You have the Holy Spirit but the Holy Spirit have you

You possess within you the greatest power capable of overcoming death, yet many live merely to survive. The Holy Spirit resides in your spirit, yet life frequently feels unchanged, prayers seem unanswered, and victories appear borrowed from others. This paradox raises the question of why the same Spirit that resurrected Christ appears to leave individuals powerless. The issue, however, may not lie with God's willingness or your own disqualification but rather with how much of you the Spirit has control over.

You might have read about the following: -

1. Quenching the Spirit --1 Thessalonians 5:19 (resisting / ignoring)

2. Grieving the spirit      --Ephesians 4:30   (intentional sin or attitudes)

3. Lack of Surrendered --Proverbs 3:5-6 "Spirit resident" but not the "President."

4. Spiritually immaturity – Galatians 5:16 (Walk by the Spirit)

5. The dead faith Concept James 2:14-26 (faith without works or change)

The true enemy may be the self that remains unbroken—the will that seeks to maintain control over your soul (soul means mind, will and emotions), even while you outwardly exhibit religious behavior. Many believers do not realize that true power is unlocked not by mere belief in the Spirit, but through the complete surrender of self (Soul). This involves a profound transformation where individual ambition and control are dismantled lapwing the Holy Spirit to work freely within.

Historically, the apostles received true power not merely through prayers, but through a significant shift in their understanding which culminated in the death of their self-focused ambitions. They entered the upper room still wrapped in personal aspirations but left empowered by a Spirit that fell upon those who relinquished their claims to glory. 

 Contemporary Christianity often emphasizes receiving the Holy Spirit without the necessary surrender of self, creating a false understanding of empowerment where individuals add Jesus to their existing lives without letting go of their self-sufficiency. The goal is not just to receive the Spirit, but for the Spirit to receive complete control over every aspect of life—private thoughts, motives and behavior. 

Until every part of your being is surrendered, the power of the Holy Spirit remains hidden and unexpressed, creating a disconnect between what is indwelled and what is manifested. The tragedy is not the absence of the Holy Spirit but the fact that believers have never fully relinquished themselves to His governance. True power in the Kingdom is not only obtained through prayer but release through the death of self.

Ultimately, the Spirit you carry is not weak; it is the unyielding self within you that prevents His power from flowing freely. The key to unlocking this potential lies in breaking down the barriers of self-preservation, allowing the Spirit to exercise full authority in your life. The journey ahead requires embracing the cross while recognizing that the Spirit patiently waits, not to inject you with more power, but to lead you to a place where He has complete access to all of you.

You are no longer governed by your emotions, but by the Spirit of the living God

In the contemporary world, emotions are described as the silent rulers of our lives, often dictating our experiences and reactions. The message illustrates how someone's expression, such as the sparkle in their eyes, can conceal both joy and deep sadness, emphasizing that while we feel intensely, we frequently fail to communicate these feelings. The fundamental issue lies not in feeling, but in how these emotions guide our actions and decisions, potentially leading us away from what is essential. Romans 8:14 serves as a reminder that being led by the Spirit of God designates one as a child of God, prompting a reflection on Whether we are truly following divine guidance or succumbing to emotional turmoil. 

Daily life is portrayed as a series of emotional highs and lows, where trivial inconveniences can generate significant distress, suggesting that many are ensnared in a cycle driven by their feelings. This emotional instability can result in impulsive, often regretful decisions driven by anger or fleeting desires, as highlighted by Jeremiah 17:9, which warns of the deceitfulness of the heart. When emotions are not surrendered, they become significant barriers to spiritual growth, overshadowing the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit and trapping individual in deceptive sense of control. 

I assert that surrendering emotions does not entail repression; rather, it is about transforming these emotions through the cross, allowing the Spirit to guide them. Love is examined as an example, showing that love influenced purely by emotions can be possessive and unstable, whereas love guided by the Spirit embodies patience and selflessness, reflecting divine character. The narrative emphasizes that unrefined emotion is often self-serving, but through spiritual surrender, it can serve greater purpose.

This process demands daily commitment and courage to confront personal weaknesses, trust in God, and engage in prayer. Practical steps to manage emotions include taking time to respond wisely in anger, bringing sadness to God rather than fleeing from it, and maintaining humility during moments of joy, acknowledge God’s role as He s is source of true peace.

Validation through emotions is cautioned against, asserting that faith transcends emotion and is instead a deliberate choice to trust God. The example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane illustrates the importance of choosing God's will over fluctuating feelings (Mathew 26:39). Acknowledging that emotion, when surrendered, can enhance spiritual life rather than compete with it, the message encourages individuals to embrace the challenging process of surrendering their emotions, framing it as both painful and liberating. 

 Ultimately, believers are invited to regularly seek guidance and to recognize what still holds power in their emotional lives. Surrender is presented as an ongoing struggle, yet it is paired with the promise that God's grace and the Holy Spirit will empower them towards transformation. By committing to this journey of surrender and obedience to the Spirit's voice amid conflicting emotions, individuals can cultivate a deeper spiritual life, trusting that God will faithfully complete the work He has begun within them.

