Depths of God

The Spirit scrutinizes everything, 

even the depths of God. 

Among men, who knows what pertains to the man 

except his spirit that is within? 

Similarly, no one knows what pertains to God 

except the Spirit of God. 

(1 Corinthians 2:10-11)

The natural person, who relies solely on human reasoning, cannot understand spiritual truths. It is the spiritual person, guided by the Holy Spirit, who can discern and appreciate these truths. True understanding of God’s wisdom comes through the Holy Spirit. Human intellect alone cannot grasp the depths of God’s plans. We should regularly seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily life and decisions and pray for spiritual discernment and wisdom. Let us cultivate a habit of reading and meditating on Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding and be open to the Spirit’s leading in all areas of our life. 

The Holy Spirit unites believers in understanding and purpose. As believers have the mind of Christ, which enables us to understand and judge spiritual matters rightly. We shoud strive to align our thoughts and actions with the teachings of Christ and reflect on how Jesus would respond in various situations and seek to emulate His character.

True wisdom is a gift from God, not something we achieve on our own. It is through God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit that we gain true understanding. Let us foster unity within our community of faith by encouraging one another to seek the Spirit’s guidance and wisdom and support each other in spiritual growth and understanding.

In realms where reason falters, truth is found,

Not by the mind alone, but Spirit-bound.

The natural eye, though sharp, cannot perceive,

The depths of God, where wisdom we receive.

Through Holy Spirit, light and truth are shown,

In whispered guidance, mysteries are known.

Human intellect, though vast, falls short,

Of grasping plans that God alone has wrought.

Seek daily, then, the Spirit’s gentle lead,

In every choice, in every word and deed.

Let Scripture’s light illuminate your way,

And in its truths, find strength for every day.

United by the Spirit, hearts align,

In Christ’s own mind, our thoughts and actions shine.

Reflect on Him, in every trial and test,

And emulate His love, His life, His best.

True wisdom, gift of grace, not earned by might,

Through Spirit’s work, our understanding’s light.

In faith’s community, let unity be found,

Encouraging each soul where love abounds.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You, acknowledging that our human reasoning alone cannot grasp the depths of Your wisdom. We thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth and helps us discern and appreciate spiritual matters.

Lord, we seek Your guidance in our daily lives and decisions. Grant us spiritual discernment and wisdom, that we may walk in Your ways. Help us to cultivate a habit of reading and meditating on Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding. May we be open to the Spirit’s leading in every area of our lives.

Unite us, Lord, as believers in understanding and purpose. As we have the mind of Christ, enable us to understand and judge spiritual matters rightly. Help us to align our thoughts and actions with the teachings of Christ, reflecting on how Jesus would respond in various situations and striving to emulate His character.

We recognize that true wisdom is a gift from You, not something we achieve on our own. Through Your grace and the work of the Holy Spirit, we gain true understanding. Foster unity within our community of faith, encouraging one another to seek the Spirit’s guidance and wisdom. Support us in our spiritual growth and understanding.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: Disorders in the Corinthian Community

THE TRUE WISDOM

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

First Reading | 1 Corinthians 2:10-16

10 Brothers and sisters: The Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God. 11 Among men, who knows what pertains to the man except his spirit that is within? Similarly, no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms. 14 Now the natural man does not accept what pertains to the Spirit of God, for to him it is foolishness, and he cannot understand it, because it is judged spiritually. 15 The one who is spiritual, however, can judge everything but is not subject to judgment by anyone. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to counsel him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 

Background:

1 Corinthians 2:10-16 is a passage where the Apostle Paul emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing God’s wisdom. 

Context and Background 

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address various issues in the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts. In chapter 2, Paul contrasts human wisdom with God’s wisdom, which is revealed through the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes and Verses  

God’s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit (Verses 10-12): Paul explains that the deep things of God are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Human wisdom cannot comprehend God’s plans and purposes, but the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.

Spiritual Discernment (Verses 13-14): Paul contrasts the natural person, who does not accept the things of the Spirit and considers them foolish, with the spiritual person, who discerns all things through the Spirit.

Mind of Christ (Verses 15-16): The passage concludes with the idea that those who are spiritual have the mind of Christ, enabling them to understand and judge spiritual matters rightly.

Practical Application

For believers, this passage encourages reliance on the Holy Spirit for understanding and wisdom. It reminds us that true wisdom comes from God and not from human intellect. By seeking the Spirit’s guidance, we can gain deeper insights into God’s will and live in alignment with His principles.

