Holy Spirit power – Be Still…

Acts 2:1-4 – Pentecost

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” (Acts 2:1-4)

I love imagining this Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came powerfully upon the believers. The Christian church was born that day. Along with the commotion, there would have been awe and wonder. It’s a day to remember and celebrate. Growing up Lutheran, we always made it a big deal by wearing red to commemorate the fire of the Spirit.

Context (Acts 2:1-41): This particular day of Pentecost would have been the first one without Jesus for his followers. Jesus had promised he’d send the Holy Spirit and had told his friends to wait expectantly. Did they imagine anything like the actual events of this day? Multitudes of people heard them speaking in other languages. Peter was filled to overflowing and preached like never before. Thousands of those hearing the message about Jesus dedicated themselves as followers. Continue reading “Acts 2:1-4 – Pentecost”

Acts 1:8 – Promise Then Action

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit’s power is available for you and me, too. Without it, witnessing about Jesus can be daunting. When we call on the Spirit’s power, we tap into the resource Jesus promised, and we receive exactly what we need to fulfill God’s plan for our lives. We all share this same request—to tell everyone everywhere about Jesus.

Context (Acts 1:6-11): Jesus’ final moments with his followers before his ascension to heaven are powerful. Even though they still didn’t get what Jesus’ true mission on earth was, Jesus stayed patient and told them about the real power. I can’t even imagine what his followers must have been thinking. What a whirlwind of emotions, and just like that, Jesus was gone again! But Jesus did not leave them, or us, without a job to do and the power to do it. Continue reading “Acts 1:8 – Promise Then Action”

John 14:21 – Intimate Relationship

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (John 14:21)

Doesn’t God love the whole world? Yes, he does! But Jesus promises us a deeper, more intimate love from the Father when we show Jesus we love him. We’re like one big happy family full of love. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Context (John 14:15-26): These are Jesus’ words telling his disciples and us about the promised helper, the Holy Spirit he’s going to send them. Jesus openly acknowledges that his followers are set apart and will receive special treatment from God for their obedience. The relationship between Jesus and his followers is intimate and personal. This promise from Jesus is for all who love him. Continue reading “John 14:21 – Intimate Relationship”

Matthew 5:16 – Shine Your Light & Glorify God

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16)

Making smart choices and doing good in this world has its place. This verse reminds us of that purpose. It’s not to bring attention to ourselves and take credit but to give glory to God. We’ve all seen athletes after winning a close game say to reporters, ” It’s all God” or “To God be the glory!”

Context Matthew 5:13-16: Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount starts in chapter 5 of Matthew’s gospel and covers a lot of ground. But this verse is from a smaller section in that sermon teaching about salt and light. Jesus wanted the people to know that as followers we are the salt and light of the world. It’s up to us to spice things up and point to the Father with our actions. Continue reading “Matthew 5:16 – Shine Your Light & Glorify God”

Leviticus 8:1-36 – Chosen by God

Read Leviticus 8:1-36

Moses listened to God’s instructions and inducted Aaron and Aaron’s sons as priests properly before the LORD. This ritual is an act of God. What a process! Moses touched on the ordination offering requirements just a bit back in Chapter 6. Here, we have a front row seat to watch the ceremony take place. You may recall God gave Moses the instructions in Exodus 29.

Moses was clearly in a place of honor that day as he installed his brother, Aaron, and his nephews into the holy position of priest. Little did Aaron know when he helped his brother lead the people out of Egypt what his future would hold and how God would use him. If Aaron was feeling at all unworthy, the ordination process was meant to cleanse, as verse 34 says, “Everything we have done today was commanded by the Lord in order to purify you, making you right with him.” Aaron, along with his brother Moses, forever changed the lives and futures of the Israelite people. Continue reading “Leviticus 8:1-36 – Chosen by God”