What is Pentecost?

Friend,

I’m glad you’re reading this letter. I hope you feel something stirring as we look towards Pentecost - the next big moment in Christian history on our calendar, but primarily in our lives. Pentecost is the day the Church celebrates God the Father sending His Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after He ascended into heaven. This is celebrated on the 7th Sunday after Easter. This year it’s May 28. Pentecost means 50th. 50 days after Passover.

I’m learning about the Holy Spirit. Not that He’s new on the scene in my life. He was there at creation. I didn’t grow up recognizing His activity around me or necessarily in the Scriptures. As I see more of the Trinity working in unity, I see the Holy Spirit being in me, giving life to me throughout the day. How do you interact with the Spirit of the Living God?

In my studies of the book of Acts, Jesus promised to send His Spirit, the Helper, the Counselor, Advocate. Luke writes that Jesus presented Himself alive to people during the forty days and spoke about the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is everywhere that God works. In our lives. In the church and in heaven. We pray that His Kingdom will come to earth like that.

Jesus told His followers they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them and they would be His witnesses. They would receive power. They would tell people about their encounter with the Holy Spirit and how Jesus had changed their lives. What does that even look like for me and you? Does a powerful Spirit-filled life seem possible for you? To be a witness for Jesus - does that feel daunting or paralyzing?

Imagine Jesus in your presence right now giving you two wonderful truths: One - I am not going to be physically with you, but it’s even better! My Spirit will live inside you because you believe in Me and everywhere you go, I will be with you. All of Me is in all of you. Two - what I have done on the cross and beyond the grave is the best news for everyone in your life. Talk about Me to others by simply letting them know of the Hope and Peace that is theirs in Me. Then keep the conversation going as you invest in the relationship.

Friend, sit in His presence as long as you need. Then let’s go into the world with His power,

Shauna