ZPCBlog

About the author: Pam Bierwagen and her husband Bob moved to Zionsville with their two young children, Kristin and Brad, in 1986. Within a week, they were invited by two people to attend ZPC. Within a month, they joined a discipleship group. Their family grew as Stacy, Kelsey, and Matt were born. Bob and Pam are grateful for wonderful mentors and teachers over the years. Their examples helped Pam teach all ages of kids, teens, women, and men. Pam served as an Elder and is currently a Deacon. Pam's main focus is on prayer for her family, friends, and all things ZPC. Quiet time listening to God is Pam’s favorite time of day. She also loves volunteering for the "Littles" on Sunday mornings. She credits Ruth Hicks, in heaven now, for mentoring her in prayer. Ruth asked her to help with VBS prayer. When praying about this, Pam heard God’s gentle voice for the first time.

However, as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived - the things God has prepared for those who love him - these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God....This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit taught words.
1 Corinthians 2:9, 10, 13

Precious Holy Spirit lives inside all of those who believe in Jesus. Sometimes, we encounter God in unusual ways. Many times, people have spoken words to me that were so timely right from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit desires for us to respond when we hear that still, small voice inside of us. 

One day, I saw an older lady struggling to get out of her car into her lightweight, wheelchair. The Holy Spirit quickened my heart. We were in the grocery store parking lot and I asked if she would like help. She quickly answered, "Yes, please." All through the store as we picked up needed items she talked. By Isle 6 she was in tears. I asked what was wrong. She then told me how difficult things had been since her husband passed away a few months ago. I asked if it was ok if I prayed with her. She welcomed prayer. I knelt beside her. God met her through his Holy Spirit and gave her peace. 

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It wasn’t in Virgin Mary’s plans to be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God, Jesus. It was a big plan of God’s though…bigger than she could even imagine. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him. 

If you know Jesus, you know of his amazing love for us. He shed his blood on the cross for us for the forgiveness of our sins. We seem to fail in some way each day, don’t we? Jesus continues to forgive us.

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In John 16:7 Jesus explains, "But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away the advocate (the Holy Spirit) will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you."

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Ever since the broken relationship with Adam and Eve and God in the garden of Eden, God has been pursuing us, a RELATIONSHIP with us. 

He was in a relationship with Abraham and others in the Old Testament, when the Holy Spirit fell upon them. Their sins were atoned for with the blood of animals. Then, to take care of the problem of sin breaking relationship, he gives us Jesus to die and his blood to atone for our sins. Then, he gives us his Holy Spirit, so that we can communicate with him and hear his voice any time. The Holy Spirit continually helps and guides us. Jesus forgives us. God has prepared many things for each of us to do. Will we listen the next time we hear his words or feel that nudge from the Holy Spirit? 

Prayer:

Holy Spirit,
Give us eyes to see and ears to hear to help one another. Do not let us miss an opportunity to hear you calling. Thank you for your gentleness and love. Help us in this season to slow down and contemplate your great love for us.
In Jesus Name,
Amen 

Activity:

Take the time to slowly read through the book of Luke. Take note of the things that stand out to you that may not have before. If you do not know Jesus, ask him to come and help you. Ask him to forgive you. Ask him to come live within you. Receive his Holy Spirit. 

Families - Before presents are unwrapped, unwrap the gift of Christ's love together. The children in our family gather clothing and other items around the house to dress up. They act out the story of the birth of Jesus from Luke as Bob reads. This tradition was passed down from my Aunt Evelyn (Nanie to me). After that, we sing, Away in the Manger together. This has created many treasured memories. Last year, little 3 year old Rylee was flapping her angel wings so hard. It still makes me smile.

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