Pause

The human struggle is often about finding a safe, secure place and then having a sense that one's life is worthwhile, productive.

So, where to find that safety? And how do you come to know that life is worth living?

The best place to start is at the source, in the presence of the Creator.

Listen

Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit.

Joel 2:28-29

Think

In Joel, “all flesh” meant only the Israelites, God’s chosen people. However, when Jesus came, “all flesh” meant all people, everywhere.

The apostle Peter quotes these verses from Joel in the New Testament book of Acts. They are a beautiful picture of inclusion because the Spirit empowers young and old, male and female, slave and free equally. In fact, Peter said, the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, for everyone whom the Lord our God calls (which is everyone).

When the Spirit gave power, it was for people to do specific tasks. The members of the early church used this gift to become God’s hands and feet in the world, proclaiming the gospel, sharing what they had, and bringing the kingdom of God to earth. As a follower of Christ, you have already received the Spirit. Watch and listen carefully today for the specific job God may have for you!

Tracy Hartman

Pray

God, it is hard to imagine that you would trust me with the power of the Spirit. Today, help me to be in tune with your Spirit. Help me to dream your dreams, to speak your words and to use my hands and feet to be your presence in the world. Amen.

Go

As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says,

“At an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and on a day of salvation I have helped you.”

See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!

2 Corinthians 6:1-2