It’s hard to understand how the Holy Spirit is the enables all things. It is through Him that we are able to accomplish God’s perfect plan. While we may be limited in what we can accomplish as imperfect humans, God enables us to do all things through the by Holy Spirit. In verses 4-6 it explains that we are all different and provide different gifts, but the Lord is the provider of all for us. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

I know this is basic information for most Christians, but verse 4 is a key verse to our faith. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” The act of baptism is one of repentance and shows that we acknowledge our sinful nature. Baptism of the Spirit is the acceptance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and allowing Him to lead us. We are never perfect at listening and allowing ourselves to be guided by the Spirit, but there is definitely a difference in our lives after He has entered the picture. I thank God for giving me the Holy Spirit to lead me and influence my life.

One verse hit me between the eyes this morning. Verse 19 says, Do not put out the Spirit’s fire. I am guilty of this more times than I’d like to admit. For many reasons, but mostly because of my past upbringing and, quite frankly, it makes me uncomfortable, I have in the past dampened the Holy Spirit’s movement in my life. A great example of this is during worship in church. I grew up in a very conservative denomination and I have a very hard time raising my hands. I know this is silly, but my mind goes back to a place in my past where outward expression in church was unacceptable. Over the years I have gotten better; at least now I’m not uncomfortable when people around me are able to do it. In fact, I am now envious of people around me who are able to fully let go and let the Holy Spirit move in them… Maybe one day I’ll be able to join them.