PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 8:9-25
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:17)
To have the Spirit, and to receive the Spirit, are two sides of the same coin.
The baptism of the Spirit happens to all of us when we’re baptized.
This ‘baptism’ is the filling or flooding of a person with all God’s grace.
We are all filled with the Spirit, but the Spirit works in us in unique ways.
These unique gifts will show themselves visibly, as the Spirit leads.
Some might prophecy, others speak in unknown languages, others be healed, etc.
This special ‘receiving’ is an outworking of being baptized in the Spirit.
And it happens as the situation requires, as the Spirit determines.
We can still pray for people to receive the Spirit in a special way.
For a sick person to be healed, for a sad person to be filled with joy.
For an addicted person to be set free, for a fearful person to become bold.
I’ve prayed for special demonstrations of power, to help, heal or bless someone.
But I can’t control (or buy) it; the Lord decides when and how he works!
As you work with someone, pray for them to receive a special Spirit blessing!
PRAYER
Lord, fill me, use me, and demonstrate your power in the lives of those I seek to help and bless… not for my glory, but that they might know you better!
Sensationalism comes to mind. Would like to be able to do a miracle – but would we do it for the right reasons. Just like Jesus was frustrated because the people had an expectation for him to do miracles. Yet changing the heart of a person from unbelief to believing is a miracle the HS works in people whom we may have a hand in leading to Jesus. Yet, miracles have happened. God has answered my prayers – He listens and He cares. If anything is dramatic, I am humbled and I know that it is not me at all. I’m grateful that my Lord is willing to use even me!
God at work through His Spirit. God works through His servants, His disciples, His followers. His followers are His instruments of peace and He enables them to proclaim His Word doing His will. This reminds me of another healing, not by gold or silver, but the power of the name of Jesus. He is in charge and it is He Who enables. All I need to do is proclaim the Good News and His Spirit does the rest. God gives the increase.
Peter and James went to pray.
He asked for alms and held out his palms,
And this is what Peter did say
Silver and gold have I none,
But such as I have give I thee,
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
He went walking and leaping and praising God,
Walking and leaping and praising God,
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.