Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Holy Spirit who Empowers Mission

Joel 2:12-17

Can you imagine living without your computer? Or without internet access or basic phone service?

We have become so accustomed to having access to unlimited information just through our fingertips. Imagining living without it seems impossible. 
However, just 25 years ago, things were significantly different. Just for something as simple as a meal, I used to depend on my elders to pass down recipes or had to buy cookbooks. But now, I can scroll on social media or search engines to find the best ways to make any meal with any ingredient.  That’s the power of the internet. It is not just the access, but also the ability to use the internet to our advantage.
Similarly, before the time of Christ, God communicated to His People through prophets.  Only the prophets were filled with the Holy Spirit and they had to remind people of how they were living and of what God wanted. Joel prophesied the access of Holy Spirit to each and everyone regardless of who they were. We can see this fulfillment in Acts 2.  The Holy Spirit fell onto the disciples in the upper room as they waited for Jesus. They spoke in tongues and proclaimed the Gospel to people from different nations. Some religious leaders accused the disciples of being drunk, but Peter realized what was happening was what Joel prophesied about. Acts 2:15-16 "For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel." 
 
As they were leading, preaching, serving, working, and living their lives according to how the Holy Spirit led them. The Holy Spirit empowered them to live out the calling God has for them. Because they had God's Spirit flowing through them. This promise of the Holy Spirit still holds true for us today. As a believer, the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you are empowered by God for something greater than yourself. 
The Holy Spirit empowers us to do things for God and His glory. This is our Mission. Are we listening and submitting ourselves to His will? 
 

Prayer

Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Open our inner eyes to see Your glory and to live our life according to Your Will. Empower our hearts to fulfill Your Mission through the Holy Spirit. Guide us in our path for the Glory of your kingdom always. Amen 
Thought for the Day
Our decision every day must be to live a righteous life—not in our own strength, but by the enablement of the Holy Spirit in us.” -Stormie Omartian.  

Swapna Chacko
Horeb MTC, Los Angeles 

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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