{ Day 286 }

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. —Acts 2:1-4

Many elements in this passage reveal how God started His church on the Day of Pentecost. I want to highlight three of these elements. First, God sent the “wind” of the Spirit, then the “fire” of the Spirit, and then the “wine” of the Spirit. When God sends the wind of the Spirit, we can expect to see great signs and wonders. The fire of God will enlarge our hearts in the love of God. The wine of God is linked in the Book of Joel to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God’s ministry of bringing joy inexpressible and refreshment to weary, burdened souls. As God restores the church before the Second Coming, I believe the order will be reversed. First, He is sending the wine of the Spirit to refresh and heal the weary church. Then He will send the fire of the Spirit to enlarge our hearts in God’s love. Last, He will send the wind of the Spirit, which includes a manifestation of the ministry of angels. This demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s power will bring countless numbers of new people to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

{ PRAYER STARTER }

Spirit, send Your “wind” and “fire” and “wine.” I long to see Your mighty signs and wonders and to have my heart enlarged by Your love. Give me a fiery passion for Jesus and a heart of compassion for others.

I believe that Acts 2 is a divine pattern
of how God visits His church in power.