Embracing the Personal Presence of the Holy Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: Wisdom Shines and Leads Others to Righteousness

God calls His people to be wise, shining like the brightness of the heavens, and to lead others to righteousness, reflecting His eternal light. This wisdom is not just knowledge, but a life lived in alignment with God’s purposes, influencing others by example and pointing them toward what is right and true. As we gather in worship and community, we are reminded that our lives can be beacons, guiding others to God’s love and truth, and that our actions have an impact that echoes into eternity. [07:35]

Daniel 12:3 (ESV)
"And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."

Reflection: Who in your life is watching your example today, and how can you intentionally lead them toward God’s righteousness through your words or actions?

Day 2: The Spirit of God Brings Life and New Beginnings

From the very beginning, the Spirit of God has been present, hovering over the chaos and bringing order, life, and new creation. This same Spirit is at work in our lives, ready to bring renewal, hope, and transformation wherever there is emptiness or darkness. When we invite Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and minds, we open ourselves to God’s creative power, allowing Him to shape us into people of faith, hope, and love, and to manifest His presence in and through us. [34:29]

Genesis 1:2 (ESV)
"The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."

Reflection: Where do you sense emptiness or chaos in your life right now, and how can you invite Holy Spirit to bring new life and order to that area today?

Day 3: The Holy Spirit Empowers and Unites the Church

On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended with power, filling the followers of Jesus and enabling them to speak in new ways, marking the birth of the Church. This same Spirit continues to empower, unite, and guide believers, transcending boundaries and equipping each person with gifts for the good of the community. Whether through dramatic manifestations or quiet transformation, the Spirit’s presence is the source of true unity and mission, calling us to be a people of peace and hope in a divided world. [38:30]

Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Reflection: How can you open yourself to the Spirit’s empowering presence today, and in what ways might God be calling you to contribute to the unity and mission of the church?

Day 4: Let Prayer Be Your First Response and Guiding Practice

Prayer is meant to be the foundation of our lives, not just a last resort in times of crisis. When we begin and end our days with prayer, focusing first on who God is rather than just our needs, we cultivate a relationship with God that shapes our perspective and decisions. This practice opens us to hear God’s voice, to be guided by His wisdom, and to experience transformation—not necessarily through dramatic signs, but through daily faithfulness and attentiveness to God’s presence. [45:36]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What would it look like for you to make prayer your first response today, and how might that change the way you approach your challenges or decisions?

Day 5: Living Sacrificially Inspires the Next Generation

Children and those around us are watching not just for words or entertainment, but for lives that are poured out in sacrificial love and service. When we live as Paul describes—offering ourselves for others and for God’s purposes—we become living examples that inspire faith in the next generation. Our legacy is not in programs or traditions alone, but in the way we embody Christ’s love, humility, and self-giving, inviting others, especially children, to encounter the living God through our actions. [49:42]

Philippians 2:14-18 (ESV)
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can sacrificially serve or encourage a child or young person in your life this week, so they might see Christ’s love through you?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the person and work of Holy Spirit, especially as we celebrate Pentecost—the birthday of the Church. From the very beginning, as Genesis tells us, the Spirit of God hovered over the waters, present at creation itself. In Acts, we see Holy Spirit manifest in power, filling the apostles and birthing a new movement that would become the Church. This same Spirit is not distant or abstract, but personal and present, inviting us into relationship and transformation.

A central question explored was why I often drop the definite article “the” when referring to Holy Spirit. This is not just a linguistic quirk, but a way of making the presence of God more personal and immediate. It’s a reminder that God is not an “it” or a distant force, but a person who is with us, accessible in every moment, especially in prayer. This personal approach to Holy Spirit shapes how we pray, how we listen, and how we expect God to move in our lives.

We also considered the sometimes uncomfortable topic of spiritual gifts—speaking in tongues, healing, and other manifestations. Our tradition has a rich history of wrestling with these questions, as seen in a thoughtful denominational document from the 1970s. The wisdom from that era still rings true: whatever our experience or comfort level with spiritual gifts, we are called to undergird everything in prayer. There is no biblical mandate that every Christian must have dramatic spiritual experiences, nor should we judge those who do or do not. What matters is a posture of openness, humility, and prayerful discernment.