In contemporary life, individuals often find themselves dominated by emotions. A common misconception among Christians is the belief that once emotions are surrendered to God, rebellion will cease. However, the soul (our mind, will and emotions) continues to seek control even after experiencing the transformative power of the cross, leading to frequent conflicts between knowledge of right and emotional impulses. This highlights that the crucifixion of emotions is not a singular event but an ongoing process requiring daily commitment. The Gospel assures believers that they are not alone in this struggle, as the Holy Spirit is present to identify wrongdoing and empower resistance. When facing overwhelming emotions, invoking the Lord can provide unseen strength, illustrating that divine grace is perfected in human weakness. Persist in obedience to the Spirit—this choice fosters personal transformation. Trust in God's governance over life's trials and remember to surrender daily, living not by emotions, but by the Spirit of God.

We can read Romans 8:9&14, Galatians 5:16, 22 and 23 which summarizes as under: -

• Emotions as unreliable guides: The Bible notes that the human heart/emotions can be deceitful and are not reliable leaders in themselves.

• The Spirit provides control: The presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life produces "self-control" as part of its "fruit," enabling a Christian to manage their emotions and not be ruled by them.

• Guidance through truth: Being led by the Spirit involves aligning one's thoughts and actions with God's Word and seeking guidance through prayer, even when feelings might suggest a different path.

• A new identity: This shift from being "in the flesh" to "in the Spirit" signifies a new identity as a child of God, no longer a slave to sin and fear, but empowered for righteous living.

We must live our life by trusting our emotion which are aligned with the word of God if we want to grow spiritually. 

Spiritual dryness and lukewarm spirit

 A lack of desire to pray and read the Bible, often called spiritual dryness or a lukewarm spirit, is a common but challenging experience for believers, stemming from  busyness, life struggles, guilt, distractions, or spiritual opposition, and often signifies a need to reconnect with God through persistent, even forced, engagement, finding new methods (like audio Bibles, Bible studies), and asking God for renewed hunger and discipline. 

Common Causes:

Spiritual Dryness/Lukewarmness: Feeling disconnected, distant, or unable to feel God's presence, making spiritual activities feel like a chore.

Worldliness/Sin: Living in ways contrary to faith, keeping bad company, or being absorbed in worldly entertainment.

Busyness/Distraction: Over-scheduling, phones, and general life stress can crowd out spiritual time.

Spiritual Opposition: Satanic attacks or spiritual strongholds aimed at hindering faith.

Guilt/Unworthiness: Feeling too sinful or condemned to approach God, creating a barrier.

Misunderstanding

 Purpose: Viewing Bible reading as just a duty or a means to get requests met, rather than a relationship.

Lack of Understanding: Difficulty with the text itself or not seeing its relevance. 

What to Do:

Pray for Desire & Discipline: Ask God for a renewed hunger for His Word and the discipline to engage with Him daily, even when you don't feel like it.

Force Engagement (Temporarily): Don't wait for desire; start reading or praying out of discipline, remembering past experiences of God's goodness.

Change Your Method: Try audio Bibles, journaling, joining a small group, or reading alongside a friend to make it fresh.

Confess & Seek Support: Talk to a trusted Christian friend or leader about your struggles for accountability and prayer.

Focus on Relationship: Shift from "duty" to "intimacy"—view the Bible as a love letter and prayer as conversation.

Repent & Turn Back: If living in sin, repent and turn back to God; He desires to renew you.

Faith attracts divine favor, opening doors and bringing miracles

 The discourse emphasizes the power of faith in invoking divine provision, encouraging believers to actively speak their needs into existence rather than waiting passively for assistance. 

Let us begin with praise for God and the acknowledgment of the effectiveness of faith, noting that true faith does not merely comfort in times of need but actively calls forth abundance from God's limitless resources. 

The pivotal scripture referenced is Mark 11:23-24, reinforcing the idea that one's desires, empowered by unwavering faith, can manifest physical realities (move mountain). 

The contrast is drawn between need, which does not compel God to act, and faith, which drives divine response. A key point is made about the necessity of vocalizing beliefs rather than merely holding them internally. I assert that prayer alone is insufficient; faith must be articulated to effect change. 

 I relay instances of proclaiming financial needs and witnessing miraculous provision, further asserting that faith operates similarly in all areas, including health and prosperity. Philippians 4:19 is cited to affirm God's commitment to meeting needs through faith, illustrating the belief that faith acts as a 'withdrawal slip' from God’s reservoir of resources. 

The importance of maintaining a positive confession about financial provisions is emphasized, and a practical approach is recommended: declaring expected resources aloud and refusing to entertain doubt. I also warn against the pitfalls of blame and the mindset of lack, insisting that one’s words have the power to shape reality, whether in terms of wealth or health. 

