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Sunday, May 31, 2009

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Pentecost


Acts 2:1-11
Galatians 5:16-25
Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34
John 15:26-27; 16:12-15

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the greatest pentecost

"All were filled with the Holy Spirit." —Acts 2:4

Today is Pentecost. It is not merely a reminder of a past event, but a continuation of the Spirit renewing the face of the earth (Ps 104:30). Today's Pentecost will not be a shadow of the first Pentecost, rather the first Pentecost is a shadow of today's Pentecost. God's grace is abounding all the more (see Rm 5:20). The Spirit is not diminishing His work in our world, but increasing it. It will not be only thousands who come to Jesus today (see Acts 2:41), but millions. The waters of the Spirit become deeper as they flow further around the world and into history (see Ez 47:5).

Totally surrender your life to Jesus. Renounce Satan and all His works. Repent of sin. Ask for the Spirit. Ask Spirit-filled believers to lay hands on you. Receive the Spirit. As you receive prayers for the Spirit, express your love for the Lord by praising Him in your native language and in other languages. Go out and tell others about your love for Jesus.

Pentecost begins by taking little steps of repentance, prayer, praise, and evangelization. If you obey the Lord, you won't stifle the Spirit (see 1 Thes 5:19). Pentecost is now. The greatest Pentecost is now. Come, Holy Spirit!

Prayer:  Father, give me the gifts to praise You in tongues, to prophesy, and to evangelize.

Promise:  "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires." —Gal 5:24

Praise:  Praise Jesus, Whose Spirit is renewing the face of the earth (Ps 104:30). Alleluia!

Reference:  (Open yourself to the gifts of the Spirit. Attend retreats on Gifts of the Spirit - July 3-5, Prophecy and Deliverance - July 6-9, Worship and Evangelization - July 10-11 and Intercession and Healing - July 17-18. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 3, 2008

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