The Spirit Is Life
Sunday, June 8
John 14:8-17
Colleen Connors
Covenant Church of Easton
Connecticut
“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (vv. 16-17, NIV).
Growing up with parents who struggled with significant issues left its mark on me. Addiction and the penchant to dissociate from the truth bothered me the most. Thus, realness, authenticity, and truthfulness are qualities that are most important to me today. This focused eye and the lack of trust I carry has led me at times to the devil’s playground of judgment and self-righteousness. A focus on service and God’s love helps keep me right-minded, centered on Christ and the loving truth the Holy Spirit whispers.
Dear Lord Jesus, take up residence in my heart and with the Spirit of truth help me to walk in your ways and know your truths. Amen.
Surprised In Worship
Monday, June 9
Acts 2:1-4
Sue Hawkes
Evangelical Covenant Church
Springfield, Massachusetts
My husband and I were invited to an ice cream social by his clients who are woodworkers and Mennonites. It was important to my husband that we attend, but I was reluctant. I wouldn’t know anyone there, and I also didn’t know what to expect regarding our cultural differences.
But when we arrived, we were surprised to see that they had also invited other guests from the community from different backgrounds. As we were all gathered together in one place, enjoying different foods and homemade ice cream, we suddenly heard a large group of teenagers singing hymns a capella. It was a beautiful surprise for all of us to witness such worship coming from this group of teens, who were filled with the Spirit of God. The language of song and love, worship and praise was heard by all who were there and remembered by many.
Father, fill the void in our hearts with love and praise whenever we gather together by your Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Holy Spirit At Work
Tuesday, June 10
Acts 2:5-14
Devyn Chambers Johnson
Covenant Congregational Church
North Easton, Massachusetts
This passage connects all the way back to an early story in Genesis where people thought that if they could build a tower to God, they could be as powerful as God. But God divided their language, causing confusion and ending their efforts to reach God using their own strength and ingenuity.
But in our passage today God divides the people’s language for a new purpose—to empower them to proclaim the good news of Jesus to the many visitors to Jerusalem from all corners of the known world. Their language was again divided, but now for the purpose of bringing people together in faith. What could have been seen as chaotic and frightening—in a split second speaking a new language—was part of God’s plan to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we experience things at church that we find unsettling or uncomfortable. Before assuming it is negative, we can ask ourselves, “Is perhaps the Holy Spirit working in this moment?”
Lord, help us recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst and to faithfully use the gifts the Spirit gives us to your glory. Amen.
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Wednesday, June 11
Acts 2:14-21
Cynthia Monteiro
Covenant Church of Thomaston
Connecticut
At the East Coast Conference women’s retreat three of us had just experienced a powerful moment. We received an assignment to describe in one or two words an experience we had had with the Lord. One woman testified that she heard an audible voice when trying to unite a mother with her lost and frightened children. Another described tears of sorrow and compassion for a young woman who faced great trauma but still hoped in the Lord. I described a visible encounter I had had with the Lord where I saw a seemingly endless tear of compassion on his cheek. God’s power and assurance left me frightened with awe.
The beauty in our experiences demonstrates the legacy of the Holy Spirit who was poured out in the upper room to the disciples and followers. Each event that occurred among the three of us was significant because the Holy Spirit, a gift to believers in Jesus Christ, is revealed and works through us today.
May the glory of God reign in our hearts and minds and transform us. Amen.
People And Love
Thursday, June 12
Psalm 104:24-30
Marina Pike
Bethany Covenant Church
Berlin, Connecticut
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures….When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground” (v. 24, 30, NIV).
The Lord God made each one of us—the people who love me and people whom I love. He takes care of us all, even those who do not do good things.
We all need God’s light to do good. We know we will join God in heaven as Jesus did after he died for our sins. This passage makes me happy because I know I am blessed.
Lord, help us to love all that you have created and rejoice in our blessings. Amen.
Sing Praise
Friday, June 13
Psalm 104:31-35
Marylou Freitas
Bethany Covenant Church
Berlin, Connecticut
“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works—he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord” (vv. 31-34, NIV).
I try not to take anything for granted. I am blessed, and I have so much to be thankful for and I know it! Even through challenges, I seek to thank and praise God. Yet there will never be enough praise.
If I “tremble” it is with awe, love, and respect. I can’t say that all sinners will vanish from the earth, but we know that the love and presence of God will endure regardless. As I read today’s psalm, I hear familiar songs I know. I praise the Lord for these songs of praise, the songs that help me to remember the Word.
Dear Lord, please hear and accept my praise. Amen.
A Father’s Love
Saturday, June 14
Romans 8:14-17
Kathleen Schif
Covenant Church of Easton
Connecticut
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (vv. 14-17, NIV).
To be loved and adored by our heavenly Father is such a gift. Our Lord is merciful, forgiving, and encouraging to all of us on our challenging earthly pilgrimage. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide our footsteps daily. We are all God’s children.
Praise be to God for his beautiful family of faith bathed in love. Amen.
