It’s the Holy Spirit’s Fire that heals us. I’ve been praying about these healings today. It would be great if some churches would experience healing like the ones that happened on Azusa Street in the 1600s.
After all the Holy Spirit is a holy fire -He’s the fire in the burning bush from which Moses was called. He’s the fire that led the Israelites through the wilderness. He’s the tongues on fire, the resting on the head of the day of Pentecost. He’s a fire that burns in our souls when we’re convicted of sin and wrong. He’s a fire that empowers us to witness to others about the greatness of God. He’s the power that enables us to say Jesus is Lord.
The Holy Spirit is a mighty rushing wind. The wind that blew over the red sea, parting it water so the Israelites could cross over. He’s the wind that blew over the valley of dry bones and Ezekiel’s vision, bringing them to life. He is the wind of Pentecost that blew a bit of umph into the frightened and weak disciples. We need that umph we need to blow over us today.
Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit as a comforter, as the one who would convict our sin, lead us in righteousness, and guard us from judgment. One who could reveal the truth to us, and impart God’s blessings on us.
Today I think we have expectations and perceptions of how the Holy Spirit is supposed to work. Maybe we’ve put the Holy Spirit in a box.
Many churches teach the Holy Spirit’s work is subtler, He manifests Himself through transformation, guidance, or conviction rather than overt phenomena.
Today’s world with its fast-paced technology and its emphasis on empirical evidence makes it hard to discern spiritual realities. The noise from daily routines or skepticism about the supernatural might drown out sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s presence.
There had also been a shift in worship practices. Churches often emphasize intellectual ritualistic aspects of faith over experimental expressions, which can make the Holy Spirit’s role less immediate.
Sin and spiritual disconnect can hinder our ability to perceive the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 says,
“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.”
This does not mean the Holy Spirit is absent, but our receptivity may be diminished.
Then there is the Mystery of God’s will. The Holy Spirit’s activity is often described as sovereign and unpredictable. John 3:8 says,
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes.”
We need to intentionally seek the Holy Spirit, engaging in prayer, and asking for awareness of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13).
We need to practice being still and create space for quiet reflection and notice the subtle influences.
Getting deeper into scripture and understanding the Holy Spirit’s role. His presence is real and active. But, we may brush it off, be distracted or have expectations that are not real.
Along with the fact that churches hinder the Holy Spirit’s work and make it harder for people to perceive His presence.
I think this may be why we don’t see the power of the Holy Spirit today.
From Pity to Praise 