Have you felt the Holy Spirit?

Before I knew Jesus, I would hear Christians and Catholics talk about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit was very confusing for me to understand. What part does He play? Is He GOD? Jesus? I just didn't get it. For 50 years I was ignorant of The Holy Spirit and Jesus. 

Eventually, when I needed truth and peace in my life, I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior (Best day ever!). Next, I asked Jesus to please fill my heart with the Holy Spirit. Immediately. I felt a wisdom that was supernatural mixed with peace, love, guidance and pure happiness. It was like nothing I could ever imagine yet what i had always desired. 

I felt like, "No matter what, everything will be alright in Jesus name". 

How do we explain this to anyone that has not felt the Holy Spirit yet? 
Experiencing the Holy Spirit can be deeply personal and subjective, and people may describe their experiences in various ways. The common signs or feelings that people associate with feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit are 100% aligned to what I felt and feel now:

1. Sense of Peace: Many describe feeling a profound sense of peace, calmness, or serenity that surpasses understanding.

2. Love and Compassion: Some feel overwhelming feelings of love, compassion, or empathy towards others.

3. Conviction or Guidance: Others may experience a strong sense of conviction about certain beliefs or actions, or they may feel guided or led towards a particular path or decision.

4. Joy and Happiness: There might be a feeling of joy, happiness, or contentment that is difficult to explain.

5. Renewed Strength: People sometimes report feeling a renewed sense of strength, courage, or empowerment.

It's important to note that experiencing the Holy Spirit can vary greatly from person to person, and there's no single "correct" way to feel His presence. Additionally, some people may not have a specific moment or feeling they can point to as evidence of experiencing the Holy Spirit, but rather a gradual sense of growth and transformation in their spiritual lives. 

1. Peace: In John 14:27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." This indicates that the peace given by the Holy Spirit is different from worldly peace.

2. Love and Compassion: Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These characteristics are often associated with experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit.

3. Conviction and Guidance: Jesus promises in John 16:13 that the Holy Spirit will guide believers into all truth. Acts 1:8 also speaks of the Holy Spirit empowering believers to be witnesses.

4. Joy and Happiness: Romans 14:17 describes the kingdom of God as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

5. Renewed Strength: Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
   
   

How do you receive the Holy Spirit? 
Experiencing the Holy Spirit biblically involves aligning your life with the teachings of Jesus and opening yourself to the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here are steps based on biblical principles:

1. Believe in Jesus Christ: Accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and acknowledging Him as the Son of God is foundational to experiencing the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17).

2. Repentance: Repentance involves acknowledging and turning away from sin. Acts 2:38 emphasizes repentance as a necessary step in receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

3. Receive Baptism: Baptism symbolizes a spiritual cleansing and identification with Christ. Acts 2:38 and Acts 8:14-17 illustrate how baptism is associated with the receiving of the Holy Spirit.

4. Prayer: Jesus promises that the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13). Prayer is a vital aspect of inviting the Holy Spirit into your life and seeking His guidance and presence.

5. Study the Word: The Bible is considered the inspired word of God and is a primary way that the Holy Spirit speaks to believers (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Regular study and meditation on scripture can help you understand God's will and grow spiritually.

6. Fellowship: Engage in Christian community and fellowship with other believers. Acts 2:42-47 highlights the importance of fellowship in the early church, where believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.

7. Obedience: Living in obedience to God's commands is crucial for experiencing the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to those who obey His commandments (John 14:15-17). Strive to align your life with God's will and follow His guidance.

8. Sensitivity to the Spirit: Cultivate an attitude of openness and sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:25 encourages believers to walk by the Spirit and be led by Him.

9. Faith: Hebrews 11:6 teaches that without faith it is impossible to please God, and those who come to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. Trusting in God's promises and believing in His presence are essential for experiencing the Holy Spirit.

By following these biblical principles and seeking a deeper relationship with God, our Heavenly Father, you can open yourself to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Some of these transformative developments through the Holy Spirit include: 

Spiritual Awareness: Some individuals feel a heightened awareness of the spiritual realm or a deeper connection to God or the divine.
1 Corinthians 2:10-12 speaks of the Spirit's role in revealing spiritual truths and wisdom.

Gifts of the Spirit: The Holy Spirit can impart spiritual gifts such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 and Romans 12:6-8 discuss various spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit.

Please let us know in the comments if you would like us to dive deeper into this subject. GOD bless you all in Jesus mighty name!

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