Worship Time: Pentecost

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  (Acts 2:1-4 KJV)

In an attempt to keep the concept of Pentecost (June 4, 2017) and the gift of the Holy Spirit fresh in our minds, I would like to offer this opportunity to worship our Redeemer, Sustainer, Savior—our Lord Jesus Christ.  Currently, I am in the planning stage of on a Holy Spirit series—launch date is to be determined.  

Now let us worship the Lord!

There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit

O Spirit of the Living God

Breathe on Me Breath of God

Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart

Spirit of the Living God

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Lord of All, as we journey onward through this year encourage us to fan the flame within us, so that we will burn ever so brightly and be hot for You alone.  Remind and encourage us to keep the spirit of Pentecost alive in our hearts and minds each day.  Help us to keep our hearts ready to receive a Pentecostal outpouring of our own.  It is only through the baptizing in the Holy Spirit that we will have the courage, strength, and ability to live a Christian life.  Through the Holy Spirit’s work Jesus’ disciples were empowered to do what they could not do before—be bold witnesses for Jesus—we, today, need that same empowering.  Thank You Lord, for sending Your Holy Spirit and for His work in us and around us even today.  In Jesus Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Pentecost

*Note:  This is an edited post from Pentecost 2015 and 2016.  I will most likely be starting a series on the Holy Spirit; please stay tuned.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto to them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  (Acts 2:1-4 KJV)

Image from Pixabay

Sunday, June 4, is Pentecost, the day we celebrate the birth of the Church.  It is a day of joy, a celebration of God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to His children.  Without the Holy Spirit we could accomplish little—what little we did accomplish would be in our own power and/or strength.  (As a side note: on May 15, 2005, I was water baptized.  In the future, I will share more in a post dedicated to water baptism.)   

Pentecost is the fiftieth and last day of the Easter Season—when the gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the church (for more please read Acts 2).  The Holy Spirit came to those who had been waiting and praying for the One promised by Jesus before His ascension.

Image from Pixabay

Likewise, we too, may have to wait for the Holy Spirit to baptize us, to empower us to live a Christian life and to do the ministry God has equipped us to do. (Many times this is separate from the Holy Spirit’s indwelling in us at the moment of our conversion.  At some point in the future, I will address this in an additional blog post or series of posts.)  Receiving the Holy Spirit baptism changed things for me in a very positive way. 

The color red, symbolizing the tongues of fire that came down upon the apostles and those gathered together, is the color of the church at this point in the year.

What else does the symbol of fire represent to you?

What comes to mind?

What does fire do (cleanse, purify, destroy)?   

Image from Pixabay

Yet, Pentecost is much more than this.  Pentecost is when Jesus’ promise (see John 14:15-17) to send a Counselor, a Comforter to be with and empower those He left behind was fulfilled.  It was at this point that the apostles had the power to preach, to heal, to speak in tongues (unlearned languages and spiritual languages), and to cast out demons.

Without this gift of the Holy Spirit, the disciples would have remained fearful (and stayed in hiding) of the religious and political authorities.  We, likewise, without the Holy Spirit are weak, yet when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can do great things!  Consider the great men and women of faith who have done great things for the Lord (for some examples please see Believing God: Those Who Believed God).

I believe this gift—the baptism of the Holy Spirit—with the speaking of tongues and everything else received by those early followers of Jesus is still available to us today.  It has not died out as some believe.  Just because we do not see certain things much, if at all, today does not mean that the gift given at Pentecost is no longer available to us.  More likely, it is due to us getting too smart for our own good!  Fear gets in the way too.  The Holy Spirit is not to be feared; He is a gentleman and will not come where He is not welcome, nor will He behave in ways that would cause fright.

Image from Pixabay

What experiences have you had with the Holy Spirit?

Have you experienced Pentecost in your life?

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”

(John 16:7-8 KJV)

Please join me in prayer:

Dear Jesus, Thank You for fulfilling Your promise of sending the Holy Spirit to us. Thank You for the work that the Holy Spirit does in our lives.  We realize our need for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to live as a Christian and to walk as You walked, Lord.  Without the Holy Spirit baptizing us, we will rely on our flesh to live as we are to live and to fulfill the ministry that You have called us to; something that we cannot do for the long haul.  Come Holy Spirit, fill us with Your presence and empower us to do what we cannot do on our own.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Come Holy Spirit, Come!

