More than ever, we need to be filled by the Power from on High (the Holy Spirit); but how can we when bombarded by so much pain, suffering and evil everyday?
Filled by Power from on High–the Promise
Jesus commissioned His disciples to ““Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 He who has believed [in Me] and has been baptized (by the Holy Spirit) will be saved [from the penalty of God’s wrath and judgment]; but he who has not believed will be condemned.” (Mark 16: 15 AMP). After all, “Thus it is written, [l]and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day. 47 That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:46-47 NKJV). Just before ascending to the Father’s Right Hand He said. “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the cityof Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49 NKJV). The Holy Spirit, Your Comforter.
Unique to the church age is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer. Eternally present from the moment of our first believing, we are fully endowed with the power from on high. The Holy Spirit indwells us. All who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior are sealed by Him in Christ for all of eternity. This was the promise given in this the Church age. Certainly, the work was the Holy Spirit was evident in the Old Testament. There were some who were indwelt by the Spirit; but it was not the case of every believer. This wondrous gift is unique to our present church age. Why? For the continuous outpouring of the truth of the gospel message to a world that is hell bent on denying God.
The Promise of God: The Power from on High (the Holy Spirit)
All too often, I fear we tend to brush aside the magnificence of the Holy Spirit’s part in the Godhead. We want to categorize Him as though He is merely a servant of the Father and Son instead of His co-equal status. Yes, His work is unique, just as Jesus’ work is unique.
Jesus said in John 16.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
The Holy Spirit filling us with The Power from on High when we…
It is the Holy Spirit who convicts us of our sin, shows us Jesus. Thereby, He also shows us the magnificent Glory of the Father as reflected through Jesus and Himself. He is the essence of all that God is—sent forth to indwell every believer’s heart. To guide us, teach us, and comfort us with the truth. Still, He does not force us to be righteous. He fills us to overflowing with His power, His love, and His joy; when we are willing to surrender and trust in God’s plan. To understand His work in us, we must come to know these three distinct aspects of His work.
Three Tasks of the Holy Spirit
- He indwells every believer. For all who accept Jesus Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit enters that believer’s heart. This is the baptism of the Spirit. Baptism meaning total immersion by Him—water baptism is only the outward profession of the true Baptism of the spirit. Indeed, had we not felt the Spirit drawing us, we could have never come to believe in Him. This indwelling of the Power from on High is not temporary. Rather it is for all of eternity. As such we are sealed by Him into the body of Christ.
- The filling of the Holy Spirit is another aspect of His work. This does require our surrender to Him. He does not force surrender; but soon we will find that true joy and happiness is found when we are fully surrendered and filled with the Holy Spirit. For the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance Galatians 5:22-23
- His third aspect is outpouring. Using our hands, mouths, and feet, He presents the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the rest of the world. “Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Certainly, this is much easier when we are filled with Holy Spirit; but how?
How to Be Filled by Power on High to Overflowing Capacity
To be filled by the Holy Spirit means that the Holy Spirit controls the mind, the heart, and the body of the Christian. The Greek lexicon give the definition concerning the word filled as to pervade, influence, and possess fully. This is a step by step and moment by moment process. It is a continuous action of surrender based on trust. If indeed I understand who God IS and that all that He plans for me is good, then I will surrender all to Him. Being controlled by the Spirit is not a result of our tears or agonizing sorrow. It is fully submitting to His will, not mine. So, what is my part in this? How can I surrender all?
Step 1: Sing Songs of Praise and Thanksgiving
17 Therefore do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of [f]God. Ephesians 5.
Therefore, how do we do this? By speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God. When our minds focus on the goodness of God, our hearts sing forth with praise. As we do this, keeping focus on Him, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. We are endowed with power from on high to soar above the circumstances of life.
Step #2: Meditate upon His word day and night
Psalm 1:
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he [b]meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the [c]rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Step #3: Repent quickly
When we sin, we confess our sins quickly to restore our relationship with the Holy Spirit. This is an act of surrender to His will.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness I John 1:9.
Step 4: Keep Focused on Him, for the Joy that is Set Before US
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:
16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as [b]by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3
Seek God Above All Else
In a World so filled with trials, fears and sorrows; never for get He is the answer your heart seeks. He is the love you long for. When He becomes all that you desire, you will discover He is all you ever needed. Endowed with His power from on High then run the race that was set before you with confidence. Knowing He will guide each and every step of the way. He is with you.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
New King James Version (NKJV)