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| courtesy of amandajulca.com |
The Holy Spirit has always been very mysterious to me. Like
something pulled straight out of a Harry Potter book. Because think about it…
The Father is in heaven.
Jesus lived on earth, and now is seated next to the Father
in heaven.
But, the Holy Spirit is here with us and in us NOW.
What?
I think it’s one of the most fascinating things about God –
He is with us and in us in this very moment.
Side note: This makes the Holy Spirit one of those parts of
Christianity that you can’t talk about to random people and sound normal. I
feel like people look at you like you might start speaking in tongues at any
moment. Which is funny, because in a lot of ways it’s the most tangible way we
experience God. Maybe we’re just not giving the Holy Spirit enough credit.
The Holy Spirit is introduced immediately in the Bible. Out
of 31,103 verses (thanks Google) the Holy Spirit enters the scene in verse 2.
Now the earth was
formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit
of God was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:2)
Hovering. What do you think of when you hear hovering?
Hovercrafts.
Hovering over my husbands shoulder (“Ashley, stop
hovering.”)
But, mostly, I think anticipation. If someone is hovering,
something is about to happen. There is a move about to be made.
So, the Holy Spirit was there, at creation…hovering. He was
waiting and anticipating because the most creative act in the history of the
world was about to happen.
Awesome.
But what else? What is the Holy Spirit like? What is He
responsible for in our lives?
Here’s what I found…
He is a deposit guaranteeing the joys of what is ahead in
heaven – a glimpse of what is to come.
He gives us power to share Christ with others.
He gives each of us unique spiritual gifts.
He helps us with our prayers and translates our deepest
desires to God.
He defeats Satan in our lives. He helps us overcome our personal
darkness.
When we sin, He is the one who convicts us.
He is the source of all: love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
On the days we doubt that we are God’s children, when we
think we’re out of the family, He talks with us and reassures us that we are
always loved.
He guides us, tells us that to do, where to go, and who to
talk to along the way…even when we don’t know why.
He is how we feel God’s love poured out on our hearts.
He teaches us ALL things spiritual. There is no limit to
what He can teach us.
He counsels us.
He reminds us of all Jesus has said to us in the past
He gives life, new life.
When we’re in a bind, He tells us what to say.
He brings us together as believers.
He calls us all who are spiritually thirsty to come and
drink the water of life freely through God’s grace.
Even Jesus said it was better that He leave and go to heaven
so that the Holy Spirit could come to us. (John 16:7) After reading all that, I
can see why!
I’ll take a little extra peace and patience today, Holy Spirit.
And a side of counseling. Thank you.
I'll take some counseling too. Thank, HS. 'preciate it.
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