Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
Ephesians 4:30
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The mighty power of the Holy Spirit works an entire transformation in the character of the human agent, making him a new creature in Christ Jesus. When a man is filled with the Spirit, the more severely he is tested and tried, the more clearly he proves that he is a representative of Christ. The peace that dwells in the soul is seen on the countenance. The words and actions express the love of the Saviour. There is no striving for the highest place. Self is renounced. The name of Jesus is written on all that is said and done. { RH June 10, 1902, Art. A, par. 14 }
We may talk of the blessings of the Holy Spirit, but unless we prepare ourselves for its reception, of what avail are our works? Are we striving with all our power to attain to the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for his fullness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us,—the perfection of his character? When the Lord’s people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their foreheads. Filled with the Spirit, they will be complete in Christ, and the recording angel will declare, “It is finished.” { RH June 10, 1902, Art. A, par. 15 }
The third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit. The unpardonable sin is when one grieves the Holy Spirit. When you renounce the love of God, the love of Christ, and continue in your sin, you will grieve the Holy Spirit. Where there is no repentance, there can be no forgiveness, nor any blessings. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them. Isaiah 8:20. By our words and actions we can express the love of Christ. When we reflect the perfection of His character, we will receive the seal of God on our foreheads. It is my prayer that I may be filled with the Holy Spirit. I pray it is yours as well.
Our Father, Which art in heaven,
We thank You for giving us this day, and each and every day that You give us. We thank You for giving us this opportunity to come to the foot of Your throne in thanksgiving and prayer. We pray for the outpouring of Your Holy Spirit upon us. May Your Spirit live and dwell within us, abide in us, lead us and guide us and keep us on a safe path. May we receive Your power, strength, courage and wisdom to do what is right and favorable and well pleasing in Your sight. May we attain the perfection of Your character. May we demonstrate by our words and actions our love for You and each other. We pray that You save us and forgive us of our sins, cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. In the name of Jesus Christ we thank You and praise You. Amen.
