'Holy Spirit' Tagged Posts (Page 8)
Daily Devotions
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” vs. 1 Psalm 133 The psalmist knew what a lot of people in these divisive days have forgotten. There is nothing better under the sun than to live in peace and unity with those around us. That’s a universal truth that applies to, not only the people of God, but to every other living creature. It’s not unexpected that those who live in a nation as diverse…
Daily Devotions
Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” vs. 4 Romans 6:3-11 When Jesus invited his followers to become disciples he told them that in order to save their lives they would have to lose them. This dying to self is enormously difficult, and most would rather skip this step in discipleship.…
Daily Devotions
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” vs.23-24 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 After Jesus’ crucifixion, reports immediately began to spread of his resurrection, a few of which are recorded in our gospels. Convinced by…
Daily Devotions
For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” vs. 10 Ephesians 2:4-10 Even though we are sinners, by grace, God has already raised us up and given us new life in Christ. And when we trust that this is true, we can put away our old selves and devote ourselves to a lifetime of good works. It doesn’t make any difference how we…
Daily Devotions
You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient.” vss. 1-2 Ephesians 2:1-3 We aren’t exactly sure who Paul is talking about when he spoke of the “ruler of the power of the air,” but we can make a pretty good guess. Chances are he’s referring to Satan, or…
Daily Devotions
The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, ‘Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?’ And he answered, ‘Yes, I know; be silent.’” vs. 5 2 Kings 2:1-8 Elijah was remembered as the first of the great prophets of Israel, one who vigorously defended the Lord against the prophets of Baal. As he grew older he was given an associate, Elisha, who became his partner…
Daily Devotions
He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.” vs. 3 Psalm 147:1-4, 20c Probably everyone has dealt with deep pain in their lives. We have love relationships that begin well and end with despair and anger. Death seems always to be lurking in the wings and periodically reaches out to snatch a loved one away. Dreams are dashed with the loss of a job or the failure of choice investments. Circumstances vary but the feelings are the same, and…
Daily Devotions
Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.” vs. 20 Mark 1:19-20 Mark frequently uses the word “immediately” as he describes the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. Jesus felt a sense of urgency in his work; it’s as though he didn’t have much time to waste as he called his disciples. And what amazes us is how quickly they responded! They may have been familiar with him,…
Daily Devotions
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’” vss. 16-17 Mark 1:16-18 Mark is the action gospel. The writer doesn’t include much of Jesus’ teaching–there’s no Sermon on the Mount and only a few parables–and Jesus is always on the move. He seems to have been alone as he…
Daily Devotions
I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning…” vss. 29-30a 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Paul had spent about 18 months working and teaching in Corinth and was well acquainted with the people who were a part of the congregation there. So later on, when he hears reports from there, he writes them letters…
Daily Devotions
Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’” vs. 46 John 1:43-46 Nathanael was quick to dismiss the idea that Jesus was the messiah. For one thing he was from a town that had no standing in tradition. It wasn’t even mentioned in the scriptures. Nathanael wasn’t the only one to make such snap judgments. Most of us do the same sort of thing when introduced to someone whose geographic…
Daily Devotions
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?” vs. 19 1 Corinthians 6:16-20 Some of us who grew up in pietistic homes became accustomed to hearing that much of which we enjoyed doing and that seemed to be fun, was in fact horribly wrong. Our parents scrutinized what we ate or drank, how we behaved, what we read or…