Empowered by the Holy Spirit

This month we started a prayer emphasis on receiving the Holy Spirit. Three Prayer Vespers had been dedicated to praying for the Holy Spirit. A statement from the pen of inspiration says “If all were willing, all would be filled with the Spirit. Wherever the need of the Holy Spirit is a matter little thought of, there is seen spiritual drought, spiritual darkness, spiritual declension and death. Whenever minor matters occupy the attention, the divine power which is necessary for the growth and prosperity of the church, and which would bring all other blessings in its train, is lacking, though offered in infinite plenitude.” (Acts of Apostles, p.50)

As I attend and watch our people pray, I see how urgent this matter is to our church. We do not ask for the Holy Spirit. Jesus told as in Luke 11;13 that if we in our corrupt human nature know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more is God willing to give us His Gift, the Promise, the Holy Spirit indwelling. If you have a gift for someone, and then learn that the person you is not interested, does not want the gift, will you still give it? When God looks at your wish list, is the Holy Spirit request is the top? What if Christians today are not receiving because they do not really want the Holy Spirit? People pray for all kind of needs: financial breakthrough, children, health, work, conflict resolutions, but where is the ardent simple prayer “Father please give me the Holy Spirit! There is nothing I want more than your Spirit to dwell in me!” Make this your prayer and all the rest will become incidental.

When you pray for the Holy Spirit you must also recognize that He is God. You are not praying for a power to possess it. Prayer for the Holy Spirit is an invitation for God to dwell in you. And there is no such a thing as a partial indwelling. Either Holy Spirit lives in you, or He does not.

Interesting detail regarding the Power of the Holy Spirit is given by the prophet Joel (2:23) He speaks that the early rain was moderate compared to the latter rain. Just imagine that Peter’s sermon and the conversion of 3,000 people in one day was moderate! The last day events will see greater manifestations of the Holy Spirit power.

Two more sessions will be held at the church: Tuesdays at 7 pm June 17 & 24: Pentecost repeated, and End Time symbols of the Spirit. Do not miss these opportunities for Prayer and learning more about the Holy Spirit. Claim this promise!!! Ask for the Gift!!!