What is it to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
We find a curious situation in Ephesus that leads to questions on the Holy Spirit and His gifts like speaking in tongues. many different understanding are out there around these questions but the most important question is, have we received the Holy Spirit and are we being filled with the Holy Spirit with power to be witnesses?
Scripture
Acts 19:1-10 ESV And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. [2] And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” [3] And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” [4] And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” [5] On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. [7] There were about twelve men in all. [8] And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. [9] But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. [10] This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
Through the Scripture
Have you received the Holy Spirit?
Paul went looking for disciples in Ephesus after Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos had been ministering there. He found disciples but we’re not sure if they were disciples of Jesus or of John the Baptist. Were they saved or not? We just can’t be 100% sure. What we can be sure of is that they received the Holy Spirit at this time and that He manifested in them the gift of tongues. What is important is the question Paul asked them, what would our answer be if we’re asked the same. Have we received the Holy Spirit?
Acts 19:1-7 ESV And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. [2] And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” [3] And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” [4] And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” [5] On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. [7] There were about twelve men in all.
John 13:10-11 ESV Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” [11] For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
John 20:21-22 ESV Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” [22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:4-5 ESV And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; [5] for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
All who belong to Jesus have received the Holy Spirit
In one sense we can answer this critical question of receiving the Holy Spirit in this way: Have we believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Do we belong to Him, if we do, then Scripture tells us that we will have the Holy Spirit. So the first question is do you believe the Gospel, do you belong to Jesus?
1 Corinthians 15:3-6 ESV For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.
Romans 8:9-11 ESV You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. [10] But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
John 3:16 ESV “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 ESV And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, [22] and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
The promise of the Holy Spirit
This assurance that we belong to Jesus and have received the Holy Spirit is of great comfort but it should not end there. There is a promise of the Holy Spirit that is fulfilled at Pentecost and that raised some additional questions. What does it mean to be filled by the Holy Spirit, is that different from having the Holy Spirit?
Joel 2:28-29 ESV “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. [29] Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
Acts 2:1-4 ESV When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. [3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit
Jesus promises that the Apostles will become witnesses when they are empowered by the filling of the Holy Spirit which happens at Pentecost, but happens again and again thereafter. The same pattern appears to be experienced by Paul. Do we experience this repeated filling with the power of the Holy Spirit? If not why not?
Acts 1:8 ESV But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 4:7-8 ESV And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders,
Acts 4:29-31 ESV And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
Acts 9:17-18 ESV So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” [18] And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
Acts 13:9-11 ESV But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him [10] and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? [11] And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.
The prophecy tongues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit
The empowering of the Holy Spirit equips us for ministry and also unifies us as the Church. He gives different gifts of power to each of us so that we need Him, and need each other. This unifies His Church as we take care of all the parts because we all need each other.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 ESV To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. [8] For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, [10] to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
1 Corinthians 12:20-26 ESV As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. [21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” [22] On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, [24] which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, [25] that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. [26] If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
1 Corinthians 14:26-28 ESV What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. [27] If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. [28] But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.
1 Corinthians 14:39-40 ESV So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40] But all things should be done decently and in order.
When are we filled with the Holy Spirit?
So if we know that we need the filling of the Holy Spirit, when does this happen to us? We need to understand this and how to seek God’s gracious gift. We see that it happens differently for different people in Scripture, so we should cast in stone how and when this should happen to us or to anyone who believes, that is up to God.
Acts 8:14-17 ESV Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, [15] who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:44-47 ESV While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. [45] And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. [46] For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, [47] “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
Prayer for the Holy Spirit
While we can not know how and when this happens we can and should hunger for it. We should not rest in the knowledge that we are saved, we need to surrender to the complete and dedicated service of God in the power of God through His Holy Spirit. While we escape condemnation by faith in Christ alone, we all will still have our works judged to determine our reward. Do you want to escape with your eternal life like someone escaping a fire, with nothing but your life - or do you want to receive all the rewards that God promises to His faithful servants? Do you want to be an advocate or a powerful witness?
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ESV each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. [14] If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. [15] If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Acts 5:32 ESV And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Luke 11:11-13 ESV What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; [12] or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, [16] that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19] and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. [20] Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Daily Devotions
Monday: Examining the Foundation of Faith
Today's Verse Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? (Acts 19:2)
Reflection Paul asked disciples a challenging and critical question: whether they had received the Holy Spirit upon believing. Their reply, that they had not even heard about the Holy Spirit, showed that something vital was missing. While there is debate on whether they were Christians already, the core issue is that they subsequently received the Spirit and were empowered. This initial question compels believers to examine the state of their own faith and whether they possess the Spirit of Christ, for if one belongs to Jesus, they must have His Spirit dwelling in them.
Additional Scripture
And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all. (Acts 19:1-7)
Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for His feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” (John 13:10-11)
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22)
And while staying with them He ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, “you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4-5)
Life Application Do not rest in confusion or doubt concerning your salvation. If you have believed in Christ, repented of your sins, and accepted the gospel, you have received the Holy Spirit. Ensure that your understanding has moved beyond mere preparation (like John's baptism) to a full commitment to Jesus Christ.
Prayer points
Pray for clarity and assurance regarding your relationship with Jesus.
Thank Him for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit who testifies that you are His.
Ask Him to help you understand the foundational truths of the gospel.
Tuesday: Guarantee of the Spirit in Salvation
Today's Verse Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. (Romans 8:9)
Reflection A critical way to answer the question of receiving the Holy Spirit is by examining whether one belongs to Jesus Christ. Scripture is clear that if you belong to Him, you must have the Holy Spirit. It is the moment of faith, acceptance, and rebirth when one receives Him. God establishes us in Christ, anoints us, and gives us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee of our standing with Him.