Image from Pixabay

Scriptures and Quotes on Revival

After taking last week off from blogging; I am back with a new post.  At this point last week I was at work on a sermon for Sunday.  Revival was the topic the Lord led me to study; the title of my sermon was Revive Us Again!  Therefore, I thought it might be interesting to consider some Scriptures, as well as some quotes on revival (which may or may not have appeared in my sermon text).  In the future, I may share my sermon; for now, I offer these thoughts.  Many of us are praying for and longing to be revived and refreshed.  Revival starts on the individual level and then spreads.  I encourage you to prayerfully read through this post. 

Image from Pixabay

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

  (Psalm 51:10-12 KJV)

Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?  Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. 

(Psalm 85:6-7 KJV)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

(2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)

O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. 

(Habakkuk 3:2 KJV)

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you… 

(Acts 3:19-20 KJV)

Image from Pixabay

They tell me a revival is only temporary; so is a bath, but it does you good. 

~Billy Sunday[1]

A revival does two things. First, it returns the Church from her backsliding and second, it causes the conversion of men and women; and it always includes the conviction of sin on the part of the Church. What a spell the devil seems to cast over the Church today! 

~Billy Sunday[2]

I believe there is no doctrine more dangerous to the Church today than to convey the impression that a revival is something peculiar in itself and cannot be judged by the same rules of causes and effect as other things. 

~Billy Sunday[3]

When is a revival needed?  When carelessness and unconcern keep the people asleep. 

~Billy Sunday[4]

When may a revival be expected? When the wickedness of the wicked grieves and distresses the Christian. 

~Billy Sunday[5]

Personal Photo

“…revival is nothing more or less than a new beginning of obedience to God.  It’s a church word…  It is not for the nonbeliever.  Revival starts with the church and then affects the world.  The world does not need revival; the church does. The world needs evangelism.”[6] 

~Greg Laurie

Personal Photo

With these Scriptures and quotes in mind, I invite you to pray with me and others for revival—personal and within our churches.  America is clearly in need of a revival before things get worse.  God may bring us a revival or He may choose to not bring revival.  Nevertheless, revival is a sovereign act of God. Many have written a great deal on the topic of revival.  Reading has its place; however, it is in experiencing revival that we are changed, renewed, refreshed, and made clean. 

What Scriptures would you add to this list?  

What is your favorite quote on revival listed above or one that you have read elsewhere?

Please join with me in prayer:

Loving Father, Thank You for the gift of spiritual hunger and desire for more of You.  Encourage us to fan the flame of Your light within us, so that we will continue to burn and shine brightly for You.  We cry out for revival, our dry spiritual bones need reviving; just as those old, dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision came to life through the breath of the Spirit—we seek fresh wind and fresh fire of the Holy Spirit.  Please be gracious to us and revive us once again.  Thank You for the desire You have planted within the hearts of Your children to seek revival from You.  We understand this is a special gift from You for us, Your people.  Prompt us to take what we receive from You and share with those around us—first with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ and then with those around us in evangelism.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

---

[1] Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/billysunda183039.html?src=t_revival

[2] Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/billysunda325870.html?src=t_revival

[3] Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/billysunda325880.html?src=t_revival

[4] Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/billysunda325897.html?src=t_revival   

[5] Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/billysunda325898.html?src=t_revival

[6] From https://www.harvest.org/devotions-and-blogs/daily-devotions/2016-01-23

The Impact of Teachers

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  (John 14:26 KJV)

Personal Photo

As September nears its end, I would like to consider the impact teachers have on the lives of their students.  The impact can be positive or negative—coloring the whole of life.  A teacher’s impact or lack of impact can encourage a student to achieve great tings or fail to live to his or her fullest potential.

