Journey to Pentecost

May 1, 2010      John 21.25

I love to read.  It’s been a hobby of mine for many years.  I can, at times, become obsessive with reading.  I used to read an average of about six to eight books a month.   I am down to about four per month.  I realized that too much of any thing good can get intrusive!  I am a reader because I think there is no other way to keep our minds focused on perpetual challenge.  Rather is academic, spiritual, theological, political, environmental…or whatever – reading keeps our minds busy.   I  am not a fan of fiction.  If I am going to take the time to read I want to read something besides someone else’s fantasies.   But there are some who love to read good fictional stories.  Hat’s off to em’!  They are keeping their minds busy and focused!

Our scripture today teaches us that if men had recorded all the things Jesus had done while on earth – the world couldn’t hold the books!  Consider that library!  Amazing thought for a reader!  I have challenged people and those I minister to for many years to become readers.  First of all we need to become a reader of the Word.  There is no better book to fall in love with than the Word of God.  It definitely is a lamp to our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119.105).  The Word is not a complicated book to read.   There are sections that may be…well…somewhat boring to read when you are reading through it.  You know, all the “begats” in the those long genealogical sections.   But they are there for a reason too.  The Word of God is inspired by the Holy Spirit and so every chapter and every verse has significance.  I challenge you to read the Word daily.  Every day take the time, discipline yourself to take the time to read the Word of God.

Second, read inspirational books.  Read as many books as you can get your hands on.  Books are expensive so go to the local library and check out a good book.  Go together with other readers and start a book club where books can be exchanged which enables those who cannot afford them to read them.   Start a library.  Work with others to enable the body of Christ to read books of faith and spiritual significance.  You will be surprised at what will encourage you and challenge your faith as you open up to search the riches of men and women who are gifted to put pen to paper and record their thoughts!

I want to especially challenge you to begin reading Acts chapters one and two.  Read them over and over.  Put the Word of God into your spirit!  If you have yet to experience your personal Pentecost – I especially want to challenge you to read these chapters.   When people need healing they consume scriptures about healing.  When we need deliverance we consume scriptures on deliverance.   When we need a faith charge, we read passages about faith.  When you desire a personal experience with the fulness of the Holy Spirit – read passages in relationship to the promise of the Spirit.  Read Acts chapters one and two.  Read them over and over and over and over.  Read it until it becomes alive in the depth of your spirit.  Ask the Lord to fill you with His Spirit.  Do not be afraid of the manifestation of the evidence of the infilling or the baptism – speaking in tongues.   You don’t have to be afraid of tongues because it is His language being spoken through you.  It may initially sound like gibbrish or broken syllables.  But that’s the beauty of spiritual language – it’s not English!  It won’t be familiar any more than speaking German or French when you don’t know the language. 

Read the Word.  Every day!  Get a Bible reading chart and read through the Word in a year!  Most Bible’s have these charts in the back somewhere or you can get on from the local Christian book store for free in most cases.  I challenge you to read.  Often times you can read a passage and the Holy Spirit will enlighten that word to become alive in your heart.  We call this a “rhema” word.  When the Holy Spirit takes the written word (logos) and breathes life into for your moment in life.  Read the Word of God and let it come alive in you!