Learning Lessons:

1. Dependence on the Holy Spirit. Lesson: True understanding of God’s wisdom comes through the Holy Spirit. Human intellect alone cannot grasp the depths of God’s plans. Application: Regularly seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily life and decisions. Pray for spiritual discernment and wisdom.

2. Spiritual Discernment. Lesson: The natural person, who relies solely on human reasoning, cannot understand spiritual truths. It is the spiritual person, guided by the Holy Spirit, who can discern and appreciate these truths. Application: Cultivate a habit of reading and meditating on Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding. Be open to the Spirit’s leading in all areas of life.

3. The Mind of Christ. Lesson: Believers have the mind of Christ, which enables them to understand and judge spiritual matters rightly. Application: Strive to align your thoughts and actions with the teachings of Christ. Reflect on how Jesus would respond in various situations and seek to emulate His character.

4. Humility in Wisdom. Lesson: Recognize that true wisdom is a gift from God, not something we achieve on our own. Application: Approach learning and growth with humility, acknowledging that it is through God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit that we gain true understanding.

5. Unity in the Spirit. Lesson: The Holy Spirit unites believers in understanding and purpose. Application: Foster unity within your community of faith by encouraging one another to seek the Spirit’s guidance and wisdom. Support each other in spiritual growth and understanding.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Receive the Spirit of God

We have not received the spirit of the world 

but the Spirit that is from God, 

so that we may understand the things 

freely given us by God. 

1 CORINTHIANS 2:12

Who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to counsel Him? But we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).

Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Lk 4:18-19,21)

The Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God. Among men, who knows what pertains to the man except his spirit that is within? Similarly, no one knows what pertains to God except the Spirit of God. (1 Cor 2:10-11) And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms (1 Cor 2:13). 

Now the natural man does not accept what pertains to the Spirit of God, for to him it is foolishness, and he cannot understand it, because it is judged spiritually. The one who is spiritual, however, can judge everything but is not subject to judgment by anyone.  (1 Corinthians 2:14-15)

The Lord is faithful in all His words and holy in all His works (Ps 145:13). Give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God, you received it not as word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe (1 Thes 2:13).

. 

Lord, where can I go from Your Spirit? From Your presence where can I flee? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I sink to the nether world, You are present there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there Your hand shall guide me, and Your right hand hold me fast.(Ps 139:7-9) Let all Your works give You thanks, O Lord, and let Your faithful ones bless You. Let them discourse of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might. Making known to men Your might and the glorious splendor of Your Kingdom. (Ps 145:10:12)

Published:

August 30, 2023, 7:17 AM

Taken in Spirit

He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain 

and showed me the holy city Jerusalem 

coming down out of heaven from God. 

(Revelation 21:10)

God’s glory transforms us, making us radiant—His handiwork. Earthly struggles shall eventually fade in the light of eternity for our true home is with God. Our ultimate union with Christ awaits, and we are part of His eternal plan. As we journey through life, may we embrace unity, cling to Christ’s teachings, and eagerly anticipate our heavenly home. 

Radiant Transformation

God’s glory transforms us, radiant and true,                            

His handiwork woven in the fabric of our being. 

Earthly struggles, like morning dew, 

Shall fade in the light of eternity we’re seeing.

Our true home lies beyond this temporal sphere,

Where celestial melodies dance in endless grace. 

In Christ’s embrace, our hearts draw near, 

Awaiting the ultimate union—a sacred space.

We journey through life, hand in hand, 

Embracing unity, compassion, and love’s art. 

His teachings guide us across the shifting sand, 

As we eagerly anticipate our heavenly home’s start.

A Prayer of Radiant Transformation

Gracious Father,

We stand before You, humbled by Your glory. Your radiant light transforms us, shaping us into vessels of grace. As Your handiwork, we reflect Your love to a broken world.

In the midst of earthly struggles—those fleeting shadows—we fix our gaze on eternity. For our true home is not bound by time or circumstance; it rests in the shelter of Your presence. We long for that celestial union, where Christ’s embrace awaits.

Guide us, O Lord, as we journey through life’s winding paths. May unity be our compass, stitching hearts together in compassion. Let us cling to Christ’s teachings—the ancient wisdom that pierces through noise and doubt. In faithfulness, we await our heavenly home, where tears are wiped away, and joy abounds.

