Where the Spirit of the Lord is...
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV
The Sunday before Pentecost at Rock Creek Church, Pastor James Bradburn made a declaration that next week's focus would be on inviting Holy Spirit to come in power. As he was speaking I imagined a pair hands held in surrender and receiving, of each of us with our hands offering our heart to God, and receiving His heart with His loving powerful presence and light.The joy of the Lord filled us on Pentecost Sunday. I worshiped with paint and song with the people, painting with more freedom and speed than I have ever done. Freedom and joy in Christ, with the Holy Spirit filling, empowering, equipping. We were free of expectation of how we thought God should do things, free to be children of God and trust His goodness towards us to lead us in the way we should go. I painting the hands first, then the heart and the Spirit represented by the dove... Here are a few photos of the worship painting process:
Traditionally in Christian churches Pentecost is celebrated on the Sunday 50 days after Easter. In the Jewish tradition, Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after the Passover Sabbath.
At the birth of the Church, 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
"On the day Pentecost was being fulfilled, all the disciples were gathered in one place. Suddenly they heard the sound of a violent blast of wind rushing into the house from out of the heavenly realm. The roar of the wind was so overpowering it was all anyone could bear! Then all at once a pillar of fire appeared before their eyes. It separated into tongues of fire that engulfed each one of them. They were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues-empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!"~ Acts 2:1-4 TPT
This is a new season for so many. I am learning to let go of my expectations of God and myself, daring to step out into the unknown and trusting in the goodness of God toward His people.