‘Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.’ (Acts 2:33)

Winter is approaching here in Melbourne Australia, and looking outside my window, I see the trees waving in the wind. I can hear the sound of the breeze blowing through the branches.

Although we cannot see air itself, its existence is revealed by what we see and hear. The stronger the wind, the more it affects the environment.

It is the same with the Holy Spirit.

Unlike the wind, however, the Spirit of God is a Person—and that which we see and hear is the result of His Presence.

Clothed with Power from on High

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

The picture of Moses’ Tabernacle reminds us that God’s purpose for us is not only to be filled with the Presence of His Holy Spirit, but also to be clothed with His Spirit. That He would not only be within us for our own sake, but would also be God’s Presence evident upon us, for the sake of the world.

Throughout the Bible, when the Spirit of God came upon God’s people, that empowering came with evidence—something seen and heard:

• When the Spirit of God came upon the elders of Israel, they prophesied (Number 11:24-27)
• When the Spirit came upon Balaam, he prophesied God’s favour over Israel (Number 24:2-9
• When the Spirit of God came upon Gideon, he blew a trumpet (Judges 6:34)
• When the Spirit of God came upon Saul, he prophesied. (1 Sam 19:19-24)
• When the Spirit of God came upon Amasai, he proclaimed allegience to David  (1 Chron 12:18)
• When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost, the sound of a rushing wind was heard, and tongues of fire were seen over each believer. As they were filled they began to praise God in the languages of the pilgrims visiting Jerusalem. (Acts 2)
• When the Spirit of God came upon the early church during a prayer meeting, the building shook, and they spoke God’s word boldly (Acts 4:31)

Notice that the above examples include ungodly men who simply got ‘in the way’ of the Holy Spirit. (Balaam and Saul) Let’s believe for non-believers and backsliders to encounter Holy Spirit’s Presence and to have an opportunity to commit their lives to Jesus.

Not just Initial Evidence, but an Ongoing Experience

Just as the pillar of cloud of God’s Presence journeyed with Israel throughout the wilderness, the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s Presence upon His people was never meant to be just a one-off display, but an ongoing experience.

It is the nature of the Holy Spirit that His Presence and activity be seen and heard. Jesus is made known and the Father’s purposes are accomplished—His Kingdom established on earth. (Acts 3:16, Matt 6:10)

How is the Holy Spirit’s Presence Manifested?

Following are just some of the ways that the Holy Spirit’s Presence and activity were experienced in the New Testament and that we can expect to occur today:

1. The Spirit’s impact on the hearts of people and their consequent actions—such as conviction leading to repentance. (Acts 2:37)

2. Through the use of spiritual gifts. ‘Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good’ (1 Cor 12:7) The Greek word translated manifestation, phaneroo, means to make visible and clear. [1]

3. Through the fruit of the Holy Spirit evident in the lives of God’s people, especially when it is recognised as being beyond what is humanly natural. Examples include unity (John 17:23), acts of service, love, and the expression of God’s grace to the poor. (Luke 4:18)

4. Through supernatural communication from God, including prophecies, dreams and visions. (Acts 2:17)

5. Unusual manifestations of His Presence. (e.g. wind, fire, earthquake, Acts 2:2-3, 4:31)

6. The sense of His Presence and anointing for a timely purpose (Luke 5:17b)

7. Through God’s power being released to effect healing, deliverance and other miracles in Jesus’ Name (Luke 4:18)

8. Through signs accompanying the preaching of the Gospel (Mark 16:20)

‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to…’ (Is 61:1) A quick study of the above tells us that the move of the Spirit requires our participation. Firstly, we need to be filled with, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. And then, we partner with Him, whether it be through speaking out God’s word, through listening, prayer, or obedience.

And yet, no amount of self effort on our part will achieve a move of God.

The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal power, or force, at our command—He is a Person, with a will and desire. As sons and daughters of God’s royal Kingdom, we carry authority, but this can only be exercised with humility; knowing that our agenda and timing must become attuned to His.

This past weekend, many of us have observed ‘Pentecost Sunday’—in commemoration of the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. (Acts 2)
Let’s not treat the anointing and power of God as a mystical ‘something,’ but let’s honour the Person and Presence of the Holy Spirit. May we live with the constant expectation of experiencing His Presence and power; that Holy Spirit is at work in our lives and those around us—and as we seek and  join with Him, we will see lives changed and God’s Kingdom extended.

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Questions to Consider:

1. What is my expectation concerning the experience of the Holy Spirit with regard to each of the points above?

2. Can I recall to mind times when I have ‘seen and heard’ what the Holy Spirit is doing?

3. Considering the Tabernacle illustration, are people around me able to see the Presence and power of God upon my life? Or does my anticipation of the move of the Holy Spirit only relate to my personal relationship with Him? What would a balance look like?

4. When was the last time I asked God to fill and empower me with His Holy Spirit?

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Notes:

[1] Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

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Related Posts:

(The Holy Spirit is) The Greatest Evangelist In The World Today

Pentecost: How God Exploded My Box

What Pentecost tells us about God’s Heart for Nations

How You can have an Intimate Relationship with the Holy Spirit

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Can you think of some other ways that the Holy Spirit’s Presence is evident (seen and heard), or do you have a testimony, scripture or poem to share? Leave a comment in the box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Did you receive this from a friend? Read more from Enliven Blog or sign to receive our weekly prophetic teaching updates at http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog

‘When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.’ (Acts 2:1-2)

As I write, it is Pentecost Sunday. Christians all around the world are celebrating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church that took place in Acts 2.

The Hunk and I had the privilege yesterday of spending time with a small group of on-fire youth at a ‘Young Evangelists Training Camp.’ [1] These young revivalists have a passionate desire to play a part in seeing the world won to faith in Jesus.

