Holy Spirit Gifts
by Jill Southern
In these challenging times it is good to remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit is given to us from God and He lives within us today. Jesus said to His disciples, ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you’ (Acts 1:8). In fulfilment of this promise, many of us have experienced the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit and can testify to how life changing that experience was. Perhaps we should ask the question whether we are still experiencing the Holy Spirit moving in our lives today and seeing His gifts outwork in our lives.
In his letter to Timothy the apostle Paul urges Timothy to fan into flame the gift God has given to him (at the time Paul laid hands on him). If we know the Holy Spirit gave gifts to us in the past, perhaps it is time to ask the Lord to stir up those gifts again. We must remember gifts are not rewards for hard work or service to the Lord or even for holiness. Nobody can deserve to receive the Holy Spirit’s gifts.
I am old enough to remember my father wanting to fan into flame the dying embers of our coal fire in the sitting room by opening the broadsheet newspaper and placing it across the fireplace. Almost immediately the flames leapt up back into life. If he had not taken this action, the fire would have gone out.
This is the picture I want to share with you today to encourage you to not neglect what the Holy Spirit has given you. How is the Holy Spirit at work in your life today and are His gifts operating in your life? If you feel something has gone dormant or stale, draw close to the Lord and ask Him to rekindle the embers afresh. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see more of the Holy Spirits gifts in our lives, churches and ministries? It is only as we draw close to God in humility and surrender and invite the Holy Spirit afresh into our lives, that He rekindles our heart and fans into flame His gifts within us.
Do you remember the scriptures of Peter at the gate beautiful with the lame man? Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none: but such as I have I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6, KJV). Peter knew God heals and had the gift of faith to believe in the miraculous. The healing that followed was amazing.
Let’s ask ourselves before the Lord if there is a need for a rekindling of His gifts within us today. Let’s be a people who hunger to see more of God’s power at work in this world through signs and wonders – that many more people would believe in our miracle-working God – for His glory!
Prayer: Father, help us to come with humble and contrite hearts seeking You in a deeper more intimate relationship. Help us to stir up Your gifts of the Holy Spirit in us that we might flow in Your power and do the things You did. We love You and want to bring You glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jill Southern is the founder of Ellel Ministries Pierrepont and directed the work for 21 years. She has recently stood down from that role but still teaches on the NETS programme and has the passion to train and equip God`s people to fully walk in their destiny and calling. She is the Regional Director for Ellel Ministries International in South East Asia and China and is also on the Executive Leadership of the ministry.
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