Leave Secrecy Behind

Have you ever had a secret relationship? Have you had a friend you didn’t want others to know about? Was that person a good friend? Were you afraid to let your parents know they were your friend? Were you afraid of letting your other friends know they were a friend?

We may have a secret at some point in our lives. Perhaps the person is someone we truly like, but we don’t think our parents or other friends will approve or they will be surprised by it. We may feel as though we will be embarrassed if they find out. So, we keep it a secret.

Nicodemus has a secret he wanted to keep that way. He had a fascination with Jesus. Though Nicodemus was a Pharisee, part of the Jewish religious leadership, he found Jesus’ teachings interesting. He wanted to hear more from Jesus. But because he was a Pharisee, he kept his fascination a secret.

Once, when he sought out Jesus, he went to Him at night—under the cover of darkness. He could move in the shadows to get to where Jesus was and limit the possibility of being seen. It would have been a big risk to go during the day, but he reduced the risk of being caught by going at night. He had questions he needed answered by Jesus.

Do we do the same with Jesus? Do we sneak around to meet up with Him? Perhaps we read our Bible when sitting alone but put it away when our friends are coming over. Maybe we go to church on Sunday morning but don’t tell our friends we do so. We continue to meet with Jesus so long as we don’t have to bring our relationship to the light.

We do not have to continue to sneak around to meet with Jesus. He will meet us anywhere we want to meet with Him. Yet, He much prefers meeting us in the light. He wants us to share Him with others. We can only do that by letting them know we have a relationship with Him. So, step out of the secrecy and into the light. Let others know you have a relationship with Jesus.

I pray we all share our relationship with Jesus. I pray we let our friends know we meet with Jesus regularly. I pray each one of us will step out of secrecy and into the light with Jesus. Leave secrecy behind. Step into the light. Share Jesus with others. Let others know you have a relationship with Jesus.

John 3:1-2 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.”

Filled with the Spirit

What does it mean to you to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Do you think of it as a mysterious overwhelming feeling? Do you believe it is a divine gift from God? Or do you not think about it all because you do not believe you understand it?

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are given the Holy Spirit. He comes to live within us. God’s Spirit is joined with our spirit. It is a mystery to us as to how this happens, though we know from Jesus’ promise it does happen.

Jesus requested the Father send the Holy Spirit to be our advocate, guide, counselor, comforter, supporter, interceder, encourager, and helper. The Holy Spirit is always with us. Since the Holy Spirit is God, just as the Son and the Father is God, we can better understand Jesus’ statement that He would be with us always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

The Holy Spirit is God inside us. Since the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one, what one of them knows the other one knows. The Trinity is identified as three persons as one God. We may not fully understand this concept, but we can understand they are one hundred percent in sync.

When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles, they began to speak in other languages, and they began to have a far deeper understanding of God and his kingdom. They suddenly understood what Jesus was teaching them and began teaching others.

I pray we all know the Holy Spirit lives within us. I pray we understand that the Holy Spirit is one with the Father and the Son. I pray each one of us feels the presence of the Holy Spirit within us each and every day. The Holy Spirit is in you. Know that God is one. Feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Be Enlightened

Have you ever been amazed, totally astounded by something you couldn’t believe you had just seen it with your own eyes? Do you remember that feeling of amazement? How did you react? Were you overfilled with joy? Were you scared to death? Were you frozen in place?

Though it is not common, we can be so amazed that we are frozen, scared, and joyous all at the same time. On those rare occasions, we see something we will never forget. Those are often life-changing events. Things are just not quite the same after seeing something that amazing.

That is what happened on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came down from heaven and poured out over the disciples. There was the sound of a violent wind. It appeared as though tongues of fire hovered above each disciples’ head. Then they spoke in languages they had not previously known.

Those who saw it and heard it were amazed. They knew the disciples were from the region of Galilee. They also knew the disciples were not well-educated people. They were common people—fishermen, tax collectors, housewives, and day laborers. They were poor, living from day-to-day, often only eating based on what they earned that day.