And here are some clues that they will see the desire of their hearts fulfilled:

• They are seeking to understand the Father heart of God—for themselves and others
• They are hungry for an intimate relationship with God, and
• Staying filled with the Holy Spirit is an absolute priority to them

Pentecost: Evidence of God’s Heart for the Nations

‘I owe everything to the gift of Pentecost. For fifty days the facts of the Gospel were complete, but no conversions were recorded. Pentecost registered three thousand souls.’ Samuel Chadwick

Pentecost: a Pilgrimage Feast

‘Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.’ (Acts 2:5-6)

Pentecost was one of the great pilgrimage feasts that required Jews to travel to celebrate in Jerusalem. God had arranged the timing so that at the feast of Pentecost, Jews had gathered from every known nation.

On the Day of Pentecost, the Jewish pilgrims heard a massive commotion.

As they were drawn to the noise of the tumult, they heard a heavenly sound. Declarations of praise to God in their own language!

That day, 3,000 became Christians—and many of those present that day would have returned to their own homelands with the message of the Gospel.

The heart of God was already reaching out to the nations, preparing the way for the establishment of the church in those regions.

Pentecost : the Harvest Feast

 “Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field.’ (Ex 23:16)

The feast of Pentecost had a symbolic significance.

Pentecost, also known as the ‘Feast of Weeks’, was a joyful time of celebration and thanksgiving for the harvest.

In Exodus 34:22, we read that Pentecost is a celebration of the first fruits of the wheat harvest. And the people of Israel would bring offerings of new grain to present to God. [2]

At the same time that the Jews were celebrating the physical harvest at Pentecost, the church was celebrating the harvest of 3,000 souls—because the great Harvester, the Holy Spirit, had arrived on the scene.

The Message of Pentecost

Pentecost tells me that the Holy Spirit did not just come for those in the upper room—He came for those outside of the room.

Jesus said,
“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)

This generation has the opportunity to fulfil the desire Jesus expressed in Matt 28:19—to have disciples from every people group on the face of the earth.

The message of Pentecost is that the work of world evangelism is not to be done in our own strength, but in the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

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Notes:

[1] This was an initiative of Youth For Christ Australia

[2] On the day of Pentecost, the first-fruits of the wheat harvest were represented as two loaves of bread. (Lev 23:17) Some commentators believe that this represents both Jews and Gentiles being brought together as one in the church. (Eph 2:14)

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Related Posts:

Pentecost: How God Exploded My Box

The Greatest Evangelist In The World Today

How You Can Have An Intimate Relationship With
The Holy Spirit

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© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Did you receive this from a friend? Read more from Enliven Blog or sign to receive our weekly prophetic teaching updates at http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog

Do you have any questions or thoughts on the topic of ‘Pentecost, God’s Heart for the Nations’? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment on the comments box. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

As I write, it’s Pentecost Sunday—a time when many of us pause to remember and celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the church on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) and reflect on what that means for us today.

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I had been a Spirit-filled Christian for 20 years, and I thought I knew all there was to know about the Holy Spirit.

But then God showed up in unexpected places and revealed just how little I really knew.

The Box

Upon reflection, I can see that I had the Person and ministry of the Holy Spirit all wrapped up in a neat little package.

My ‘box’ was comprised mainly of two compartments—the role of the Spirit in my personal life, and His role in church life.

In the first, I knew the Holy Spirit as my Comforter, Helper, Teacher and Leader—the One sent to empower me in my Christian life. This is the Holy Spirit as revealed by Jesus in John chapters 14-16.

In the second compartment, I knew the Holy Spirit as the One who distributes spiritual gifts to the church (1 Cor 12:4-11). This expression of the Holy Spirit—in my experience back then—was largely confined to church meetings and church services and church life in general.

This second also included my expectation and joy of the Holy Spirit’s Presence being felt, and His power being manifested, in church meetings and church services. And as a prophetic worshipper, I particularly loved this aspect of the Spirit!

But then in 1995, some things began to happen for which I had no prior frame of reference.

Surprised by the Holy Spirit

At that time, The Hunk and I experienced a fresh encounter with God personally. Our love for Jesus overflowed as we sought to reach out to people around us with the good news of salvation.

The Holy Spirit showed up in our neighbourhood, moving amongst unchurched people—people who had never stepped inside of a church building.

• There were answers to prayer requests made on the behalf of non-Christians.
• There were Divine appointments—seemingly ‘coincidental’ meetings or circumstances that were clearly arranged by God to lead someone closer to faith in Jesus.
• One time, friends and I prayed for a neighbour in our living room. She fell to the ground, overcome by the power of the Spirit as she experienced God’s love. And she wasn’t even ready to give her life to Jesus.
• There was the guy we had been praying for who called us one night in alarm—he was physically feeling the power of the Holy Spirit and he wanted us to explain to him what was happening.

‘Why God—You’re Here!

One evening I was visiting a neighbour who did not know Jesus. In our conversation, I referred to the troubles and escapades of my younger years.

Surprised, she asked me what had taken place in my life to cause such a change in me.

I began to share my story—the testimony of how I came to faith in Jesus and the changes that happened in my life as a result.

Whilst I was talking to her, I noticed something taking place in the room. The manifest Presence of God—the anointing of the Holy Spirit—filled her lounge room.

I had never known such a thing. We weren’t in a church service. There was no worship taking place, no spiritual ambience at all.

In fact, we were in a dark house, which smelled of cigarettes and the family dog and had witch puppets hung around the walls.

On the outside, I was still talking, but on the inside, I wondered in amazement: ‘Why God—You’re here!’

The Holy Spirit of the Book of Acts

I realise now that although I knew the Holy Spirit personally, and experienced His ministry in church life—I did not know the Holy Spirit as He is revealed in the book of Acts and in the life and ministry of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit—like Jesus—has come to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He loves people and wants to reach them in partnership with us.

When the Spirit came upon the waiting believers on the day of Pentecost, the manifestation of His arrival drew thousands of people from around the area.

When Peter shared the Gospel, 3,000 were saved as the Spirit caused conviction to rend their hearts.

The Holy Spirit didn’t just come for those in the upper room—He came for those who were outside of the room. And so it is today.

A Reservoir, or a River?

‘Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.’ John 7:38-39

As the years go by, and as The Hunk and I visit from church to church, we recognise that many Christians have a limited knowledge and experience of the Holy Spirit— similar to the ‘box’ I described above.

