Post by Zac Loh on Nov 15, 2007 11:06:13 GMT -5
New, or inexperienced, Christians are naturally amazed and sometimes bewildered by the move of the Holy Spirit.
For those who are hungry, and seeking, for the Holy Spirit to move in their lives, and yet afraid …these basic truths are really for them!
Jesus said, ‘Do not be afraid.’
The goal is not to make it more mysterious as it already has for some people.
On the other hand, one must also recognize that there is no short-cut to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Any short-cut will definitely come-up short!
EXPERIENCES OF THE MOVE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
I would like to start by saying that there are bountiful descriptive examples of how people encounter the supernatural move of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s start with the basic experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. If you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit …and power …reflect on how you were filled with the Holy Spirit and how you were energised within. There would have been an overflowing, or out-breaking, spiritual effect from within you …you spoke, or prayed, or sang, in the unknown tongues. Some people also sense the envelopment of the Holy Spirit.
We can discern the flow pattern of the anointing moving above us during times of high praise and worship. We need to yield and follow by our inmost spiritual being/person within.
Sometimes we sense the flow from our spirit through our tongue when we speak, or pray, or sing, in the unknown tongues. Sometimes, the flow comes from the above downwards. At times, we can feel the heat or the anointing like oil flowing down.
We don’t praise God by the emotion and the intellect – by themselves. It is when the Holy Spirit fills us – mingling with our emotions and intellect, as we let Him – that true praise and worship rises-up to God.
Be cautious if you feel something external from bottom upwards. Very likely it is not of God.
Sometimes, when the ‘revelation/knowing’ which was kept in our spirit, is finally being released by the anointing – it goes out, in a ‘break-out’ fashion from our inmost spirit being/person - like thunder and lightning. There will be boldness rising–up from our inmost spiritual being/person.
Sometimes, we will be caught-up into the spiritual realm. It is okay as long as we know that the Holy Spirit was in control of our life until this given time - which means that we have been continually filled with the Holy Spirit, and we have been spending time in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, if it is any other spirit, we will now feel the acute difference. If we have been drinking good tea everyday, we will know the difference when somebody gave us a lousy tea.
There are times when people go into a state of trance. We have to note that fruit/character of the Holy Spirit must be evident (Galatians 5:22-23).
There are times when people are in the state of to-and–fro between the spiritual realm and the natural realm.
To describe one such experience I had: I could sense a transparent dome descending upon me and enveloping me. At this stage, I was living in two realms: I was conscious of the existing natural realm, but I was equally conscious of the existing spiritual realm.
The consciousness of the spiritual realm was real and acute – as with what I would normally see, feel, sense and know in my daily physical surroundings and environment. And this stage, ‘the knowing’ of the will of The Holy Spirit was so great that the likelihood of a mistake was nearly none.
But at the same time, only faith kept me in such a position – because the natural situation was not confirming, nor indicative, of my spiritual experience and communication that I had from the Holy Spirit. If I were to doubt, and jerk, and resist, or panic at all – I would have lost it!
I am glad to say that this experience I had – resulted in a miraculous manifestation that blessed many in the meeting (which is another great true story altogether!).
I know what it is to have …the Holy Spirit manifested to me in the form of a person, woke me up from sleep and stayed with me for 7 – 8 hours …the river of heaven run down my chest like a tap switched-on with cool running water …words spoken from a preacher tangibly hit my inmost spiritual being like machine-gun bullets …prophetic words coming-out of me …and supernatural knowledge …and supernatural wisdom …the breath of God filled the front part of the auditorium during a prayer meeting …sensed the healing anointing present and called-out for healing …the manifestation of the supernatural gift of faith …and etc.
The point is, our cumulative encounters are all too many and too vary. I can’t even recall in detail some of my experiences.
As such, it is difficult to catalogue the different ways that the Holy Spirit move.
Instead, it is wiser to focus on some of the fundamental guiding principles involved.
THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The difference between the ‘anointing’ of the Holy Spirit and the ‘presence’ of the Holy Spirit – is that the anointing is the ‘power’ of the Holy Spirit whereas the presence is the ‘person’ of the Holy Spirit.
It is quite obvious that the person should handle the power.
As such, it is logical that the presence of the Holy Spirit should arrive first before His anointing can be released and be made manifested.
Therefore, a key to the anointing of the Holy Spirit is to seek first His presence.
