The Bible tells us plainly that God’s power dwells within us. the question I ask myself often is “Do I use His power or do I use my own power?” Hmm. Perhaps all of us should avail ourselves daily of 2 Timothy 1:7 daily. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Do you agree?
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Pentecost
Sunday, June 5, is the Christian celebration called Pentecost. The festival commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ disciples and followers after He ascended into heaven. Held 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, it coincides with the Jewish Festival of Shavuoth, a harvest festival.
Some think of the word Pentecost, which means 50, in terms of tongues-speaking Pentecostals, people to avoid. Pentecost is infinitely more than a religious sect or an ordinary day to celebrate.
Jesus knew His time on earth was limited, so before His death, He promised the disciples that He would send a replacement—the Holy Spirit, called The Helper. “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you … and when He has come, He will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment.” (John 16:7-8)
Jesus added that His Spirit would bring full joy, knowledge, and peace. He explained that His Spirit would profit believers even more than Jesus’ physical presence had since the Spirit can dwell in all believers at the same time. In fact, He is the One who woos us to believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The apostle Paul also refers to the Holy Spirit in many of his writings to the universal Church. He writes that through the Spirit we have access to God the Father. (See Romans 8:14 and 1 Corinthians 2:10-14) Paul refers to the Holy Spirit’s power and strength that we can access against our sin and the evil of others, for use in our decision-making, and in our prayers for the healing of others.
As the Jewish believers celebrate their harvest festival of first fruits, we followers of Christ can celebrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes: “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh … the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:16, 22-23)
We all can receive and benefit from the fruit of the Holy Spirit. To walk in the Spirit means to obey the internal promptings and nudges that He gives us. That may include a sudden urge to forgive someone or to control a nasty habit. It also may include a power-filled desire to pray for and bring healing to a loved one.
God’s comfort, help, and power through His Spirit are ours for the asking. Through faith in Him and His Word and through prayer, we can avail ourselves of His fruit and gifts at any time or place.
Lord, thank You for Your Spirit. Cause us to seek Him for every need within us and within others to bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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