This is not surprising when you consider that there are two contexts in which we primarily teach on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our churches today.

These are:

• Discipleship, where the infilling and baptism of the Spirit is taught in the context of spiritual growth
• Spiritual Gifts and ministry in the church

As a result, our personal lives and churches have become like reservoirs—we expect that thirsty people will come to us and drink. And we wonder where the crowds are.

But Jesus has called us to be releasers of the life of the Spirit—people and churches from whom the Spirit flows like a continuous river.

A River bringing transformation and life wherever we go—in our homes, in the streets, in our neighbourhoods, our schools and universities, in our workplaces, hospitals and supermarkets.

In our suburbs, our communities, our towns, cities, states, our nation and the nations of the world. (Acts 1:8)

This is the purpose of Pentecost.

And this is the vision I live for.

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Notes:

Read more about this subject in the following posts:

The Greatest Evangelist In The World Today

What Pentecost Tells Us About God’s Heart For Nations

The Secret Of Living An Undivided Christian Life

When Non-Christians Encounter God’s Power They Learn Of His Love

This article is related to my book, ‘How To Be A Supernatural Christian In Your Everyday World:’ a beginners’ guide to prophetic evangelism.

Find out more about the e-book here:

‘How To Be a Supernatural Christian In Your Everyday World’

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© Helen Calder  2011   Enliven Blog

On team with David McCracken Ministries

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Do you have any more ideas or thoughts on the topic of the Holy Spirit and ‘Pentecost: How God Exploded My Box?’ ? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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‘On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’ John 7:37-39

Some years ago, we were visiting Pukekura Park in New Plymouth, NZ. Pushing our young son along in a stroller, I noticed a man-made waterfall. “Look, Stephen,” I enthused, “What a beautiful waterfall!” and we paused to watch it.

In the meantime, The Hunk was reading a notice behind us that said, “Insert a coin into the slot behind the wall to start the waterfall.” We found a coin and put it in the slot.

To our amazement, hidden floodgates opened and out came a massive downpour of water.

THAT WHICH I HAD THOUGHT WAS THE WATERFALL WAS IN REALITY ONLY A TRICKLE.

I came away thinking, “How like our experience of God. We become so accustomed to the measure we have known of His Presence and power, that we believe it is all that is available to us.”

Little do we know that beyond our experience is a vast supply that our Father is waiting for us to plug into.

The River of God

I long to have a lifestyle where people around me are being impacted by the Spirit’s power:

• Where my home life honours God
• Where my family, neighbours and workmates are being drawn to faith in Jesus
• Where regular answers to prayer for healing and freedom demonstrate the mercy of a loving Father
• Not just on a Sunday or at church meetings, but in the everyday.

Is such a life possible?

In Ezekiel 47, the prophet had a vision of a River that flowed from God’s temple into the surrounding land of Israel.

This River, sourced in God’s Presence and Rule, brought transformation, life and healing wherever it went.

Speaking of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Jesus later said, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)

This was a picture of the Holy Spirit moving through the life of a Christian—through you and me.

The Half-Lived Christian Life

God purposed that we be both receivers and releasers of His life, living not only for Him but also from Him.

Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Freely you have received, freely give.’ (Matt 10:8)

Our Christian life is supposed to be a continuous rhythm of receiving and releasing, receiving and releasing.

However, many times as Christians we have periods when we give without receiving, or receive without giving. In these times, the flow of the Spirit through our lives becomes restricted or blocked.

I find it helpful to stop regularly and check how I am going in this area.

Am I vitally connected to God? Am I excited about my life with Him and sharing about it with others?
Or is there a blockage somewhere?

Here are two checklists to help reflect on this. You may see a symptom you identify with, or you may be able to add your own.

Signs you are Receiving Without Releasing

• You attend church on Sundays, but people around your daily life are not moved towards God by the life you lead or demonstrate
• You may be bored with your Christian life and feel that you are caught in a rut
• You have received a lot of teaching but when you stop to think about it, you are not putting it into practice
• You long to see the power of God impacting others around you and wonder why it is not taking place
• You may have Christian friendships, but lack meaningful relationships with those who don’t know Jesus
• You may be involved in a ministry, but wonder why it is not as fruitful as it once was.

When we receive but do not give out, we eventually become stale in our Christian experience.

We may believe that receiving more teaching or personal experiences of God’s power will help, but ultimately, we remain dissatisfied.

Signs you are Releasing Without Receiving

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

The purpose of fruit is not for the vine or tree itself, but to be given away—to feed the hungry. However Jesus also taught us that we can only bear fruit when we are connected to and receiving from Him, our Source.

Here are some indicators that you are serving without being replenished:

• You are busy with Christian service, but are often short of time for your private devotional life with God
• You are feeling weary, spiritually and emotionally
• You find yourself going through the motions of living a Christian life or serving God, but it has become more of a duty than a passion
• You wonder where the power of God is
• You find it difficult to stop and receive from God—after all, other people are relying on you
• You do not have a current testimony of answered prayer or of God’s goodness towards you personally.

When we release without receiving, we are giving out of our own resources.  Without being re-filled, we inevitably become dry and can ultimately burn out.

I confess this has been my personal downfall. It has always been easier for me to achieve than to receive.

Being replenished spiritually does not come naturally for many—it requires discipline.

Keys to Escaping the Half-Lived Christian Life

Receiving and releasing is the rhythm of the Christian life that God designed us to live.

If you have recognised signs that you need strengthening in one of these areas, here are some keys that may help:

1. Take time to meditate on what living a life of receiving and releasing means for you personally. The first step towards change is to realise that something is missing

2. Pray—talk to Your Father about it. Take time to encounter God and be filled with His Spirit

3. Become dissatisfied with your current lifestyle enough to do something about it. Decide on a specific course of action that will effect a change in your life

4. Find a Christian friend, leader or mentor who you can share with and who can help keep you accountable to lasting change.

