jesus had promised he’d send a Helper, and this is the moment. Don’t you wish you could have been a fly on the wall as the Holy Spirit entered that place? What a memorable experience to see tongues of fire and hear the mighty wind and people speaking in different languages for the first time. Peter’s sermon would have been powerful to hear firsthand, witnessing Peter’s boldness and determination to share Jesus’ life-changing message. Continue reading “Acts 2:1-47 – When the Holy Spirit Came”

John 14:15-29 – What a Promise!

Read John 14:15-29

Our reading today kicks off our new theme of “The Holy Spirit & Prayer.” We hear directly from Jesus as he promises the Holy Spirit to his disciples. You can imagine those close friends were a bit perplexed about the whole notion of an Advocate like this. Little did they know as they heard these words that this would be their last meal with Jesus.

This whole passage is full of wisdom Jesus wanted to make sure he shared. We’ll be discussing this very passage as part of our Bible study with the orphanage youth group tomorrow night. I am always excited when I can encounter the same passage more than once in the same week. There is likely a very profound message for me in this text. Let’s explore it together. Continue reading “John 14:15-29 – What a Promise!”

Colossians 3:1-5 – Your New Life

Read Colossians 3:1-5

Did you feel like this reading was just for you today? We are now living a new life in Christ. What does that look like for you? How does your life look different now than it did before you met Jesus? It’s after that encounter that we are “raised to new life” and begin to see the world differently. Our focus shifts.

This is the perfect passage to read when you feel old temptations lurking. We all have moments of weakness; it’s helpful to realize that and not be afraid. We have a merciful and powerful God standing guard over us. We can acknowledge Him and show our respect. Continue reading “Colossians 3:1-5 – Your New Life”

Isaiah 55:1-13 – Unfailing Love

Read Isaiah 55:1-13

God’s unfailing love is played out in his offer of blessing, our salvation. We can almost picture God with open arms as Isaiah describes God’s welcome to come eat and be filled. He welcomes all and includes us even if we can’t pay. If our salvation depended on us, we would not be saved. God doesn’t exclude anyone because unfailing love is like that.

Isaiah was given this prophecy from God all those years ago, but it is still fulfilled each time a believer is saved. I love that God revealed this message so many generations before Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection made it possible. Continue reading “Isaiah 55:1-13 – Unfailing Love”

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)