Thank You for including us in Your eternal plan. May our lives echo Your grace, drawing others toward the light. And when the veil of mortality lifts, may we step into the fullness of Your love.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

VI: The New Creation

THE NEW JERUSALEM

Revelation 21:9-27

First Reading | Revelation 21:9-14

9 The angel spoke to me saying, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed and on which names were inscribed, the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. 13 There were three gates facing east, three north, three south, and three west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

Background:

In this sacred passage, the apostle John is transported in spirit to a great, high mountain. There, he witnesses the holy city of Jerusalem descending from heaven—a city adorned like a radiant bride, beautifully dressed for her husband. The glory of God envelops this celestial city, its brilliance akin to precious jewels—clear as crystal, like a jasper.

The Bride and the Lamb: One of the seven angels, bearing the seven last plagues, invites John to witness the Bride—the wife of the Lamb. This Lamb represents Jesus Christ, the Redeemer. The Bride symbolizes the redeemed community, the Church, prepared for eternal union with Christ.

The Holy City, Jerusalem: John beholds the New Jerusalem, a heavenly city coming down from God. Its splendor surpasses earthly imagination. The city’s walls are high and fortified, signifying security and protection. Twelve gates guard its entrance, each inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.

The Twelve Foundations: The city’s foundation rests on twelve stones, each bearing the name of an apostle of the Lamb. These apostles represent the foundational teachings of the Church, rooted in Christ.

Unity and Significance: The twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles converge in this vision, symbolizing unity and continuity.

God’s eternal kingdom encompasses both Old and New Covenants, embracing all believers.

Revelation 21:9-14 unveils hope, promise, and ultimate renewal. It reminds us that God’s kingdom transcends earthly limitations, shining eternally with His glory. May this vision inspire us to seek the Lamb—the Bridegroom—and anticipate our heavenly home. 

Learning Lessons:

Unity and Continuity: The vision unites the twelve tribes of Israel (representing the Old Covenant) and the twelve apostles (representing the New Covenant). It reminds us that God’s plan spans both eras, emphasizing continuity and unity in His redemptive work.

The Bride and the Lamb: The Bride symbolizes the Church—the redeemed community. The Lamb represents Jesus Christ, our Bridegroom. Lesson: Our ultimate union with Christ awaits, and we are part of His eternal plan.

Foundation Stones: The city’s foundation rests on twelve precious stones, each named after an apostle. These stones signify the apostolic teachings—the bedrock of our faith. Lesson: Our faith stands firm on Christ’s teachings and the apostolic legacy.

Heavenly Home: The New Jerusalem descends from heaven—a glorious, secure dwelling. Lesson: Our true home is with God. Earthly struggles fade in light of eternity.

Radiant Beauty: The city’s brilliance surpasses earthly jewels. Lesson: God’s glory transforms us, making us radiant—His handiwork.

As we journey through life, may we embrace unity, cling to Christ’s teachings, and eagerly anticipate our heavenly home. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Spirit of Self-Control

In the realm where fear does not reside,

God's spirit in us, a powerful tide.

Of love and power, self-discipline,

Against the storm, we're sure to win.

Boldly we share the gospel's light,

In face of hardship, showing might.

Opposition may rise, but we stand tall,

For God's power within us conquers all.

Passing faith to the next in line,

A heritage spiritual, truly divine.

Cultivating gifts, in us instilled,

Not dormant, but active, our purpose fulfilled.

Living boldly, with love, and disciplined grace,

Relying on God, in this life's race.

His Spirit within us, our guiding light,

In His strength, we take flight.

REFLECTION:

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)

God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. We are challenged to boldly share the gospel, even in the face of opposition or hardship. 

It is important to pass on our faith to the next generation and cherish the spiritual heritage we have received by actively using and cultivating the spiritual gifts God has given us, not letting them lie dormant. 

Let us live boldly, lovingly, and disciplined, relying on God’s Spirit within us.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for not giving us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. We are grateful for the courage You instill in us to boldly share the gospel, even in the face of opposition or hardship.

We pray for the strength to pass on our faith to the next generation, cherishing the spiritual heritage we have received. Help us to actively use and cultivate the spiritual gifts You have given us, not letting them lie dormant.

Guide us to live boldly, lovingly, and disciplined, relying on Your Spirit within us. May we always remember that it is not by our power, but by Your Spirit that we can face each day and each challenge.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

I: Address / II: Exhortations to Timothy

GREETING / THE GIFTS TIMOTHY HAS RECEIVED

2 Timothy 1:1-12

First Reading | 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12

1 Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God for the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 2 to Timothy, my dear child: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I am grateful to God, whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day. 6 For this reason, I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God. 9 He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel, 11 for which I was appointed preacher and Apostle and teacher. 12 On this account I am suffering these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know him in whom I have believed and am confident that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day. 