Any short-cut or formula that we use, which ignores this fundamental principle, has a tendency of short-circuiting. We may even go astray. We have to be careful not to move in that which is originating from our soul or our flesh. God don’t see things the way we see it in our natural selves. And God’s ways are higher than our ways (1 Corinthians 2:14; Isaiah 55:8-9).
We seek God’s presence by worshipping Him and spending time in His presence. As a friend said, “you cannot worship God beyond your experiences of Him. You can only worship God in the measure of your experience of Him.” How true!!!
No one is perfect. But what we try to do is to minimise any wastage of the anointing by minimizing the errors of our ways.
The anointing of God cannot be brought no matter how much money we have. A zillion dollars cannot purchase the anointing of God.
God expects us to be faithful in the natural and little things, how much more faithful we have to be in the spiritual things even as in regard to the priceless anointing of God? When God gives us the anointing, it is not meant to be wasted even in a little bit.
We must try to avoid interference from our own personal thoughts and emotions due to our previous encounters, or daily encounters - with people, situation and circumstance.
Therefore, it is good to go into the presence of the Holy Spirit; and have our conscience cleansed; and our spirit, soul and body refreshed and primed.
We must open-up spiritual senses instead of leaning on natural senses. In seeking God, the spiritual must govern the natural. To some people, this will be the hardest part because the natural wouldn’t let go. At these times, let us be extreme in forgetting and letting–go of our soul and fleshly senses, and get in–tune with God.
Some think that they are in the spiritual; when the in the actual case, they are in the soul or the flesh. This is due to ignorance of the principles of the move of the Holy Spirit. We all need to humble ourselves and learn …and be teachable.
KNOWING THE ANOINTING PRESENT
We must move in accordance to the anointing that is present. We cannot move away from that.
Just as the physical body has a mind which we called ‘the brain’, so much so, our inmost spiritual being has a mind. It is called ‘the mind of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 2:9-16).
Our spiritual knowing/discernment rest in the development of our ‘spiritual brain’. This knowing/discernment is our main guide as we move with the Holy Spirit.
In the natural, what we ‘know’ should manage, and can override, what we hear, see and touch. Even so, our spiritual ‘knowing’ should manage what we spiritually sense. Our actions should be based on our spiritual ‘knowing’, and not just on what we can spiritually sense.
THE INWARD ANOINTING AND THE OUTWARD ANOINTING
This principle is applicable even to the normal situation. To handle a situation, the inward person must be greater than the outward circumstance. This will depend on personal growth and development. The same is parallel to the spiritual.
Our inmost spiritual being/person is described as ‘an anointing’ that we have received from God (1 John 2:20, 27). We call this ‘the inward anointing’.
In 1 Corinthians 14:32, it is said, ‘The spirits of prophets (the anointing to prophesy) are subject to the control of prophets (the spiritual gifting of the inmost spirit being/person within that person).’ (parenthesis mine)
A prophet is not a prophet in his soul or flesh. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit imparted into the inmost spiritual being/person of that person.
Suffice to say that the inward anointing must govern the outward anointing.
THE PERSONAL ANOINTING AND THE CORPORATE ANOINTING
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33).
What you are experiencing personally must be kept in submission to the corporate moving of the Holy Spirit in the congregation.
One of the manifestations of the fruit/character of the Holy Spirit is ‘self-control’ (Galatians 5:22, 23).
It is important to note here that the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the gifting of the Holy Spirit must go along together. He is the same One Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not have a split personality.
Also, as what is said earlier, ‘the spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets’ meaning that we can hold the anointing until the right time to release.
If God, in His sovereignty, has chosen you to lead the congregation or address the congregation - bypassing the set order - God will also reveal to you what to do step-by-step. Ask God what He intends for you to do …first …then next.
At God’s perfect time, release the anointing which is in you (or upon you)!
Two very great indicators for you to act in such moments: the acute peace of God within and the unusual boldness of God rising within.
ACTIVATE THE ANOINTING, AND KNOWING THE WAITING
We can actually activate the anointing by the spiritual gifting that God has given us (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). The knowing when to wait and when to activate – will grow according to our spiritual state and well being - according to our spiritual development, experience and maturity. Our spiritual senses need to be trained and sharpened. God will develop our spiritual discernment and sensitivity.
After the anointing has come upon us ...know that as always …even as God wants to use us ...He will definitely provide the opening!
Let us practise our faith that God is the Lord and Master. He is in control. He knows what He is doing. We just allow Him to do it. He will make the way and opportunity for us. When the opening comes, just step into it by faith. God wants to use you. He specially allocated the opportunity and time for you!
