October 18-Santorini 

It’s Friday

Last night was an exceptionally good service and I left ready to go home and absorb myself in the Word. Speaking about the power associated with the Holy Spirit made me think of the caldera of Santorini. 


When you look at the island, it’s shaped woke a “c” because the center part is a crater caused by the super explosion of a volcano about 1630 BC. The explosion blew out the top of the mountain and just left a crater where the sides of the volcano collapsed. It is mostly underwater now, but the power it took to blow out a 7 milex14 mile piece (yes, 98 square miles!), 400 for deep must have been an incredibly, crazy event! Scientists tell us that it was the most powerful explosion in history. The tsunamis would have been ridiculous—enough to wipe out countless cities. Some think it may be the reason for the plagues of Egypt.


The result was a complete change of landscape not only for this island but for all the islands of Greece. Today, this land supports grapes (4,000 acres), 14 villages and about 25,000 people. 


But despite how powerful this explosion was, it cannot compare with the power of the Holy Spirit, and His ability to change the landscapes of our lives. He is a full part of the Triune God. The Spirit IS God and is a person. 


A quick search reveals that the Holy Spirit Teaches, Baptizes, Speaks, Testifies, Fills us, Warns, Confirms, Grieves, Lives within us, Declares, Reveals, Loves, Instructs, Directs, Convicts, Fellowships, Gives joy, Gives gifts and Shows His power. WOW, right?


“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus‬ ‭3:5-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” Acts‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬


Lord God of Heaven, how can we even begin to say thank you for the greatest gift you could possibly have given us? The Holy Spirit that transforms us and continually works to help us be more like Jesus and constantly abides within us. He speaks to us and teaches us and guides us even when we may not be aware he is working. Help us to learn to listen and to heed the Spirit’s urging, convictions and guiding. What a great God you are and we worship you for who you are and for all you have done for us and all that you continue to do. We are amazed at your great love and we praise you for the answers and the miracles we know are coming. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear one, 

Pam


Pictures of Santorini are on FB




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