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What do we know about the Holy Spirit of God?
Jesus promised to send a helper to His disciples after He departed this world.
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” John 14:15-16
The Holy Spirit was present at the creation of our earth.
“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Genesis 1:2
Jesus invited the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit.
“Do not leave Jerusalem, wait but wait for the gift which my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. . . in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4
The disciples dramatically received the promised Holy Spirit. They heard it and they saw it alight on each other.
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.” Acts 2:2-3
Through the infilling of the Holy Spirit, the disciples received powers they had not experienced before.
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:4
Why am I going into all this detail about the Third Person of the Trinity? While we were traveling back from our vacation, I sensed this urge to pray for a special writing friend. In years past, this has happened to me numerous times.
One of the men I met while I was in college grew up about ten miles south of the town where I still live. I used to remember something that I saw when a group of us toured his fraternity house. I used to think about that at odd moments twenty years after first seeing it. This happened three times close together. Then one day, I picked up our local newspaper and saw his obituary. He had returned to his parent’s home and had succumbed to cancer.
That day, I learned a lesson. God, through the Holy Spirit, will speak to us and even give us tasks—such as praying for someone He puts on our hearts, sending a card or making a call to one having difficulties. I have fallen short in doing this. I know I need be more faithful in doing these things.
The Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to carry God’s message to their world. I pray that I can help carry His message to our world of today.
Having been the recipient of your times of prayer prompted by the Holy Spirit, I can shout a fervent "Thank YOU!" to you and Him both. To Him, for nudging you to pray for me in times of great need; for you, in your kind obedience. May the Lord honor you for listening and following. He is very proud of you.
ReplyDeleteJeanette: You are most welcome.
DeleteI am sorry to hear of the passing of your friend. It is interesting how the Holy Spirit brought him to your mind at those times...I know I have been learning not to ignore those unusual thoughts, dreams, and/or visions of others. Many times I find out that something was going on in their lives, and the Lord was prompting me to pray. We don't have to know why, we just need to be sensitive to the prompting and obey. I'm still learning too. Thank you for sharing this...it is a good reminder to me today as well.
ReplyDeletePam: that friend passed away several years ago. As we grow closer to the Lord, we learn not to ignore His leading, His timing, or His prompting.Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit is something we learn as we grow closer to Him. Peace to you and yours.
DeleteI think that the Holy Spirit needs to be spoken of and talked about more. Thank you for this breakdown. Praying we'll all be more sensitive to the Spirit's leading. Have a good week! :)
ReplyDeleteKaren: I believe there is a need to rely on the Holy Spirit as we go through these days. Being open to the Spirit allows us to learn obedience. Peace be with you and yours.
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