Text: Acts 2 :1-4

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.   2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.   3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.   4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.    

 

 

Wednesday, 31^st July 2024

THE HOLY SPIRIT MOVES US

Text: Acts 2 :1-4

Memory verse: Acts 4: 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

The Holy Spirit’s movement is evidenced in the gifting of himself in a way that connected with the national memory of their escape from Egypt. A mighty wind separated the waters that blocked their future, and a pillar of fire separated them from the slavery of their old life. The Holy Spirit’s movement is evidenced in the natural movement of disciples from kneeling to speaking and from praying to proclamation. Whether they were near the temple or near the marketplace, they got up and moved out without fear.

The Holy Spirit’s movement is evidenced in the ability of the disciples to tell the nations about Jesus in ways that were clearly understood by the hearers. The Holy Spirit empowered these people to tell the message of Jesus with clarity and certainty. The Holy Spirit empowers both the speaker and the hearer. The Holy Spirit’s movement is evidenced by the response of the people. He demonstrated more than the power of his presence. He demonstrated drawing-power that not only brought the disciples together but also drew the multitudes together at the right time.

The Holy Spirit is still and indeed doing miraculous works, let’s look at the saints throughout the centuries, for many of us, the Spirit also works the extraordinary into more ordinary means. The Spirit’s presence may come in a small impulse to call someone who is feeling lonely or offer a word of encouragement to someone struggling with sin. It might be a feeling of courage and peace that overcomes us when we feel called to stand up for what is right and just. It may be the removal of obstacles that allow us to fulfil our dreams for the Kingdom. He is active and wants to move in our lives but sometimes, we have so many distractions we are blinded to how the Spirit moves. We must make room first in our hearts and lives.

The first step is to be available and open. Because if some of us are honest, the Holy Spirit may not be offensive but experiencing the Holy Spirit might feel terrifying. We might see it as too “feely” or even some strange force is going to flood our lives, but by making room in our hearts for the Holy Spirit we are simply allowing God’s loving spirit to be present. It means actively lifting our heart up and desiring to have God dwell within us. Sometimes this leads to intense feelings of love or consolation. But often it results in a faithful trust that God is dwelling in our hearts and is leading us, loving us, and present with us in every moment of our day.

 

CGDS HYMN 24: SS&S 30: 

STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS

1. Stand up, stand up for Jesus

ye soldiers of the cross.

lift high his royal banner,

it must not suffer loss:

from victory unto victory

his army he shall lead,

'til every foe is vanquished,

and Christ is Lord indeed.

2. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

the trumpet call obey.

forth to the mighty conflict

in this his glorious day:

ye that are men now serve him

against unnumbered foes.

let courage rise with danger,

and strength to strength oppose.

3. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

stand in his strength alone.

the arm of flesh will fail you,

ye dare not trust your own:

put on the gospel Armor,

each piece put on with prayer.

where duty calls, or danger,

be never wanting there.

4. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

the strife will not be long.

this day the noise of battle,

the next the victor's song:

to him that overcometh

a crown of life shall be.

he with the King of glory

shall reign eternally.

 

 Prayers

1.  Lord Jesus, move me forward by Your Spirit into my destiny.

2.  LORD God Almighty, don’t leave me where I want to be, but move me to where You want me to be by Your Spirit in Jesus’ name. Amen.    

3.  Pray for others in this regard.