Thursday 26 August 2021

Be filled with the Spirit

"And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit."    Luke 1:41     NKJV 


Mary, following her meeting with the angel Gabriel, went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. As Mary greeted her, Elizabeth felt the babe, who was John the Baptist,  leap in her womb. Both her and the babe were filled with the Holy Spirit and with amazing joy. This gave Elizabeth supernatural knowledge about Mary and her babe and she spoke these words to Mary: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb' v42 - 45.

The Holy Spirit had not only blessed Mary with the Son of God within her but, Elizabeth also was blessed and John the Baptist within her too. She was beside herself with joy fed from the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of God is the One that leads us into the right decisions, on the right road. He fills us with His power and when we are baptised in His Spirit, the power given us can be amazing. Just look in the book of Acts chapter two to get an idea of the fire that He sends upon us, so that we can achieve the work He has given us. Before Pentecost, the disciples needed guidance from Jesus. However, when Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent, as promised, the Holy Spirit and breathed power into them. They were ignited with fire in their bones and would never be the same.

John 16:13 tells us, 'However, when He, the Spirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.' 

Don't be misled, some people will tell you that if you are not baptised in the Spirit, you are not saved. This is not true. You are saved the moment you ask Jesus into your life; the Holy Spirit also takes up residence within you. However, for a deeper, more powerful walk with the Lord, we need the fire of the Spirit and this come by the baptism of the Spirit, (this is not to be confused with baptism in water. This is an outward sign of obedience to the world that you belong to Jesus). The baptism of the Spirit comes by prayer, often the laying on of hands, but not always. You can ask for this yourself just like this:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I am a believer in Jesus Christ, and I ask you in His name for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues. I believe and receive from You.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Now open up your mouth, start moving your tongue and give voice to what is starting to stir in your heart. It won't be anything you recognize. But do not be afraid; just cooperate with the Holy Spirit. In time, you will start to learn the importance and the power in this type of prayer.

This prayer is taken from DARE to Believe, Chapter 7, "Power From on High," page 147. 

It is an amazing experience, one in which you will be empowered. Don't be frightened of it. It is a blessing.

Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard

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