We, too, can be amazed when we think about that day. We can sit in awe at the movement of the Holy Spirit. We can and should realize that we have been given the same Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit who enlightened the disciples on Pentecost can also enlighten us. Our part is to open ourselves up to him and allow him to work in and through us. Rather than try to explain it away with science, revel in the mystery of God.

I pray we all are amazed at what happened on Pentecost. I pray we welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives. I pray each one of us will be enlightened by the Holy Spirit as he works within us. Be amazed. Stand in awe. Accept the Holy Spirit. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life. Be enlightened.

Acts 2:12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

Promised Testifier

Have you had a promise made to you that seemed to be good to be true, but it was true? Have you waited a needed helper and he showed up at the exact time you needed him? Have you needed a key witness and the witness showed up? Do you know God does that?

When a wonderful promise comes true it can change the entire trajectory of our lives. It can be the difference between slugging along on a path that leads to nowhere and rising above all the muck and mire. Those kinds of promises don’t happen every day…or do they?

We all need help. Often, we need help more often than we are willing to admit. We have help available to us in the Holy Spirit. Just like Jesus goes by many names, so does the Holy Spirit. He is called Advocate, Comforter, Helper, Counselor, Guide, Interceder, Supporter, Encourager, and Testifier.

Notice that Jesus says the Holy Spirit will testify on His behalf. This means the Holy Spirit is Jesus’ voice to us today. But he doesn’t yell, he whispers to us. He interprets the Scriptures for us, giving us deeper insights into God’s Word and his plan. He is especially guiding to be more like Jesus by revealing to us who Jesus is.

This is a promise Jesus made that we can believe in. If we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we know He has fulfilled His promise. We have the Holy Spirit living inside us. We have God living inside us. If we will just listen to his guidance and follow it, we will live the abundant life Jesus promised us as well.

I pray we all trust in Jesus’ promises. I pray we listen for the whispers of the Holy Spirit. I pray each one of us live the abundant life Jesus has promised us. Trust Jesus’ promises. Know the Holy Spirit by his many names. Listen for the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Live the abundant life.

John 15:26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.”

The Advocate

Have you experienced having a key mentor leave you? What a beloved teacher? Or maybe a well thought of pastor? How did you take the news? Were you upset? Distraught? Feeling hopeless? Sad? Have you applied those thoughts and feelings to the apostles when Jesus was leaving them?

When a key mentor of ours must leave, especially if they are passing from this world, can have a significant impact on us. We may experience wide range of emotions. The same is true for a special teacher or pastor. The impact they had our lives causes us to reflect as their time with us comes to a close.

The apostles were no different. As the time was nearing for Jesus to go to the cross, He explained to the apostles that He must leave them. Their hearts were saddened. They did not want Him to go. Their feelings are understandable. They had been with Him for about three years and seen amazing things happen, learned a lot about the kingdom of God, and had a desire to continue with both.

Jesus tells them they will not be left alone. Once He has left them and returned to heaven, He is sending the Advocate, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit to be with them. In fact, Jesus says that unless He goes, the Holy Spirit will not come to them. Yet, it is by the gift of the Holy Spirit that they will grow in understanding of God’s kingdom and how he is going to spread his kingdom to others around the world.

We are given the Holy Spirit, too. We may wonder what the difference is between the apostles and ourselves. I believe the biggest difference is we are not nearly as open to listen to the Holy Spirit as the apostles were. They had been with Jesus and trusted Him implicitly. We learn about Him through Scripture. Our willingness to put our entire heart into our belief without seeing Him in person can be a challenge. Yet, we can. It is our decision.

I pray we all decide to fully trust Jesus’ promises. I pray we seek to listen to the Holy Spirit. I pray each one of us accept the Holy Spirit and follow his guidance in our lives. Trust Jesus’ promises. Accept the Holy Spirit. Listen for the Holy Spirit. Follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

Better Communication with God

Yesterday we wrestled with not having the right words to express ourselves. We also discussed the Holy Spirit interceding on our behalf with sighs too deep for words. Today, let’s take a look at how God the Father and the Holy Spirit interact so that God knows what we need.

