Pentecost: The Spirit Within Us

Over the past six weeks, we’ve been looking at six promises Jesus made in our sermon series ‘Cuz He Promised. And here’s the thing: God’s promises are just as true today as they have ever been. In the midst of heartache, bigotry, cancer diagnoses, strained marriages, and financial upheaval—God was there. And God is still here.

This God—this very present, very faithful God—is the same One who showed us a love so complete, so unconditional, that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us. Jesus died, rose again, and after spending time with His followers—teaching them, comforting them, preparing them—He returned to the Father. And then, just as He promised, He sent the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 2:1–4 we read:

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

What a moment.

Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church—not because a building was opened or a denomination was formed, but because a movement began. A movement of Spirit-filled people called to love, to serve, to bear witness, and to live as Christ lived.

And here’s the beautiful truth: we are the Church.
Not just on Sundays. Not just when we gather.
We are the living, breathing body of Christ in the world today.

We’ve been given the gift of the Holy Spirit—the very breath, life, and power of God dwelling within us. That’s not just a nice idea. That’s everything.

So how does that shape how we respond to what’s happening in the world?
How does it influence how we see our neighbours?
How we face injustice?
How we walk through pain and joy and all the everyday in-between moments?

May we listen for the Spirit’s whisper.
May we be bold like fire and gentle like breath.
And may we never forget: the light of Pentecost lives in us—every single day.

*******

Join me on Sunday June 22nd as we look more closely at the Holy Spirit in a new four part sermon series called The Spirit Within Us!

Writing from GA

I’m writing this blog in the midst of attending General Assembly for the Presbyterian Church in Canada—a unique blend of holy conversations, heartfelt worship, and a whole lot of Presbyterian process!

The General Assembly is the highest court and governing body of our denomination, gathering annually to reflect on and make decisions about the ministry and mission of the church. We consider everything from doctrine and worship to church governance and outreach. But it’s not all business—we also gather for worship and enjoy time in fellowship, which nourishes both our spirits and our sense of connection.

This year, we’re meeting in Hamilton, Ontario. (Full disclosure: I wouldn’t have minded Hamilton, Bermuda—but no offence to the lovely Hamiltonians here in Ontario!) I’m serving as a commissioner on behalf of the Presbytery of Pickering, which is both an honour and a responsibility I take to heart.

We kicked things off Sunday evening with a joyful celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Since then, it’s been full days of prayerful discussion and discernment on important issues facing the church. At the same time, it’s been a joy to reconnect with colleagues and friends from across the country—truly a Presbyterian family reunion.

The Assembly wraps up Thursday afternoon. As we continue our work together, I’m reminded of the Spirit’s quiet guidance in all things. Please keep us in your prayers as we seek to be faithful in the work God has set before us.

Planning with open hands

When I was in high school, I thought I’d grow up to be a lawyer. Then, when I got to university, I had my heart set on becoming a teacher. Somewhere between dreaming of courtrooms and classrooms, I found myself in a drama class and wondered if I was meant to be an actress.

And then—God.

Looking back, I smile. Because while I had plenty of plans, God had a purpose.

Take a moment and think about what’s ahead—your plans for the day, the week, the year, and even the dreams tucked deep in your heart for the future.

Maybe you dream of starting a business.
Maybe you're hoping to raise a family.
Maybe there’s a book in you just waiting to be written.
Maybe you want to see the world.
Maybe you feel called to launch a ministry or serve in your city.
Maybe you’re excited to plant a garden or finally pay off that lingering debt.

Whatever’s on your heart, Scripture reminds us:
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” — Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Planning isn’t a bad thing—in fact, God encourages it! Galatians 6:7 tells us we reap what we sow, so thoughtful preparation matters. But as we plan, we’re also invited to hold those dreams with open hands, trusting that God sees what we can’t and knows what’s best.

Sometimes the path shifts. Sometimes God reroutes us in ways we never expected. And while that can be confusing or even disappointing in the moment, God always has our good and His glory in mind.

Philippians 2:13 reminds us: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” That means even the dreams we carry may have been planted by God—but God also knows when and how they should grow.

Jesus gave us the ultimate example of surrender. He laid down His will for the Father’s plan—for our freedom, our hope, and our future. Because of His surrender, we have life.

So today, I invite you to join me in doing something simple but powerful:

Take a few quiet moments. Make a list of your dreams, your goals, and your plans. Then, with open hands—literally or in prayer—offer them to God. Picture yourself releasing every single one. Then ask,
“Lord, which of these are from You? What do You want to give back to me, and is there something new You want me to receive?”

It’s funny now, thinking back on how I wanted to be a lawyer, a teacher, and even an actress. In God’s grace, He wove pieces of each of those dreams into my calling. God gave me a voice to defend my convictions, a heart to teach His Word, and yes—every now and then—a chance to stand in front of an audience.

As I look ahead to this next season of my life, I’m prayerfully planning to pursue the things God has placed on my heart: investing in relationships that matter, stepping more boldly into ministry, writing more intentionally, and creating spaces where others can encounter God’s truth and grace. But I hold it all loosely—because I’ve learned that God’s plan is always better than mine.

God is not just the Author of your story—God is the One who walks with you through every chapter. You can trust God with your plans, your dreams, and your future.

So make your plans. Dream your dreams. But always invite God into the process because God’s purpose is the best outcome we could ever hope for!