Week of April 30, 2023
Water
God uses a number of water images in describing the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. From giving us streams of life-giving water to drowning our sinful selves in baptism, the Spirit is actively bringing us into the new life of faith in Christ, which is fuller, more free from sin, more meaningful, and more powerful than we could imagine on our own.
Monday Titus 3:1-11
Washing-Regeneration-Renewal. These are all descriptors of the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Which one is most significant to you right now? Why? How has being washed clean of your sins led to a sense of regeneration and renewal in your life? In what ways might others see that you are different because of your forgiveness in Jesus and the Holy Spirit “cleaning you up”?
Tuesday Acts 2:37-41 & Acts 22:6-15
The physical rite of Baptism pictures the Holy Spirit’s cleansing work inside our souls. When you connect God’s Word of promise to water in this sacrament God is at work! Reflect on your baptism. How can this be an assurance for you that your sins are forgiven? What does it mean to you that your sins are washed away and you are clean in God’s sight?
Wednesday Romans 6:1-4 & Colossians 2:8-12
Let’s continue reflecting on our baptism. Paul pictures us as dying in baptism and being raised again. Martin Luther describes this as drowning the old person in the waters of baptism and a new person coming forth. How does this picture of the Holy Spirit’s work speak to you? How might regularly remembering your baptism help you to feel and hear the Spirit in your life?
Thursday John 7:37-39 & John 4:1-15
What might Jesus mean when he says of a stream or spring of life will flow in and through you? How does the Spirit make you feel more alive? How might the life you have in the Spirit flow out of you and bless others?
Friday 1 Corinthians 12:1-13; Ephesians 5:15-21; Ephesians 3:14-19
Paul says we all drink from the same Spirit, and that same Spirit then fills us up so that His work overflows into the world around us, especially as part of the church (body of Christ). What has the Spirit been teaching you about the love of Jesus? How have you felt filled up, refreshed, and empowered by the Holy Spirit? What might you do to make sure you are drinking from the life-giving waters of the Spirit?
