50 days after Passover was the festival of Pentecost, also called the Festival of First Harvest, among other names. It was one of three major annual festivals for the Israelites. Today Pentecost carries a different meaning to many followers of Christ. It signifies the day when the Holy Spirit descended on a group of 120 believers gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem. This act was a fulfillment of John the Baptist’s words about the Holy Spirit’s baptizing with fire and the prophet Joel’s words about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

The significance of Pentecost as we understand it today should never be overlooked. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit continues today for everyone who makes a conscious decision to accept salvation in Christ Jesus. Scripture clearly teaches that each one receives the Holy Spirit at the moment they receive Jesus Christ as their Savior (Romans 8:9;

1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13-14).

This gift from God, of God, is transformative! One only needs to look at Jesus’ disciples as evidence of the change that took place in their lives following the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The power of the Holy Spirit within them gave them great courage to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ while facing persecution for their bold proclamation. Jesus’ fearful band of followers became the ones who altered the course of history through the life changing presence within them.

The same power that transformed Jesus’ first followers is still available and able to transform every follower of Christ today. The amazing words and deeds of the early disciples of Jesus, recorded for us in Scripture, can produce a similar boldness in Christ’s disciples today. When the Holy Spirit is given control of a life the results can be amazing!

Today as you consider pausing at noon to Bend-A-Knee in prayer may you relinquish control of every aspect of your life to the abiding Holy Spirit. Such a move is bold & daring, it is not easy to grant God authority in your life but when it happens God’s Kingdom is advanced and Satan trembles in the presence of a Spirit led believer. May you today submit to the authority of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to reign in your life.

Stay connected to God & to others

God’s Peace,

Pastor Mike