Teaching Notes

God cares for the old and the young. He does not "just" give His Spirit to one generation and not the next. These beautiful young girls also have the promise of God's Spirit to guide them.

The Spirit of God

Joel 2:28-32 (The Message)

"And that's just the beginning: After that—"I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people:Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters.Your old men will dream, your young men will see visions. I'll even pour out my Spirit on the servants, men and women both. I'll set wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below:Blood and fire and billowing smoke, the sun turning black and the moon blood-red, Before the Judgment Day of God, the Day tremendous and awesome. Whoever calls, 'Help, God!' gets help. On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be a great rescue—just as God said. Included in the survivors are those that God calls."

Notes: This message from Joel was first a message about the punishment that was coming to the people because of their disobedience. He also gives them hope that if they change, God will change his mind and not bring about the punishment. He also gives them this hope that after the punishment is over, God will restore to the people what has been taken away. One of the promises is of something new. That promise is His Spirit will be given to all, not just the prophets of old.

Question: Who will then be able to receive God's Spirit?

Answer: The answer is ALL. God will give His Spirit to whomever he chooses. It is not just for the rich, the famous, the popular. It cannot be bought or bartered for. God will give His Spirit to the young and the old, the male and the female. The important thing to remember is this, He will give His Spirit only to those that come to him and yield their lives to His way. You and I can have God's Spirit when we seek him first through His Son Jesus Christ. We are then promised by Jesus the comforter, (which is the Holy Spirit). The reason God gives us His Spirit is so that we can carry out the mission he has for us. We cannot do it without the Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, today we say thank you for the promise of your Spirit to all that come to you. You give us your spirit so that we can do as you will for our lives.