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If you can identify with the above thoughts, I have included a prayer in the comments at the bottom of the blog. To view the prayer or to share your thoughts on this topic, go to the comments box. If it is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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Related Posts:

7 Signs of Spiritual Dryness

7 Ways To Combat Spiritual Dryness

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© Helen Calder 2011   Enliven Publishing
http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/

The simple chorus, ‘He Is Lord,’ has been a popular praise song since my early days as a Christian.

My pastor led the song at our church staff meeting last week. It was my final meeting after being on team for nearly 7 years. [1]

In the context of saying farewell to a group that has been like family to me—in order to pursue God’s call to serve elsewhere—the chorus was a reminder of what Lordship means: hearing and obeying God (Luke 6:46).

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“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once [Peter and Andrew] left their nets and followed him. Matt 4:19-20

As Jesus call to His first disciples illustrates, His Lordship (leadership) means three things:

1. Relationship—and in particular, hearing His voice (in this context, receiving instruction)

2. Releasing—leaving our own agenda in favour of pursuing His priorities

3. Responding—acting in obedience to His word, His call, His will.

Jesus’ Lordship is more than making a one-time commitment to Him, and it is more than asking for His guidance for important decisions in our lives.

The meaning of ‘Lordship’ is that Jesus is our leader. We may call Him Lord, but for Him to actually BE Lord, that means we are following Him—on a moment-by-moment, and daily basis.

The Joy of Following Jesus

I have come to realise that responding to Jesus’ leadership is neither a hardship to be feared, nor a duty to perform.

In the past, I had trouble with the concept of Jesus’ Lordship, fearing Him to be a hard taskmaster, when He has actually promised me a life of rest and joy. (Matt 11:28-30, Rom 14:17) [2]

Now I know that Jesus’ Lordship means following Someone whom I love and want to be with more than anyone else in this world.

Jesus’ Lordship in Our Daily Lives

‘Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.’ Rom 8:14

Recently, I have been meditating on what it means to live a supernatural Christian life. The bottom line is this: empowered Christian living is about relationship.

Our life with God should not just be a devotional appointment, but a dynamic living relationship with Him.

He wants to speak to us: not just in the context of

• Personal prayer, Bible study and devotions, or
• Ministry at our church or from teaching elsewhere

but also as we go about our everyday lives.

He does this through the Holy Spirit, whom He has sent to help us know God’s will. (John 16:12-15)

The Leadership of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit lives in us, and wants to communicate the Father’s purposes to us.

As we follow His leading, we can live like Jesus did—seeing people around us changed and impacted by God’s love.

So, what does this look like in practical terms?

Firstly, we need to remember that the Spirit speaking to us is not like a person speaking.

When we talk about ‘hearing God’s voice,’ we are using an earthly expression to describe a heavenly concept. We simply do not have a framework to understand it.

You and I use words, speech and body language to communicate. However, the Holy Spirit has endless ways that He can communicate with us.

7 Ways the Holy Spirit can lead us in our Daily Lives

Over the past year, the Hunk and I have seen some amazing things happen in our lives and in those around us.

Here are some of the things we have learned to pay attention to, as we go about our daily living:

1. Living in the fruit of the Spirit

It is important to realise that we do not need special guidance to live in the fruit of the Spirit. (see Gal 5:16-25)

In other words, when a situation arises that provides us with an opportunity to respond in a loving (patient, joyful, etc) way, we can just do it—asking for His help.

2. A thought, or ‘urge’ from the Spirit

The Spirit leads us through ‘promptings.’

Sometimes these can be subtle. We may have an urge to go somewhere or speak to someone and it is only afterwards we realise it was the Spirit leading us.

At other times, He is leading us to do something other than what we have planned personally to do. When this happens we need to be intentional about obeying Him.

3. A Difficulty Arises.

When a problem occurs, whether it is in our lives, or in the life of someone around us, it is an opportunity to bring God in on the scene through prayer.

We need to become more familiar with responding to a need immediately with prayer. This may mean offering to pray for someone who has a need.

4. An Opportunity Presents Itself (Col 4:5-6)

This can include:

• An opening in conversation gives us an opportunity to share an aspect of our faith
• We have an opportunity to express God’s love through practical assistance when someone is in need.

‘Seize the Day.’

5. Divine Appointments

A Divine appointment looks like coincidence at first.

We can probe a ‘coincidental’ meeting to test whether the Lord has arranged it.
For example, you meet an acquaintance while out walking, or at the shops and you pause to greet him or her.

It may simply be an opportunity to quietly pray for them as you part ways. But if they express a desire to connect further, or share a problem they are facing—explore the opportunity.

6. Prophetic Revelation

Prophetic revelation can include such things as spiritual dreams, symbols, visions and words and thoughts from God. [3]

7. Unique Ways

Ultimately the ways you hear from God will be unique to you.

In the same way that the voice of a friend becomes familiar over time, as we grow in intimacy with God we learn to recognise His voice.

Even though it can be helpful to look out for the above things, don’t forget that the Spirit will speak to you and lead you in many different ways. It’s not about finding a formula, it is about relationship. [4]

Remember, too, that when it comes to matters of hearing from God, especially in relation to prophetic experiences and decision-making, it is vital to have accountability in place—safe people we can check our guidance with. We never ‘outgrow’ the need for Christian leadership and being in a healthy church community.

When we get it Wrong

‘Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?’ (Luke 6:46)

We won’t always get hearing and obeying God’s voice right. I know that I often miss opportunities to respond to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

When this happens, I can confess my shortfall, receive God’s forgiveness, and move on, secure in His love.

Our walk with God is not one of perfection, but of grace (Rom 8:1-4). What is important is that our hearts are open to respond to Him and to grow in this area.

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Do you have any experiences to share on being led by the Spirit in your everyday life? I would love to hear from you. Leave a note in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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Notes:

[1] From 1 February 2011, I will be on the ministry team at David McCracken Ministries. You can read about it here: http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2011/01/20/annnouncement-and-article-by-david-mccracken/
(and yes, while there is a little bit of sadness at letting go of my previous role, there’s a whole lot of joyful anticipation at what is to come. Thank You Jesus!)