Additional Scripture
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:3-6)
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:9-11)
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
Life Application Focus on believing the gospel of Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection. If you trust in the risen Christ, you are saved, and the Holy Spirit is the precious gift who dwells within you as a confirmation of that salvation.
Prayer points
Pray for a faith that is firmly rooted in the complete gospel message.
Thank Him for placing His seal on your heart, assuring you of eternal life.
Ask Him to deepen your relationship with Him, recognizing that He dwells within you.
Wednesday: Anticipating the Promised Power
Today's Verse “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. (Joel 2:28)
Reflection The promise of the Holy Spirit was foretold in the Scriptures, prophesying a time when God would pour out His Spirit not just on select leaders like prophets or kings, but on all flesh—all believers. This prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. While receiving the Holy Spirit at salvation is a comfort, we should not assume that the journey ends there; the promise raised questions about the ongoing work and filling of the Holy Spirit.
Additional Scripture
Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out My Spirit. (Joel 2:29)
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)
Life Application Recognize that the Holy Spirit is for all believers, not just a select few. Do not limit your expectation of what God can do based on past experiences, but hunger for the complete measure of His fullness.
Prayer points
Pray to experience the fulfillment of the promise of His Spirit in your life.
Ask Him to fill you completely, so that you may know Him and love Him like never before.
Pray that the church would be a place where His promises are fully realized.
Thursday: The Power to Be Witnesses
Today's Verse But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Reflection Jesus instructed His apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit before beginning their ministry, stating that they needed power to become witnesses. A witness speaks the truth based on experience, which is more powerful than the eloquence of an advocate. This empowerment is not a one-time event; the disciples were filled at Pentecost, but Scripture shows they were filled again and again for specific tasks, demonstrating that the filling of the Holy Spirit is a repeated experience necessary for ministry and effective witnessing. The same pattern of repeated filling was evident in Paul’s life.
Additional Scripture
And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, (Acts 4:7-8)
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:29-31)
So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him He said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; (Acts 9:17-18)
But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. (Acts 13:9-11)
Life Application Do not rely on your own strength or intellect to share the gospel. You need the power of the Holy Spirit to transform you into an effective witness. Seek to be continually filled with His power for the service He has called you to.
Prayer points
Pray to receive the power needed to be an effective witness for Christ.
Ask Him to grant you boldness to speak His word with conviction.
Pray for continual filling with the Holy Spirit, empowering you for ministry tasks.
Friday: Gifts for the Common Good
Today's Verse To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Reflection The empowering of the Holy Spirit equips believers for ministry and unifies the Church. He distributes different gifts, such as wisdom, healing, prophecy, and tongues, to each individual as He wills. These gifts are given primarily to glorify God and to serve one another, ensuring that the church body is interdependent, like a human body where the eye needs the hand. The focus must be on the Giver of the gifts, desiring Him and His fullness, rather than obsessing over the gifts or using them for personal pride or status.
Additional Scripture
For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. (1 Corinthians 12:20-26)
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. (1 Corinthians 14:26-28)
So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things should be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:39-40)
Life Application Seek the Giver of the gifts, desiring Him to have all of you. Use whatever gifts you have been given to serve the church and bring glory to Him. Do not allow pride or desire for recognition to corrupt your use of the gifts.
Prayer points
Pray that the gifts received would always be used for the common good and His glory.
Ask Him to help you appreciate every member of the body, recognizing the indispensable role of each person.
Pray for guidance to know and operate in the gift He has chosen for you.
Saturday: Seeking God's Timing for Empowerment
Today's Verse While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. (Acts 10:44)
Reflection The timing and method of receiving the Holy Spirit’s power vary, as He works in His own way for His glory. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit falls upon people while they are hearing the word preached. In other instances, such as with Paul's converts, belief and baptism happened first, and then the empowerment came later through the laying on of hands. Because God does not always work in a predictable way that satisfies human expectations, we should not attempt to limit how or when He chooses to grant His power for ministry.
Additional Scripture
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for He had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17)
And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:45-47)
Life Application Do not cast in stone how or when the Holy Spirit should empower you. We should not be complacent just because we are saved; instead, we must desire and seek the power needed for ministry. Be humble and receptive to receiving His power whenever and however He chooses to work through you.
Prayer points
Pray for openness to receive the power of the Holy Spirit according to His timing and will.
Ask Him to prevent you from being complacent, even in the security of salvation.
Pray for deep humility to accept His methods for filling and empowering believers.
Sunday: Praying for Fullness
Today's Verse If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:15)
Reflection The motivation for seeking the Holy Spirit's power is tied to serving God fully. Though condemnation in judgment is escaped by faith alone, the works done by believers will be judged, to determine what eternal rewards are given If a believer relies only on their own strength, their work may be burned up, leaving them saved "only as through fire". We must surrender completely to His service, not being content merely to be saved, but desiring to be empowered to do His work so that we can stand before Christ having served Him in His strength. The Father is a good giver and will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.
Additional Scripture
each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. (1 Corinthians 3:13-14)
And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him. (Acts 5:32)
What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! (Luke 11:11-13)
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Life Application Do not be complacent, thinking that being saved is enough; fully surrender to the dedicated service of God, empowered by His Spirit. Continuously pray for this power for yourself and for the church, so that we are not relying on your own strength.
Prayer points
Pray for strength and power through His Spirit in your inner being.
Ask Him to grant you the power to do the work He has called you to do, so that you may receive the rewards He promises.
Pray that you would be filled along with the whole Church with all the fullness of God, knowing the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.