Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 28-29, 1 Chronicles 9, Acts 19
As I read the verses today, there were stories of mediums (1 Samuel 28) and evil spirits that beat up and ran out Jewish priests (Acts 19:14). I searched for connections. As I continued to read, I came across a question that caused me to pause. It was a question that caused me to reflect and take inventory.
Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?
This question made me reflect and look at the various commentaries on this question. Paul found out that there were different stages of spiritual knowledge and understanding.
It made me think of our world. People have different thoughts about our Lord. Some people prefer the Ala-cart Lord, where we can select the part of the Bible we like to hear. Some people are not familiar with Him at all. Some people have given their whole life to Him and have received the Holy Spirit. This question makes me think of the Parable of the Sower Matthew 13:1-23. ( “Whoever has ears, let them hear.”)
When Christianity was established, and the new covenant was introduced, there were many Jews who found it very difficult to make all the transitions. Some may say that transitioning from a life without the Lord to a life with the Lord is too hard. I agree; it is hard when I try to do things myself. When I rely on Him and the Holy Spirit — All things are possible. Have you come into the fullness of experiencing all that God has provided for you?
Here are a few additional verses that remind us that if you know God through Christ, the Spirit comes as a gift.
Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
Ezekial 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Lord, our desire is to know the fullness of all that is granted through salvation. We thank You for your Word and thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to be the strength of our life.