Last night I watched a beautiful live streaming celebration of Shavout, the Jewish feast of First Fruits — what is known to us by its Greek name — Pentecost. At the same time, I couldn’t help but keep checking Twitter for the latest on the riots in not only Minneapolis, MN, where George Floyd was killed by an overbearing police officer, but also in Atlanta, GA, New York City, Denver, CO, and even here in Phoenix, AZ. Thank God the protest here in Phoenix never escalated to a riot — I can’t say that for the others.
Today, more cities were added to the fray, including Salt Lake City! Now, isn’t that the heart of Mormon territory? You couldn’t tell by the group that I watched turn a police cruiser on its side then set it ablaze.
To me, I can’t imagine if any of those people rioting, spewing hate, damaging and destroying property, shops and buildings belonging to innocent people, can call themselves Christian.
What I saw taking place — these riots — goes 100% against the Holy Spirit!
As I was preparing for this series of blogs and podcasts prior to Pentecost, I studied several devotionals in the Bible App on the Holy Spirit. Here are some things that stood out for me…
The Spirit who fills us, is the Spirit of joy that ever flows between God the Father and God the Son because of the delight they have in each other.
Therefore, to be filled with the Spirit means to be caught into the joy that flows among the Holy Trinity and to love God the Father and God the Son with the very love with which they love each other.
The pathway that the Spirit cuts through the jungle of our anxieties into the clearing of joy is the pathway of faith. According to Paul, the way to be filled with the Spirit is by trusting that the God of hope really reigns—that not a sparrow falls to the ground apart from his will (Matthew 10:29)—and that he runs the world for you and for all who trust his word. In believing that, you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and with joy.
Desiring God
The Holy Spirit is the author of all Scripture — in the New and Old Testament
The eternal Holy Spirit, the Spirit of love and delight between the Father and the Son, is the author of Scripture. This list is from Desiring God…
- Therefore, it is true (Psalm 119:142) and altogether reliable (Hebrews 6:18).
- He is powerful, working its purpose in our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:13) and not returning empty to the One who sent it (Isaiah 55:10–11).
- He is pure, like silver refined in a furnace seven times (Psalm 12:6).
- He is sanctifying (John 17:17).
- He gives life (Psalm 119:37, 50, 93, 107; John 6:63; Matthew 4:4).
- He makes wise (Psalm 19:7; 119:99–100).
- He gives joy (Psalm 19:8; 119:16, 92, 111, 143, 174) and promises great reward (Psalm 19:11).
- He gives strength to the weak (Psalm 119:28) and comfort to the distraught (Psalm 119:76) and guidance to the perplexed (Psalm 119:105) and salvation to the lost (Psalm 119:155; 2 Timothy 3:15).
No Holy Spirit — No Eternal Life
You receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit — in your heart and soul — only when you believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior and you repent of your sins.
Growing up Catholic, with the whole going to confession business, I remember hiding my sins — like in secret compartments within me. I even lied to the priest when I hadn’t sinned that week and made up sins. How ridiculous is that!
We can Sense the Spirit!
As we grow in our born-again faith, we learn to hear His comforting voice. He is an advocate between us and God. You become “on fire” for Jesus. He’s a purifier and refiner of our souls, minds and hearts.
The Holy Spirit was sent by God the Father at the request of Jesus the Son.
Jesus Said…
The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
John 6:63
A Pentecost Prayer for our Nation
Merciful Father, thank you for giving us the precious gift of the Holy Spirit! Right now, in Pentecost 2020, when our nation is literally in flames and there is so much hatred and violence, we desperately need a spiritual revival! I pray as churches are reopening this Pentecost, that each and every person, each and every pastor and preacher, each and every child, woman and man who believes in the salvation and glory of Jesus Christ, be revived and become “on-fire” for Jesus! I pray that this revival spreads like wildfire igniting any and all halfway Christians. Opening the eyes, minds and hearts of those attending churches that preach a watered-down Gospel. I pray that they become seekers of the truth.
I pray Colossians 3:12-17…
God, you chose us to be the holy people you love, clothe us with your tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Help us to make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends us. Thank you, Lord for forgiving us, so we must forgive others. Above all, help us to clothe ourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts. For as members of one body we are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill our lives. Help us to teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom the Holy Spirit gives. As we sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Help us also, Lord to no matter what we do or say, to do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. I pray this in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!
You need to let yourself be led by the Holy Spirit
What role does the Holy Spirit play in your walk with Jesus Christ? I challenge you to tap into the ultimate power source for your life. If you are in Christ, God promises you His presence through the Holy Spirit. Thank him for His presence in your life and allow the Holy Spirit to influence your thoughts and decisions.
Imagine what America would look like if everyone — or at least those who profess to be Christian — did that?
If you want the Holy Spirit in your life, this is what you must do right now…
Believe. Repent. Be Baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit.
- Believe — have Faith — that Jesus is the Christ and He died taking your sins away forever and that He rose from the dead 3 days later.
- Repent of your sins — stop sinning! Do a complete 180-degree turn in your life and surrender your life to Him. When you ask Jesus to forgive you He will. ALL your sins will be wiped clean — past, present, and future! And All means ALL!
- Be Baptized by water baptism — show the world and yourself that you have died to your old life and are born again in Christ.
- Receive the gift of Holy Spirit in your heart.
Invite Jesus into Your Heart and Receive the Gift of Grace, Joy, Peace, and the Confident Hope of Eternal Life…
Pray this prayer humbly and wholeheartedly…
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Please forgive me. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and my life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. I will follow you for the rest of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Next Steps in Your New Walk with Jesus…
- Start reading the Bible daily to get to know God. If you don’t have one, I recommend the YouVersion, Bible.app and Through the Word app — both are free and have a lot of great Bible studies.
- Pray every day. Talk to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you daily.
- Find and join a Bible-believing church — preferably a non-denominational one and be baptized!
Soli Deo Gloria — to God Alone be the Glory!
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