Come, Holy Spirit, As At The Beginning!

Up to Heaven (Prayer to set the scene)
Come, Holy Spirit, as at the beginning,
You came to those who were waiting and yearning,
Kneeling in pray'r for your mighty empow'ring,
Promised to all who believe.
(Chick Yuill)


Down to Earth (To get thoughts going)
Those of us who own a camera and enjoy taking photos will most likely have had those moments when we realized that in our excitement and carelessness we forgot there was no film in the camera. Other photos have perhaps had heads or limbs missing or have simply been out-of-focus.
However good, funny or annoying the result, in order to keep our memories we have put the film through a chemical process - we have taken it to be developed.

Looking Sideways (Complimentary Bible readings - Acts 2:1-4)
In the same way that a film or computer disc store treasured memories, the disciples of Jesus would have stored in their memories so many pictures of events that took place as they followed him during those three years or so.
Where do we start as Jesus gave ...

Sight to the blind - John 9:1-7
Food to the hungry - Matthew 14:13-21
Comfort to the sad - John 19:25-27
Life to the dead! - John 11:38-44

Just as the film had to be placed in a chemical solution in a developing tank, to make the image visible, so God sent the Holy Spirit as a developer, who brought to the disciples' remembrance all the things that Jesus had said and done.
From that day, which we celebrate as Whitsun or Pentecost, their experiences would not stay undeveloped, or faded in time, but would become powerful tools in their lives. Acts 1:8

Looking Forwards (Challenge for today)
God's Holy Spirit helps us today, we can be powerful witnesses too, especially as He cannot be destroyed, does not fade away and is a gift from God for everyone. Acts 1:4

Homework (Oh Yes!)
What is the picture of your spiritual life at this moment?...

Might the picture be blurred?
Out of focus?
Faulty in any way?

Rounding Off (Prayer or thought to keep in mind today)
For God poured out his love into our hearts
By means of the Holy Spirit
God's gift to us...the Holy Spirit
(John Larsson)

Today's Quote
Jesus said: I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

From Marta's Vintage © 2008