Holy Martyr Glyceria (138-61).
Acts 21:8-14. John 14:27-15:7.
Read Acts 21:8-14
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory for ever!
Of the three persons of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit is probably the least understood and the least appreciated. After all, the Father creates and we seek to return to Him in eternity, the Son has redeemed the world from sin and death…but where does the Holy Spirit fit in?
The Holy Spirit is Who empowers, emboldens, and enlivens us!
Every movement towards prayer, every movement towards yearning the Lord in our hearts originates in the Holy Spirit. Individuals and parishes come alive and are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Christians are borne into the Kingdom as priests, prophets, and kings by the Holy Spirit.
And by the Holy Spirit we can offer our lives entirely to Christ knowing that He has trampled death by death and given life to those in the tombs.
This is why the Apostle Paul can say with such certainty and confidence that he is ready to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. He had encountered Christ risen from the dead and his heart had come alive by the action of the Holy Spirit.
This extends to us. Don’t think for a moment that this is reserved to the Apostles or perhaps a select few saints throughout the ages. This can and does apply to each and every one of us. Each and every one of us can experience the power and life the Holy Spirit endows us with. Each and every one of us can walk through life with the same kind of confidence that Paul did in Christ’s victory over death, even to the point of being willing to die for the name of Jesus.
The reality is that, at this point in time in history, we, or at least those of us who live in the western world, are highly unlikely to be called upon to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. However, more and more of us are getting into less and less comfortable situations where our faith in Christ may lead us to take positions at odds with our family, loved ones, and employers. If that is you, turn to the Spirit and ask Him to strengthen, enliven, and embolden you even more than now and to grant you the wisdom needed to navigate sometimes sensitive situations.
And for all of us, turn to the Spirit and give Him permission to enter into your life.
Just give him permission.