God Speaking

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

(Acts 2: 1 – 3)

I was gazing out my living room window at a big shade tree just outside on the street and noticed the leaves begin to sway with a gentle breeze and the leaves seemed to be dancing to some tune. I have always been fascinated by the wind and started to think back to my childhood on the East Coast of Australia. We lived not far from the beach and all of us children were familiar with watching huge waves crashing on the sand, as the wind whipped up the water and of course eager surfers heading out to ride them, but the wind I remembered the most was called by the locals, a Southerly Buster.  It was a volent unpredictable wind that could do a lot of damage, although the old folk would say they could tell when it was about to hit. It was usually during the summer, and it would be a humid day with no wind and very hot, suddenly what seemed out of nowhere this powerful cold wind would rip through the house slamming doors and sometimes breaking windows. A force to be reckoned with! 

During the story of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is described as a violent wind not bringing disaster like my story, but incredible blessings to all people The Psalmists realized this and noted that God used the wind as his messengers. 

“He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.” (Psalm 104: 4)

The wonderful gift Jesus gave to all believers was the gift of the Holy Spirit to dwell with us. What an incredible gift when we realize that with that gift comes his incredible power.  After Jesus rose from the dead, he gave his disciples and us believers this very Spirit to live with us. 

“Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”” (John 20: 21 – 22)

We must invite the Holy Spirit to make his presence felt in our lives and take advantage of his amazing power. Not to rely on our own strength but to acknowledge him in everything we do. We just must look at the character of God to be aware that he can be a fortress for us to run to a rock to lean on, a guide when we lose our way, a constant companion. We sing a lovely song at our church with a good message for us to sing to the Holy Spirit 

Holy Spirit you are welcome here