Acts 19:1-7 – On the Road Again

Read Acts 19:1-7

The third missionary journey begins. Paul has been refreshed, and we hear Apollos is doing his thing in Corinth now. Paul must want to check in with all the communities of faith he planted during his last two journeys. This time, his first main stop was in Ephesus. We know this town is a hub of sea and land, also capital and leading business center of the province of Asia (now part of Turkey). I read that he stayed there for two years. While there, he penned his first letter to the church in Corinth. (I have written on these passages in this blog previously.)

As he arrives, he first encounters some believers who didn’t know about the Holy Spirit. They had received John’s baptism of repentance.  That was a fantastic step because John made it clear someone great was coming after him that would baptize with something more powerful than water. People didn’t yet grasp the whole story. They were on the verge of having great power within but didn’t know to ask for it.

Think of how many people are walking around today unaware of the great power of God at their disposal? There is so much untapped potential here on earth because many have not called the Holy Spirit “to duty,” so to speak.

What a privilege to experience a baptism of the Holy Spirit. To know what it feels like to experience the Spirit’s presence coursing through your veins is hard to explain. It can motivate and inspire, empower and bring peace. Can you imagine a faith that lacks that power?

Unfortunately, there are many people in this world in that place of not knowing the Holy Spirit. As I was growing up, there wasn’t a lot of emphases placed on the Holy Spirit, or the Holy Ghost as it was referred to back then. Why are people reluctant to talk about the Holy Spirit. The Bible is full of references, even in the Old Testament. We have been taught we worship a triune God, that is a God of three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All one God.

We have God living inside us. Take a moment to just think about that. Really think about that.

That can bring up so many things. For instance, we hear that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. How are we taking care of it? Or, when I’m being lazy on the couch eating bonbons all day, am I helping to further the kingdom? (Don’t worry, I don’t even know what a bonbon is!) Maybe I’m wrong, but I think many of us waste the best we could be sharing with others by not calling on the Spirit of God inside us.

If you are wondering if you have the Spirit inside you, ask God. Ask your Heavenly Father to fill you with his Spirit. If he’s already there, you may ignite some passion that’s just been waiting for the right moment. If he’s not there yet, you’ve just welcomed him into your heart. You will begin to see all sorts of new things as he reveals truth and wisdom to you. Your gifts and talents will manifest themselves in new and exciting ways.

How is the Holy Spirit working in you? What sorts of ways has he used you in the past? Take a moment to reflect on the superhuman power you have working through you. Remember, we should never take credit for what the Spirit is doing through us. How do you know? You’ll know. You’ll recognize there is no way you could do what you do if it wasn’t for God.

How are you feeling? Empowered? Exhilarated? Exhausted? Thank God for his power inside you.

Let’s pray. Lord, I am overwhelmed and amazed at how you work so magnificently in each of us. You have given me exactly what I need. I love that I am finally able to use the gifts you have given me. I pray you will multiply the eyes that see these posts, that you will use these words to bring your children back to you. Awaken in my soul, and in each soul reading these words, a new desire to be on fire for you! Use me, God. Use our business and every communication we have. I know you are in control of my life and you want great things for me. I may not be like Paul, but I am like me, and I thank you for how we are going to change this world together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.