Stephen spoke at the family service, asking us where is the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:1-4 describes, in graphic terms, the formation of the church as the Holy Spirit came upon believers in supernatural ways. This windy, burning sensation couldn’t be cured by Zantac!
The Holy Spirit is God HImself, abiding with His people. Luke 24:49 gives us another description of what happened on this day: the disciples were ‘clothed in power from on high’. People were given the power and ability to become witnesses to the differences God can make in our lives, demonstrating through the gift of languages, that God is here for every nationality and every nation.
History is also His story. We need to live His story in our stories, letting God clothe us with His Holy Spirit so that the life of God burns within us and is seen in our words and witness to others.
Jeanette gave the epilogue at the service, reminding us that God’s Spirit is stronger than the strongest forces in nature but is also as gentle as a dove. The following prayer reminds us of the work of the Spirit within our lives:
‘Replace the tension within me with a holy relaxation.
Replace the turbulence within me with a sacred calm.
Replace the anxiety within me with a quiet confidence.
Replace the fear within me with a strong faith.
Replace any bitterness within me with the sweetness of Your grace.
Replace the darkness within me with a gentle light.
Replae the coldness within me with a gentle warmth.’