Endued with Power
This is the story of my revelation of the power of God, the story of His work in my life, the opening of my eyes to truth—my testimony of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
For three years I’ve had this blog. For three years I’ve felt the Lord leading me to share this testimony. Three years I’ve wrestled with this, fully aware of the controversy surrounding this part of Scripture. I’ve held back and given in to the lies of the enemy that I have no place sharing this testimony of the power of God without my walk with Christ portraying me as a sort of “Super Saint”. But my testimony—first and foremost of Salvation but also of His power in my life—is not about me. It’s all about Him.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. ~ Revelation 12:11a
I was 21when my mother began a quest to find a new church home for herself as well as our family. Newly married and a new mom, my new family and I lived with my parents so I watched firsthand Mama’s determination Sunday after Sunday to find a new church home. We’d left our previous church and been out of church for quite a while after Mama sat down with our Pastor and questioned him about certain Scriptures. Although they disagreed, it’s important to note that Mama knew God was calling her somewhere else and she would not settle for anything less. Sunday after Sunday I watched her walk out the door and head to church after church of varied denominations. Not seeking to find a church with a specific denomination, Mama did her part to attend these various churches, prayed and continually studied Scripture, determined to be certain truth was being preached behind the pulpit. During this quest, our neighbor asked Mama where she attended church, ultimately resulting in the finding of our new church home—the church that Daddy would finally attend after years of non-churchgoing. God had answered Mama’s prayers. And so began the opening of our eyes to worship unlike we had ever known and the empowering of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Believer.
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. ~ Matthew 3:11
Much about this church home was new to us; however, we were quite familiar with the terms Baptism in the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues. We’d heard about those churches where people spoke in tongues and danced and we’d believed much of what we had been told. “It’s not for today,” some would say. Others would imply or say outright that such “nonsense” was “of the devil”. Sure, it was right there in Scripture, but it just didn’t make sense. We would chalk up these experiences to emotionalism. But there was something we just couldn’t deny within the House of God in which we newly worshiped—the overwhelming Presence of God. So we nose-dived into Scripture and earnestly prayed for confirmation of truth—doctrinal Truth that Daddy was taught as a child and believed all along. God is always faithful to answer prayer.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. ~ Isaiah 28:10
Little by little, we soaked in Truth as our Pastor seemingly preached specifically to us. I remember one sermon in particular on the lifting of hands in worship. I’d been praying for understanding regarding this and was amazed at how God answered via an entire sermon. Mama had taught us that the sermons preached must be backed by Scripture. So we prayed and we read and God confirmed.
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. ~ Luke 24:49
Jesus foretold of the promise of the Father, the enduing of power. His Word spoken was not merely a suggestion to the Disciples. It was a command to tarry and wait. As the Holy Spirit began confirming the reality of this truth, a great hunger grew within me for this gift. Why would we, as Christians, not want all our Lord has to offer?
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
There’s nothing hidden about His purpose for this enduing of power. To be His witnesses. I needed this power. We all need this power. Long has been the argument that as Christians, we “do” have His power. And while this is true in part, we need to understand that the indwelling of His Spirit at Salvation is separate from being Baptized into His Spirit. It was after Jesus’ death and Resurrection, after the ultimate Sacrifice had been made, that He breathed on the Disciples and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” {John 20:22} Yet they would later be endued with power from on high on the day of Pentecost. Think of it this way. We are like a glass and the Holy Spirit, water. The Holy Spirit can be poured into us and fill us even to overflowing much like you could fill a glass with water to the top or even allow it to spill over. But you would have to take the glass and immerse it into the water {in this case, envision a pitcher of water}, to baptize it in the water. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is literally a baptism into His Spirit, His power.
As we continued to study and pray, our hunger grew. I believed God wanted me, nay, commanded me to receive this Gift. So I asked. And I waited. A friend at church shared her testimony of once being in my shoes, growing and learning and desiring this Gift. She encouraged me to praise. The Holy Spirit will always testify of Jesus. So I praised and I prayed and I even fasted. For one week. I did ‘not’ receive the Baptism in the Holy Ghost after this fast. I did, however, grow more in love with Jesus. And I kept on asking and kept on believing. We’d heard preaching on speaking in tongues and again, we prayed and we studied the Scriptures. But why in the world would He choose something so seemingly odd as speaking in other tongues?