If it is the case whereby the leader(s) did not allow the opening even when it is the Holy Spirit’s will to do so, just know that the responsibility is God’s. Commit it to Him, and reserve that opportunity.
Remember that we are servants, and God is the Master. A servant will do nothing except to obey his Master!
These all take some practice of holding-on …even as the spiritual intensity grows within us.
We are learning the greater principle of obedience and submission.
It is all a spiritual growth, development and practise.
Learning to wait and be patient. Learning to surrender, and commit everything to Him. These all take a lifetime of growth!
ACCEPT THE GROWING PROCESS
You will grow in your inmost spirit being/person. You will get sharper, and better.
Remember, that we serve with the ‘fruit’ i.e. the character/personality of the Holy Spirit, as well as with the ‘gift’ i.e. the manifestation/ability of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 14:1).
You will grow in experience. With more spiritual gatherings and practical sessions, you will have more exposure. You will know first-hand the different ways the Holy Spirit move.
Yes, you will also have to learn by trial and error (which is inescapable!).
Practise means there is necessity of time. Do not feel condemned because of somebody else, or even because of yourself. God knows that you are learning. As long as your motive and purpose is right, God will make a leeway for you.
You will not die for trying, but for not trying.
You are esteemed and encouraged by God to have spiritual gifts (Romans 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 1:4-7; 1 Corinthians14:1). You will grow in development.
You will grow as you learn further from your personal study of the Bible, from books, from others, and from teaching sessions.
GET TO KNOW THE BIBLE WELL
In knowing the Bible well, we will go far as we will be able to perceive the ways that are according to scriptural principles and patterns which are in harmony with the whole Bible. We will get `the whole counsel’ of God’ (Acts 20:27).
We also need to know the Bible well, in the area/subject of the move of the Holy Spirit.
Otherwise, we will stop-short of following the Holy Spirit:
1) Because we are afraid;
2) Because we do not see what the present move is leading to, blind to what is ahead; and consequently, we are unable to follow more closely and rapidly in order to tap the highest blessings from the move;
3) Because we do not appreciate the short term and long term result and impact of the move - being influenced by what we immediately see in the natural, and by the expectation and pressure exerted from other people; therefore, we are unwilling to risk or pay the price for it.
BE LINKED TO OTHERS
It is crucial to link ourselves, and be in spiritual submission, to men/women of God. It doesn’t always have to have a physical contact or an open relationship.
I receive impartation and ministry from various people of God whom I recognized as people established in God. Some of them don’t even know I exist. But I read their books; and listen to them, or watch them, through the various media. In the spiritual, there is no distance or limitation.
Of course, I also have a number of people of God whom I respect; whom I have real personal relationships with; whom I meet often for fellowship, and at other times, prayer.
BE CLOSE TO THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
It is extremely good to be close to the Holy Spirit. You will find that the time when the spiritual gifts and manifestations operate most and biggest, was when you are close to the Holy Spirit in your personal walk with Him.
This is not just another key …but the most important key! But then again, if you do happen to think the Holy Spirit as ‘a key’, you will be prone to use Him. It is supposed to be the other way round. He uses us, and not we use Him!
We need to know that there is much more to Him than power and gifts. He is a person.
The Holy Spirit is God!
We must learn to wait on Him. He is the One who makes the decision to move. We must learn that when we decide to move on our own, we are open to the chance that we will be left to ourselves. We cannot always assume that the Holy Spirit will move with us. We are supposed to move with Him.
It helps then in knowing these facts …in reality from the bottom of our heart:
• That the Holy Spirit is greater than us.
• That the Holy Spirit knows more than us.
Let us begin by accepting and acknowledging these facts!
OTHER GUIDING PRINCIPLES
• Contact And Latch-On
When we are able to sense the move of the Holy Spirit, we have to capture it.
We must forget about ourselves. We must not think …will I look silly? …what will they think of me after this? …will I lose acceptance of people?
• Be Bold
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
We must be bold. We must do it because we want to obey the Holy Spirit rather than doing it for our own motives and purposes.
• Order And Peace
Letting the Holy Spirit have His way’ does not equate to a-free-for-all. Notwithstanding, God’s order and peace does not mean it is our own human, natural order and peace – in our own terms. Spiritual manifestations need to be governed by the divine, spiritual order and peace. We need to pray and ask God for wisdom. God will surely give it when we ask for His wisdom (James 1:5). But we must ask in faith. And we must not doubt – before, during or after - the answer.