[2] This response can be a sign that we are still struggling with an ‘orphan mindset,’where we don’t comprehend who we are or Whose we are. You can read more about it here:

http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2010/11/04/breaking-free-from-an-orphan-mindset/

[3] You can read more about receiving prophetic revelation in the following posts:

http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2009/11/14/how-to-exercise-your-prophetic-gift-pt-2-how-to-receive-a-revelation-from-god/

http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2010/07/27/how-to-recover-the-wonder-of-hearing-gods-voice/

[4] Here is a post about having an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit:

http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/2010/11/23/how-you-can-have-an-intimate-relationship-with-the-holy-spirit/

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© Helen Calder 2011   Enliven Publishing
http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/

Who is the greatest Christian evangelist in the world today?

Do I hear someone say, ‘Billy Graham,’ or ‘Reinhard Bonnke?’

The greatest evangelist on earth today is the Holy Spirit, and He lives inside of you and me [1] (John 14:17).

The Fullness of the Holy Spirit

I want to know and experience the Holy Spirit in His fullness—not just in part. This means embracing all He is and everything He has come to do in and through me.

The Holy Spirit empowers us and aids us in living the Christian life. He provides spiritual gifts for ministry; He is our Comforter, Helper, Teacher and Guide.

However, the disciples did not only receive Him as Helper. They also received Him as the One who would empower them to witness—share the good news of salvation and lead people to Jesus (Acts 1:8).

When the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, He announced His arrival with wind and fire… and with 3,000 people turning to faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:41)

Power From On High

It was October 1994, and I was reading Charles Finney’s book, ‘Power From On High.’ [2] In his commentary on the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1-2), Finney wrote:

‘We have the same promise that they had… Let us, then… accept the commission; fully consecrate ourselves, with all that we have, to the saving of souls as our great and our only life work. Let us go to the altar with all we have and are, and lie there and persist in prayer until we have received the enduement.’

I recorded in my journal:

‘I was greatly struck by Finney’s comment that our ‘life work’ is the saving of souls. Like so many others, I have considered this to be someone else’s lifework and not my own. If this IS true (and I believe it is), then there are great ramifications.

 

Have I accepted Christ’s commission as my own commission? Dare I?

If I have not accepted the appointing, how can I expect the anointing?

My reflections on Finney’s work coincided with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our church and upon us. At that time I was set free from three years of emotional and physical pain—but the impact of the Spirit’s visitation did not stop there.

The tangible Presence of the Spirit on our lives and in our home spilled over to our neighbourhood. The Hunk and I saw salvation and miracles happen in the lives of people around us as a result.

As I look back on this past year of 2010, I see the same pattern. An outpouring if the Spirit on our personal lives has resulted in the drawing of people around us to Jesus.

The Holy Spirit Loves and Leads People to Jesus

The Holy Spirit is intimately involved in the process of salvation.

In the same way that the Spirit hovered over the waters at creation, He is at work, moving unseen in the lives of those of people around us who do not yet know Jesus. (Gen 1:2; 2 Cor 5:17)

The heart of the Holy Spirit is that of Jesus, who came to ‘seek and save the lost’. (Luke 19:10)

The heart of the Spirit is that of the Father, whose desire that no person perish moved Him to send and sacrifice His Son. (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9)

The Spirit of God loves people passionately and indiscriminately.

4 Ways that the Holy Spirit Helps in Evangelism are:

1. By testifying to people of the Gospel’s truth (John 15:26, Acts 5:30-32)

2. By confirming the message of salvation through answers to prayer—signs, miracles and the operation of spiritual gifts (Heb 2:4, Rom 15:19)

3. By bringing conviction that leads people to repentance (1 Thess 5, John 16:8)

4. By empowering Christians to be witnesses (Acts 1:8, Luke 24:46-49)

The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary Christian believers to be witnesses, but He also directly impacts the hearts of people who need salvation, convincing them of their sin and need for a Saviour.

Our prayers, our faith, and our actions help determine whether or not the Spirit is released to do His work.

What if you are not Gifted in Evangelism?

Maybe, like me, you would say that you are not gifted in the area of evangelism.

It is true that there is a gift and an office of evangelist (Eph 4:11, 2 Tim 4:5). An evangelist is empowered and called to make evangelism a primary focus of their ministry, as well as to equip the church for evangelism.

Can someone who does not a have a spiritual gift of evangelism be an effective witness?

Here’s the ultimate test: can an introverted, prophetic-intercessor-type person like me lead people to Jesus?

Evangelism may not be my personal strength, but my Divine Partner, the Holy Spirit, is the greatest evangelist in the world today.

• I am also a part of a Christian community that shares my passion to bring people to Jesus.

I have discovered that my inability is not a handicap to the Holy Spirit. The pressure is off. Instead of striving, I need only focus on cooperating with the Spirit, as He loves and leads people to Jesus.

How can we Partner with the Holy Spirit in Evangelism?

Here are some keys that can help:

1. Be filled with the Spirit

If you have already been baptised in the Holy Spirit, pray for a fresh infilling (Acts 4:24-31)

2. Acknowledge the evangelistic role of the Holy Spirit and take time to reflect on what that can mean for you and the lives of people around you

3. Recommit to being a witness—sharing the good news about what Jesus has done for you with people around your life
4. Pray for those around you who don’t know Jesus and believe that the Spirit is at work in answer to your prayers

5. Watch out for Divine appointments. Look for what the Holy Spirit is doing in people around you and simply cooperate with Him.

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Notes:

[1] This statement is made to my Christian readers who have been ‘born again by the Spirit of God.’ (See Titus 3:4-17) If you are not sure whether this relates to you, here is a great resource:

http://www.allaboutgod.com/become-a-christian.htm

[2] Power From On High, Charles Grandison Finney (1792-1875). The book can be viewed here:

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/finney/power.html

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Related Posts:

A Beginner’s Guide To Prophetic Evangelism Part 1

How You Can Have An Intimate Relationship With The Holy Spirit

You Don’t Need A Special Gift To Be A Supernatural Christian

Pentecost: How God Exploded My Box

What Pentecost Tells Us About God’s Heart For Nations

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© Helen Calder  2010   Enliven Publishing http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog/

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

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If you you have any thoughts or experiences to share on the topic of the Holy Spirit, the Greatest Evangelist in the World Today, I would love to hear from you.  Leave a comment below. If the comments section is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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You have to know someone intimately to be familiar with the desires of his or her heart.

