If we are seeking after great thoughts, for the great treasures of the Spirit, we must wade into deep waters. This journey is like the difference between a pool and a beach. There are pools where you can simply dive directly into deep waters. However, in order to get to the deep waters at a beach, you must cross over the warm sand, enter into the chilly waters, and walk as the waters continue to rise around you; first to your ankles, then your knees, then your waist and chest, until finally, your feet leave the ground.
This idea of wading reminded me of the words Duke Divinity School Chaplain Sally Bates. During a spiritual retreat, she explained that getting to a place of intimacy with God is not like flipping on a switch, but it requires deliberate and patient waiting. While we know God can act immediately, God also reveals Himself through times of reflection, consecration, and prayer (interesting how the "suddenly" of Acts 2, occurs after the constant prayer of Acts 1; see below). Let's not rush into greatness, but instead take time to wade into the deep. Have a blessed week!
*Prayer below adapted from Howard Thurman's The Inward Journey:
While we wait in Thy Presence, search our spirits and grant to our minds the guidance and the wisdom that will teach us the way to take. Without You there can be no peace and no confidence anywhere. Please teach us how to put at Your disposal the fruits of our hands, the products of our minds, the wealth of our land, and the resources of our spirit. Lord, we desire You grant unto us the courage to follow the illumination of this hour to the end. This is the simple desire of our hearts which we ask in quiet confidence. Amen.
Chilly,
j.a.g.
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Acts 1:13-14
13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Acts 2:1-4
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
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