For those who are hungry, and seeking, for the Holy Spirit to move in their lives, and yet afraid …these basic truths are really for them!
Jesus said, ‘Do not be afraid.’
The goal is not to make it more mysterious as it already has for some people.
On the other hand, one must also recognize that there is no short-cut to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Any short-cut will definitely come-up short!
EXPERIENCES OF THE MOVE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
I would like to start by saying that there are bountiful descriptive examples of how people encounter the supernatural move of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s start with the basic experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. If you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit …and power …reflect on how you were filled with the Holy Spirit and how you were energised within. There would have been an overflowing, or out-breaking, spiritual effect from within you …you spoke, or prayed, or sang, in the unknown tongues. Some people also sense the envelopment of the Holy Spirit.
We can discern the flow pattern of the anointing moving above us during times of high praise and worship. We need to yield and follow by our inmost spiritual being/person within.
Sometimes we sense the flow from our spirit through our tongue when we speak, or pray, or sing, in the unknown tongues. Sometimes, the flow comes from the above downwards. At times, we can feel the heat or the anointing like oil flowing down.
We don’t praise God by the emotion and the intellect – by themselves. It is when the Holy Spirit fills us – mingling with our emotions and intellect, as we let Him – that true praise and worship rises-up to God.
Be cautious if you feel something external from bottom upwards. Very likely it is not of God.
Sometimes, when the ‘revelation/knowing’ which was kept in our spirit, is finally being released by the anointing – it goes out, in a ‘break-out’ fashion from our inmost spirit being/person - like thunder and lightning. There will be boldness rising–up from our inmost spiritual being/person.
Sometimes, we will be caught-up into the spiritual realm. It is okay as long as we know that the Holy Spirit was in control of our life until this given time - which means that we have been continually filled with the Holy Spirit, and we have been spending time in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, if it is any other spirit, we will now feel the acute difference. If we have been drinking good tea everyday, we will know the difference when somebody gave us a lousy tea.
There are times when people go into a state of trance. We have to note that fruit/character of the Holy Spirit must be evident (Galatians 5:22-23).
There are times when people are in the state of to-and–fro between the spiritual realm and the natural realm.
To describe one such experience I had: I could sense a transparent dome descending upon me and enveloping me. At this stage, I was living in two realms: I was conscious of the existing natural realm, but I was equally conscious of the existing spiritual realm.
The consciousness of the spiritual realm was real and acute – as with what I would normally see, feel, sense and know in my daily physical surroundings and environment. And this stage, ‘the knowing’ of the will of The Holy Spirit was so great that the likelihood of a mistake was nearly none.
But at the same time, only faith kept me in such a position – because the natural situation was not confirming, nor indicative, of my spiritual experience and communication that I had from the Holy Spirit. If I were to doubt, and jerk, and resist, or panic at all – I would have lost it!
I am glad to say that this experience I had – resulted in a miraculous manifestation that blessed many in the meeting (which is another great true story altogether!).
I know what it is to have …the Holy Spirit manifested to me in the form of a person, woke me up from sleep and stayed with me for 7 – 8 hours …the river of heaven run down my chest like a tap switched-on with cool running water …words spoken from a preacher tangibly hit my inmost spiritual being like machine-gun bullets …prophetic words coming-out of me …and supernatural knowledge …and supernatural wisdom …the breath of God filled the front part of the auditorium during a prayer meeting …sensed the healing anointing present and called-out for healing …the manifestation of the supernatural gift of faith …and etc.
The point is, our cumulative encounters are all too many and too vary. I can’t even recall in detail some of my experiences.
As such, it is difficult to catalogue the different ways that the Holy Spirit move.
Instead, it is wiser to focus on some of the fundamental guiding principles involved.
THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The difference between the ‘anointing’ of the Holy Spirit and the ‘presence’ of the Holy Spirit – is that the anointing is the ‘power’ of the Holy Spirit whereas the presence is the ‘person’ of the Holy Spirit.
It is quite obvious that the person should handle the power.
As such, it is logical that the presence of the Holy Spirit should arrive first before His anointing can be released and be made manifested.
Therefore, a key to the anointing of the Holy Spirit is to seek first His presence.
Any short-cut or formula that we use, which ignores this fundamental principle, has a tendency of short-circuiting. We may even go astray. We have to be careful not to move in that which is originating from our soul or our flesh. God don’t see things the way we see it in our natural selves. And God’s ways are higher than our ways (1 Corinthians 2:14; Isaiah 55:8-9).
