June 8 | Acts 2

Elaine Pierce
Jun 7, 2025
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

The Holy Spirit Comes

By Elaine Pierce

Many years ago, my family helped settle a Ukrainian family in Columbus. Mom and Dad and their 4 young children lived with us for 3 weeks while our church helped find them a place to stay. They spoke very little English - very little - and our Ukrainian was non-existent. You can imagine how comical - and frustrating - our attempts to communicate were. I remember that I subconsciously spoke much slower and louder, and of course that made no difference. Today I can say hello and goodbye in Ukrainian, while the Sorokas speak English very well. What we had in common was our faith in Jesus, and that went a long way toward understanding one another.

Have you ever been at our church on Tuesday and Thursday evenings when Festa students, newly arrived immigrants from all over the world, fill our classrooms as they eagerly study English? It is like the United Nations has convened in our building! So many languages, so many different cultures, all joining together to learn their new country's language.

Perhaps that is a little glimpse into what that first Pentecost day was like, when "all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (v. 4)." We know that not everyone rejoiced when this happened. Some were "amazed and perplexed;" others made fun of them, assuming they were drunk.

What do you think? I have never experienced the Holy Spirit in this way, and part of me longs for such an incredible gift. However, I know that He is active and alive in my life, and every day I ask him to guide and direct me. Notice the results of the Spirit's work in verses 42-47. To summarize, the early church exploded! Every single day, this small band of once-discouraged disciples saw miracles. and wonders. People came to saving faith. The young church broke bread together. They shared possessions. They prayed. They worshipped. God was doing a new thing! What began on Pentecost, when they were all together, continued, and to this day God is working in hearts and minds.

Where is God working today? He is certainly at work at UALC. As we welcome new friends and neighbors to our church, let's thank God for what he has done and what he will do as he brings people to faith. We can join him in this work, and thank him for the privilege of service. Pray mightily, and trust him to give you what you need. He will provide!

PRAYER

Lord, so often I rely on myself and I don't trust you, and the results show. Help me to pray, to worship, and to serve, and to leave the results to you. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!