Prayer is not just a ritual, but the heartbeat of a Spirit-filled life. It is the first and last thing we do each day, the lens through which we see our needs and the needs of others. We are invited to focus not on our crises, but on the character of God, letting our requests be shaped by who God is. This is a practice accessible to all, regardless of spiritual background or experience.

Finally, we turned our attention to the next generation. Our children need to see adults living sacrificial, Spirit-filled lives—not just entertaining them, but modeling what it means to be poured out for others. The future of the Church depends on our willingness to invest in them, to pray with them, and to invite them into the deep things of God.

Key Takeaways

1. The Personhood and Presence of Holy Spirit Holy Spirit is not a distant force or an abstract concept, but the personal presence of God with us. By addressing Holy Spirit directly, we are reminded that God is accessible, relational, and desires to be intimately involved in our lives. This changes how we approach prayer and worship, making them encounters with a living God rather than mere rituals. [36:36]
2. The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Discernment Prayer is the foundation for all spiritual discernment and engagement with the gifts of the Spirit. Before debating or seeking manifestations, we are called to envelop all things in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and presence above all. This posture of prayerful openness allows us to discern what is truly of God and to remain humble in our spiritual journey. [42:17]
3. Embracing Diversity in Spiritual Experience There is no single “correct” way to experience Holy Spirit. Some may have dramatic encounters, while others experience God in quiet, private moments. The Church is healthiest when it honors this diversity, refrains from judgment, and encourages each person to seek God authentically, trusting that the Spirit moves in ways both seen and unseen. [40:11]
4. The Transformative Power of Sacrificial Living Spiritual gifts and experiences are not ends in themselves; true transformation is seen in lives poured out for others. Children and the next generation are watching for authenticity, not spectacle. When we live sacrificially, as Paul describes in Philippians, we become living testimonies of God’s love and power, drawing others—especially the young—into deeper faith. [49:42]
5. Focusing on God’s Character in Prayer Effective prayer shifts our focus from our problems to the character and faithfulness of God. By beginning and ending our days in prayer, and by letting our gaze rest on who God is rather than solely on our needs, we cultivate trust and spiritual resilience. This practice grounds us in God’s reality and opens us to the subtle, transformative work of Holy Spirit in daily life. [47:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:45] - Homebound Communion and Visitation
[07:35] - Call to Worship and Confession
[11:31] - Assurance of Forgiveness
[17:12] - Prayers for Holy Spirit’s Presence
[18:50] - Praying for Peace and the World
[20:14] - The Lord’s Prayer
[21:53] - Mission Updates and Generosity
[24:53] - Offering and Stewardship
[28:48] - Greeting and Community
[32:50] - Pentecost Symbols and Scripture Readings
[34:29] - Holy Spirit in Genesis and Acts
[36:36] - The Personhood of Holy Spirit
[38:30] - Spiritual Gifts and Church History
[42:17] - Prayer as the Foundation
[45:36] - Practical Prayer Practices
[47:53] - Fire on the Head, Ice in the Heart
[48:58] - Children and Spiritual Formation
[49:42] - Investing in the Next Generation
[52:08] - Children’s Prayer Helpers
[52:46] - Closing Hymn and Blessing
[56:48] - Prayers for the Community
[57:59] - Benediction and Sending Forth
[61:11] - Postlude and Farewell

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 1:2 — "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."

- Acts 2:1-4
"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

- Philippians 2:14-18
"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me."

