Holy Fire Fall!
Date: June 6th, 2021
As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. —Acts 11:15
Doug spoke about the Holy Spirit living within the heart of each believer, but that at certain times the Holy Spirit “comes upon” or “falls on” us. There are examples in the Bible of people suddenly speaking different languages, healing the sick, teaching with power, raising the dead, and prophesying. Two important factors allow this to occur: First, a trust in Christ’s faithfulness to us as proven by dying on the cross; Second, to believe that the Holy Spirit can pour Himself out on us in any way He chooses to accomplish His work in us, and through us. For many, unfortunately, negative past church experiences and incorrect teaching have created barriers for the second part.
For the image I stood for an awfully long time without a clear idea of what to paint. Doubts crept into my mind, but I remembered it’s not about me, and if nothing comes, that’s ok—I just need to believe the work doesn’t come from me. Then, when we began to sing a song about lifting our face to God to humbly receive a gift, I saw a man kneeling and facing the sky. So, I painted that. I didn’t know the other part though. Then, as everyone sang the last song, “…Holy Spirit, hear us now, breathe on us, Holy fire, fall…” [Kari Jobe; song title: “Breathe on Us”] I got a vision of fire falling from the sky onto the figure. Tears came to my eyes, and I felt a warm presence fill me up as I painted those flames! I believe anything is possible when we accept that Jesus has already taken away our shame on the cross, then humbly open our hands to receive Holy Fire!