The Power Within: It's Time to Step All the Way In
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Let me talk to you about the power you carry. When you felt the stirring on the inside of you, yes, the day when you decided to make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, that was the day you received the promise. The gift of the Holy Spirit came to dwell on the inside of you. Don't think this gift was given just for you. Jesus Christ said we would do greater works then he, which means there is purpose on the inside you that needs to reach others. Are you ready to transition out of the in between and step fully into what God has for you? If you said yes, then continue reading and gain an understanding on just how it all began.
The Holy Spirit is a gift
Last year, I began to focus on the Holy Spirit and how God was actually speaking to me through his word and occurrences I've had over time. Acts chapters 1 and 2 is where I was led to begin a deeper study into this. The Holy Spirit is the promise Jesus spoke of, to the Apostles upon his departure. Jesus paid the ultimate price when he hung, bled, and died on the cross for our sins, so we would have the opportunity to spend eternity with him. The Holy Spirit, is a gift we receive when we confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in our heart that on the third day he arose with all power in his hand defeating death and restoring a right relationship between us and God. I want to take you on a journey with me as we dive into Acts 1.
The Promise comes through obedience
Jesus was eating with the Apostles, when he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem until the Father sent them the gift he promised. Then Jesus goes on to say, "John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." I want to highlight the fact that Jesus commanded them not to leave. In order for the Apostles to receive the promise they had to obey the command of The Lord. I want you to rest right here and think about it. When you gave your life to The Lord, you felt the nudge and you obeyed and gave your life to Christ. Obedience led the Apostles to receive the promise of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit was sent as a Guide
When we receive the Holy Spirit and repent of our sins I like to think of it as a purging we undergo. The Holy Spirit was sent as a guide to help us and by the leading we are refined. As you grow in your relationship with Christ, reading the Holy Bible, praying, and worshipping, it sharpens you. What areas are you struggling in? Not finding the time to read your bible. Let's make this easy by beginning your day with God. You may probably think the Apostles had it easier because Jesus was right there, but there were instances in the Bible where the disciples still missed the mark. Matthew 17 highlights the fact they could not cast the demon out the little boy. Which was due to little faith. When you doubt it causes you not to follow through on something, which leads to disobedience. Where have you fallen short in this area? What has those little nudges been urging you to do? Knowing who you are in Christ will combat any doubt making you confident in what The Lord has spoken to you to do. A holy boldness and fierceness begins to arise when we walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit Expectations
Jesus told the Apostles what to expect when they received the Holy Spirit. He said, They would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. They would tell people everywhere about him. In Acts chapter 2, on the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together. Then what sounded like a mighty windstorm, came into the house where they were and what appeared to be like flames settled on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages. Now, there were people from every nation in Jerusalem who spoke different languages and they could all hear them praising God in their own individual language. If you reflect on John 14:12, Jesus said, I tell you the truth anyone who believes in me will do the same works as I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father." When we believe, the Holy Spirit comes upon us empowering us to do the work of The Lord. The Apostles performed many signs and wonders on that day. You carry the same power within you. The same power to heal the sick and give sight to the blind. The power to teach and preach with authority. Its all inside of you.
Seeking God Daily
I encourage you to begin reading your Bible consistently. God will begin to speak to you through His Word and lead you down the path He has called you to go. In time, you will begin to recognize how God speaks to you and decipher what is from him, you, or the enemy. Study Ephesians 6, putting on the full armor of God. This will be helpful when self- doubt tries to creep in. When you are able to distinguish God's voice you will begin to feel a peace, once you have mastered this area you will become unstoppable in following the leading of the Holy Spirit. You will begin to learn how to lean into the nudges. Obedience will begin to produce the fruit of your labor. Don't give in or give up during this process. Your trust in The Lord will begin to grow as you keep moving forward.
Walk by Faith
It is time to step all the way in, you have the Holy Spirit dwelling on the inside of you. Obedience is the key, that will unlock the door. Fast, pray, and get your flesh under submission and Walk by Faith.