We just celebrated Pentecost Sunday a few weeks ago and this has been on my heart to share. Pentecost was the day everything changed.
It wasn’t just a holy moment—it was a holy takeover. Heaven didn’t merely brush against earth; it took up residence inside of us. God’s power didn’t stay locked in the upper room or reserved for a select few—it was poured out on all flesh. The church wasn’t simply born—it was empowered. And for the first time in history, the presence of God didn’t just visit—it filled. And stayed.
That’s the miracle of Pentecost:
God in us. Power upon us. A mission before us.
But somewhere along the way, many of us settled for a moment instead of embracing the mission. We’ve confused being Spirit-filled with having a spiritual experience. We shout, we dance, we feel the fire—but the Holy Spirit came to change us, not just move us.
🔥 More Than a Tongue—A Transformed Life
Yes, the gift of tongues is biblical. But Pentecost was never just about what came out of their mouths—it was about what got planted in their hearts. Being filled with the Spirit means bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23):
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We say we’re Spirit-filled—but do we still:
- Lash out or shut down?
- Get easily offended?
- Gossip or blame others?
- Lack self-control?
- Excuse sin instead of confess it?
Paul didn’t pull punches when he said,
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1
In other words—don’t just make noise. Be the voice of Heaven.
🔥 Stay On Fire—Live Transformed
Romans 12:2 commands us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Pentecost wasn’t meant to be a one-time flame—it’s supposed to ignite a lifelong fire.
So, keep your first love. Stay on fire. Don’t make excuses for your sin—or your excuses. Let there be fire on your head and fruit in your life.
🔥 Spirit-Filled = Spirit-Formed
The Holy Spirit doesn’t bulldoze—He guides.
He doesn’t just give you power—He produces character.
He helps you:
- Forgive when you’d rather stay mad
- Speak Heaven when criticism is easier
- Walk in holiness, not hype
- Align your life with Heaven’s version of your story
Remember, the disciples didn’t just feel something—they spoke something. And not their own words—but God’s.
Let’s speak Heaven too. Not complaints. Not control. Not criticism.
Your tone is your testimony.
If your family fears your tone more than they feel your love—something’s off.
If your words stir fear instead of faith—it’s time to reset.
Ask yourself:
- Are my words building or breaking?
- Am I stirring love or stirring strife?
- Am I sounding like Heaven or sounding like my flesh?
🔥 Filled for More Than a Moment
Paul urged Timothy to stir up the gift (2 Timothy 1:6).
Don’t live off yesterday’s fire. Keep yourself stirred. You weren’t filled for a moment—you were filled for a mission:
To change your home.
To change your marriage.
To shape your children.
To impact your community.
To be the Church, not just attend it or ignore it.
🔥 Ask for Fire AND Fruit
Don’t settle for either/or. Ask for both.Ask for fire that ignites your passion.
Ask for fruit that sustains your witness.
Let the Spirit of God:
- Fill you with power
- Guide you in truth
- Form you in character
- Finish the good work He started in you (Philippians 1:6)
Because Pentecost is not just a day on the calendar—it’s the fuel for your everyday life.
So today, stir up the gift.
Speak with Heaven’s voice.
Live with Heaven’s character.
Let fire fall—and let fruit grow.
You were filled for more. Let the mission begin.
Allison Bramlett 