First, read through today’s passage. Notice that God searches the heart—our heart. He goes through our heart with a fine-tooth comb. He knows exactly what we are feeling, thinking, and our desires. He knows if we have a heart for him or for worldly things.

We are then told that God knows the mind of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is actually the one who searches our heart. Why do we know that? The Holy Spirit lives inside us. Jesus asked the Father to send him, and the Father sent the Spirit to live within us. Therefore, it is the Spirit of God that searches our heart.

Since they are One, the Father knows the mind of the Spirit. As soon as the Spirit has ascertained what we are feeling and thinking, the Father knows it as well. The Holy Spirit transmits the information in sighs too deep for words. Or, put another way, in heavenly language that we cannot understand, but the Father does.

This is what we refer to as the Spirit interceding on our behalf. Why? Because God the Father has willed it to be that way. Isn’t that amazing?! The connection between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is instantaneous. And because the Spirit lives within us, both the Father and the Son know exactly what we are feeling and thinking at any given moment.

Why is this important to us? When we understand how we can communicate with God, we do a better job of communicating. When we know that God knows, we can be comforted in knowing he will take care of it. For we know that God works all things to the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28)—the very next verse!

I pray we all understand how God knows what we are feeling and thinking. I pray we know the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. I pray each one of us better communicate with God and find comfort in his knowing. God knows you. God knows your feelings. God knows your thoughts. The Spirit intercedes for you. God works all things for your good.

Romans 8:27 And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Too Deep for Words

Have you ever been at a loss for words? Have you had a deep feeling that you simply could not adequately describe? Have you had a longing for something that words couldn’t fully express? Did you find it frustrating? Did it feel as though those feeling were a bowling ball in your chest?

We may experience times when it seems as though words cannot express what we are feeling. Sometimes words seem to be inadequate to describe what we want are feeling deep inside. It may even happen when we are praying and attempting to express ourselves to God.

God knows we cannot always express ourselves adequately. He knows there are some things that words just can’t describe. So, what do we do in those situations? We do the best we can. We express them as best we can in words and in our feelings to God. He knows those feelings. The Holy Spirit interprets those feelings that we cannot put into words.

Interpreting how we feel is one of many reasons we are given the Holy Spirit. We can take comfort in God understanding us deep within our core, deep within our spirit. God’s Holy Spirit communicates with our spirit on a level we cannot fully understand. Yet, God understands, and that is all we need to know.

As the Apostle Paul tells the church in Rome, the Holy Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. Fully knowing that God has made a way for us to communicate the deep things in our inner being can be comforting for us. And even if it is not, God will still bring us comfort by acting in our lives because he understands. Know that we can communicate with God on a level we cannot fully understand.

I pray we all release our deep feelings to God. I pray we ask the Holy Spirit to communicate what we cannot. I pray each one of us find comfort in knowing God understands, even when we cannot put it into words. Trust the Holy Spirit to communicate for you. Turn your deep feelings over to God. Know that God understands. Be comforted by God’s understanding.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.

Meditate on God’s Word

Have you ever spent time in meditation? Have you even thought about it? Do you think meditation is something people who isolate themselves from the world do? Do you think it is only for monks? Have you considered how meditating on God’s Word could change you?

Meditation is not something we think about much in our culture. Why should we? We are so busy running from one event to another, constantly on the go. If we are not on the go, we are entertaining ourselves with the television or a smart phone. Meditation is the last thing we think about.

But meditation is a time of seeking and learning. It is a time of going deeper with God. In meditation we can gain a better understanding of who God is and how he works in our lives. Lest we think meditation can only take place in a locked room or on a mountaintop, we can meditation sitting on a porch swing or sitting quietly on our couch.

