We welcome the Holy Spirit in His power to heal and elevate the Church in boldness to witness. But His power does not stop there. He comes to convict of sin, to separate good from evil, to give understanding of truth from God’s perspective -- and more. 
The Holy Spirit comes in the power of love -- two words we might not think to use together. We often associate power with coercion and force. Love seems to be a weaker noun. God’s love, however, is in a whole different realm. It has the power to change the human heart and transform lives. It has the power to do what no other power or authority on earth can do: it can unite.
Unity in the Body of Christ is not based on race, gender, culture, education or politics. It is the result of being drawn together by the same Spirit and experiencing the same revelation of God’s love. This is why Christians can relate across all barriers. We are baptized into one Body. We belong to the same Master. We serve the same Lord.
Now, more than ever, the world needs to hear this message. The tie that  truly binds us together is the unbreakable cord of God’s love. And that is found only in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
 
Next Steps...
I will rejoice in the love that removes all barriers and brings me into harmony with God and His people.

My parents were in their 60’s when they began discussing their will and what to do with their home, nestled on 2 1/2 acres in the country. My older brother was married and had his own home and business. I was barely out of college. I remember overhearing my Dad make one statement: “Let her have it. She will always have a place to come back to.”
Years passed, but eventually his will became reality. Although the old           buildings are gone, I enjoy retreating to that property and am blessed when  I think of his loving concern. He could give me no greater gift.
My Heavenly Father is no less a giver. All that we have flows from His hand.  He is the ultimate Provider and Protector. From the natural world to the spiritual realm, He gives freely and without respect of persons.
Jesus put it this way:
“You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake      instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” (Luke 11:11-13)
God’s gifts are good gifts. When He promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, He was offering a piece of Himself. But we must desire and accept that gift.  And treasure it above all else. 
 
Next Steps...
I will boldly ask for, and gratefully receive, the gift of the Holy Spirit, never doubting God’s willingness to give.

Where is your “piece of paradise?” The place where the sun shines a little brighter? Where the sky is a deep, true blue? Where birdsong is clear and unobstructed? Where traffic is minimal and stillness calls to the soul? 
It may be a childhood memory. A beckoning vacation spot. Or just a dream.  But it keeps hope alive and gives meaning to ordinary days and mundane tasks.
In God’s economy, that “Piece of Paradise” is not a piece of real estate. It’s a Person — the third person of the Trinity, to be exact. The Holy Spirit is the one who keeps the hope of heaven alive in our hearts. He is our “sunshine and cloudless blue sky.” He brings the song that transforms our darkest nights into echo chambers of victory. He is the “still small voice” that speaks to the soul.
Why do we seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Because our hearts crave more than the ordinary. We hunger for the beauty that is found in God alone. Our senses cry for the companionship of the Divine. We long for the meaning and purpose that only God can fulfill in our lives.
When He comes, there will be signs. The tongue will find new words to give praise. The joy will be overwhelming. Peace will override every concern.  And His love will simply be more than you can contain. Come, Holy Spirit!
 
Next Steps...
I will seek to be filled to overflowing with the precious gift of the Holy Spirit.

You step into the doctor’s office, on time for your appointment. Then you are told, “The doctor is running late. He’s an hour behind.”
What do you do? Wait. 
No one enjoys waiting. We think of a million things we could be doing. It seems like wasted time. 
When Jesus was about to ascend to heaven, His final word to the disciples was, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
The waiting time was important. Jesus knew His friends could not fulfill their mission without supernatural power. And neither can we.
What did they do during that 10-day wait?
They prayed. They achieved unity. They were “of one accord.” 
They took care of unfinished business by appointing an apostle to take     Judas’ place. 
Waiting is a time to repent, pray, and remove any spiritual debris in our lives. Then, to live in expectation of the Holy Spirit baptism. He will come — right on time!
 
Next Steps...
I will wait in obedience for the infilling of the Holy Spirit and prepare my heart       to receive this gift of love.

There is no vocabulary in any language that can adequately encompass the wonders of God’s relentless love. An old hymn captures the yearning of the heart to find sufficient words of response to God’s marvelous works.
                 O for a thousand tongues to sing
                 My great Redeemer’s praise!
                 The glory of my God and King,
                 The wonders of His grace.
What do you do or say when your heart is full, and there are no words to express the adoration? As on the Day of Pentecost, that’s when the Holy Spirit comes to our rescue. He lifts us from the realm of human language, bypassing the intellectual search for words, and releases our tongues to praise God with abandon. 
So what if no one knows what you’re saying? So what if you do not know?  Your spirit is communing with God. The Holy Spirit is amplifying your praise.  And that’s all that matters.
The Holy Spirit spawns worship unlimited!  When there are no words, simply yield to Him and let Him speak. This gift is promised to all believers who  hunger and seek to be filled with all the fullness of God. 
 
Next Steps...
I will allow the Holy Spirit to speak through me in praise to God in any language He chooses.