Bzzzt. Another notification. Your phone lights up with a text, a like, and a breaking news alert—all within five seconds. You tell yourself you’ll just scroll for a minute… thirty minutes later, you’re deep into reels of cats doing backflips and feeling somehow drained, disconnected, and a little distant from God.

Sound familiar?

In a world where our screens rarely turn off and notifications never seem to stop, it’s easy to wonder: Can we truly connect with God when we’re always connected to everything else?

Let’s be real—navigating faith in the digital age isn’t easy. But it is possible. Let’s explore how we can hear God’s voice amid the digital noise—and even use our tech to grow closer to Him.

The Digital Dilemma: Blessing or Barrier?

Technology is awesome. It lets us video chat with friends across the globe, binge worship music, and access the Bible with a tap. But let’s be honest—it’s also a double-edged sword for Christian millennials and Gen Z’ers trying to stay spiritually grounded.

Here’s what many of us face:
•Distraction: You sit down to read the Bible and—ding—a group chat pulls you in for 45 minutes.
•Comparison: Everyone’s life looks picture-perfect on Instagram, and you’re left feeling less-than.
•Information Overload: Constant streams of news, opinions, and content can leave your mind buzzing—and your spirit exhausted.

A recent study found the average screen time for adults is over 7 hours per day. That’s nearly a third of our lives—on screens. No wonder many of us feel spiritually stuck.

Biblical Perspective: Finding Stillness in the Scroll

Scripture speaks directly into this tension. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Not “be constantly updated” or “scroll endlessly”—be still.

Jesus understood this better than anyone. Even with crowds vying for His attention, He often withdrew to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16). In Matthew 6:6, He teaches, “Go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen.”

In the middle of digital distractions and constant noise, God invites us to pause, unplug, and reconnect—not to Wi-Fi, but to Him.

Romans 12:2 encourages us to “not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” If we want to thrive spiritually, we need to be intentional about screen time and spirituality.

Practical Tips: Using Tech and Finding God

Here are a few ways to manage digital distractions and faith—and even use tech to strengthen your walk with God:

1. Start Your Day with God, Not Your Phone

Before checking emails or socials, take a few minutes to pray or read a Bible verse. Invite God into your day before the digital noise begins.

2. Create a Tech Sabbath

Pick one day (or even a few hours) each week to unplug from screens. Use that time for prayer, reflection, or connecting face-to-face with friends and family.

3. Let Tech Serve Your Faith

Use Bible apps, listen to podcasts from solid Christian teachers, or play worship playlists during your commute or workout. Let your screen time fuel your soul.

4. Be Intentional Online

Use social media to share encouraging Scripture, your testimony, or just uplift others. Connecting with God can happen even in your digital interactions.

5. Schedule “Quiet Time”

Put it in your calendar if needed—15-30 minutes daily with no screens, just you, your Bible, and prayer. Build this habit and watch your spiritual life grow.

Personal Reflection: My Battle with Balance

I’ve been there. I’ve had days where I scrolled endlessly, feeling more anxious and distant from God by the minute. But I’ve also experienced the peace of putting my phone down, opening the Word, and just sitting quietly with God.

Here’s the challenge: Where is God in your daily digital habits?

This week, I invite you to take one small step—maybe it’s setting a screen time limit or starting your day with Scripture—to prioritize your faith over your screen.

Hope for the Digital Age

Here’s the good news: Technology doesn’t have to pull us away from God. With a little intention, it can actually help us grow closer to Him.

Let’s commit to using our screens wisely—not as a substitute for God’s presence, but as a tool to help us find Him in our everyday lives.

Reflection Prompt: Take a moment today to pray: “God, help me be still in the middle of the noise. Teach me to use technology in a way that honors You and draws me closer to You.”

You’ve got this.

And remember—faith in the digital age is possible when we stay grounded in the One who never changes.

As election season draws near, many in our congregation may be wondering how to navigate the voting process while staying true to their Christian values. Whether you're new to the political landscape or have been voting for years, it’s important to remember that our faith should guide us in every decision, including how we vote. Here are ten key guidelines to help you make an informed, faith-based decision at the polls.

