Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

Read

Acts 2:22-36 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

“You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. For David says concerning him,

‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;

therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
moreover my flesh will live in hope.

For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One experience corruption.

You have made known to me the ways of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
“Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,

‘He was not abandoned to Hades,
nor did his flesh experience corruption.’

This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Reflect

How do you see and hear the results of the Holy Spirit? Have you ever simply taken time to experience the Spirit that lives and works through believers? I have discovered that when I witness the Holy Spirit working through people, there is no denying it.

I often volunteer with homeless ministries. One of my favorite things about doing this is witnessing the Spirit working through people. I love to watch other volunteers giving their time and sharing kindness with people they don’t know. At the same time, I see the results of the Holy Spirit in the people they share with. They are often enthusiastic, joyful, and they are given a little hope because they meet someone that cares. It is a reciprocal experience. The giver experiences the receiver’s joy and the receiver experiences the giver’s compassion. Then, the outsider that witnesses the encounter sees the result of the Holy Spirit working through two individuals. It is a beautiful thing! It is the result of the Spirit of Christ in people.

Take time to experience the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is at work everywhere. When you experience it or witness it, you find that it is contagious and inspiring.

Pray

Gracious God, pour your Spirit out on us. Allow your Spirit to work through us so that those who witness it will be inspired. Let all the people know that we have the Spirit working through us by the love and compassion that you fill us with. In the name of our Rock and Cornerstone we pray to you, AMEN

Go with God!