My brethren, be not many masters [teachers], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.  (James 3:1 KJV)

It is an awesome responsibility to teach; something not to be taken lightly, especially when it comes to the Word of God.  In fact, as we read in the Scripture passage from James, those who teach will be held to a higher standard.  This should cause us to pause and deeply and soberly think about the responsibility in teaching the Word of God. 

Photo Credit: C. Meissner

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  (John 14:26 KJV)

As Christians the greatest (and best) teacher we will ever have is the Holy Spirit.  Open your heart and mind to the Holy Spirit’s instruction and learn from Him.  The Holy Spirit is an amazing teacher, as long as we remain open and attentive to His gentle presence and soft voice. 

What have you learned recently from the Holy Spirit?

Personal Photo

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.  (Deuteronomy 30:11 KJV)

In planning, teachers develop learning objectives for their students.  Ideally, these learning objectives match the abilities of their students—challenging them enough but not too much.  The same could be said for those us who have the courage to teach Sunday school (any age level).  A plan is created for class with flexibility to address needs as they surface.

It seems to me that God, like a good teacher, challenges us to bring about our full potential.  Teachers hope their students will actually use and apply what they have learned in future classes and throughout life; God expects the same from us.

Be open to God’s teaching.  What is God trying to teach you?

Photo Credit: C. Whitlatch

What teacher had the greatest impact on your life?  I imagine you can recall at least one by name.

                

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the men and women who have the courage to teach.  We pray Your blessing and anointing upon those who have accepted the awesome responsibility teaching requires.  As we open our hearts and minds to the instruction of the Holy Spirit; help us to be good, attentive students of Your Word.  Guide us as we live our lives in the ways You have instructed us.  Thank You for Your perfect instruction that fits our abilities.  We are thankful that Your desires for us are not beyond our reach.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Pentecost

*Note: This is an edited post from last year (May 4, 2015).

From http://www.hprweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Pentecost-Sunday-collage-2.jpg  

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto to them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4 KJV)

Sunday, May 15, is Pentecost, the day we celebrate the birth of the Church. It is a day of joy, a celebration of God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to His children.  Without the Holy Spirit we could accomplish little—what little we did accomplish would be in our own power and/or strength. (As a side note: on May 15, 2005, I was water baptized. In the future, I will share more in a post dedicated to water baptism.)   

Pentecost is the fiftieth and last day of the Easter Season—when the gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the church (see Acts 2). The Holy Spirit came to those who had been waiting and praying for the One promised by Jesus before His ascension.

Likewise, we too, may have to wait for the Holy Spirit to baptize us, to empower us to live a Christian life and to do the ministry God has equipped us to do. (Many times this is separate from the Holy Spirit’s indwelling in us at the moment of our conversion. At some point in the future, I will address this in an additional blog post or series of posts.)  Receiving the Holy Spirit baptism changed things for me in a very positive way.  

The color red, symbolizing the tongues of fire that came down upon the apostles and those gathered together, is the color of the church at this point in the year.

What else does the symbol of fire represent to you?

What comes to mind?

What does fire do (cleanse, purify, destroy)?   

Yet, Pentecost is much more than this.  Pentecost is when Jesus’ promise (see John 14:15-17) to send a Counselor, a Comforter to be with and empower those He left behind was fulfilled. It was at this point that the apostles had the power to preach, to heal, to speak in tongues (unlearned languages and spiritual languages), and to cast out demons.

Without this gift of the Holy Spirit, the disciples would have remained fearful (and stayed in hiding) of the religious and political authorities. We, likewise, without the Holy Spirit are weak, yet when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can do great things! Consider the great men and women of faith who have done great things for the Lord (for some examples please see Believing God: Those Who Believed God).

I believe this gift—the baptism of the Holy Spirit—with the speaking of tongues and everything else received by those early followers of Jesus is still available to us today. It has not died out as some believe. Just because we do not see certain things much, if at all, today does not mean that the gift given at Pentecost is no longer available to us. More likely, it is due to us getting too smart for our own good! Fear gets in the way too. The Holy Spirit is not to be feared; He is a gentleman and will not come where He is not welcome, nor will He behave in ways that would cause fright.

From http://images.sharefaith.com/images/3/1241457364338_376/slide-02.jpg 

What experiences have you had with the Holy Spirit?

