Holy Spirit On Pentecost

Pentecost is a Greek name for Shavuot,the spring harvest festival of the Israelites,which was going on when the Holy spirit came.The disciples were together in Jerusalem after Jesus Resurrection and return to haven,fearful because he had left them. Pentecost which is celebrated on the seventh sunday (50 days) after Easter,commemorates the descent of the Holy spirit upon the twelve Apostles in the presence of mother Mary and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of weeks,as described in the Acts of Apostles.

The coming of the Holy Spirit,Acts.2:1-4 " When the day of pentecost had come,they were all together in one place.And suddenly from heaven there came a sound  like the rush of a violent wind,and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.Divided tongues,as of fire,appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages,as the Spirit gave them ability."

There are three instances described in the Bible where people received the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost " they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.Whereas others wondered what happened Peter knew what happened. He said " this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel where God said "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh." No one had to tell him that he had received the Holy Spirit.

In Acts.10:44-46 " While peter was still speaking,the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word.The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles,for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God." In 19:6 "When Paul had laid his hands on them,the Holy Spirit came upon them,and they spoke in tongues and prophesied." 

In the liturgical services of the feast of pentecost,the coming of the Holy Spirit is celebrated together with the full revelation of the divine Trinity: Father,Son,and the Holy Spirit. The fulness of the Godhead is manifested with the spirit's coming to man.

Who gets the Holy Spirit?. Anyone can ask for and receive Holy Spirit into their heart as their helper and guide to the truth. God willingly gives to all who obey Him,who seek to be disciples of Jesus and follow him on the way He opened through the flesh by the power of Holy Spirit.Acts.5:32 " And we are witness to these things,and so it is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." But it is what you do through the spirit once He dwells in you that changes your life.

Rom.6:16 " Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves,you are slaves of the one whom you obey,either of sin,which leads to death,or of obedience,which leads to righteousness?. The role of the Holy Spirit is to show you truth-the sin in your flesh that needs to be eradicated, and give you the power you need to overcome sin." Again Rom.8:12-13 

"So then,brothers and sisters,we are debtors,not to the flesh,to live according to the flesh,you will die;but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body,you will live."

The great vespers of pentecost features three long prayers at which the faithful kneel for the first time since Easter.To receive Holy Spirit,Trinity is one and the same. Father is the creator and not the created;Son is the created and not the creator. Holy spirit start from the Father,taken from the Son and at the same time equal to the Father.

Categories: Bible Thoughts Devotional happiness jesus Our God

Read More

Generosity Is The Spirit

Literally meaning of Generosity, a willingness to give help or support by the way of money, kindness. A christian definition of generosity-Jesus fed five thousand people with five barley loaves and two small fish. His nature is to be abundantly generous. The good news for us is that we can learn to be just as generous. Jn.6:11-13 " Then Jesus took the loaves,and when he had given thanks,he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted." 

In other words generosity is an aspect of God. One of the attributes of God's nature, one aspect of love, we could say,is its generosity or abundance.The five thousand people in the crowd were not just kept for starvation -they are generously provided for! The abundance was sufficient to be gathered up and put to good use so that none of that blessing would be wasted. 2Pet:1:3-4 " His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness,through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.Thus he has given us,through these things,his precious and very great promises,so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust,and may become participants of the divine nature."

Definition of Spirit-the non-physical part of a person which is the seat of emotions and character,the soul,the prevailing or typical quality,mood.Its a particular way of thinking,feeling,or behaving,especially a way that is typical of particular group of people, an activity,a time,or a place.Eg: players have a very strong team spirit-loyalty to each other.

Many ask for blessings,but only few receive.The giver is always giving but the taker is not there-the sincerity is missing.One who gives blessings gives freely,but the one who receives has to be sincere.Sincerity is the qualification to receive blessings.Why do people choose to be sincere only sometimes.People are going after pleasure makes them insincere.When you are sincere,you simply enjoy pleasure without craving for it.Sincerity is being in touch with your depth.When you feel you are struck in life and not growing, or are bombarded by desires,when you feel dryness,no enthusiasm,no juice,what do you do.

Feel generous -right now,not tomorrow,but right now.Both rich and poor can feel generous .Generosity is a quality of spirit. When you feel generous,your life becomes abundant,full of compassion and love.

Gratitude always has self-concern.You are greatful because you have something or you get something.Essentially,generosity is not an act. It is state of consciousness,but it finds its expression in an act. 

A person who is generous of spirit is generally considered a magnanimous person,high-minded,fair,noble,big and worthy. People who are generous spirits tend to extend to others what they want for themselves. It is the golden rule personified.

Categories: Bible Thoughts Good Thoughts happiness moral values Motivation

Read More

How Old Age Become More Comfortable

Everybody grows in age. There is no exception to that. However taking the right steps and using the right tips will help you age in place comfortably.What does the bible say about old age.Old age is the blessing from the Lord.We should never be afraid of aging.  Christians have responsibility to show kindness,respect,and to take care of elderly. When living by the word of God old age brings wisdom that is able to help and guide others in need.

Prov.16:31 " Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life." Lev.19:32 " You shall rise before the aged; and defer to the old; and you shall fear your God; I am the Lord." Titus.2:2 "Tell the older men to be temperate,serious,prudent, and sound in faith, in love,and in endurance." Ps.71:17-18 " O God,from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God,do not forsake me,until I proclaim your might to all the generation to come." All verses shows the biblical importance in old age.