Background:

The book of 2 Timothy is one of the Apostle Paul’s pastoral epistles, written to his young protégé, Timothy. Here’s some background information:

Author and Date: Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy during his second imprisonment in Rome, shortly before his death. This imprisonment was after the one recorded in Acts 28. He probably wrote it in AD 64–65, though some would place it as late as 67.

Context: As Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy, the Christian church throughout the empire was facing severe persecution and hardship. Emperor Nero had begun a major persecution in A.D. 64 as part of his plan to pass the blame for the great fire of Rome from himself to the Christians.

Purpose: Several people have abandoned Paul while he has been in prison, and several others are away on assignments. In such a time, Paul’s memories of Timothy’s sincerity and devotion are especially touching. Paul thinks he will die soon, so he writes this final message to Timothy. Paul urges Timothy to stand firm and asks him to come for one final visit before Paul is executed.

Themes: The key themes of 2 Timothy include suffering as part of the Christian experience, the Christian response to suffering is steady faith by God’s power, the gospel is the basis for the Christian’s endurance, the Scriptures have power to save and to preserve, true believers will continue in the faith, and false teaching is deadly and must be dealt with firmly.

The specific verses you mentioned (2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12) are part of Paul’s opening to the letter, where he expresses his gratitude for Timothy and reminds him of his spiritual heritage and the gift of God in him. He also encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of Paul, his prisoner, but to join with him in suffering for the gospel.

Learning Lessons:

The verses 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12 are rich with lessons for our spiritual journey. Here are some key takeaways:

Remember Your Spiritual Heritage: Paul reminds Timothy of his sincere faith, which first lived in his grandmother Lois and in his mother Eunice (v.5). This teaches us the importance of passing on our faith to the next generation and cherishing the spiritual heritage we have received.

Stir Up the Gift of God: In verse 6, Paul encourages Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God. This is a reminder for us to actively use and cultivate the spiritual gifts God has given us, not letting them lie dormant.

God Gives Us a Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Discipline: Verse 7 tells us that God doesn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. This encourages us to live boldly, lovingly, and disciplined, relying on God’s Spirit within us.

Do Not Be Ashamed of the Gospel: Paul urges Timothy in verse 8 not to be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of Paul, his prisoner. This challenges us to boldly share the gospel, even in the face of opposition or hardship.

Suffering for the Gospel: In verses 11-12, Paul talks about his own suffering for the gospel. He sees it not as something to be avoided, but as part of his calling. This can inspire us to persevere in our faith, even when we face trials or persecution.

Trust in God’s Faithfulness: Despite his circumstances, Paul expresses his trust in God, “for I know whom I have believed” (v.12). This teaches us to place our trust in God’s character and His promises, not in our circumstances.

These lessons from 2 Timothy can guide us in our faith journey, encouraging us to live boldly, cultivate our spiritual gifts, and trust in God’s faithfulness. (Conversation with Copilot)

Receive the Holy Spirit

And when he had said this, 

He breathed on them and said to them, 

“Receive the Holy Spirit. 

Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, 

and whose sins you retain are retained.” 

(John 20:22-23)

The peace the Lord gives is not just the absence of trouble, but the presence of everything that makes for a person’s highest good and overall well-being. We are equipped by God to face any challenge. Our mission is possible because our adequacy comes from God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith. Just as a body has many parts, each has its own function. Despite our diversity, we all form part of the one body in Christ.

In the quiet of His presence, where peace takes its stand,

Not just the absence of trouble, but blessings so grand.

The Lord's peace we receive, in abundance and might,

A beacon of well-being, a guiding light.

Equipped by God, to face any tide,

No challenge too great, with Him by our side.

Our mission is possible, our adequacy from above,

In His strength, we move, in His grace, we love.

The Holy Spirit, our guide, our friend,

Empowers us to live, to faith's every bend.

In every trial, in every test,

With the Spirit within us, we are blessed.

Just as a body, with parts so diverse,

Each has a function, in the universe.

Despite our differences, in Him, we unite,

Part of one body, in His holy light.

Dear Lord Jesus,

In the quiet of our hearts, we seek Your peace, not just the absence of trouble, but blessings that never cease. The peace You give, Lord, is our heart's song, a presence of all that's good, a place where we belong. Equipped by You, we face life's demanding race, in every challenge, we see Your grace. Our mission is possible, our adequacy from You, with Your guidance, there's nothing we can't do.