And you have to be in close proximity to hear your friend express a quiet wish.

But it takes more than intimacy, and more than proximity, to move you to sacrifice your own priorities in favour of those of your friend.

Only love will move you to lay down your life.

Such was the love of three of David’s mighty men who were close enough to hear him say, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”

Unbidden, the three warriors broke through enemy lines at risk of their lives to fulfil David’s wish. (2 Samuel 23:13-17)

Intimacy With The Holy Spirit

Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (Romans 8:5)

There is a lot of talk about the Holy Spirit in Christian circles today.

Many of us have a great longing to see the Holy Spirit move, or for His power to be released to bring healing, deliverance, signs and miracles.

Kathryn Kuhlman once said,

‘There are literally thousands and thousands in the great charismatic movement who have never become acquainted with the person of the Holy Spirit, only with His gifts.’ [1]

And sadly, that statement is as true today as it was then.

So the question I am asking of you and myself today in response to this statement is, ‘Are you one of the many—the ‘thousands and thousands’—or one of the few?’

Many times we talk about ‘using’ the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

But there is another way of life possible—where we allow the Holy Spirit to ‘use’ us.

This way of living is only going to happen when we give Him leadership of our lives.

• When we so value His Presence with us, and the relationship that we have with Him, that we cannot bear for anything to come between us.

• When we are listening, ready for the sound of His voice

• When we have so become attuned to Him as a Person—to His desires and what grieves and pleases Him…

…that we will respond accordingly [2].

The Fellowship of the Spirit

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. (2 Cor 13:14)

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity—God living in and with us.

He is not merely an impersonal power. The New Testament reveals the Spirit to be a Person with will, mind and emotions.

As well as empowering us, the Holy Spirit communicates and fellowship with us. He guides, teaches, helps, assures and comforts us. [3]

The Holy Spirit is God up close and personal.

The Ungrieved Presence of the Holy Spirit

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Eph 4:30)

Many years ago I read the story of a Chinese scholar-turned-pastor called Hsi [4].  It made a lasting impression upon me.

Pastor Hsi ministered deliverance to a troubled young man called K’ong at a conference.

A missionary who saw Hsi minister in the power of the Spirit pressed a large sum of money into his hands, as a gift towards his ministry.

Hsi received the cash without praying as to whether or not he should accept it. Immediately he felt uncomfortable.

As he went to pray about the matter, Hsi heard cries as the demonised man became uncontrollable once more.

No longer fearing Hsi, the demons in K’ong taunted him, saying ‘You have no power to control me any more.’

Realising that his soul’s response to the money had affected his ability to minister in the Spirit, Hsi went to the donor and returned the cash. He confessed that the sudden possession of a large sum of money had ‘come between his soul and God.’

Immediately he went to where K’ong was causing the commotion and quietly commanded the demons to be quiet and leave—with immediate and effective results.

Pastor Hsi later summed up this painful lesson with the words,

‘The ungrieved presence of the Holy Spirit is more to be desired than abundance of gold and silver.’

How To Have An Intimate Relationship With The Holy Spirit

Or do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says, The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit [to be welcome] with a jealous love? (James 4:5, AMP)

I want to have the kind of relationship with the Holy Spirit that Kathryn Kuhlman experienced—and that Hsi valued.

If this kind of relationship with the One who is God present with you, the Holy Spirit, is what you want, here are some steps to help you move closer to Him:

1. Realise that such a relationship—fellowship with the Holy Spirit—is possible

2. Hunger and thirst for intimacy with Him

3. Learn all you can about the Holy Spirit. Study His role, purpose, names, likes and dislikes from Scripture

4. Pray—ask to know Him more and for Him to fill you

5. Make a decision to go deeper in your relationship with God—to be more available to Him

6. Allow God to put His finger on anything in your life that displeases the Holy Spirit—and deal with it

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He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. (2 Cor 1:21)

When I stand before the Father on that Day, He may ask me,

‘What did you do with what I entrusted to you—your gifts and talents, your time, opportunities, relationships, and call?

But there is another question He may ask that is currently challenging me:

‘What did you do with the One I sent you?’

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If you can identify with having a hunger for intimacy with the Holy Spirit, or if you have any thoughts or experiences to share on this topic, I would love to hear from you.  Leave a comment below. If the comments section is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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Notes:

[1] A Glimpse Into Glory, by Kathryn Kuhlman with Jamie Buckingham

[2] Recommended Reading: Romans 8

[3] Recommended Reading: John chapters 14-16

[4] One of China’s Scholars, by Howard Taylor

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Related Posts:

Hunger For God: 6 Ways You Can Stir It Up

A Prophetic Vision: God’s Call To Intimacy With Him

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© Helen Calder  2010  Enliven Blog

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

The thing I love most about teaching beginners’ classes in prophecy is that look of joy and amazement on people’s faces when they realise that they have heard God’s voice for another person for the first time.

We should never lose the wonder of hearing the voice of God—whether for others or ourselves.

But sometimes over the passage of time, familiarity, staleness, or just plain weariness can rob us of that sense of awe, joy and privilege.

Early last year I was burnt out and in a place where it was difficult to hear from God. But now, the communication—and the wonder—is back.

So, how can we retain or recover the wonder of hearing God’s voice? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Reflect on the Privilege and Power of Hearing God’s Voice

Adam heard the voice of the Lord as He walked in intimacy with Him in the garden. (Gen 3)

And yet later, Moses wondered that Israel had heard God’s voice and lived. (Deut 4:33)

Such was the destructive power of sin on humanity’s relationship with God that upon hearing God’s voice Israel cried out,

‘We will die if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any longer.’
(Deut 5:25)

The Power of God’s Voice

I have come to realise that the ability, power and strength of the voice of God is far beyond my capacity to perceive.