We seek God’s presence by worshipping Him and spending time in His presence. As a friend said, “you cannot worship God beyond your experiences of Him. You can only worship God in the measure of your experience of Him.” How true!!!
No one is perfect. But what we try to do is to minimise any wastage of the anointing by minimizing the errors of our ways.
The anointing of God cannot be brought no matter how much money we have. A zillion dollars cannot purchase the anointing of God.
God expects us to be faithful in the natural and little things, how much more faithful we have to be in the spiritual things even as in regard to the priceless anointing of God? When God gives us the anointing, it is not meant to be wasted even in a little bit.
We must try to avoid interference from our own personal thoughts and emotions due to our previous encounters, or daily encounters - with people, situation and circumstance.
Therefore, it is good to go into the presence of the Holy Spirit; and have our conscience cleansed; and our spirit, soul and body refreshed and primed.
We must open-up spiritual senses instead of leaning on natural senses. In seeking God, the spiritual must govern the natural. To some people, this will be the hardest part because the natural wouldn’t let go. At these times, let us be extreme in forgetting and letting–go of our soul and fleshly senses, and get in–tune with God.
Some think that they are in the spiritual; when the in the actual case, they are in the soul or the flesh. This is due to ignorance of the principles of the move of the Holy Spirit. We all need to humble ourselves and learn …and be teachable.
KNOWING THE ANOINTING PRESENT
We must move in accordance to the anointing that is present. We cannot move away from that.
Just as the physical body has a mind which we called ‘the brain’, so much so, our inmost spiritual being has a mind. It is called ‘the mind of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 2:9-16).
Our spiritual knowing/discernment rest in the development of our ‘spiritual brain’. This knowing/discernment is our main guide as we move with the Holy Spirit.
In the natural, what we ‘know’ should manage, and can override, what we hear, see and touch. Even so, our spiritual ‘knowing’ should manage what we spiritually sense. Our actions should be based on our spiritual ‘knowing’, and not just on what we can spiritually sense.
THE INWARD ANOINTING AND THE OUTWARD ANOINTING
This principle is applicable even to the normal situation. To handle a situation, the inward person must be greater than the outward circumstance. This will depend on personal growth and development. The same is parallel to the spiritual.
Our inmost spiritual being/person is described as ‘an anointing’ that we have received from God (1 John 2:20, 27). We call this ‘the inward anointing’.
In 1 Corinthians 14:32, it is said, ‘The spirits of prophets (the anointing to prophesy) are subject to the control of prophets (the spiritual gifting of the inmost spirit being/person within that person).’ (parenthesis mine)
A prophet is not a prophet in his soul or flesh. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit imparted into the inmost spiritual being/person of that person.
Suffice to say that the inward anointing must govern the outward anointing.
THE PERSONAL ANOINTING AND THE CORPORATE ANOINTING
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33).
What you are experiencing personally must be kept in submission to the corporate moving of the Holy Spirit in the congregation.
One of the manifestations of the fruit/character of the Holy Spirit is ‘self-control’ (Galatians 5:22, 23).
It is important to note here that the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the gifting of the Holy Spirit must go along together. He is the same One Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not have a split personality.
Also, as what is said earlier, ‘the spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets’ meaning that we can hold the anointing until the right time to release.
If God, in His sovereignty, has chosen you to lead the congregation or address the congregation - bypassing the set order - God will also reveal to you what to do step-by-step. Ask God what He intends for you to do …first …then next.
At God’s perfect time, release the anointing which is in you (or upon you)!
Two very great indicators for you to act in such moments: the acute peace of God within and the unusual boldness of God rising within.
ACTIVATE THE ANOINTING, AND KNOWING THE WAITING
We can actually activate the anointing by the spiritual gifting that God has given us (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). The knowing when to wait and when to activate – will grow according to our spiritual state and well being - according to our spiritual development, experience and maturity. Our spiritual senses need to be trained and sharpened. God will develop our spiritual discernment and sensitivity.
After the anointing has come upon us ...know that as always …even as God wants to use us ...He will definitely provide the opening!
Let us practise our faith that God is the Lord and Master. He is in control. He knows what He is doing. We just allow Him to do it. He will make the way and opportunity for us. When the opening comes, just step into it by faith. God wants to use you. He specially allocated the opportunity and time for you!