The Holy Spirit, Your precious gift, empowers us, gives our spirits a lift. In faith, we live, in love, we grow, with the Holy Spirit's power, we face life's ebb and flow. Just as a body, with parts so diverse, each has a function, in Your universe. Despite our differences, in You, we unite, part of one body, walking in Your light.

In Your holy name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

III: The Book of Glory

APPEARANCE TO THE DISCIPLES

John 20:19-23

Gospel | John 20:19-23 (or John 15:26-27; 16:12-15)

Gospel Acclamation

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. 

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” 

Background:

John 20:19-23 is a part of the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible. This passage describes Jesus’ appearance to his disciples after his resurrection. Here’s some background information:

Author and Audience: The Gospel of John was written by the Apostle John, one of Jesus’ disciples. The audience was the early Christian community.

Context: This passage occurs on the evening of the first day of the week, the day of Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples were gathered together, behind closed doors for fear of the Jewish authorities.

Jesus’ Appearance: Jesus appears among the disciples, shows them his wounds, and greets them with "Peace be with you". This greeting has a deeper meaning than a stereotyped “May all be well with you” as indicated by its repetition in verse twenty-one.

Commissioning of the Disciples: Jesus commissions his disciples, sending them out just as the Father had sent him.

Gift of the Holy Spirit: Jesus breathes on his disciples and imparts the Holy Spirit to them. This act is sometimes referred to as the “Johannine Pentecost,” as it is the moment in John’s Gospel when the disciples receive the Holy Spirit.

Power to Forgive Sins: Jesus gives his disciples the authority to forgive or retain sins. This is a significant moment as it establishes the role of the disciples (and by extension, the Church) in the reconciliation of people with God.

This passage underscores the themes of peace, commissioning, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the authority to forgive sins.

Learning Lessons:

John 20:19-23 offers several profound lessons:

Peace from the Risen Savior: Jesus greets his disciples with “Peace be with you”, a common Jewish greeting wishing overall well-being on the other person. This peace is not just the absence of trouble, but the presence of everything that makes for a person’s highest good.

Mission Possible: Despite feeling inadequate for the task, the disciples are reminded that their mission is possible because their adequacy comes from God. This teaches us that with God, we are equipped to face any challenge.

The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is given to the disciples by Jesus, signifying the ongoing presence of God and Christ within them. This highlights the central role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live out their faith.

Forgiveness of Sins: Jesus gives his disciples the authority to forgive or retain sins. This establishes the role of the disciples (and by extension, the Church) in the reconciliation of people with God.

Unity in Diversity: Just as a body has many parts, each with its own function, the church is made up of many members, each with their own gifts. Despite their diversity, all members form one body in Christ.

These lessons remind us of the importance of peace, unity in diversity, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the power of forgiveness. (Copilot)

RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ 

for the forgiveness of your sins; 

and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

ACTS 2:38

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone (1 Cor. 12:4-6).

To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit (1 Cor. 12:7). 

As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body though many are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit (1 Cor. 12:12-13). 

Father in heaven, Your Spirit had manifested Himself through my life, not for my good alone, but for the benefit of those around me. Thank you so much for the gifts of time, talents and treasures that You constantly provide. 

Today, I humbly ask and pray that You show me the way that I can best serve You. I believe dear Father that not only at the start of being born again but even at the very start of my birth in this world, I have received Your Holy Spirit. The most precious gift that I have ever received, not just something but You Yourself, my God. May your Spirit be always with me in all the works that you have purposed me to undertake.

You live out Your life through me and all through my life, I have You as my almighty God dwelling within me, carrying out Your purposes. This is the very reason why I became unselfish and generous in my lifetime most especially to my family and the people I love and care for. Be praised and glorified O Lord!

With profound gratitude and full of thanksgiving I humbly pray in Jesus Name, Amen.

Holy Spirit, mold me, transform me, use me in Jesus Name. Amen.

Published:

May 28, 2023, 9:01 AM

April 02, 2013, 7:24 AM

Know the Spirit of God

I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, 

taking from your bodies your stony hearts 

and giving you natural hearts. 

I will put my spirit within you 

and make you live by my statutes, 

careful to observe my decrees. 
EZEKIEL 36:26-27

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. - Luke 12:8-9

Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. - Luke 12:10

When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” - Luke 12:11-12

A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. - Psalm 51:12-14

Published:

August 20,2020, 7:41 AM