by Pastor Douglas Brauner

Drenched in the Holy Spirit

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Recently the governor of Oregon declared a state of emergency because of excessive heat. This isn’t the first time that temperatures have soared into the 100 degree range this year for Oregonians as an even more intense heat wave struck in June. You might empathize with those who have suffered as you too have borne the brunt of extreme heat.

As kids there was no better way for us to battle the heat than to have a water fight using hoses and squirt guns.

As humans we often face the excessive heat of daily battles. The intensity of these battles can be as great as a summer heat wave, the dog days of summer. It might feel like the heat will never subside, never go away, and we look for ways to deal with our oppressive struggles.

It’s time for a water fight.

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 7:37-39 English Standard Version

The hose is in the hands of Jesus and he is in control of the battle. Since Jesus has been glorified in his death and resurrection, he gives his life giving, thirst quenching Spirit to deal with our struggles. In the waters of baptism you and I were drenched in the Spirit, the Spirit that has taken up residence in our lives.

Whatever excessive heat you are facing today, know that through Jesus you have the life giving, thirst quenching Spirit.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado