Discovering the Holy Spirit's Transformative Presence
Have you ever felt like you're running on empty, trying to live out your faith through sheer willpower?
Many Christians find themselves in this position, unaware that there's a wellspring of power available to them. This power isn't something we conjure up ourselves – it's the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. The concept of the Holy Spirit's power can be difficult to grasp. We know He's there, but how do we tap into His strength?
To understand this, we need to recognize two distinct aspects of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives: peace and power. Peace comes first. When we initially accept Christ, we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This brings a profound sense of peace – peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with others in the world. It's a baptism of cleansing - washed clean of our sins and reconciled to our Creator.
But there's more. Jesus promised His disciples that they would "receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you" (Acts 1:8). This power – is the Greek word 'dynamis' (pronounced- 'doo'-na-miss') from which we get 'dynamite' – it is the ability to serve God effectively and live out our faith with supernatural strength. This distinction between initial peace and subsequent power is beautifully illustrated in an ancient recipe for making pickles. The first step involves dipping (bapto) the vegetable in boiling water to cleanse it. This represents our initial salvation experience. The second step submerges (baptizo) the vegetable in vinegar, fundamentally changing its nature from the inside out.
This is what the baptism of the Holy Spirit does – it doesn't just clean us up; it transforms us from within. So how do we experience this transformative power? It requires humility and surrender. The Apostle Paul discovered this truth when he pleaded with God to remove his "thorn in the flesh." God's response? "My power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we come to the end of ourselves, acknowledging our inadequacy, we create space for God's power to flow through us. This power isn't just about feeling good or having exciting spiritual experiences. It's about being equipped for service. Jesus sent out His disciples with instructions to take nothing for their journey – no food, no money, not even a change of clothes. Why? Because He wanted them to rely entirely on God's provision and power. When we strip away our self-reliance, we make room for God to work in extraordinary ways. The baptism of the Holy Spirit also brings another word for power in the Bible – 'exousia' which means "authority" - in Greek. This is the right to act on God's behalf, to speak His truth, and to stand against the forces of darkness. Jesus declared, "All ('exousia') authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples..." (Matthew 28:18-19).
As His followers, we're commissioned with this same authority. But here's a crucial point: this power and authority isn't ours or about us. They're not for our own glory or agenda or boasting. They're given so that we can be effective witnesses for Christ, bringing His love and truth to a broken world. It's not our power, but His power working through us. So how can we receive this empowering presence of the Holy Spirit?
Here are some key steps that I've gleaned from A.W. Tozer.
1. Desire it. -Do you truly want to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Are you willing to let Him be Lord of every area of your life? God needs your permission.
2. Present yourself. - Offer your body as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). Surrender control to God.
3. Ask. - Jesus said, "How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13)
4. Obey. - Be willing to follow God's leading, even when it's challenging.
5. Believe. - Have faith that God will fulfill His promise to empower you.
This empowering isn't a one-time event. The early disciples experienced multiple fillings of the Holy Spirit as they faced new challenges and opportunities. We too can continually seek fresh anointings of His presence and power. It's important to remember that the Holy Spirit isn't an impersonal force or a mere power to be used. He's a Person – fully God, with a will, emotions, and knowledge. He desires to have a relationship with us. When we open ourselves to His presence, we're inviting the very presence of God to dwell within us and work through us.
This transformative power doesn't always manifest in dramatic ways. Sometimes it's the quiet strength to persevere in difficult circumstances. It might be a supernatural joy that bubbles up even in the midst of trials. Or it could be a boldness to share your faith when you'd normally stay silent. The Holy Spirit's power also brings spiritual gifts – special abilities given to build up the church and serve others. These gifts aren't for our own benefit, but for the common good of the body of Christ.
As we yield to the Holy Spirit's presence and power, we'll find ourselves being changed from the inside out. Like a cucumber transformed into a pickle, we retain our basic identity but are fundamentally altered. Our priorities shift, our character is refined, and we begin to reflect more of Christ's nature to the world around us. This journey of being filled with the Holy Spirit isn't always comfortable. It often involves letting go of control, facing our weaknesses, and stepping out in faith. But the result is a life infused with divine power and purpose – a life that makes an eternal impact.
So today, why not open your heart afresh to the Holy Spirit? Invite Him to fill you anew, to empower you for whatever challenges you face. Remember, it's not about mustering up more willpower or trying harder. It's about surrendering to the One who longs to work in and through you. In a world desperate for hope and truth, we need Spirit-empowered believers more than ever. Will you be one of them? The power is available. The choice is yours.
amen!