We can even do smaller forms of meditation while driving down the road. We can be thinking about a passage we read that morning while driving to work. Of course, don’t close your eyes while driving. Still, the concept is simple. Read a passage, then think about that passage while doing something else. Ask God to help you understand it in a new way. Personally, I find mowing my yard a good time to do this kind of meditation.

God is pleased when we meditate on his Word. He is happy to provide us additional insight to the meaning of a passage. We merely need to add it to our daily lives. Start this practice, read a short passage a few minutes before you head out the door for work. Think about it and pray about it while you are driving. You will find it makes your day a lot better.

I pray we all spend time meditating on God’s Word. I pray we take time to plan time to meditate. I pray each one of us read Scripture and ask God to reveal to us the meaning he has for us. Plan meditation. Read Scripture. Meditate on God’s Word. Ask God to reveal its meaning.

Psalm 104:34

May my meditation be pleasing to him, 

for I rejoice in the Lord.

Jesus Ascended to Heaven

How do you view Jesus’ ascension? How does it impact your life? Is it just another piece of Christian history? Does it cause you to rejoice and celebrate? Does it have a profound impact on you? Do you share it with others?

We often mention that Jesus sits at the right hand of the throne of God. This implies that He ascended to heaven. But how much do we think about His ascension? It is a remarkable event. One that only God can make happen.

We are told in Luke 24:52-53 the apostles rejoiced and went to the temple to bless God. Luke expounds on this in Acts 1:12-14 by saying they gathered together and devoted themselves to prayer. Witnessing Jesus ascend to heaven had a profound effect on them.

As we ponder Jesus’ ascension, spending some time to think hard on it, it can have a profound effect on us as well. We are told in Revelation 1:5 that Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. In other words, He rose from the dead. The same verse also states He is the ruler of the kings of the earth. Within the chapter, we hear of Jesus returning, just as we are told in Acts 1:11.

The combination of Jesus rising from the dead and ascending to heaven gives us great hope. For He told us that is going to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3). Jesus had to ascend to do that. We can celebrate His ascension knowing He is preparing a place for us and interceding on our behalf before the Father.

I pray we all celebrate the ascension of Jesus Christ. I pray we have great hope because of His ascension. I pray each one of us know that Jesus is preparing a place for us. Celebrate Jesus’ ascension. Put your hope in Him. Know He is preparing a place for you. Jesus is interceding for you.

Acts 1:9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

Why Wait?

Why wait? Why not go get what you want right now? Does it matter that your purchase must be put on a credit card that you will pay later? Why not satisfy your desire now? Have you noticed it seems our culture runs on credit? Are you living on credit right now?

Credit is something we all use. We buy things using a credit card knowing the bill will come due later. Sometimes we pay the credit card off as soon as we get the bill. Other times we must make monthly payments for several months to pay it off. Credit has become a way of life.

But hasn’t credit always been a way of life? We have always owed a debt we cannot pay. That is one reason Jesus came—to pay our debt for us. His payment cancels our debt. But that is not all. He not only cancelled our debt but gives us more than we deserve. He gives us the Holy Spirit.

The apostles had to wait for the Holy Spirit to be given to them. It was not until Jesus has ascended to heaven that they received what He promised them. When the Holy Spirit poured out over them, they were overcome with blessings and joy. They were granted insights to God they did not previously have. But to receive them, they had to wait.

Waiting can be challenging. Waiting can feel excruciating. Yet, waiting can result in something far greater than we can imagine. Waiting can be a blessing itself and result in a far greater blessing. Listen for God to guide you in waiting and determining when to move forward. Be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. Put your faith in God, knowing he has something far greater for you…and wait.

I pray we all know that we live on credit. I pray we know we are blessed by the gift of the Holy Spirit. I pray each one of us will wait for God’s blessing, putting our faith in him and his promises. Jesus has paid your debt. You have been given a great gift. Listen for the Holy Spirit. Wait for God’s guidance.

Acts 1:4-5 While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”