1. Keep Christ at the Center
It’s easy to become passionate about political issues, but our ultimate allegiance should always be to Christ. As you consider your choices, ensure that your vote reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, rather than simply national or political loyalties.

2. Respect the Church’s Mission
The church’s primary mission is to spread the Gospel, not to serve as a political platform. While voting is important, remember that our faith community is built on unity in Christ, not on political affiliations. Let’s keep our focus on our shared faith.

3. Speak the Truth in Love
Politics can stir strong emotions, but as Christians, we are called to speak truth with love and respect. Avoid engaging in harmful rhetoric or spreading unverified information. Our words should build up, not tear down, even when discussing politics.

4. Be Informed and Thoughtful
Before you vote, take time to research the candidates and issues. Don’t just rely on what you hear from others—do your own homework. An informed voter is a responsible voter, and it’s important that your choices are based on facts and prayerful consideration.

5. Evaluate Candidates Through a Biblical Lens
While no candidate is perfect, you can assess their positions and policies against biblical principles. Consider how their platforms align with values like justice, compassion, and integrity. This will help you make a decision that honors God.

6. Embrace the Complexity of Issues
Not every issue is black and white, and some political topics may be complex. Approach these issues with humility, understanding that faithful Christians may arrive at different conclusions. Seek wisdom through prayer and scripture and respect the diversity of thought within our congregation.

7. Don’t Be Swayed by Identity Politics
It’s important to evaluate candidates beyond their party affiliations or identity markers. Focus on the substance of their platforms and their ability to lead with integrity. Your vote should be based on principles, not just party lines or group identity.

8. Balance Faith and Responsibility
Voting is both a right and a responsibility. As Christians, we must balance our civic duties with our spiritual convictions. Your vote is one way to participate in the common good, reflecting your commitment to justice, mercy, and humility before God.

9. Stay Grounded in Your Faith
Election seasons can be stressful and divisive, but don’t let them pull you away from your spiritual practices. Continue to prioritize prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with your church family. Let your faith be your anchor during these times.

10. Pray for All Leaders
Regardless of who wins or loses, we are called to pray for our leaders. Lift them up in prayer, asking God to guide them in wisdom, justice, and compassion. Our prayers can make a powerful difference in the direction of our nation.

A Final Thought: Remember, the choices you make in the voting booth reflect the person you are becoming in Christ. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Let your vote be an expression of your faith and a step toward becoming more like Christ in every aspect of life.

Pentecostal Evangel. "10 Guidelines for Christian Voters." Pentecostal Evangel, 14 Oct. 1984, p. 13

In the transformative journey of faith, sanctification emerges as a central theme, embodying the process of being set apart from sin and dedicated unto God. This spiritual evolution, grounded in scriptural teachings from Romans 12:1–2, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:12, and further illuminated in Hebrews 12:14 and 1 Peter 1:15–16, calls believers to a life of holiness, a prerequisite to beholding the Lord. It is through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that followers of Christ find the strength to heed the divine call to holiness.

Sanctification unfolds in the believer's life as they come to recognize their unity with Christ in His death and resurrection. It is a daily journey of faith, where one continually submits their faculties to the Holy Spirit's dominion, as outlined in Romans, Galatians, Philippians, and 1 Peter. The essence of sanctification is beautifully captured in the concept of separation for a divine purpose, a theme resonating through the Old Testament with the sanctity of the Levitical priesthood and the sacredness of temple worship.

The multifaceted nature of sanctification encompasses positional holiness, practical sanctification, and eventual glorification. Positional holiness, attained at the moment of conversion, declares believers holy in Christ, setting the foundation for the subsequent journey of sanctification. This initial declaration is a crucial aspect of justification, where believers are seen through the righteousness of Christ, enabling a holy God to embrace them as His own.

Practical sanctification, on the other hand, is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit, fostering the development of the new spiritual life within the believer. It's a dynamic process, requiring active engagement and cooperation with the Spirit through prayer, immersion in the Word, and a committed response to divine guidance. This journey is marked by a continuous striving towards greater conformity to the image of Christ, fueled by an increasing capacity for spiritual things and a deepening desire for divine closeness.

