Snow Melter

Living in Colorado, or other mountainous states and even if you didn’t know what to call it, you may have experienced a weather phenomenon called a Chinook wind. It derives its name from the Chinook Native Americans of the Northwest. Another name for the phenomena is simply “the snow melter.”
In the cold winter months a strong, warm wind sometimes suddenly blows into the plains on the east side of the mountains. These Chinook winds can be powerful and bring quick temperature changes. Changes of 50 degrees (Fahrenheit) and winds up to 80mph are not uncommon. Now you can understand the name “snow melter”! It is a wonderful break in a cold, snowy winter! (You can read more at LiveScience.com)

It would be safe to think of this event as out-of-the-ordinary, sometimes bringing unpredictable results!
The Bible often describes the presence of the Holy Spirit as a wind because that may be the easiest way for us to better attempt to comprehend Him. The Holy Spirit does not have a physical form that can be seen, although He sometimes uses physical things to indicate His presence (dove – Luke 3:22, wind and flame Luke 2:1-3). And His work can often be seen.

Here are some ways the Bible helps our understanding of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is powerful! – “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”  Acts 4:31
Brings us to faith – “God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13. And:  "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.” Titus 3:4-6
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father…’” Romans 8:14-16
Intercedes for us when we don’t know what to do – “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27
Teaches Us – Jesus told his disciples, “the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26
Empowers us  – The Holy Spirit can change our lives, and become an influence in sharing the Gospel “Jesus told his disciples, ‘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

The Holy Spirit is a vital part of our life and identity as a Christ follower. Like the snow melting Chinook wind, it would be safe to think about the Holy Spirit as extraordinary, powerful, and bringing unpredictable results! The Chinook winds come and go, but the Holy Spirit is always with us!
4832 Ponderings:

• Make a mental list of all the ways the Holy Spirit is at work in your life.
• As you remember the work of the Holy Spirit, are there actions you can feel more confident about, knowing He is always with you?
• How can knowing that the Holy Spirit is always present in your life impact your relationships with others?