Read and Listen: 

The Charismatic Stream is “a life immersed in, empowered by, and under the direction of the Spirit of God.”

(Richard Foster, Streams of Living Water, p.99)

We live in a society and time where the tangible reigns supreme. Can I feel it? Can I touch it? Can I know it? These are questions we ask ourselves about everything we experience, whether we realize it or not. The charismatic stream would ask us to move into a deeper relationship and understanding of what a God-empowered life looks like. 

This week, take time to recognize God’s presence in the day to day mundane activities. You may choose to try practicing the presence of God: Throughout the day focus on your breathing and notice each breath as a reminder of God. You may also choose to try practicing the presence of God with the people around you. Look at family members or friends around you and ask yourself - how can I be used as a presence of God's love in their lives, and then move into it. 

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 reminds us: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone, it is the same God at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

How has God gifted you? Who has God made you to be? What does God’s power and presence look like in your life?