meditations for an everyday relationship with Jesus

The gift of tongues

Acts 2:2-6 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.

There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. When this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

Ah, Pentecost!

This is where the Pentecostal movement derived its name, however, tongues is not the only gift as many of you are already know.

It would seem that while this is indeed the best known Scriptural evidence for a specific gift, like all gifts it had a specific purpose: it honored God, not the individuals giving utterance.

In your own faith experience what is your personal evidence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within you? Keep in mind that the demonstration of ones gifts in a public place, such as in Acts 2, was preceded by receiving the Spirit in a private place.

To remain honest the use of gifts should not be measured by material or personal gain. The right hand should not know what the left hand is doing.

Lead me

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me O God and know my heart; try me and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked in me. And lead me in the way everlasting.

There is great anxiety in all of us regarding the position of free will. There is nothing more conflicting than making a choice about an issue that our hearts are torn in two over. It makes the sin more tempting and the joy more fulfilling.

Having freewill and asking to be led seems like a contradiction. What is the point in having choice if we choose to follow someone? This individual we are following is not just anyone; He is God.

Instead of the blind leading the blind, which is often the case when one person leads another, we have the divine benefit of being led by a God with perfect vision and a perfect will.