The Holy Spirit

I hope you will bear with me as I go down a short rabbit trail or two to add to the great thoughts expressed by others so far.

Illustration:

This question is like the common one "How do I know if I am saved or not?" The answer of course will be consistent with what is taught in the Scriptures, however, the Scriptures are not received personally that way. Whether or not the wonderful promises contained in the Word applies directly to "me" will be compellingly confirmed one way or the other by the inner voice of the Holy Spirit to my own spirit. "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." (Romans 8, 16) In fact the confirmation is often so striking that the author of Amazing grace perhaps penned it best "How precious did that Grace appear, the hour I first believed." We can shout for joy if we know what He was talking about.

Application:

There are times when a truth, taught in Scripture, becomes so crystal clear it fills the heart and mind like a living, breathtaking landscape. The Holy Spirit does not just show you a picture of what He has in mind, but carries you to that place with Him. He gives you the train of coherent thought processes that allows you to express it - much like the inner assurance of salvation mentioned above. Such a personal event however does not remain personal as the message goes out from you with conviction, authority and great power, however softly spoken.

It is received by all those it is directed at in the same way - His Spirit bearing witness to their Spirit, opening their eyes to see what God has shown you. It cuts like a sword between truth and error, yielding exactly what He had in mind in the first place.

Explanation:

Now, I am not talking about a vision or revelation, as commonly understood in some circles, but an illumination of understanding far beyond the ordinary. It is, in my limited experience, since I am not a pastor, accompanied by great joy, or burden in your own heart for the urgency of the matter.

I think it goes without saying, that the messenger must have clean hands and a pure heart, repentant and humble before God in order to be used by Him as a conduit of living water to the parched and thirsty. Interestingly enough, he seldom produces a spring to drink from for those who are already satisfied, nor supplies it through those who will taint it with a flow of their own. He does not share His glory with others. It is not a self-conscious act.

Variations:

It is futile to try to describe how the Holy Spirit directs His individual spokesmen. It can not be done. Nor is it always remotely similar to this, or with near the intensity of the above. No one has the answers. The best we can do is to share what we have ourselves seen. He directs us as He sees fit whenever we are fit for it. For as Jesus said: "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you can not tell where it comes from or where it’s going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)

I hope this helps in some way. It is fun sharing the riches of His grace. Blessings!

SpiritWalker

[ February 16, 2004, 05:04 PM: Message edited by: SpiritWalker ]