Blessings,
Pastor Bob
Have you ever felt like you're running on empty, trying to live out your faith through sheer willpower?
Many Christians find themselves in this position, unaware that there's a wellspring of power available to them. This power isn't something we conjure up ourselves – it's the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. The concept of the Holy Spirit's power can be difficult to grasp. We know He's there, but how do we tap into His strength?
To understand this, we need to recognize two distinct aspects of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives: peace and power. Peace comes first. When we initially accept Christ, we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This brings a profound sense of peace – peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with others in the world. It's a baptism of cleansing - washed clean of our sins and reconciled to our Creator.
But there's more. Jesus promised His disciples that they would "receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you" (Acts 1:8). This power – is the Greek word 'dynamis' (pronounced- 'doo'-na-miss') from which we get 'dynamite' – it is the ability to serve God effectively and live out our faith with supernatural strength. This distinction between initial peace and subsequent power is beautifully illustrated in an ancient recipe for making pickles. The first step involves dipping (bapto) the vegetable in boiling water to cleanse it. This represents our initial salvation experience. The second step submerges (baptizo) the vegetable in vinegar, fundamentally changing its nature from the inside out.
This is what the baptism of the Holy Spirit does – it doesn't just clean us up; it transforms us from within. So how do we experience this transformative power? It requires humility and surrender. The Apostle Paul discovered this truth when he pleaded with God to remove his "thorn in the flesh." God's response? "My power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we come to the end of ourselves, acknowledging our inadequacy, we create space for God's power to flow through us. This power isn't just about feeling good or having exciting spiritual experiences. It's about being equipped for service. Jesus sent out His disciples with instructions to take nothing for their journey – no food, no money, not even a change of clothes. Why? Because He wanted them to rely entirely on God's provision and power. When we strip away our self-reliance, we make room for God to work in extraordinary ways. The baptism of the Holy Spirit also brings another word for power in the Bible – 'exousia' which means "authority" - in Greek. This is the right to act on God's behalf, to speak His truth, and to stand against the forces of darkness. Jesus declared, "All ('exousia') authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples..." (Matthew 28:18-19).
As His followers, we're commissioned with this same authority. But here's a crucial point: this power and authority isn't ours or about us. They're not for our own glory or agenda or boasting. They're given so that we can be effective witnesses for Christ, bringing His love and truth to a broken world. It's not our power, but His power working through us. So how can we receive this empowering presence of the Holy Spirit?
Here are some key steps that I've gleaned from A.W. Tozer.
1. Desire it. -Do you truly want to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Are you willing to let Him be Lord of every area of your life? God needs your permission.
2. Present yourself. - Offer your body as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). Surrender control to God.
3. Ask. - Jesus said, "How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13)
4. Obey. - Be willing to follow God's leading, even when it's challenging.
5. Believe. - Have faith that God will fulfill His promise to empower you.
This empowering isn't a one-time event. The early disciples experienced multiple fillings of the Holy Spirit as they faced new challenges and opportunities. We too can continually seek fresh anointings of His presence and power. It's important to remember that the Holy Spirit isn't an impersonal force or a mere power to be used. He's a Person – fully God, with a will, emotions, and knowledge. He desires to have a relationship with us. When we open ourselves to His presence, we're inviting the very presence of God to dwell within us and work through us.
This transformative power doesn't always manifest in dramatic ways. Sometimes it's the quiet strength to persevere in difficult circumstances. It might be a supernatural joy that bubbles up even in the midst of trials. Or it could be a boldness to share your faith when you'd normally stay silent. The Holy Spirit's power also brings spiritual gifts – special abilities given to build up the church and serve others. These gifts aren't for our own benefit, but for the common good of the body of Christ.
As we yield to the Holy Spirit's presence and power, we'll find ourselves being changed from the inside out. Like a cucumber transformed into a pickle, we retain our basic identity but are fundamentally altered. Our priorities shift, our character is refined, and we begin to reflect more of Christ's nature to the world around us. This journey of being filled with the Holy Spirit isn't always comfortable. It often involves letting go of control, facing our weaknesses, and stepping out in faith. But the result is a life infused with divine power and purpose – a life that makes an eternal impact.
So today, why not open your heart afresh to the Holy Spirit? Invite Him to fill you anew, to empower you for whatever challenges you face. Remember, it's not about mustering up more willpower or trying harder. It's about surrendering to the One who longs to work in and through you. In a world desperate for hope and truth, we need Spirit-empowered believers more than ever. Will you be one of them? The power is available. The choice is yours.
amen!
Blessings,
Pastor Bob
HOPE Blog ... Pastor Bob DeFelice
Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
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