RESPOND RIGHTLY TO THE SPIRIT
Jesus, therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he… As soon as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground (John 18:4-6).
There’s such a thing as falling under the power of God. It’s real. But sometimes, that people fell under the power when hands were laid on them or when they were ministered to, doesn’t automatically mean they received something.
Power can be present, power can flow, and people can respond physically to that power, yet receive no meaningful spiritual impartation. You can tell by the results. For example, John 18:4-6 tells us what transpired on the night the Lord Jesus was arrested. He stood before the men who came for Him and asked, “Whom do you seek?”
They answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.” And He said, “I am he.” The Bible says they staggered backwards and fell to the ground. They fell under the power. It was real power. But what did they receive? Nothing! They still arrested Him. The manifestation of power didn’t mean a spiritual deposit was received.
Acts 9:3-7 shows us the example of Saul on the road to Damascus. A light shone from heaven, and a voice spoke, “…Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4). Paul testified that on hearing that voice, he and his companions all fell to the earth. Yet only one heard the meaning of the words that the Lord spoke—Saul of Tarsus, who later was called Paul.
The rest fell down, got up, and went into the city. There was power, but they received nothing. Remember that the Holy Spirit is intelligent. He knows a person can be under His influence and still receive nothing. Therefore, you must learn to respond correctly to the Spirit, by faith and understanding, to receive His blessings and impartations.
PRAYER / CONFESSION
Dear Father, thank you for your Spirit who ministers to me and through me with wisdom and power. My heart is receptive, my spirit is attentive, and I receive divine deposits that produce lasting transformation as the Spirit ministers to me. My life bears lasting fruits, and I walk in the fullness of the blessings of Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
If you’re blessed by this devotional, believing every word you heard by faith in your heart, and would love to make Jesus the lord of your life, then speak the confessions below out loud, and mean them with your heart:
“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation, we have a gift for you. First, kindly click this link so we can connect with you and help you grow in Christ.
Then click here to get your gift. Thank you, and God bless you.
Message by Rev. Chris Oyakhilome Dsc. Dsc. DD.
FURTHER STUDY
John 18:4-6 NIV; Acts 9:3-7
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
John 1:1-18; 2 Samuel 15-17
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Psalm 147-148