The overarching message communicates that faith is not just a passive state of being; it is an active law that operates through the spoken word. I encourage believers to shift from a perspective of scarcity to one of abundance, where words of faith bring blessings and opportunities. Let us leverage the power of our tongue to shape our destiny, aligning their speech with God’s promises to invite divine provision and abundance into their lives. Through faith, believers are called to not just wait for blessings, but to actively proclaim and receive them.

I would like to emphasize the power of faith in relation to finances, paralleling the authority that Jesus exercised over various elements of life, suggesting that believers can command their financial situations likewise. Drawing on biblical references, particularly Luke 6:38, the message advocates for giving as a means of receiving blessings and financial provision. 

It encourages readers to confidently declare their needs and maintain a consistent faith-oriented confession, asserting that God waits for individuals to exercise faith to unlock divine provisions. Faith manifested tangible financial results, indicating that mindset and verbal affirmations can influence financial outcomes. 

I stress the importance of consistency in affirmations, asserting that faith should remain unwavering regardless of circumstances. It includes practical advice for organizing finances with faith-driven actions such as tithing, budgeting, and preparation for opportunities. I also warn against double-mindedness (James 1:6-8), suggesting that contradictory beliefs and statements can hinder God's response. 

Notably, it urges believers to verbally declare God as their source and to anticipate abundance rather than living in lack. The summary culminates in a call to actively engage with one's financial situation through bold declarations, suggesting that speaking positively about one's financial state is crucial for attracting blessings and opportunities. The conclusion reinforces that faith not only pertains to material needs but also embodies a spiritual assurance of receiving what has not yet manifested physically. Overall, the central theme revolves around the principle that the strength of one’s confession and faith directly influences one’s financial reality.

Faith attracts divine favor, opening doors and bringing miracles. Romans 1:17 states, "The just shall live by faith," emphasizing that faith should pervade every aspect of life. By declaring positive affirmations and believing in abundance, individuals can experience God's provision in various forms, beyond merely financial means. 

Faith requires patience and acts as a catalyst for unseen changes, releasing resources and favor in response to spoken confessions. It is crucial to maintain a perspective that recognizes God as the ultimate source of supply, inviting blessings through belief and declarations.

The Holy Spirit and The Believer

A. THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS THE BELIEVER

Salvation (being born again) is the first work of the Spirit in our lives. Power for holy living and service is the Spirit's second purpose for being in us.

1. He Brings Conviction (John 16:8-11). An important aspect of the

Holy Spirit's work is to convict, reprove and convince unconverted people about sin, righteousness and judgment. Without the Spirit's work of conviction, we would remain ignorant of our sinful and lost condition.

He makes us aware of the sinfulness of sin, of how far short we come of God's standard of righteousness, and of the awful judgment which awaits every sinner.

2. He Produces Conversion and Regeneration. Regeneration means

spiritual rebirth, spiritual renovation and restoration.

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5).

"And you hath he made alive who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph 2:1).

"It is the Spirit that makes alive" (John 6:63).

3. He Liberates Us from The Power of Sin and Death, So We Can Be

Holy. "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Rom 8:2).

4. He Gives Us an Inward Assurance of Salvation. "The Spirit itself

beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Rom 8:16).

"And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth" (I Jn 5:6).

"For there are three that bear witness... The Spirit, and the water, and the blood:and these three agree in one" (I Jn 5:8).

5. He Guides Us into Truth. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he

will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself: but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will show you things to come " (John 16:13).

6. He Teaches Us All Things. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit,

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'' (John 14:26).

"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him" (I Jn2:27).

7.He Gives Life to Our Physical Bodies. "But if the Spirit of him that raised up

Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also give life to your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you'' (Rom 8:11).

The word "mortal" means "bound to die" and refers to our physical bodies. The Spirit imparts life. Therefore, the promise of this Scripture is this: When the Spirit dwells within us. He will impart life, strength, health and vigor to our bodies. Living in the Spirit is a health-promoting exercise. It will increase our physical strength and our life-span.

8. He Gives Us Power for Service. "But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me..." (Acts 1:8).

Jesus used the Greek word "dunamis" (translated "power"), from which we derive our word "dynamo." A dynamo is a machine which generates a consistent and continuing supply of power.

Thus the power of the Spirit within us generates power to enable us to be

witnesses (martyrs) for Christ. Not only are we enabled to bear witness of Jesus, we actually become witnesses unto Him.

9. He Empowers Our Prayers. "Praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20).

"Praying always, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit" (Eph 6:18).

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" (Rom8:26,27niv).

10. He Inspires Praise and Worship to God. "We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God" (Acts 2:11).

"For we heard them speak with tongues and magnify God"'(Acts 10:46).

"We who worship God, by the Spirit of God" (Phil 3:3 niv).

"Be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and

spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord'' (Eph 5:18,19).

“God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in

truth" (John 4:24).

11. He Produces the Fruit of The Spirit in The Believer's Life. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law" (Gal 5:22,23).

The Fruit of the Spirit cannot be produced by the natural man— no matter how refined or educated he may be. God's character is seen in us, only when God the Holy Spirit lives in us who believe.