Wednesday, November 4, 2009

WEDNESDAY WEEKLY WORD ...don't leave home without It!

As I sat in a conference, there was a commotion at the door. The conference speaker had already begun the conference, but a gentleman and his wife had arrived fashionably late and seemed to be unaware of the disturbance they were making. Talk about an entrance! Not one person in the room was unaware of this couples arrival.

I was reading this week in Gods Word about another grand entrance, except this one was motivated by love for mankind. The entrance of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost!

Violent wind.
flames of fire.
Speaking in another language.

Acts 2:1-4 "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. (2) Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. (4) All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

Talk about drama! Talk about taking notice of what just arrived in the room!

This same "appearing" is available to us today. We might be awed at how the day of Pentecost changed so many lifes, but that same power can awe us each and every day. The Holy Spirit helps the believer in so many ways...

THE SPIRIT GIVES US ABILITIES THAT WE CAN USE
(Acts 2, vs 4) "The Spirit gives us abilities we can use to serve God and others." The Spirit enables us with many gifts, some are not as flashy as what we read about on the day of Pentecost, but each gift is important. Such giftings as teaching, organizing a ministry, preaching or encouraging one another.

THE SPIRIT TEACHES US
(John 16:12.13) "I have much more to say to you , more than you can now bear. But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth." We live in a world of confusion and it is comforting to know that we have not been left in this world without a guide and a teacher. If we would look for the signs, we will find the One to show us the way.

THE SPIRIT BRINGS US TOGETHER
All you have to do is pick up the newspaper and see that we are threatened by war, genocide, crimes of hate and prejudice. In spite of these barriers, the Holy Spirit brings us together. On the day of Pentecost, different languages were spoken but yet understood by all...this is what the Holy Spirit does, it gives understanding to all.

THE SPIRIT BRINGS COMFORT
There is something about the wind blowing. It brings peace and comfort in the midst of a storm. The "wind", (the Holy Spirit) is the gentle wind that ever so gently soothes our wounds.

I need the Holy Spirit in my life. I cannot imagine one day without the wind and the fire. In last week's YOUR OPINION MATTERS POLL, I asked the following question: "How would you describe your experience with the Holy Spirit right now?" The top 3 responses were:

1. 50% of those voting said that the Holy Spirit was like a glowing ember in their life.
2. 16% of those polled voted and said that the Holy Spirit was "up in the air".
3. Another 16% voted and said that it had been a long time since they experienced the Holy Spirit.

The poll this week was very telling. When asked if the Holy Spirit was "on fire" in their life ... the response -0% but yet when asked if they had never experienced the Holy Spirit ...16% responded they had NEVER experienced the Holy Spirit.

Today is the day for you to experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. The wind, the fire, the understanding ... Jesus said He would leave us a comforter, a friend and it is the Holy Spirit. Don't leave home without It!

WEDNESDAY WEEKLY WORD is a weekly post designated to a personal study of mine. This week I was studying the book of Acts and the day of Pentecost. It is my prayer that you will experience the power and the giftings that the Holy Spirit provides. Let the wind of the Holy Spirit blow on you!


4 comments:

Debbie Petras said...

Laurie, I love to spend time with the Lord ...in prayer, reading His Word and being still. As I submit and surrender each morning to Him and His Will, His Spirit fills me to overflowing. Then He can use me as His vessel and work in me and through me.

My problem is that too often my flesh gets in the way. All too often throughout my day, I need to stop and pray and give it all to Him once again.

Thank you for writing on topics such as this. So needed in these days of uncertainty.

Hugs,
Debbie

Debbie said...

This as always was such a good post Laurie...The power of the Holy Spirit is, so often times I have found, not sought after and utilized enough in a believers life. He was sent to help us get through this life here on this earth. His power is something I find I am actually craving recently. This was a real blessing to me. Have a great day. Blessings, Debbie

Denise said...

Your blog is filled with so many blessings, thank you.

Melanie said...

Laurie.. such a great post! I think we expect the Holy Spirit to always move in big dramatic ways such as we read about at Pentecost. But, it can also move in gentle, soothing ways as well... and be just as powerful in our lives! Thanks for such a great reminder!