Welcome To Holy Spirit Sunday
This year, as a response to what God has stirred in our community through the Vision series, we are taking every 5th Sunday of the month (once in every quarter) to dedicate our service time to extended prayer and worship. This is time set apart for our whole community to sit at the feet of Jesus and respond to the Spirit. To hunger and desire for Him.
We believe that as we come before God this way, we are stoking the fire in our hearts and fending off lukewarmness, giving room for the Spirit to transform us and unite us as one.
Today, as you prepare and posture your heart for our time together, we invite you to prayerfully reflect through these themes and questions:
FIRST LOVE
“4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” Revelation 2:4-5
Jesus speaks these things to the church of Ephesus which was rich in theology, good works and labouring for the gospel. Many of us have had seasons where we felt truly in love with God, our hearts ‘strangely warmed’ by His Presence regularly, and an unmistakable sense of intimacy with the Lord.
Jesus describes this as abiding in Him in John 15:5 — “5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
There are many definitions of ‘fruitfulness’ in this life which may steal our gaze from what God views as truly important — intimate relationship with Him being the highest priority in our lives.
The analogy we are gifted with to understand this relationship between us and God is that of a Bride (the Church) and Bridegroom (Jesus), and the longing to be in union. Do we long for intimate relationship with Him above all other goals and desires?
“17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Revelation 22:17
Reflection Questions:
Ponder on seasons you have felt great fervency and genuine love for Jesus in your life. Would you describe your current state the same way?
Are there desires and longings that feel stronger and louder in your heart than your desire to be near to Jesus?
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how He views your heart — its state, brokenness and tenderness; and how much He desires it, in this moment.
FIRST PLACE
Jesus rebukes and assures in these statements: “31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33
In every stage of life, we bear different responsibilities and demands, but also ideals and dreams. Whether in ministry, career, family, health or wealth, we all have goals and the ensuing worries that often come with them. Yet, Jesus calls us to seek first His Kingdom — His purposes, His mission and His dream over our own — knowing that our confidence in Him sets us apart from those who do not know God. Our greatest good and flourishing come from His vision for our lives, and not our own.
The faithful in the book of Revelation are described in this way: “11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Will we as individuals and as a church community be content loving and protecting what we have, or embrace discontentment for the ‘more’ that God calls us to?
Reflection Questions:
Reflect on the goals and pursuits in your life at this moment. What are the clearest ones that standout?
There are times we experience a sense of anxiety when we cease to keep step with the Spirit and are caught up building our own kingdoms. Are there any areas you feel anxiety toward?
When was the last time you made a decision to follow God’s call and leading? Where is He leading right now?