Have you experienced Pentecost in your life?

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”

(John 16:7-8 KJV)

From https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2087/5791934000_816bcc3b4d_b.jpg

Please join me in prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for fulfilling Your promise of sending the Holy Spirit to us. Thank You for the work that the Holy Spirit does in our lives. We realize our need for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to live as a Christian and to walk as You walked, Lord. Without the Holy Spirit baptizing us, we will rely on our flesh to live as we are to live and to fulfill the ministry that You have called us to; something that we cannot do for the long haul. Come Holy Spirit, fill us with Your presence and empower us to do what we cannot do on our own. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Come Holy Spirit, Come!

The Names of God: Elohim—God, Mighty Creator

In the beginning God [elohim] created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 KJV)

From https://babethebeka.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/genesis1_11.jpg

Last week, we began to ponder the names of God and how learning His names would deepen our experience of Him and cause us to have a deepening love for God. The introduction to this series within the Believing God series can be found here: Knowing God Through His Names: Introduction

Elohim (hear elohim in Hebrew) is the first name for God in the Bible—it is found in the very first verse of Genesis chapter 1 (see above). Even here we discover the triune God (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit)—elohim is a Hebrew masculine plural pronoun, el is the singular form. To see Genesis 1:1 in interlinear form (English with Hebrew below, please click here). Jesus, while on the cross used yet another form of this word: Eloi (read Mark 15:34).

Photo Credit: P. Whitlach

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3 KJV)

In John 1 we learn that Jesus was the One who spoke all things into existence—things seen as well as things unseen. Jesus has always existed and will always exist. How amazing is this?!

Photo Credit: C. Meissner

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. (Colossians 1:16 KJV)

Photo Credit: P. Whitlach 

To do this, to create, truly shows God’s power, might, and authority. His is amazingly creative! Why do we not have more moments where we sit in awe of God’s miraculous creation?

The Name that is above all others is ultimately the safest place to land—He is our provider, protector, creator, and so much more!

Can you imagine, the One who created the world and everything in it, came to earth in the most humble of ways; lived an incredibly humble existence, walking the world He created? Mindboggling! Amazing! Jesus came. He came to this world—the very people He created did not accept Him. Instead, they reviled and rejected Him. Ultimately, He lost His life to give us meaningful eternal life by rising again and returning to the Father.

Photo Credit: P. Whitlach

If we have eyes to see; we can see God’s creative power in our lives today. He sustains our life; He sends blessings of many types as we journey through our lives. God continues to create even today.

Just think the power that is God and within God is still available today! How do we know this? We know this because God never changes (read Hebrews 13:8). This being true, should be immensely comforting as we live in a world that grows increasingly dark each day.

Stand strong! Stay true! The smallest light shines brightly even in deep darkness. Remember how much light a single candle gives a dark room.

The beauty in our world should cause us to pause and thank and praise God for the beauty in the natural world. If we have eyes to see, there is beauty to be found in haze that covers trees resplendent in green foliage. Likewise, we can see beauty on a bitterly cold, snowy winter day.

Photo Credit: C. Meissner

I am so glad I serve such an amazing, creative, powerful God! What about you?

Spend some time this week pondering Elohim—Creator God. What does it mean that God is Creator?

What part of creation do you most enjoy?

Please join with me in prayer:

God of Creation, when we pause to consider this world You fashioned, we find ourselves overwhelmed with Your almighty power. We simply stand in awe of You. It is hard for our finite minds to grasp how you created this world and everything in it out of nothing; clearly that is what makes You God of all creation. Help us to simply enjoy the beauty You have given us for our enjoyment; may we care for it in a way that pleases You. Turn our hearts and minds to ponder and worship You as Creator. Thank You Elohim for all that You are and for all that You do! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

While I was pondering this post, the following hymn started flowing through my mind: All Things Bright and Beautiful 

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

The following resources were utilized in preparing this post:

Praying the Names of God: A Daily Guide by Ann Spangler, Zondervan, 2004

http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Names_of_G-d/Elohim/elohim.html

http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Names_of_G-d/El/el.html