• Using His voice, God created the heavens and the earth
  (Ps 33:6, Gen 1)

• God’s voice shatters His enemies (Isa 30:31)

• God’s voice is heard in creation’s majesty—the roaring of the waves, thunder and lightning, the events of nature (Ps 29)

John heard His voice like a trumpet (Rev 1:10) and as rushing waters (Rev 1:15); Daniel, ‘like the sound of a multitude.’ (Dan 10:6)

Paul was taken to heaven and heard ‘inexpressible things.’

Reflecting on this causes me to wonder.

2. Consider What Jesus Has Done

That you and I can hear the voice of God and live is a truth that demonstrates His incredible grace.

Jesus reconciled us to God through His death on the cross so that the voice that once threatened death to Israel can bring LIFE to us.

In John 10:27, Jesus said, ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me’.

God desires an intimate relationship with you and I even more than we want it with Him—He created us to fellowship with Him and to hear His voice. He wanted it so much that Jesus paid the ultimate price.

And this causes me to wonder.

3. Remember it is About Relationship

When I was burnt out, it took me a while to realise that I had made the mistake of equating ‘listening to God’ with a type of performance—and I had nothing left to give.

I needed to get back to relationship.

Think about when the phone rings and you pick it up. How different are your responses when the caller is:

• A telemarketer
• Someone you love

You see it’s not about the Voice—but the Person behind the Voice.

When we are in love with Jesus, we look forward to hearing Him speak to us in our everyday lives.

4. Put Yourself in a Place to Encounter Him

We need to position ourselves to encounter God and hear His voice, and what that looks like will be unique to each of us.

For me, it firstly meant recognising and repenting of wrong beliefs that had trapped me in a lifestyle of performance.

I then rediscovered His grace.

It also meant being creative with my devotional life, trying new ways to journal, and discovering a new appreciation for the Bible’s personal message to me.

It meant paying attention to my ‘spiritual pathways’ and realising that spending time with God outdoors and with listening to fresh worship music helped me to personally encounter Him.

As I did these things—as I put myself in a position to encounter God—I began to hear His voice breathing life back into me.

5. Explore the Unique Ways the Holy Spirit Speaks

‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says…’ Rev 2:11

One day we shall look upon Jesus’ face in all His glory, and hear His voice in all its strength. For now, we hear Him speaking to us by His Spirit.

However, we need to realise that God speaking is not like a person speaking.

When we talk about ‘hearing God’s voice,’ we are using an earthly expression to describe a heavenly concept. We simply do not have a framework to understand it

You and I use words, speech and body language to communicate. However, the Holy Spirit has endless ways that He can communicate with us.

We hear His voice, not with our physical ears, but with our heart and our spirit.

Throughout the Bible there are many different ways God spoke to His people.

In the book of Acts alone, we see God speaking through prophecies, dreams, visions, angels, leaders, signs, the inner voice of the Spirit—and so on.
There are many ways in which the Holy Spirit can speak to you. Meditate on what the Bible shares about this and be open to hearing Him in new and fresh ways.

The Wonder Recovered

This year, my sense of wonder has returned.

During the past couple of weeks I have heard God speak to me personally in many ways:

• A conversation with my pastor that rocked my paradigm
• The words of a stranger who walked into our church for the first time
• A lone eagle in the sky during time out with God
• An insight from the Bible that has fed me for days
• Circumstances that could only have been orchestrated by the Holy Spirit

Last week The Hunk and I were ministering when I heard God’s voice for a woman in the room. As I shared the word, I watched her face change from defensiveness, to amazement and delight.

And right at that moment I fell in love with the Holy Spirit and prophetic ministry all over again.

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Related Posts:

Face To Face With God: Can I Have A Relationship Like Moses?

When your Devotional Life Is Dry: How To Fall In Love With The Bible Again

Spiritual Renewal: Café Moments With God

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© Helen Calder   Enliven Publishing

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

The week I didn’t talk to God

I didn’t talk to God for 5 days, following a powerful encounter with Him during the final session of a Healing Rooms training day.

It didn’t seem to be a remarkable moment, this rushed conclusion during which every participant was anointed with oil and prayed for.

What happened? Well, let me just say that childhood encounters with electric fences on my uncle’s dairy farm pale in comparison to what struck me in full force at that moment.

After 5 days of stunned silence, I thought I had better get back on speaking terms with the Lord—and only then because I was leading a prayer meeting at our church that evening.

I drove out to the beach, planted my feet in the sea and uttered just 3 words:

‘WHAT WAS THAT?’

The response was immediate, and very clear:

‘You asked for it.’

I had to admit, the Spirit of God had me there. I had encountered the power of His presence after praying a big, bold prayer. ‘Lord,’ I said, I’m not here for healing, and I’m not looking for a healing ministry, I want to help raise up an army of healers!’

When we pray for God’s Presence, do we know what we are asking for?

I believe it was Tommy Tenney who reflected on the annoying way that some small dogs chase after cars. What would the dog ever do if it caught the car? Does it ever enter its mind?

In the same way, we ask for God to move, and seek His Presence, but do we really know what we are asking for?

I have thought about this again this week, because The Hunk and I have experienced a series of miracles, and a heightened sense of God’s Presence.

I found myself overawed, conscious of an urge to draw back from Him.

When heaven invades earth, when God shows up, when miracles break out—we will not always respond the way we expect to, or would like to.

I draw reassurance from accounts in the Bible that show I am not alone in my weak and imperfect response to God’s Presence:

When God showed up:

• Moses and Gideon argued with God (Exodus 4, Judges 6:11-15)
• Saul was blinded (Acts 9:1-9)
• Daniel fell and lost his strength (Dan 11:15-18)
• The Apostle John was told not to be afraid (Rev 1:17)

When Jesus came to His disciples walking on the water, the disciples did not recognise Him, thinking He was a ghost! He told them not to be afraid, for they were terrified.

