Week of May 7, 2023
Wine
This week’s theme “Wine” comes from what Pastor Mark thinks is an unlikely source. It’s a chapter title in a book on the Holy Spirit written by Michael Koulianos, a man who grew up Greek Orthodox but is now a Pentecostal pastor. He quotes this verse from the letter to the Ephesians: “Do not get drunk on wine … Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18, NIV84) Now Mark has always taken this verse as a total contrast …. But the author suggests a kind of comparison. Getting physically intoxicated with wine too often leads to sin. But there is a kind of intoxication with the Holy Spirit that adds enduring joy and passion to life.
May 8 Jeremiah 31:10–14
God’s promise to redeem his people is ultimately fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus. God’s people are pictured as celebrating with abundant food and drink … “new wine” that turns mourning into gladness. To what degree does your relationship with Jesus bring this spirit of joy and celebration? To what degree do you see such a spirit in the church? What are the crucial “ingredients” for you to have gladness of mind and spirit?
May 9 John 15:9-14, 26
In this teaching that Jesus gave his disciples before his death, he connects up divine love and joy with the giving of the Holy Spirit and our empowerment to live fruitful, obedient lives. In what ways does knowing and experiencing God’s love lead to joy? How do you “remain” in Jesus’ love? What does joy in Jesus lead us to do?
May 10 Acts 2:1-13
This is the story of Pentecost which we’ll return to before the end of this series as the Holy Spirit is poured out in power. The ESV translates verse 13 as “They are filled with new wine.” What does “new wine” remind you of? (hint – see Monday’s reading). What did the sending of the Holy Spirit bring about in those first believers? Why are so many Christians today lacking a spirit of joy and enthusiasm for Jesus? Pray that God would fill you with the “new wine” of the Holy Spirit.
May 11 Romans 15:13
The gift of joy in Jesus is often linked up with other Spirit-instilled qualities. Peace in Jesus is to know that you are reconciled with God and that you are secure in his love. How does peace bring joy? Hope is knowing that even at life’s darkest moments, even the approach of death, that the best is yet to come. How does hope bring joy? In the other direction, how might your joy bring peace and hope to others?
May 12 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
The Apostle Paul’s admonition to “Rejoice always” seems impossible … or at least an exaggeration. How would you distinguish between joy and happiness? What do the verses that follow teach about how we keep a spirit of joy despite life’s difficulties? What might a regular practice of gratitude look like in your life?
