The Spirit Is Life
(Pentecost) SUNDAY, June 5
John 14:8-17
In our lives we may constantly struggle to perceive what God wants for us. Even if we are going to church faithfully, we can miss it.
If we believe the Bible is full of God’s promises for us, how do we explain that when things get difficult, we resort to extreme measures? When we have financial struggles, we go to a lender rather than praying to God first. When we are struggling with illness, we turn to doctors before we seek God. It isn’t that those other options are wrong, but our problem is failing to turn to God first. In those moments we act like Philip, saying, “Lord, show us the Father,” when we have always been in the presence of the Father. Let us always seek the Father who has always been with us.
Father, let us see you and be with you always. Holy Spirit, guide us always. Amen.
The Benefits of the Spirit
MONDAY, June 6
Acts 2:1-4
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability” (v. 4).
When we understand the power of the Holy Spirit, we will never want to be away from the Spirit’s presence.
Imagine that you are with a famous actor all the time. Just because you are with him, you receive preferential escort treatment, free transportation, etc. When we are in the presence of the Spirit, we experience incredible things—dreams come true, prayers answered, we witness miracles. As we draw near to God, we invite the Holy Spirit to descend upon us, and our lives will be transformed. Our earthly language is exchanged for a kingdom language.
Holy Spirit, help me to change my way of thinking and put in me the Language of the kingdom of God. Amen.
The Power of the Spirit
TUESDAY, June 7
Acts 2:5-13
“‘In our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’” (vv. 11-12).
Imagine you are driving down the road and you see a damaged vehicle on the shoulder. When you stop to help, you suddenly realize that it is the person who has hurt you the most in your life. Without the Spirit of God, it would be easy to drive away, saying, “They deserve what happened to them.” But when we have the Spirit, things change—we change. When the Holy Spirit fills our life and guides us, we do things we might have thought impossible. Not everyone around will understand—they may be amazed and perplexed, saying, “What does this mean?”
Today I encourage you to let the Spirit guide you to manifest the Spirit’s fruit in your life.
Dear God, help me to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and manifest those gifts. Amen.
Transformed by the Spirit
WEDNESDAY, June 8
Acts 2:14-21
Peter denied Jesus. He cut off a soldier’s ear when they came to arrest Jesus. He was impulsive and impetuous. Yet God used him as an instrument of his glory. When we look at Peter’s story, we see a person full of imperfections who allowed God to change and guide him.
Sometimes when we think about our own failures, we might think everything we did in the past is too much to forgive. But the mistakes we make do not stop God’s plans for us! Today God gives us the opportunity to change. Peter’s whole being changed when he received the Spirit. He could perform miracles and be light to the world. That is the transforming power of the Holy Spirit which you can receive today—to be different. To be changed forever.
I ask you, God, to do in me as you did in Peter, in the name of your Son Jesus, amen.
Specially Created
THURSDAY, June 9
Psalm 104:24-30
Since the beginning of time, God has organized the entire universe. In God, nothing is a mistake. When God created the sun, he knew it was necessary for trees and animals to survive, as well as for human beings.
When you were born, God loved you and knew you. Don’t listen to the voices that try to tell you that you do not deserve forgiveness, that you are not worthy of improvement. God already knew that he would use you and that through the guidance of the Holy Spirit you will fulfill his promise. He will always give you what you need. We simply ask and believe.
Lord, help me to remember that I am yours and that you take care of me. Thank you. Amen.
Our Amazing God
FRIDAY, June 10
Psalm 104:31-35
When we see the latest cell phone or the technology in today’s cars, we may experience a feeling of “Wow.” It’s impossible to not feel amazed by something new, because we know these advancements are difficult to achieve.
Can you imagine everything God has done since the beginning of time? All the things that we see and all the things we do not see were also created by him. So how do we react to God on a daily basis? With eternal gratitude and wonder.
The fact that today you are breathing right now, that you can read this devotional bring us before God to live a life of “wows” for all the gifts we receive. Let us pray for a spirit of gratitude for God’s good gifts.
Father God, today I come before you, asking you to help me to be grateful for all that you give me. Thank you! Amen.
Adopted by the Holy Spirit
SATURDAY, June 11
Romans 8:14-17
“When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (vv. 15-16).
Being connected with the Spirit is necessary. Paul writes that all who allow themselves to be guided by the Spirit are children of God. Being family changes things. Our role changes automatically, and God becomes our adoptive Father.
There is no need to feel alone. The lies that Satan wants to tell us—“you are alone,” “nobody loves you,” “you are a mistake”—fall into the void because God exposes the lies. None applies to God’s children, because the same Spirit guides us to the places where we can hear the voice of God clearly. Take a moment to reflect on what role each member of the Triune God is playing in your life.
God, help me prioritize my relationship with your Spirit so I remember that I am your child. Amen.
