“John the Baptist declared: ‘Someone is coming who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!’
“When Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus rose from the water, he saw the heavens open and the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, ‘You are my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.’”
Mark 1:7-11
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This story told by the Gospel Writer called Mark is sometimes titled “John the Baptist Prepares the Way.” This preparation of Jesus’s ministry is so significant that the other main Gospel writers tell a similar version. (For the full passages, see: Mark 1:1-11; Matthew 3:1-17; Luke 3:1-22; John 1:19-34.)
- To apply this story to our lives, read it from a mystical, metaphysical perspective. Let John the Baptist represent our intellect (our thinking, sensing mind), and let Jesus represent our intuition (our intuitive heart, fully receptive to God). We need each aspect of this spiritual mindset to function. But to thrive, we must let our intuition (heart) lead.
- This spiritual mindset includes our:
- Senses: what we experience in the world around us through taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.
- Thoughts: intellectual ideas which transform divine inspiration into actions and behaviors.
- Feelings: thoughts and energy, whether positive or negative, which reflect our attitudes.
- Intuition: the deepest spiritual mindset, which receives divine inspiration and perceives spiritual wisdom.
- Our heart is a divine message center of God, as much as it’s a vital organ within our bodies.
- Holy Spirit, the Activity of God, cannot enter our lives or do its wondrous works in and through us unless we’re open to receive it. Similarly, we must be open to intuition’s continual guidance and follow its advice without analysis.
- Master Teacher and Minister Ed Rabel teaches: “Intuition is the highest level of our human consciousness” which receives all its information directly from God. This information, he explains, doesn’t usually come to us in spoken words, but through “pure knowing” and “pure feeling.” Then, “intuition translates the language of Spirit . . . into words.”
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What am I experiencing with my five (5) senses?
- No matter how small or insignificant they may seem, list, word map, or illustrate whatever you’re sensing.
- As I reflect on what I’m sensing, what thoughts, whether positive or negative, do I have about them?
- No matter how small or insignificant they may seem, list, word map, or illustrate your thoughts.
- As I reflect on both my senses and thoughts, what am I feeling about them?
- No matter how small or insignificant they may seem, list, word map, or illustrate whatever you’re feeling.
- As I reflect on whatever is occurring in my life and any decisions I want to make, what is my intuition telling me?
- No matter how small or insignificant they may seem, list, word map, or illustrate all you can discern.
- When I reflect on my what my intuition is telling me, what are at least three (3) ways I can remain receptive to Holy Spirit’s guidance?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can imagine.
- Then, note all you’ll do to remain open as you are Spirit-led.
As you work with this devotional, focus on Jesus as a great wayshower and example for us, not a great exception. Remember that each of us receives the great gift of intuition, so each of us is blessed by Holy Spirit.
Also, remember that Jesus was always open and receptive to God. So, be sure that you have daily time for prayer and meditation to keep your God-connection strong and assured. During this time, focus on tuning inward. Place your hands on your heart and breathe into your heart space. If it’s comfortable for you, ask for guidance. Be receptive. Then wait and listen.
No matter what you want to discern, let your heart lead you. Trust the still, small voice of your intuition and watch for the ways Holy Spirit is directing you in whatever is yours to be, have, and do.
© 2022 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo by Photchara Sangdao from Shutterstock.
Recent Comments