21 Days of Prayer & FastingSample

The Outpouring

Years ago, I was privileged to speak at Yale University at a symposium on 'The Holy Spirit's Role in Worship.' I learned from incredible individuals across the global church during those two days. But what shocked me was to learn that some denominations had excluded the 'Holy Spirit' from their statements of faith, believing, as one other guest put it, that 'whenever the Holy Spirit is present, we cannot dictate the outcome.' Separating the Trinity is intriguing, but let's leave that for another day.

Scripture reveals that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2). Isaiah 44:3 prophesied, "I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants" (NIV). The Holy Spirit is depicted as the "water of life," bringing ZOE life.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted Joel's prophecy, marking a new era—the church age. In the past, the Holy Spirit visited a few in the Old Testament, temporarily empowering them. When Saul was anointed King of Israel, the Holy Spirit came upon him (1 Samuel 10:10). Still, when God removed His blessing on Saul, the Holy Spirit left him (1 Samuel 16:14). Gideon & Samson also experienced the Spirit for specific moments.

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers, and He came to stay. In us for us, and on us for others. God birthed His church on earth, filling us with His Spirit for people to experience the Almighty's tangible, indescribable, palpable presence.

Acts 2-4 narrates God's kindness in filling His people. As we mull over these passages, there's much to learn about the Holy Spirit's outpouring.

Coming alive to God's power leads to signs and wonders. Many people chase signs and wonders themselves, but I firmly believe that if we chase Jesus, signs and wonders will follow those who believe. When God empowers us, confidence in Christ, His love, redemptive plan, and His life in us follows.

Our prayer today is that our lives will overflow with the power of the Holy Spirit. That the body of Christ would continue to experience an outpouring, and together, we would see many lives changed through the power of God's precious Spirit amongst us.