Tomorrow is the celebration of the Day of Pentecost—the day almost 2,000 years ago when the Holy Spirit was sent by God Almighty to take Jesus’ place in the lives of His disciples. You can read about this dramatic, unique event in the Book of Acts. Acts 2:.
After Jesus had ascended to Heaven, the apostles and many disciples had been waiting as their Lord had told them to do. They were gathered together…the apostles, Mary, the other women who followed our Lord, along with some of His disciples. The Scriptures tell us that they spent their time praying. After Jesus’ arrest, His trial, and His crucifixion, Jerusalem was not a safe place for them to be (as many of them were known to have associated with Jesus). But they were obedient to their Lord, even in His absence, and yearned to receive His promise.
While He was together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “This,” He said, “is what you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:4, 5 and 8
Jesus had promised them, “If I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). That promise was fulfilled on Pentecost. Just as Jesus was always there to help them, and to guide them, and to teach them, the Holy Spirit would be also. The Holy Spirit was, essentially, to be Jesus’ replacement. Now they would have the Holy Spirit—One who would, just like Jesus, minister to them in all the ways that He had.
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.
He is the Spirit of truth…
John 14:16 and 17
(read the context in verses 15-26)
What an incredible promise! Can you imagine? During the Last Supper, Jesus taught His disciples much about much! He was preparing them. And He was helping them to know that, when the time came, they would not be alone. He loved them SO much! And so His communication with them during this time included instruction and encouragement regarding His promised sending of the Holy Spirit.
Now before the Passover Feast began, Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. And as He had loved those who were His own in the world, He loved them to the last and to the highest degree.
John 13:1
Just as real as Jesus was to the disciples when He walked this earth, He is just that real to us, His current-day disciples, through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit continues to be Jesus’ presence with His disciples today—you and me.
Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16
To the same degree that those who were alive in Jesus’ time needed a Helper and a Comforter, so do we; wouldn’t you agree? Our Lord loves us (you and me) also “…to the last and to the highest degree.” His promise extends to every one of those who are His; who obey His commands. His promise of One Who would take His place, to be Helper, Comforter, to teach and guide, to walk alongside is to you and me! We are not alone!
This song conveys my heart toward you, and my prayer over each of you! May this incredible, miraculous gift of love—the indwelling of Jesus in your very heart through the Holy Spirit—give you agape love for others, joy, peace, patience, comfort, bravery, and strength. May your heart be revived…renewed to love and serve the One Who loves you so! ♥
Praying for each of you!
♥ coleen
Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God lyrics
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If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen concerning this blog post, you may email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com
About coleen hayden
Coleen what you have written was perfect for me to read today! I am preparing a talk for the retreat we are putting on for teenage girls in India. My topic is about the armor of God, power of the Spirit in us and TRUTH.
For me personally, sometimes I forget I have the Holy Spirit inside of me to hep me. I pray I don’t forget in the moments I need Him most.
Beautiful post Coleen.
you won’t totally forget, Jesus girl! you are one who desires to have the influence and input and guidance that God wants to give. and you are one who seeks Him…so His promise is that He ‘will be found.’ we all get distracted and forget momentarily. but, hey! we have Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit—the Comforter, the HELPER—will bring His words back to our minds. John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.
…continuing to pray for you as you prepare for your time ministering in india! <3
Thank you Coleen for your precious words today. We have been experiencing an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our family this week. How appropriate that it comes on Pentacost week. You have are a precious friend to me.
praising God for His incredible working in your lovies this week, teresa!!! how appropriate, indeed! thanks for sharing with us. (i, too, am so thankful for you!!!) <3
Thank you, Coleen, I was just able to get on for the day. What a blessing to read this devotion that reminds me once again of God’s amazing love for me/us that He would dwell in us through His Holy Spirit. And what a beautiful song!
This was a great way to end my very full day!
agreed, clella…what a gift! what love! what an awesome God! happy to be a little piece of your day! <3
Very anointed blog, Coleen! Praise God!
thankful, christi, for ears to hear and a heart to obey. praising God along with you, friend!!! <3