Observation Questions

In Genesis 1:2, what is the first thing the Spirit of God is described as doing?
According to Acts 2:1-4, what were the physical signs that accompanied the coming of Holy Spirit at Pentecost?
In Philippians 2:14-18, what kind of life does Paul say will make us “shine like stars”?
The sermon mentioned that the Spirit is not an “it” or a distant force, but a person who is present and accessible. What story did the pastor share about learning to address Holy Spirit personally? [[36:36]]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean that Holy Spirit was “hovering over the waters” at creation? How does this shape our understanding of God’s presence from the very beginning?
The Pentecost story in Acts describes dramatic manifestations of the Spirit. Why do you think God chose to reveal Holy Spirit in such a powerful way at the birth of the Church?
The pastor explained why he drops the word “the” when referring to Holy Spirit, making it more personal. How might this change the way someone prays or relates to God? [[36:36]]
Paul talks about being “poured out like a drink offering” in Philippians 2. What does sacrificial living look like in the context of a Spirit-filled life? [[49:42]]

Application Questions

The sermon emphasized that prayer is the “heartbeat” of a Spirit-filled life, not just a ritual. What is one way you could make prayer more central and personal in your daily routine this week? [[45:36]]
The pastor shared that there is no biblical mandate for every Christian to have dramatic spiritual experiences, and that we should not judge others for their experiences or lack thereof. Have you ever felt pressure to experience God in a certain way? How can you support others in their unique spiritual journeys? [[42:17]]
The message encouraged focusing on God’s character in prayer, rather than just our crises or needs. What is one attribute of God you want to focus on in your prayers this week, and how might that change your perspective? [[47:02]]
The pastor talked about the importance of modeling sacrificial, Spirit-filled living for the next generation. Can you think of a child or young person in your life who is watching you? What is one specific way you can model authentic faith to them this month? [[49:42]]
The sermon mentioned that spiritual gifts and experiences are not ends in themselves, but should lead to lives poured out for others. Is there a practical way you can serve someone in your community this week as an act of Spirit-led love? [[49:42]]
The pastor described using a prayer journal and a checklist to help guide his prayers. Is there a tool or habit you could try to help you pray more consistently or intentionally? [[45:36]]
The church is healthiest when it honors diversity in spiritual experience. How can our small group create a safe space for people to share their different experiences with Holy Spirit, whether dramatic or quiet? [[40:11]]

Sermon Clips

If you leave this place wondering if you've been forgiven and you haven't really embraced the promises of God, said, you're going to be my people, I'm going to be your God, and I won't let anything come between us, including our own brokenness and sinfulness. So he sent his son, and once and for all, human beings can and should know, in Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven and they are remembered no more. Thanks be to God. [00:12:33] (27 seconds)

Who are you praying to when you pray, and what are you expecting to happen? Let us ask Holy Spirit to come and be upon us on this day when we celebrate the birthday of the church. Holy Spirit, come. Pentecoste, breath of God, presence of God. God, you who have existed before time, were present at creation. Come and fill our hearts, come and fill our minds and our thoughts with the things of goodness, faith, hope, and love, fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, humility, self -control. May we be a living, breathing embodiment of your word manifested. Holy Spirit, come. [00:17:41] (51 seconds)

Holy Spirit, come and illuminate the truth for us on this day of Pentecost when we gather with Christians around the world to remember 50 days, 50 days after momentous events. You manifested in a powerful way for the apostles, and now Christians around the world are spiritual offspring of that birthing of something new that would become the church. Holy Spirit, come and illuminate something new in us, for without you we cannot understand. [00:34:40] (29 seconds)

I want to come back to just the thing here that says undergird all things in prayer and ask you this question do you pray with passion not loudly not screaming but with passionate belief that there is a God in the room with you when you pray do you believe that God is there? [00:45:15] (26 seconds)

Don't let your gaze be upon what you are focusing on as a crisis or a request, but let your gaze be on who God is first and just glance at the request. Focus on who God is. These are all things that Jesus taught his followers. Nothing has changed. These are accessible practices and they're free. [00:47:02] (23 seconds)

``You can have fire on your head and ice in your heart. It's possible. You can have manifestations of spiritual gifts and talents. You can sing like nobody's business and make people weep and not have an awakening in your heart that causes you to look at people differently. This is what we're inviting when we invite Holy Spirit to be with us, that we would be transformed and awakened. [00:48:15] (24 seconds)

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