If it is the case whereby the leader(s) did not allow the opening even when it is the Holy Spirit’s will to do so, just know that the responsibility is God’s. Commit it to Him, and reserve that opportunity.
Remember that we are servants, and God is the Master. A servant will do nothing except to obey his Master!
These all take some practice of holding-on …even as the spiritual intensity grows within us.
We are learning the greater principle of obedience and submission.
It is all a spiritual growth, development and practise.
Learning to wait and be patient. Learning to surrender, and commit everything to Him. These all take a lifetime of growth!
ACCEPT THE GROWING PROCESS
You will grow in your inmost spirit being/person. You will get sharper, and better.
Remember, that we serve with the ‘fruit’ i.e. the character/personality of the Holy Spirit, as well as with the ‘gift’ i.e. the manifestation/ability of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 14:1).
You will grow in experience. With more spiritual gatherings and practical sessions, you will have more exposure. You will know first-hand the different ways the Holy Spirit move.
Yes, you will also have to learn by trial and error (which is inescapable!).
Practise means there is necessity of time. Do not feel condemned because of somebody else, or even because of yourself. God knows that you are learning. As long as your motive and purpose is right, God will make a leeway for you.
You will not die for trying, but for not trying.
You are esteemed and encouraged by God to have spiritual gifts (Romans 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 1:4-7; 1 Corinthians14:1). You will grow in development.
You will grow as you learn further from your personal study of the Bible, from books, from others, and from teaching sessions.
GET TO KNOW THE BIBLE WELL
In knowing the Bible well, we will go far as we will be able to perceive the ways that are according to scriptural principles and patterns which are in harmony with the whole Bible. We will get `the whole counsel’ of God’ (Acts 20:27).
We also need to know the Bible well, in the area/subject of the move of the Holy Spirit.
Otherwise, we will stop-short of following the Holy Spirit:
1) Because we are afraid;
2) Because we do not see what the present move is leading to, blind to what is ahead; and consequently, we are unable to follow more closely and rapidly in order to tap the highest blessings from the move;
3) Because we do not appreciate the short term and long term result and impact of the move - being influenced by what we immediately see in the natural, and by the expectation and pressure exerted from other people; therefore, we are unwilling to risk or pay the price for it.
BE LINKED TO OTHERS
It is crucial to link ourselves, and be in spiritual submission, to men/women of God. It doesn’t always have to have a physical contact or an open relationship.
I receive impartation and ministry from various people of God whom I recognized as people established in God. Some of them don’t even know I exist. But I read their books; and listen to them, or watch them, through the various media. In the spiritual, there is no distance or limitation.
Of course, I also have a number of people of God whom I respect; whom I have real personal relationships with; whom I meet often for fellowship, and at other times, prayer.
BE CLOSE TO THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
It is extremely good to be close to the Holy Spirit. You will find that the time when the spiritual gifts and manifestations operate most and biggest, was when you are close to the Holy Spirit in your personal walk with Him.
This is not just another key …but the most important key! But then again, if you do happen to think the Holy Spirit as ‘a key’, you will be prone to use Him. It is supposed to be the other way round. He uses us, and not we use Him!
We need to know that there is much more to Him than power and gifts. He is a person.
The Holy Spirit is God!
We must learn to wait on Him. He is the One who makes the decision to move. We must learn that when we decide to move on our own, we are open to the chance that we will be left to ourselves. We cannot always assume that the Holy Spirit will move with us. We are supposed to move with Him.
It helps then in knowing these facts …in reality from the bottom of our heart:
• That the Holy Spirit is greater than us.
• That the Holy Spirit knows more than us.
Let us begin by accepting and acknowledging these facts!
OTHER GUIDING PRINCIPLES
• Contact And Latch-On
When we are able to sense the move of the Holy Spirit, we have to capture it.
We must forget about ourselves. We must not think …will I look silly? …what will they think of me after this? …will I lose acceptance of people?
• Be Bold
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
We must be bold. We must do it because we want to obey the Holy Spirit rather than doing it for our own motives and purposes.
• Order And Peace
Letting the Holy Spirit have His way’ does not equate to a-free-for-all. Notwithstanding, God’s order and peace does not mean it is our own human, natural order and peace – in our own terms. Spiritual manifestations need to be governed by the divine, spiritual order and peace. We need to pray and ask God for wisdom. God will surely give it when we ask for His wisdom (James 1:5). But we must ask in faith. And we must not doubt – before, during or after - the answer.