That’s the Spirit

When Pentecost Came

As we read the New Testament, we find a very simple, very plain, and very forceful truth: the Holy Spirit makes a difference! Consider the early disciples; Jesus Himself had taught them for more than three years—the greatest Bible school! But still He had to caution them and encourage them not to depend on their own wisdom and strength: “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”(Luke 24:49). He promised that they would receive the Person of the Holy Spirit to carry out His plan of sharing the Good News with all. 

After Pentecost, the Spirit brought them a new and vivid consciousness of the actual presence of God. He gave them the gifts of divine joy and peace. He gave them great and continuing delight in prayer and communion with God! Finally, we recall that before Pentecost, the disciples could only ask questions. After Pentecost, throughout the record in the book of Acts, they stood in the authority of the Spirit and answered all of the questions of the people concerning God’s plan of salvation through the crucified and risen Christ!

Verse

But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses.

Acts 1:8

Thought

The Spirit-filled life is not a special, deluxe edition of Christianity. It is part and parcel of the total plan of God for His people. A W Tozer

Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit,
the one who sang a new melody as God’s Creation rose from Chaos,
who wept at the dark shadow of a cross,
and who danced early in the morning, at the opening of an empty tomb,

Come, Holy Spirit,
the one who could not be contained by wind, or flame, or breath,
the one who blesses the Church with courage, peace, and love.

Come, Holy Spirit, to us, 

who gather this day with trembling hands and uncertain hearts. 

Teach us to sing a new song and to dance with reckless abandon. 

Here in this gathering of believers, as you did with those so long ago,
breathe on us now.

Breathe on us,
blowing away our fears and our hesitations.

Breathe on us,
transforming our hard-heartedness into passion-filled lives.

Breathe on us,
for we need peace, peace that only you can give.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.