A Season of Surprises

Living Our June Days

“Ethan must be working on a project in the garage,” I observed as we turned into his driveway and noticed both cars parked in the yard. We had three grandchildren bolted into three car seats in the back, and with all their gear and spare parts to carry inside, I didn’t have long to ponder the setting. Maybe that’s why I was SO startled by the flood of humanity rushing out of the garage and filling the house with the sound of, “SURPRISE!”

Our 35th Anniversary had come and gone, but our kids had not forgotten, so while we were visiting the Maine Maritime Museum and watching Winnie the Pooh videos with three grandkids, they had been all the while scheming a party!

One glance at the church calendar confirms that this is the season of surprises for all believers. Forty days after Easter, we celebrated the Day of Ascension, and I can only begin to imagine Peter, James, John, and the boys’ response when Jesus’s feet left the ground and “as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:9)

Then, fifty days after Easter, we celebrated Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit. More than once, the prophet Isaiah (32:15; 44:1-4) had predicted that God would “pour out” his Spirit upon his people. Even so, his arrival must have been a shock! The appearance of tongues of fire would have been outlandish in a world lit by candles and oil lamps, but I’m drawn to the miracle of understanding that happened in the Upper Room:

And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?” (Acts 2:8)

When God the Holy Spirit shows up, things begin to happen!

The power that brought the creation into being out of nothing landed mightily in the Upper Room, and the energy of the Godhead changed history forever.

He’s Still the God of Surprises!

Do we need Acts 2 “tongues of fire” to land on our heads today to shake us in our commitment to Christ? God has not relinquished one bit of his power—or his willingness to surprise us by acting in ways we don’t expect!

You are not saved by admiring Christ’s example.
You are not saved by applying his teaching.
You are not even saved by your flawless theology, or your ability to staff the nursery, sing in the worship team, lead a Bible study, type the church bulletin, AND have guests every week for Sunday dinner.

You are saved by the power of God, stronger than your sin, poured out in your life today and every day.

Does the church calendar figure into your worship or your appreciation for the narrative arc of scripture? Let’s talk about it in the comments…

June Book Briefs

Speaking Schedule

On August 16th, I’ll be returning to MetroLife Church in Casselberry, Florida for their women’s conference. I’m SUPER excited to reconnect with this group of dynamic women!

Then, on October 17 and 18th, I’ll be teaching here in Maine at Hermon Baptist Church. They hosted a baby shower for my expectant daughter-in-law, so I got to meet some of the HBC women. I’m looking forward to this event (and to the birth of grandchild #8 in July!).

Every opportunity to be in a room full of women with open Bibles is a gift, and I would love to speak at your next women’s event. Click on the button to start the conversation.

Thank you for reading faithfully and for clicking quietly on the little ❤️heart❤️ or the “restack” button because each one makes a difference. I’m glad you’re here. Thank you for being the kind of people who keep pressing into the mysteries of our faith—not merely for answers but for more of HIM!

Holding You in the Light,

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