Pocket Devotions' thought for Today:"In a previous devotion, Paul baptized the men in Ephesus "into the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:5); and we now see, "the Holy Spirit came on them."
"As Paul has demonstrated, a baptism in the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit are inextricably connected. Jesus confirmed this in John 14:26 when He promised, "The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name."
Jesus also said in John 14:17 regarding the Holy Spirit, "He lives with you, but will be in you."
So the question is not, do you have the Holy Spirit (Scripture tells us that all believers in Jesus receive the Holy Spirit when they believe - John 7:37-39, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 3:2, 2 Corinthians 1:22, Romans 8:9); rather does the Holy Spirit have you?
In other words, are we allowing other activities or thoughts to limit the Holy Spirit's influence, working, and power in our life? For example:
* Ephesians 4:30, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the Day of Judgment."
* 1 Thessalonians 5:19, "Do not put out the Spirit's fire."
* Ephesians 5:18 (NLT), "Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you."
It always comes down to a choice, doesn't it? Either follow our own sinful impulses or choose to yield to and follow God ("Instead, be filled with the Spirit."). Psalm 19:14 says, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable to you, O Lord my strength, and my redeemer."
What have your thoughts and words been lately?
Questions to Ponder:
In our passage today, the men of Ephesus yielded — they allowed Paul to place his hands upon them; as a result, "the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied'. Their choice led to being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Have you been feeling a little dry and lifeless lately? Has the Christian life become difficult and tiresome? Is it because you have made some wrong choices?
The Holy Spirit of God is in every believer of Jesus without exception, but sin is what separates us from the filling and direction of the Holy Spirit and obedience to God is how the filling of the Holy Spirit is maintained.
What choice do you need to make today? Is there a sin separating you from God's power? Confess it today. Repent of it, and ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 19:6-7
"When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all."
"Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful;
May the fire of our devotion light their way;
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe,
And the lives we live inspire them to obey.—Mohr
Each day we add to our legacy—
good or bad."
Our Daily Bread
11/8/12
Father, I pray that those who have read this post will better understand Your message for us concerning this Great Gift of the Holy Spirit. May each of us be diligent to seek You, and all that You have for us through Your Son, Jesus.
Tomorrow’s
post: All the Days of My Life Cindy Sproles
Tuesday's post: Easy Doesn't do It: Prayer Note #89 Dutch Sheets
Today’s
treasure truth #32: If you are “born again”, you are walking by faith and not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7)
Our
thought for today: Do you give God excuses why you can't do what He directs?
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