Welcome to Pentecost
Only a few days ago Christians were celebrating Pentecost, the day the Spirit was formally introduced in the earth. If you are not familiar with Pentecost, it’s okay. I’m glad you are here. As a matter of fact this is the perfect time for all of us to reconnect to the meaning Pentecost and the impact of the Holy Spirit.
Our hearts, our souls cannot survive this journey without the Holy Spirit.
It is the third person of the Holy Trinity. It is our Comforter and our Strength.
Our GOD n Me.
To believe in God is to believe in the Holy Spirit.
..."Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." ~Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)
Before Jesus left, he promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit would pick where He left off. It would come upon them and guide them in their Christian journey. In Acts 2, the Spirit fell on the faithful amongst strangers in the form of tongues of fire. It connected God’s people with unbelievers of every language. It used their trust in Jesus as an open door to glory and salvation.
All to Jesus I surrender, Now I feel the sacred flame. Oh, the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory to His name!*
The Spirit fell. Peter preached. 3000 souls were saved because they surrendered all, and their lives would never be the same. God is waiting to use our tongues, our voices, our very existence to usher in the Spirit of the Living God.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ~Romans 8:18-19 (NIV)
What good is celebrating Pentecost if we don’t live the life?
All to Jesus I surrender, Humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; Take me, Jesus, take me now.*
For a lot of people, Pentecost was different this year. Me, too. God is presenting us with a defining moment, asking,
“Are you mine or not? Will you surrender your fear, your thoughts, your fears to me or not?”
What is your answer?
Defining moments should lead to transformational choices. God wants to use you not only glorify Him, but to represent him.
I encourage you... do not limit your thoughts on the Holy Spirit to the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. Your life is a gift and God is ready to use whatever spiritual gifts within you that make you special. If you let Him, today can be your “Pentecost”. Make the choice, and be open to the possibilities of having God take control.
Sometimes, when I think of how God wants to expand my territory, I get scared. I’m scared that I can’t pull it off, scared that I might screw it up. But I trust Him more than myself. I cry out to Him and remind him that I can’t do it without Him. If you are at the crossroad between a life unfulfilled and a life full of His love, please... choose His Love.
I need Thee every hour, In joy or pain; Come quickly and abide, or life is vain. I need Thee, O, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee! O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.**
The submission of Pentecost is not just for one day, it's for a lifetime.
You ready?
Something great is on the other side of your "yes".
I encourage you to read Acts 2 with a new spirit of submission and anticipation.
“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams...." Acts 2:17
Seasoned Saint?
New to Christ?
Unbeliever?
God is near.
Surrender all.
See you next week.
*Excerpt from the hymn, "I Surrender All" by Judson W. Van DeVenter
**Excerpt from the hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour" by Fernado Ortega
