And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Date: January 18, 2024
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse (NIV): Joel 2:28 "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions."
L - Listen for God's Voice and Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with open hearts, seeking your wisdom and insight. Please guide us as we explore this scripture and help us understand the message it holds for us today. May we be receptive to the outpouring of your Holy Spirit in our lives. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: Joel was a prophet in the Old Testament, and this verse is a part of his prophecy. At the time Joel wrote this, there were various trials and challenges faced by the people of Israel. In this scripture, God promises a future outpouring of His Spirit upon all people. It speaks of a time when God's Spirit will inspire and empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds. This verse is about the anticipation of a new era, where God's Spirit would not be limited to a select few but would be available to everyone. It foretells of prophetic revelations, dreams, and visions being accessible to both the young and old, emphasizing the inclusive nature of God's divine inspiration.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: Key words/phrases:
Pour out my Spirit - God's promise to abundantly bestow His Holy Spirit.
All people - Emphasizes the inclusivity of God's gift to people from all backgrounds.
Sons and daughters - Represents both genders, signifying the availability of God's Spirit to everyone.
Old men will dream dreams - Suggests that even in old age, individuals will receive divine revelations.
Young men will see visions - Highlights that the young generation will also experience God's guidance and insight.
S - Summarize and Share:
I'm excited to share this scripture with you because it holds a promise that speaks directly to our hearts. In these words, God declares His intention to pour out His Spirit upon all people. It's like an overflowing river of His divine presence, available to each and every one of us, regardless of our age, gender, or background.
Think about it—God's Spirit, the very essence of His love and wisdom, is not a limited resource. It's not just for a select few; it's for all of us. Sons and daughters, young and old, are invited to share in this beautiful outpouring of His Spirit. It's a reminder that God's love and guidance are inclusive, embracing each one of us with open arms.
What touches my heart even more is the promise of prophesy, dreams, and visions. This isn't just a distant, historical concept; it's a living reality for us today. God is still in the business of inspiring dreams and visions in the hearts of His people. It's His way of guiding us, speaking to us personally, and revealing His plans for our lives.
So, let's open our hearts wide to this promise. Let's anticipate moments of divine revelation, dreams that speak to our souls, and visions that light our paths. It's not about our age or experience; it's about our willingness to embrace God's Spirit and His loving guidance.
In our everyday lives, let's seek the Holy Spirit's presence and wisdom. Let's be open to the extraordinary, knowing that God's Spirit is ever-present, ready to guide us in the most intimate and personal ways. As we explore Joel 2:28, let's do so with the anticipation that God's Spirit is here with us, speaking to our hearts and leading us forward in His perfect plan.
4 Bible Cross References:
Acts 2:17-18
Galatians 3:28
John 14:26
Acts 10:44-45