Day 17

Take a moment to pause, be still, and prepare your heart and mind to receive God’s word.

Today’s Scripture:

The Lord’s Promise of His Spirit

²⁸^[a]“Then, after doing all those things,
    I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
    Your old men will dream dreams,
    and your young men will see visions.
²⁹In those days I will pour out my Spirit
    even on servants—men and women alike.

Joel 2:28-29 NLT

Have you ever felt unqualified to do something? I remember when I first applied to be a bank teller and I had to take a math test. I was terrible at math! What was I thinking, trying to get into banking? I was completely unqualified! I felt like a fraud. When I got the job, I was shocked – surely they must have seen my math test, right? Turns out that wouldn’t be the last time I felt unqualified for the task before me.

We can feel this way when it comes to our Christian walk as well. We read these passages about sharing the gospel, visions and prophecy, and we think, “Surely this is about other people. I am not qualified for this!” But the Lord makes it clear through his prophet, Joel, that he will pour out the Holy Spirit generously. He does not withhold his Spirit for those he thinks are qualified. He gives him to men and women, young and old, bosses and servants alike. We don’t qualify ourselves for this work, but it is God’s very Spirit that qualifies us. It is not based on our ability, but God’s ability.

Reflect

Read through the passage again. What word or phrase stands out to you? Spend time journaling or considering it. What does it bring to mind? Consider looking it up in your Bible’s concordance or searching it in your Bible app to find other verses that use it.

Pray

Take a moment to be still, focusing on the Holy Spirit in you. Ask him to show you where he wants to use you today for God’s glory.

Family Moment

What kind of emotions or feelings does this passage bring up in you? What are some things the Holy Spirit might be asking you to do?