Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Pentecost: Holy Spirit who Renews All Creation
1 Corinthians 2:10-16
1 Corinthians 2:12, “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”
Devotion
Though the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the Bible as early as Genesis 1, the most dramatic show of God’s Spirit is outlined in Acts 2 on the Day of the Pentecost. This is when there was a sound like a violent wind from heaven and what appeared to be tongues of fire came down upon the Apostles, and all who were gathered in Jerusalem where able to hear the Gospel message in their own native tongue (Acts 2: 2-4). When we initially read this passage, we might only focus on the dramatic display and power of the Holy Spirit. However, it’s very important to pay attention to the purpose the Spirit served in that moment: to communicate to man the thoughts, messages, and knowledge of God.
The Holy Spirit is the means through which we are able to understand God in a way that makes sense. It is an unadulterated direct line of communication with Him. Receiving the Holy Spirit renews all creation because it allows us to know the desires of God and teaches us how to carry ourselves in the world. Those who do not know God or His Spirit, cannot understand the things of God; specifically, the actions of God do not make sense to them.
In life, when we are in communion with God, we show our love to Him through our obedience. Sometimes, God tells us to do things that do not make sense in the eyes of man. This may subject us to judgment or mockery, or we may be excluded by others. But God’s will and plan for our lives transcends all human understanding. The expression, “knowledge is power,” is very true. However, more than knowledge, we should seek wisdom and “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). We must consider what we want in this life. Is it to know God and have a relationship with Him? If so, it is impossible to have intimacy with God without the power and presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us.
1 Corinthians 2:12, “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”
Devotion
Though the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the Bible as early as Genesis 1, the most dramatic show of God’s Spirit is outlined in Acts 2 on the Day of the Pentecost. This is when there was a sound like a violent wind from heaven and what appeared to be tongues of fire came down upon the Apostles, and all who were gathered in Jerusalem where able to hear the Gospel message in their own native tongue (Acts 2: 2-4). When we initially read this passage, we might only focus on the dramatic display and power of the Holy Spirit. However, it’s very important to pay attention to the purpose the Spirit served in that moment: to communicate to man the thoughts, messages, and knowledge of God.
The Holy Spirit is the means through which we are able to understand God in a way that makes sense. It is an unadulterated direct line of communication with Him. Receiving the Holy Spirit renews all creation because it allows us to know the desires of God and teaches us how to carry ourselves in the world. Those who do not know God or His Spirit, cannot understand the things of God; specifically, the actions of God do not make sense to them.
In life, when we are in communion with God, we show our love to Him through our obedience. Sometimes, God tells us to do things that do not make sense in the eyes of man. This may subject us to judgment or mockery, or we may be excluded by others. But God’s will and plan for our lives transcends all human understanding. The expression, “knowledge is power,” is very true. However, more than knowledge, we should seek wisdom and “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). We must consider what we want in this life. Is it to know God and have a relationship with Him? If so, it is impossible to have intimacy with God without the power and presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us.
Prayer
Lord, please fill us with your Holy Spirit. May your Spirit guide our thoughts, words and actions. Help us to trust in you, even when it does not make sense. Remind us that wisdom comes only from you and that you are sovereign over the world. Amen.
Thought for the Day
“ ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’
declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ ” ~Isaiah 55: 8-9
Marybeth Babu, Long Island Mar Thoma Church, New York
Lord, please fill us with your Holy Spirit. May your Spirit guide our thoughts, words and actions. Help us to trust in you, even when it does not make sense. Remind us that wisdom comes only from you and that you are sovereign over the world. Amen.
Thought for the Day
“ ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’
declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ ” ~Isaiah 55: 8-9
Marybeth Babu, Long Island Mar Thoma Church, New York