a battle of wills
"Again the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them." —Acts 16:7
The Holy Spirit prevented Paul and Silas from preaching the gospel in the province of Asia (Acts 16:6). The Spirit also prevented them from going to Bithynia (Acts 16:7). In the same way, often the Holy Spirit does not go along with our plans. Instead, He prevents us from "doing our own thing."
Because the Holy Spirit tells us we're wrong and even proves it (see Jn 16:8), we're tempted to lie to the Holy Spirit (see Acts 5:3). We want to refuse the Spirit or at least stifle (1 Thes 5:19) and sadden the Spirit (Eph 4:30) because the Spirit doesn't even try to fit into our lives. Rather, the Spirit wants to immerse us into His divine life. The Holy Spirit is God and acts accordingly. Thus we can see why some of our families have for generations opposed the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51).
Two weeks from tomorrow, the Church will celebrate Pentecost. To receive the Holy Spirit of Pentecost, we must be willing to change our plans, deny ourselves, repent, be hated by the world (Jn 15:18), and even suffer for love of Jesus. Will you celebrate Pentecost?
Prayer: Father, may life in the Spirit be more important to me than my life.
Promise: "I chose you out of the world." —Jn 15:19
Praise: Seventeen-year-old Elaine lives out her decision to live for Jesus by being involved with music and youth ministry, and by spending time with Jesus in daily Mass and weekly adoration.
Reference: (To grow in the Holy Spirit, read the Bible every day. We have several tape series to help you. Overview of the Bible is six audio tapes starting with AV 10A-1 or three video tapes starting with V-10A. 15-minute Bible Teaching - New Testament is forty audio tapes starting with #700. An Introduction to each Book of the Bible is 32 audio tapes starting with AV 21-1 or 17 video tapes starting with V-21.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 2, 2012
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