I am always excited for a new year to begin. It’s a fresh start. I am ready for change and willing to open my ears and my heart to listen to the Lord.
It is the Holy Spirit who speaks to his children and moves them…..
The Spirit made man with his breath.
“Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” Genesis 2:7 (ESV)
The Spirit moved the people of Israel out of exile and back to their land.
“Now these were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried captive to Babylonia. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town. The whole assembly together was 42,360, besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337, and they had 200 male and female singers.” Ezra 2:1, 64-65 (ESV)
The Spirit moved the wise men to the Savior and then moved the Savior away from danger.
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Matthew 2:1-2, 13 (ESV)
The Spirit moved in mighty power
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:1, 38-39, 41 (ESV)
Where would we be if the people had not listened and obeyed the Holy Spirit? It’s a glaring reminder to me that they Holy Spirit speaks to his people and moves his people to accomplish his will and purpose.
Dear Lord, thank you for your beautifully woven Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to speak and to move me both physically and spiritually. Help me to be watching, waiting and listening for your still small voice and give me courage to obey your whispers. Amen.
Sixty-six books in a year 