Let’s start again like we did last week. Open your bible to Luke 8 and take a moment to consider what we believe about the Holy Spirit as confessed in our statement of faith.

“We believe the Holy Spirit… indwells, illuminates, guides, equips, and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.”

Illumination is one of the ways in which we are dependent upon the Holy Spirit. The Spirit shines the light of understanding upon God’s word so that we can take it down deep to affect our hearts, so that it might guide us, equip us, and empower us for Christ-like living and service.

So, before reading through our passage in Luke for this Sunday, take a few minutes to personalize this prayer of illumination from John Calvin. By personalize it, I mean read it out loud line by line, pausing to elaborate and make his prayer your prayer.

Grant, almighty God,

That as you shine on me by your Word,
I may not be blind at midday,
nor willfully seek darkness,
and thus lull my mind asleep.

But, may I be roused by your words,
and may I stir myself up more and more to fear your name
and thus present myself and all my pursuits,
as a sacrifice to you,
that you may peaceably rule and perpetually dwell in me,
until you gather me to your celestial habitation,
where there is reserved for me eternal rest and glory
 through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Now take your time reading Luke 8:26-39, our passage for this Sunday. Maybe even read it through two or three times.

Ask:

• What does this passage reveal about God/Jesus?
• What does this passage reveal about me?
• What would an unbelieving response to this passage look like? (Hint: The townspeople at the end of this story actually show us the answer.)
• What would a believing response to this passage look like? (Another hint: The man Jesus encounters shows us the answer to this question.)

Linger. Don’t move on until at least one thought you can savor throughout the day has been impressed upon you.

Share. Look for an opportunity today (and throughout the week) to share that thought with someone else.

This Sunday Erik Thoennes will be preaching and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare? See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

 

SONG OF THE WEEK

Jesus, Strong and Kind by CityAlight

For the Lord is good and faithful
He will keep us day and night
We can always run to Jesus
Jesus, strong and kind