Thanks to Retired General John Gowans, over the last fortnight I've been reflecting daily on the need to adequately prepare for Pentecost, both personally and corporately as a worshipping community.His introductory comments have been resounding in my heart and mind with a word of challenge this week.
" If [Pentecost] is the celebration of the birthday of the Christian Church, it is only hesitantly marked as such in some places. Where are the iced cakes, multicoloured balloons and the dancing up the aisles? Should we not be putting out more flags? ...let's give our attention to the Holy Spirit, giving him the place in our lives he deserves, and thanking him for his constant care of each of us."
(Words of Life ~ May-August 2007 edition, page 1)
The gift of God's Holy Spirit presence within our lives is really something for believers to celebrate. I'm not so sure about 'dancing up the aisles', but I can cope with the 'iced cakes and multlicoloured balloons'. Of this I'm certain though, my heart is dancing with holy joy and faith excitement at all God continues to do in and through the lives of His people!
Yes, let's give our attention to the Holy Spirit! Let's devote Him the treasured part of our lives he deserves! And let's thank Him for the constant oversight and spiritual insight He brings. Then we will truly be 'prepared to celebrate' and lift His Banner of Love high for others to see and celebrate for themselves.
