Led by the Spirit into the Wilderness

There's a sacred rhythm to the number forty in Scripture—a time of testing, preparation, and divine encounter. When Jesus was baptized and affirmed as God's beloved Son, the very next step was not a public ministry or a grand miracle. Instead, "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil" (Luke 4:1–2). T

his moment isn't just about Jesus' endurance—it's about sanctification. The desert is not punishment; it's preparation. It is in the dry places, the uncomfortable places, that the Spirit refines us, making us ready to live out God's call with purity and purpose.

A Place of Stripping and Strengthening
Jesus' forty days in the wilderness echo Israel's forty years of wandering. Where Israel failed in their testing—grumbling, doubting, and turning to idols—Jesus overcame. And because He overcame, we now have a path to victory through Him. Holiness, central to our faith as Nazarenes, isn't just avoiding sin; it's saying "yes" to the refining work of the Holy Spirit. In the desert, distractions fall away. The noise dims. What remains is the voice of God calling us to deeper surrender and trust. It's not easy—but it is holy ground.

Formed for Mission, Not Comfort
The desert shapes us for ministry. It teaches us to depend fully on God, to rely not on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord (Matthew 4:4). In the Church of the Nazarene, we affirm that sanctified lives are not stagnant—they are mission-shaped. Jesus emerged from the desert not weary, but ready. Filled with the Spirit's power, He preached Good News, healed the broken, and confronted injustice. And so too are we called—not to remain in the desert forever—but to be formed by it and then sent from it, empowered to carry Christ's light into the world.

A Season to Seek, Not Escape
Whether your desert season is one of loss, uncertainty, or transition, know this: God is not absent in the wilderness. He is present and at work. The desert may feel barren, but it is full of potential for transformation. As we journey through our own seasons of waiting or testing, we are reminded that God's Spirit leads us there not to abandon us, but to sanctify us—body, mind, and spirit. May we embrace the desert not with dread, but with hope, knowing that Christ has gone before us, and that the Spirit is still shaping us into a holy people.

Thoughts on Father's Day

On Father's Day, we often reflect on the voices that have spoken into our lives—fathers, mentors, teachers, and trusted friends who shared bits of wisdom that helped shape our character. For many, it's a dad with phrases like "We'll get there when we get there" or "Take care of what God gives you." For others, it may be a coach, small group leader, or neighbor. These words stay with us because they point toward something deeper—guidance born out of care. But this week, we turn our ears toward an even greater source: our Heavenly Father.

The apostle Paul's words in Ephesians 5:8–17 act as a spiritual version of fatherly advice. He reminds us that once we were in darkness, but now we are light in the Lord. That identity calls for a deliberate way of living—walking carefully and wisely through a world that often celebrates what once brought shame. "Be very careful how you live," Paul writes, urging us to make the most of every opportunity. The Greek word he uses implies precision and intention, like navigating a pasture full of hazards—one misstep and you'll feel it.

Paul is calling believers not just to live better, but to live deliberately. He challenges us to ask: "What is the Lord's will?" And the answer begins with drawing near to God. It's not about achieving spiritual perfection, but about staying in step with the Spirit, growing "from glory to glory." When we surrender our daily decisions to Christ, we start producing fruit—love, peace, patience—and gain a sense of direction that keeps us grounded, even when life is messy and uncertain.

This Father's Day, consider this your invitation to return to the wisdom of your Heavenly Father. Whether you're a dad, a mentor, a student, or just trying to figure things out, you are not without guidance. God's will isn't a hidden code—it's found in loving Him fully and loving others well. That kind of life doesn't just happen. It's chosen. One step at a time. One deliberate act of faith at a time.

“Filled to Overflowing” – A Pentecost Reflection

Pentecost is far more than a date on the calendar; it's a divine invitation. First celebrated as a Jewish festival marking the wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, it reminded God's people of their dependence on Him—for provision and for purpose. But in the book of Acts, Pentecost took on deeper meaning when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early church. This wasn't a new idea, but the fulfillment of God's longstanding plan—to empower His people to reflect His glory and live transformed lives. Today, we celebrate Pentecost as the day God placed His Spirit within us, enabling us to speak with new language—one of praise, boldness, and love. It's not about a one-time experience; it's a daily walk of surrender, filled and refilled by the Spirit who guides us, emboldens us, and transforms us. If we allow Him to lead, our lives become testimonies of God's power, grace, and purpose in a world desperate for light.

This Pentecost, let's not settle for religion without relationship or routine without power. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill your words, your walk, your worship. Let your life become fluent in the language of heaven—praise, truth, grace, and courage. Don't just remember Pentecost. Live it.