Central to the believer's growth is the ministry of the Holy Spirit, offering victory over the temptations and struggles with sin that persist in the Christian life. Through the Spirit, believers are called to actively participate in their sanctification, confronting and casting aside the remnants of their earthly nature to embrace the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. This active engagement in the battle against sin is balanced with the assurance of God's forgiveness and the ongoing purification through the blood of Jesus, providing a path back to grace upon every misstep.

The journey of sanctification culminates in glorification, the anticipated final state of holiness where believers, having remained faithful, enter into an unbreakable relationship with God. This eternal communion, free from the possibility of failure, is the ultimate hope for every follower of Christ, promising a future of imperishable joy and perfection at His second coming.

As we navigate the path of sanctification, let us maintain an unwavering focus on Christ, drawing strength from prayer, the Word, and the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we strive towards unity in faith, knowledge of the Son of God, and maturity in Christ, aspiring to the fullness of His character and love. In this journey, we are reminded of the transformative power of sanctification, not as an optional aspect of our faith, but as a vital, ongoing process shaping us into the image of Christ, preparing us for the ultimate glory that awaits.

When exploring the profound experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit, one key question often arises: How does one recognize this baptism? While the journey of faith introduces various signs of a life empowered by the Holy Spirit, identifying the immediate evidence of this baptism becomes crucial. The New Testament, particularly the Book of Acts, provides compelling insights into this spiritual phenomenon, suggesting that speaking in tongues serves as the initial physical evidence of Holy Spirit baptism.

The narrative of Pentecost unveils this phenomenon vividly. As the early believers gathered, they experienced signs of the Holy Spirit's outpouring, including a sound resembling a violent wind and what appeared as tongues of fire descending upon each individual. However, the most distinctive sign was their ability to speak in languages unknown to them, as the Spirit enabled. This act of speaking in tongues was not an isolated incident but a recurring evidence of the Holy Spirit's baptism across various instances documented in the Acts of the Apostles.

Particularly noteworthy is the event at the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion. The inclusion of Gentiles in the faith necessitated undeniable evidence of their reception of the Holy Spirit. The Jewish believers present were convinced by the Gentiles speaking in tongues and praising God, mirroring the Pentecost experience. This sign of speaking in tongues, therefore, emerged as a pivotal confirmation of the Holy Spirit's baptism, transcending cultural and ethnic barriers, and affirming the inclusivity of God's kingdom.

Moreover, the phenomenon of speaking in tongues carries multifaceted purposes beyond serving as evidence of Holy Spirit baptism. In private devotions, it enriches personal prayer life, allowing believers to engage in a more profound form of worship. When employed in public worship, however, the gift of tongues aims for the edification of the church, necessitating interpretation to benefit the congregation collectively.

Despite the clear scriptural foundation, several questions and concerns have emerged regarding speaking in tongues. Some wonder whether this practice was confined to the apostolic age or continues to be relevant today. The New Testament does not confine speaking in tongues to a specific era but presents it as an enduring sign that accompanies believers. Others question whether emphasizing speaking in tongues might lead to spiritual elitism or neglect other significant aspects of Christian life. It's crucial to understand that the baptism in the Holy Spirit, marked by speaking in tongues, is intended for humble service and empowering believers for impactful ministry, not fostering spiritual pride.

The phenomenon of speaking in tongues, while historically fluctuating in emphasis within the church, remains a vital aspect of Pentecostal theology and practice. It underscores the personal and communal aspects of faith, encouraging believers to seek a deeper, Spirit-filled life. This practice is not about seeking sensational experiences but about embracing a more intimate relationship with God and being equipped for His service.

As we navigate our spiritual journeys, let us remain open to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, seeking not just the signs but the deeper fellowship and empowerment they signify. In doing so, we align ourselves with the biblical precedent, inviting the fullness of God's Spirit into our lives and ministries, ready to make a difference in the world for His glory.

Background research taken from: Menzies, W. W. (1993). Bible Doctrines: A Pentecostal Perspective (S. M. Horton, Ed.; pp. 134–142). Logion Press.