God does not always show up in the way we imagine, or at the time we expect.

If the greatest saints in scripture struggled in their response to God’s Presence, what makes me think I can?

The Unfamiliar God

God is not ‘safe.’ That is—He is not safe to our pride, our dignity, our sinful nature, our puny ideas or plans. He is more than we can handle and He is beyond our control.

In the Narnia Chronicles, C S Lewis wrote stories of the lion Aslan, King of Kings of Narnia. Aslan’s subjects had a saying about him: ‘He is not a tame lion.’ He was majestic, terrifying to his enemies and redeemer of his own, powerful and unpredictable. Yet the child Lucy would run to him with joyful familiarity and bury her face in his mane.

At times, I respond as Lucy did. At other times, struck by God’s power and unpredictability, I draw back. I have wandered into unfamiliar territory in my relationship with Him.

God did not disqualify Moses, Gideon, or His disciples, when they did not respond well to His Presence or the message that He brought them. Instead, He showed them patience and brought comforting reassurance.

As I recall these things, I do not feel so bad about my own response. I decide to receive His grace and reassurance too.

Ps 103:13-14 says,

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.

The challenge we face is to continue to press in, to continue to pray the bold prayers. To take a deep breath and be honest with Him about how we feel, that He is overwhelming, that we are not certain that we can take any more of His Presence, and yet are afraid that He will draw back; that we cannot live without Him, and yet need His strength to live with Him.

I think I will go and do that right now.

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Related Posts:

The Power Of A Prophetic Act

If you have any thoughts on this topic, or have had any experiences like this, I would love to hear from you. Click on this and leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

© Helen Calder    Enliven Publishing

This week, The Hunk had to carry me out of a church service. I could not walk, because I was utterly overcome physically by the presence and power of God (I can only recall one other instance of a similar thing happening, around twelve years ago).

‘Do What it Takes to Get Filled’

Only four months ago, I was sitting overlooking a local reservoir that has been affected by our State’s drought. It was around 30% full.

The emptiness of the reservoir echoed the devastated state of my soul. 

I had spent most of the year **not** recovering from ministry burnout. I mistakenly thought that taking extended time out and reducing my ministry responsibilities would help me get better. It didn’t.

A wise pastor who had himself been through burnout said to me, ‘Time doesn’t heal the problem. You need to intentionally do whatever it takes to get refilled again.’ As he spoke, I realised that one of those things, for me personally, was taking time outdoors to meet with God.

Being intentional about doing what it took to get refilled, spiritually and emotionally, proved a turning point for me.

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How Am I Going–Really?

Jesus called His disciples firstly to be with Him, and then to serve Him (Mark 3:14). When we get the order of that around the wrong way, we get into trouble. I have learned this the hard way.

As we begin a new year, let’s reflect on this very important question:

• Am I filled, or depleted in my spiritual life?

A similar question that is also vitally important, is:

• Am I filled, or depleted in my emotional life?

It can be difficult to tell how used up the tank of your emotional and spiritual reserve is, until it is too late. This is where looking for external clues to your condition become important—a subject I may cover another time. (If you have questions or ideas about this, feel free to comment on this post or email me).

As Christians we can receive the gift of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, to empower us to be all we can be, and change our world (Acts 1:8).

However, we continually need a fresh impartation of the Holy Spirit if we are going to minister out of fullness (John 7:37-39). We also need to be acquainted with the Spirit if we are going to hear His voice and receive prophetic revelation that will break open situations and lead people to Jesus (John 14:26).

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word ‘impart’ means ‘to give, convey, or grant from or as if from a store.’

Impartation implies a source. When that source is God, and our need is for His Spirit, we know He has an unlimited heavenly abundance that we can draw from. (John 3:34)

3 Ways the New Testament Church received an Impartation of the Holy Spirit are:

1. Directly from Jesus

Matt 10:1, John 20:22-23.

We can also receive directly from Jesus when we spend time with Him by having a healthy devotional life.

2. From God as they prayed

Acts 2:1-4

The Church received the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. However, this kind of praying and waiting on God should not just be a one-off experience. We see the church praying and receiving an infilling of the Holy Spirit again in Acts 4:24-31

3. Through the Ministry of Laying on of Hands

Acts 6:6, Acts 8:17, Acts 19:6

As effective as ministry with ‘laying on of hands’ can be, it should never become a replacement of our receiving personally and directly from God.

Also, it is our own responsibility to maintain the gift from God that this kind of impartation gives us. The Apostle Paul said to Timothy,

‘For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.’ 2 Tim 1:6-7

How to Receive a Fresh Infilling of the Holy Spirit

The Apostle Paul’s present continuous use of the verb, ‘Be filled with the Spirit’ in Eph 5:18-20, indicates that being filled with the Holy Spirit should be our ongoing experience.

Here are some things that I have found useful to receive a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit in my life over the past four months:

1. Doing what it took to be renewed in my devotional life

2. Being intentional about doing the things that connect me personally with God

(in my case, this included spending time in prayer and reflection outdoors, however it will be different for every person)

3. ‘Soaking.’

(Dictionary definition: To be immersed until thoroughly saturated.)

For me, this means taking time in God’s presence with no other agenda but to connect with and receive from Him. I find that intimate worship music is a great facilitator of this.

4. Receiving prayer from others (laying on hands) for a refilling of the Spirit

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Has this worked?
Recently, I was again visiting the reservoir, when I noticed the difference: the emptiness of the dam no longer reflected my inner state. I knew I had been refilled. (Thank You Jesus). My response to God’s Presence in the meeting we attended this week demonstrated the overflow.

What are the ways that you can be filled with God’s Holy Spirit, and refreshed, spiritually and emotionally?

For related posts, review the Spiritual Renewal Category

Check back on this blog over the next couple of weeks as I will be discussing ‘Prophetic Activation through Journaling‘

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Related Posts:

7 Signs Of Spiritual Dryness

How To Discover Your Spiritual Pathway

The River Returns: How To Be Refilled With The Holy Spirit When You Are Dry

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© Helen Calder   Enliven Blog