Ask For The Power
Good morning. It is Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Looking back over my life, I can see how little by little I have changed. A victory here, growth there. Sometimes I do not even notice the changing until months or years later, I look back and there it is!
A text from my pastor friend Bob last Friday inspired this morning’s writing.
“A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God,—a patient, protracted process. DA 172.3
This statement is so very true. I can remember a time when I could not imagine my life without alcohol. I would not attend events if alcohol was not involved. Or at the very least, I would not stay long. It consumed my thoughts and honestly, I believed it always would. But I can now look back and see how God took that from me.
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,” Ephesians 5:18 ESV
There was a time when I could not imagine my life without sitting in a bar after work, chatting with friends, and drinking. Praise the Lord, now, I cannot imagine my life with it. Little by little I have changed.
Now do not get me wrong. There have been times when I longed for change to happen “right now!” But God was preparing my heart and my mind to ask for the right thing.
“…how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13 NKJV
There is power in asking for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Micah 3:8 tell us “But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord,” NKJV
Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” NKJV
The Bible tells us that our bodies are the temple of God. That the Spirit of God dwells in us.
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 NKJV
That has been hard for me to wrap my mind around, but I have experienced it and it is a beautiful thing.
I remember witnessing to one of my sons when he was young. After several minutes I realized I had not planned what to say, but the words were just flowing out of my mouth. My son was intently listening. After I was done, he said “Mom, you could be a preacher.” I chuckled at his innocent expression, but now I realize it must have been the Holy Spirit speaking through me.
“These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13 NKJV
Years ago, Pastor Burkeen talked about the Holy Spirit living in us. How, when we speak about God and His love toward us; how, when we give our testimony to others of His saving grace in our lives; when we speak of God and the love of Jesus, it is the power of the Holy Spirit speaking through us.
There is power in the Holy Spirt. The Holy Spirit changes us little by little and sometimes immediately.
“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,” Titus 3:4-5 NKJV
Ask for the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask our Father in heaven, for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit living in you. God will not withhold that gift from you. He, like a loving parent, wants to give you the good gift of the Holy Spirit. With that power you will be changed. It may not be noticeable in a day, week, or month, but you will look back over your life and see the change.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NKJV
Key words: Joy. Peace. Hope. Power.
Claim that promise! It is there for the asking.
“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 NKJV