The significance of the period of "40 days and 40 nights" in the Bible has deep roots in the Jewish-Christian tradition and has been understood to represent times of testing, trial, preparation, or judgment. This time period appears several times throughout the Scriptures, each with its own context and theological implications. Here are some notable instances and their origins:

1. The Flood: In the book of Genesis, God causes it to rain for 40 days and 40 nights to cleanse the earth of humanity's wickedness, saving only Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark (Genesis 7:4, 12). This period symbolizes God's judgment on corruption and His grace in preserving a remnant.
2. Moses on Mount Sinai: Moses spends 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai on two separate occasions (Exodus 24:18, 34:28). The first period is when he receives the Ten Commandments, the law that would govern Israel's moral, civil, and ceremonial life. The second period is after the incident with the Golden Calf, symbolizing God's willingness to renew the covenant with His people despite their failure.
3. The Spies in Canaan: When the Israelites reach the Promised Land, Moses sends twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan for 40 days (Numbers 13:25). Upon their return, ten of the spies report that the land is unconquerable, leading to Israel's lack of faith and their subsequent wandering in the desert for 40 years, one year for each day of exploration, as a judgment for their disbelief (Numbers 14:34).
4. Elijah's Journey: After fleeing from Queen Jezebel, the prophet Elijah travels for 40 days and 40 nights to Mount Horeb, where he encounters God in a "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:8). This period represents Elijah's time of despair, followed by divine reassurance and the commissioning for further prophetic ministry.
5. Jesus' Temptation: In the New Testament, Jesus fasts for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness before being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-2, Luke 4:1-2). This time symbolizes Jesus' preparation for His public ministry, His faithfulness and obedience to the Father, and His victory over temptation.

The repetition of the 40-day period throughout the Bible serves multiple symbolic purposes. It often indicates a significant period of transition, purification, or preparation before entering into a new phase of life or mission. Moreover, it emphasizes the themes of testing and reliance on God's provision and guidance. This symbolic use of numbers to convey spiritual truths is common in biblical literature and enriches the understanding of God's interactions with His people.

Create an atmosphere of expectation by praising and expressing love to Jesus audibly (Luke 24:52–53). When first-century believers spoke in tongues, other people heard them (Acts 2:6). From a practical standpoint, it is easier to speak in tongues if we are praising the Lord out loud!

Expect to experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues. (See Luke 11:13.) Be willing to not only seek, but to ask the Father for this precious gift. It is His promise to us (Acts 1:4).

Be willing to stop speaking in your normal language. You cannot speak two languages at the same time. We have to leave the known to receive the unknown.

Receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit just as you receive any other gift. Reach out and take the baptism in the Holy Spirit; don’t beg for it. Then thank God for this gift.

When you hear expressions, words, or syllables forming in your mind, speak them. The pattern of Acts 2:4 is important today,“All of them were filled . . . and began to speak.” The Holy Spirit will not speak for us or force us to speak. We must speak the words ourselves. In the book, Be Filled with the Spirit, author Doyle Jones said,“You will never speak if you keep waiting for the Spirit to put you into some kind of trance and do it all for you. It will be your mouth, your tongue, your voice, but His words.”

You may not hear the words in your mind, but when you speak they will be in your mouth.

Speak, even if it is only a few syllables. Those words are very likely words of praise to God, so go ahead and speak them. Fluency will come as you continue to pray in the Spirit. Your vocabulary will grow in this new language.

Speak, even if it doesn’t sound like a language to you. Many languages and dialects don’t sound like languages to us. Remember, it’s possible we can speak in languages “of men or of angels” (1 Corinthians 13:1). Being filled with the Spirit is not based on your ability to understand the language.

Realize that you control the flow of the Spirit through you (see 1 Corinthians 14:32).

Continue to pray in the Spirit every day. We are built up in our faith when we pray in the Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 1:20). Paul the apostle testified that he prayed in the Spirit more than others (see 1 Corinthians 14:18).

Except taken from "Asking for a Friend: Who is the Holy Spirit" published 2018 by Gospel Publishing House, Springfield, MO