Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit coming upon the followers of Jesus after He had ascended to Heaven. In John 16:7, we’re told that Jesus said that it was to our benefit that He goes so that the Advocate would come to be with us.
Acts 1:8. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
What an amazing gift that we’ve been entrusted with! But we’ve been given it for a purpose, and in my time with the Lord yesterday I was reminded of just this. While we do have many personal intimate benefits from the Spirit, the gift comes with the mission to be Christ’s witnesses, until the whole world hears.
I’m so thankful that the Spirit of God still comes and still speaks. As predicted through the Old Testament Prophet Joel, and then proclaimed through Peter in Acts 2:17-21:
“’In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants – men and women alike – and they will prophesy. And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below – blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great glorious day of the LORD arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
Oh, how I desire for everyone to call on the beautiful name of Jesus. To turn from their own deceitful hearts and to surrender to the love and will of Jesus. He alone can save them!
Friends this is no small feat! The days are drawing nearer to when Jesus will return and there are so many lost and unaware of His love. I’ve been praying as of late for a Holy boldness that would stir up in me, so that as I follow the leading of the Spirit that I would be a greater witness for Jesus. That I wouldn’t cower away from opportunities. That I wouldn’t care if I’m looked at as odd. And just possibly, as the Spirit of God continues to change me, maybe the greatest testimony to reach those around me, will be the transformation that He’s done in me. The power of a transformed life for Christ will speak with words and with action.
So would you pray with me?
Thank you, Father, for your Son Jesus and for the super-natural empowerment of your Spirit. Burn like fire within me Lord. Holy fire that gives me divine power to be bold and fills me with Your wisdom and discernment. Don’t allow my flesh to squash it. Help me to value what You’ve entrusted to me, and to not live flippantly without care of the mission You’ve given me. Tune my feet to walk by the Spirit and humble me to follow Your guidance. Help me to live by the Spirit, producing the abundant fruit of the Spirit that speak volumes louder than my voice could ever reach. As you lead me by the Spirit to go where You want me to go, would You place people in my path and give me the words to share Your gospel news with, and may all who hear the good news, call upon the name of Jesus and be saved! Thank You Lord, that You would even be willing to use me for such a mission. Give me focus to stay on mission, until the day of Your glorious return. In Jesus name, Amen!
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