In the last few years of the 20th century, the Church in the West was blessed with several outpourings of the Holy Spirit. Millions of people flew around the world to get a fresh touch from God and they often came home refreshed and fired up.

Now in the 21st century, it almost feels like the Church is waiting for the ‘next big thing.’ Christians are watching and waiting hoping that ‘it’ will break out so they can be uplifted once again.

Maybe what we need is already here - we just choose to ignore it! The next move of God in our hearts could be a deeper thing; maybe it’s not a million miles wide, but it could be a million miles deep!

The Holy Spirit does not want to just bless us (though thank God He does!), but He wants to channel us into His purposes, and live through us and abide in us (Acts 4:8, 1 Corinthians 6:19).

The Lord needs people who are totally surrendered to His will and purposes for their lives (Romans 12:1–2). When we make an unconditional surrender of our lives to Him, we can expect to experience the depth of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives; as Paul wrote: ‘That you may be filled with all the fullness of God’ (Ephesians 3:19).

Acts 5:32 tells us that God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him. Have you obeyed God and surrendered your entire life, and future to the Lord Jesus Christ?

No doubt the 21st century will experience many outpourings of the Holy Spirit, but remember what Selwyn Hughes, the influential Christian Bible teacher said, “Make sure your desire is not to get possession of the Spirit, but for the Spirit to get possession of you!”

"If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone?... How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" (Luke 11:11, 13).

Paul Backholer

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Paul is the author of:
Holy Spirit Power Go
The Exodus Evidence Go
The Ark of the Covenant Go
How Christianity Made the Modern World Go
Heaven - A Journey to Paradise and the Heavenly City Go