Scripture: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Examination: The first chapter of Acts describes the last 40 days of Jesus’ ministry after His resurrection and culminating with His ascension. It also details the apostles’ preparation to carry out the “great commission” as commanded by Christ.
Application: Today is National Popcorn Lover’s Day. Popcorn pops because the tiny amount of water (14%) stored inside each kernel turns into steam when heated, building up intense pressure within the hard, sealed shell. At roughly (180º C/356º F), the hull bursts, causing the starch in the kernel to expand rapidly, bursting to become popcorn as we now it. The Holy Spirit is a lot like popcorn.
Upon salvation, the Spirit of God indwells the believer. He isn’t an overpowering force that compels us to do certain things, but He does have a specific task to accomplish in each of us. Jesus made that clear in John 14:26. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Even though He has a purpose to fulfill in our lives, we can inhibit His work. In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Paul cautions us to “Quench not the Spirit.”
Often the Holy Spirit is referred to as “living water”. John 7:38-39 states, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”. When we get excited about Jesus, His Spirit begins to stir within us until we can contain Him no longer! The thrill of knowing our sins are forgiven by Jesus, and that He is preparing our eternal home is so powerful that we can’t help but share Jesus with others! This is the Holy Spirit on fire within us and then bursting forth, and we “pop” the gospel message out for others!
But just like popcorn, when the heat is turned down, the water within the kernel loses its energy and the corn doesn’t pop. It just sits on the bottom of the pan. Likewise, when we “quench” the Spirit, the excitement of salvation dwindles down and simply sits within us. It doesn’t sizzle; it doesn’t burn within us; it just settles down, leaving us lacking the energy or desire to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.
So if our complacency is quenching the Spirit, and we have no spiritual fire within us, what can be done?
- Actively thank God every day for His goodness to you.
- “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” – Psalm 55:17
- Read the Scriptures daily.
- “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” – Joshua 1:8
- Serve others with the gifts and talents God has given you.
- “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” – 1 Peter 4:10
- Share your story of faith in Christ.
- “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;” – Psalm 107:2
This is a great start to re-igniting the Spirit of God within you! Before you know it, everyone will see Jesus in you as the following truths “pop” forth: the reality of your salvation, the truth of the Scriptures, and the joys of living for Jesus! Let’s keep the flame of our faith burning brightly, thus allowing the Spirit of God to keep popping for all the world to see!
Memory Verse: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 15:13
Stretching your thoughts:
1. If you’re not “popping” for Jesus, what has caused your faith to cool?
2. When was the last time you knew you were “popping” for Jesus?
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me,
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
(from “Spirit of the Living God” by Daniel Iverson)