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The Upper Room Chaplains' Ministry
Since World War II, The Upper Room has been providing copies of the daily devotional to Read More
Michael E. Williams | Read Romans 8:14-17
Disciplines is available in a variety of formats: print, digital, and print/digital combo packages. A digital subscription includes access to author bios, the ability to comment, and audio lectio.
Sign Up TodayWhen I was a boy I was afraid of the dark. We lived in a trailer, behind which we had built a small cinder block house with a washing machine, tools, and storage. Occasionally, my mother asked me to go out to “the little house” to get something for her...
Ever-present God, help me know that you are watching over me so that I will not be enslaved by my fear. Amen.
In preparing for Pentecost, we focus again on the work of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2 recounts the famous story in which the disciples are miraculously able to speak in other languages in order to preach to the crowds in Jerusalem. The psalmist states that God creates and renews creation through the Spirit. According to Paul, if we are led by God’s Spirit, the Spirit confirms that we are children of God. In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who will teach us how to love him and to keep his commandments. In some branches of Christianity, fear of excess causes hesitation about the Holy Spirit; however, we must never forget that the Spirit is central to God’s redeeming work.
Read Acts 2:1-21. The miracle of Pentecost is not only in the multitude of languages but also in the act of listening. How can you experience worship in many languages or offer deep listening this Pentecost?
Read Psalm 104:24-34, 35b. How do you witness God’s experience woven through all of creation?
Read Romans 8:14-17. The author reminds us that spirit also means breath. When have you felt led by the breath of God?
Read John 14:8-17, 25-27. How has fear kept you from trusting God?
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"Lauren Burdette affirms the sacred work of motherhood and invites us on a path of rest and formation—to step more fully into the messy embodiment of God's love in the midst of family life." Learn more.