The Best Philosophy in life is to keep the mind happy. We don't know whether success gives happiness or not, but a happy mind can always lead to success.It is in your hand to create. Our life span is very short, spend it with the people who make you laugh and feel loved.

It is always good to live in your own house.Why,you have the choice to modify it to your taste and feeling. Old age people can live very comfortably in their homes, as well as feel safer and more secure in your own surroundings.Sleep early and wake up early. Quality sleep is very important. A comfortable sleep you can make it Seven or Eight hours,depend on your preference.

Reading, bathing, praying, playing songs, playing with pet animals,more are bedtime rituals that are highly recommended for older people in their senior years.

Reading books,magazines or newspapers before you go to bed will help stimulate your mind.By praying each night before close your eyes, you inner person is fine-tuned and inspired.

A mighty bathe keep your body in good shape and helps you remain cool and relaxed. At the same time old black and white photos of relatives and friends feel comfortable.

You have to step out of your house a little depends upon one's health.It could be simple as attending church service.Social participation may be the key to healthy aging.Close connections to,and participation in, social groups provides a sense of belonging and can be essential for healthy aging.To study the relationship between sleep and social participation for older adults,looked at three aspects of social participation;volunteering, attending religious services and being part of organised group activities.He then compared the data to sleep outcomes measured by actigraphy,wearable wrist sleep trackers. Results showed older adults with greater levels of social participation were getting better sleep.

Many seniors think they have to disclose all their health issues. When people come visiting them.However, this is not the best you should do.When someone pays you a visit,ensure the person feels comfortable visiting you.If they ask about your health,feel free to tell them.It reflect more close to your relatives and friends at the same time you feel comfortable better and feel happy. 

Finally spend time with the one you love,invite people over for lunch or dinner,do what you want. Play with small kids. It is wonderful stay active.Go for a morning regular walk.Some spending liquid cash always kept in hand to spend yourself for your medical expenses or any other needy things required by you, without asking anyone.At the same time make a provision for regular monthly income.Try to avoid any financial liabilities and insecurity feeling, otherwise it may cause worries may affect your health. It's a wise thing to make a will all your movable,immovable property and bank balances, your nominee can access or get possession only after your death. 

God didn't create you to live depressed, discouraged, ashamed, or feel unworthy. He created you to be loved, honored, and adored.

Remember Shakespeare's word: I always feel happy. You know why? Because I don't expect anything from anyone. Expectation always hurt.Life is short. So love your life. Be happy and keep smiling. Just live for yourself & before you speak,listen. Before you write,think. Before you spend,earn. Before you pray,forgive. Before you hurt,feel. Before you hate,love. Before you quit,try.Before you die,live.

Whatever may be your age, if you are planning for tomorrow, you are still young to achieve it.So take it as a challenge, enjoy your old age life without any regret and live comfortably. Keep in mind "Gray hair is a crown of glory."

Categories: Bible Thoughts Good Health happiness Perfection

Read More

How To Get Rid Of Depression

Depression is the state of mood of hopelessness and feelings of inadequacy,often with physical symptoms,without hope for the future.In other words it's a mental illness in which a person is very unhappy and anxious,work and relationships (worried and nervous) for a long periods and can't have a normal life during these periods.

Medically it shows symptoms like,Tiredness, Loss of Appetite and Sleeping problems are all classic symptoms of depression. It is deeply self damaging. Usually,depressed people will not cause harm to others,they will only hurt themselves. A depressed person is always trying to cause damage to himself. It is a weapon, but his weapon is not going to be used to chop somebody up.He will chop himself and make you feel miserable, ie the way of the depressed.Why will a person go on hurting himself?.Generally it is to get sympathy.For a depressed person,normal sympathy is not sufficient, somebody should with him to overcome this. 

Bible says about depression and how to fight it.Overcome depression with the help of God and His Holy Spirit.Depression is the real,and of you are fighting it you are not alone.Depression seems to have been the bane of many of life's great leaders.In the Bible, Moses,Elijah,David,and Job all had to deal with it,It must be fought with the word of God.

Ps.32:10 "Many are the torments of the wicked,but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord". Deut.31:8 "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." 2 Cor.1:3-4 "Blessed be the God our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction,so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God." And Isa.41:10 "Do not fear,for I am with you,do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." All Scriptures Against Depression.

If your sadness is reminding you that you are incomplete, it is good;make use of your sadness to grow.It is very easy, when you are sad, to become compassionate. Its already a dissolving kind of energy; you can use it for further dissolution that leads you to your ultimate well-being. For most people, without knowing sadness,maturity will not happen.If you have known sadness and you have known pain also,only then you are a mature person.You will never know compassion unless you know pain. Learning to use all your emotions creatively is very important.

Depression/unhappiness overcome while uplifting through meditation and spiritual awareness, at the same time nurturing confidence level in their life also very much helpful.  It is handled at the level of the body,mind and the energies. If the necessary balance and vibrancy is brought about in the physical, mental and energy bodies, to be blissful is very natural. In a blissful being, depression can never exist.  

Categories: Bible Thoughts Good Health Good Thoughts happiness Perfection Yoga

Read More