Alive

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” Ezekiel 37:9

Dear Friends in Christ,

This weekend we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, the time when the Holy Spirit filled Jesus’ disciples in a new way, the beginning of God pouring out his Spirit into the world through the church, where his power and presence is alive and active. Remember that ‘spirit,’ ‘wind,’ and ‘breath’ are all the same word in biblical languages. The Holy Spirit broods over the waters of creation, breathes life into the world, breathes life into the defeated exiles in Babylon, fills and transforms the disciples, and breathes life into you and me.

The Holy Spirit is always present and active in the world, but the Holy Spirit especially fills Jesus’ disciples to empower us for a new life in Christ, breathing into us God’s presence and power. Jesus said “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b). Are you open to the Holy Spirit in your life?

God the Holy Spirit guides us and teaches us, strengthens us to follow Jesus, and to love as Jesus loves. The Holy Spirit works in subtle ways that we often miss; the Holy Spirit works in miraculous ways that we don’t always expect. How easy it is to forget that God can and does make a difference in our lives. How wonderful it is to have faith to trust and eyes to see the Holy Spirit take action in tangible ways.

Even in the midst of grief and struggle, how is God the Holy Spirit at work in your life, helping you to live, helping you to thrive?

Come celebrate this great feast this weekend!

Yours in Christ,

-Tom