Devotions

Fjeldberg – Devotion for July 1st, 2025

READ (Acts 1:8)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come unto you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

REFLECT
We recently celebrated Pentecost. Pastor's message was passionate and emphatic….impressing how the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father to be Jesus’ advocate dwelling in our lives. I listened with rapt attention because I had recently felt nudges to follow a path outside my comfort zone. I kept making excuses that the undertaking would be too complicated and take too much time. I also felt unsure that my involvement would make a difference. I was doing my best to ignore the callings, but I received a stronger sign that changed my mind.

Our Bible study group had been discussing the book of Romans for several weeks. On the final day of that study, we focused on how the Holy Spirit impacts our lives. When I returned home, I stopped at the mailbox, there was a letter from a former high school classmate with whom I had reconnected after many decades when I received word that he needed support while recuperating from a debilitating fall. I began sending him cards of encouragement. I was not expecting a response from this guy I had never been close to in our younger days, but in scribbled handwriting, he thanked me for writing and sharing a Bible verse with him. There was more….he told me about playing guitar and singing western songs in low lying places while in his 20’s. One night after a performance, he watched a TV show featuring a Christian evangelist. Afterward he heard a voice say “will you serve me?” ….he said “no”. A few days later the voice returned “will you serve me?” He again said “no” but immediately felt a burning sensation in his head which passed through his entire body. I quote “the Holy Spirit leaped into me…I got warm, ran outside, looked at the moon and said yes…I sing for Him now”.

The timing of this testimonial from a classmate I had nearly forgotten provided a clear message for me to trust Jesus as my guide and step forth where I was needed. With deepest humility, I am grateful as my presence has been instrumental in partially resolving a very challenging situation for a longtime friend and mentor.
Messages to take up discipleship come to us in unusual ways at the most unexpected times.

PRAY
Dear Father God, Help us to be focused, renewed, and empowered by the Holy Spirit who dwells in our lives. We give thanks for the courage to act when we are called through prayer, personal reflections, or other believers.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

Devotions by Lorraine H