The Holy Spirit is here!

The Holy Spirit is here! Last week, we remembered the arrival. This week, we are going to find even more gifts of the Spirit which enables us to do all the greater things Jesus told us about.

Galatians 5:22 NLT tells us about some of the gifts that come to us when we receive the Holy Spirit.

“…the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

I want all the gifts the Spirit has to give me. But, first, I have to accept the Holy Spirit into my life.

As we continue reading in Acts Chapter 2, we are given the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. However, many still don’t understand it. So, Peter has to explain what is happening. I would encourage you to read and reflect on the entire section in Acts 2:14-40.

The section ends with, “Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” 

The gifts of the Holy Spirit…

When was the last time you witnessed 3000 individuals giving their lives to Christ?    

A couple of years ago, I attended Spiritual Emphasis week at my son’s school. Throughout the week, hundreds of kids, teachers and parents, listened to story after story of God changing people’s lives. On the last day of the event, the pastor asked the kids to reflect on everything they had heard. Then, he asked them to come forward in response, committing or re-committing their lives to Christ.

In the silence of that auditorium, no one moved. In that moment, I, as well as other adults I am sure, began praying for just one child to be brave enough to step forward. The Presence of God was so heavy. From the corner my eye, I saw a kid stand and make her way to the front. Tears formed in my eyes, as another one stood, and another, and another, until I couldn’t count the number of kids going forward. Overwhelmed with joy, the tears streamed down my face. That is the power of heaven! That is the Holy Spirit at work, sharing gifts and giving life! 

Acts 2:42-47 NLT reads;

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

⁴³ A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. ⁴⁴ And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. ⁴⁵ They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. ⁴⁶ They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity ⁴⁷ all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”

The Holy Spirit is here! 

We, as believers, have been given this gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is here and as we embrace it, we experience awe, wonder, and all sorts of miraculous things. The Spirit may cause you to joyfully share what you have with someone else. Or sell your possessions and give to the poor. Maybe even share a meal with someone you normally would not. That same Spirit keeps on giving more gifts; generosity, goodwill, gentleness, patience. And yet there is still more; wisdom and understanding. But most importantly, the Holy Spirit gives us life. It gives us the power we need to do what God has called us to do! The Spirit gives our lives meaning.

What gifts from the Holy Spirit have you experienced lately? What gift could the Spirit be giving you that you may not even be aware of? Recognize the Holy Spirit is here and thank God for the gift of His Spirit that lives, breathes, and moves within us all.

Let us pray,

Come Holy Spirit, come. Flood our lives and enable us to do the work of God here on earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

P.S. – Leave me a comment and let me know how the Holy Spirit has been working in your life. Forward this message to a friend and ask them to subscribe. Or share on Facebook and tag me in it. See you here next week. -M