An acquaintance recently asked me this question: Can you identify a landmark in your life when you first realized you can see in the spiritual realm?

After reflection I had to answer no, I cannot. There was no landmark moment. It has been a journey from outright rejection of the concept of seeing in the Spirit to acceptance that it could be possible, and from there to pursuing it in my own life.

I have always thought of the fruit of the Spirit as byproducts of a life lived in concert with God’s will. A healthy tree produces healthy fruit, an unhealthy tree produces bitter or shriveled fruit, or none at all. A dead tree is dead and a dying one is in the process of approaching death rather than growing and maturing into fullness of life.

The world is enamored of knowledge, too often pursuing it for its own sake. Knowledge, however, is only the beginning. Pursuing its understanding and wisdom is needed to complete the process and bring confidence to our application. Understanding how to view the relationships between knowledge, understanding, and wisdom is a good starting point.

Last night, I was awakened in the middle of the night by the Spirit, and felt an urgent need to pray for a friend who is undergoing a severe trial. As I prayed, other urgent needs for other friends came to mind. As they came, I prayed for each over the course of nearly two hours.

This is the first in what I intend to be an occasional series, in which I share my journal notes from daily scripture readings.

As Christians, we know and believe that Christ conquered death through his resurrection, after which he was transfigured and returned to Heaven, making way for the Holy Spirit’s arrival. This knowledge and belief assure us that when we experience physical death, we will join Christ in Heaven. That’s all good, as far as it goes.

God’s mercy in our lives, his working in ways both small and large, and our hearts full of his love are all joyous reasons to celebrate his provision and presence. It is easy to celebrate the good things that come to us in life. It is not as easy to celebrate the hard times that come in life, the times that test, tempt, and try us. These may not be from God, but they are still reasons to celebrate when we overcome through them.