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. ~ James 3:6
James 3:8 goes on to say, “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” Speaking in tongues, not only part of but also the evidence of receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, requires the submitting of the tongue. Of all our members, the hardest to yield—the tongue.
I had long prayed and long passed the concern over the absurdity one might consider this speaking in other tongues. I wanted what God had for me. He commanded the Disciples to tarry and wait. I supposed I would just have to “wait”. But one night at a Bible Study, I shared my request and my thoughts concerning my “waiting” for God and His perfect timing. The Brother teaching the Study explained that I was taking that Scripture literal, that it was regarding the original outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. He said that if I were going to take the waiting literal I might as well go to Jerusalem. Fresh revelation washed over me. This was a gift. A gift originally out poured on the Day of Pentecost and now for all who would receive.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. ~ Acts 2:39
The realization that I didn’t need to wait for this Gift any more than I would need to wait for Salvation made my faith soar. That night, we prayed. That night I received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. That night I began to speak with other tongues. After countless times for prayer to receive this gift, after enduring what many people agree as out of order and consequently refuse to have anything to do with this doctrinal truth—overzealous Saints trying to force it upon you—I received. I had been in the midst of times of confusion where one Brother would shout, “LET GO, SISTER,” while another said, “hold on, Sister.” I knew their effects on people seeking after God and their deterring people from just that. However, I would not be deterred. I had seen people out of order and I had seen genuine moves of the Holy Spirit. Our Pastor best summed it up when he said, “there will always be “wild fire” in the church. But there’s always more than enough “wet blankets” around to put out the wild fire.”
I was almost 23 when I finally received this Gift. For nearly two years I had grown and prayed and studied. And while it took me that long to realize that I simply needed to ask and believe, I wouldn’t trade that time of growth for anything. My experience has helped me to understand the struggle that many people have over this. It’s helped me to effectively explain to others the simplicity in seeking what can otherwise be portrayed as a complex experience. For 19 years I’ve experienced the difference His empowering makes. The Peter who once denied Christ thrice preached boldly the Word of God after being endued with power. I have no argument and offer no debate regarding this Gift. I will simply testify that it has been His power, even through the speaking of tongues, that has carried me through some of life’s toughest challenges. Romans 8:26 says, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” No dispute over doctrine can ever refute the work of the Lord.
His people need His power more today than ever. We need times of refreshing {Acts 3:19}. There is only one criteria needed to receive this gift—Salvation. It is not a work needed for Salvation. We need nothing in addition to the grace of Jesus Christ through His shed blood in order to be saved. However, the empowering of His Spirit enables us to be His witnesses and to walk out our sanctification {being set apart and made holy}. It’s after this empowering that we are able to allow the gifts of the Spirit {1 Corinthians 12} to flow through us—the church.
If you’ve ever questioned this part of Scripture, I encourage you to prayerfully reconsider. Ask in faith expecting to receive. And then begin to praise Jesus.
First off I would like to say superb blog! I had a quick
question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior
to writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out.
I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like
the first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations
or hints? Thanks!
%%
Here is my page … gamble online – Keeweeshop.Com –
%%
Here is my website online gambling; tahoesportsmassage.com,
Appreciation to my father who stated to me concerning this web site, this webpage is truly amazing.
Excellent article. Keep posting such kind of information on your blog.
Im really impressed by your blog.
Hi there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg
it and individually suggest to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this site.
I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I am nnot sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble.
You are incredible! Thanks!
대구유흥
%%
Look into my blog post :: bet on sports (Salonfleurdelis.com)
Currently it appears like Expression Engine is the preferred blogging
platform available right now. (from what I’ve read)
Is that what you’re using on your blog?
I believe this is among the so much significant info for me.
And i am happy reading your article. But want to commentary on few normal issues, The website taste is perfect,
the articles is in reality excellent : D. Excellent process, cheers
SAS task. The net SAS Task Help that we provide
cowl all the concepts and topics as per your want. Our online SAS Task Help covers up all of the topics which are linked up with the
statistics. We are highly careful along with your SAS project and we be sure that the options which we provide are completely free from all plagiarism, genuine and effectively researched.
The complex problems with the SAS task we offer in detailed and framed in thorough steps to make it easier for the students.
AssignmentHelp is a agency that has been providing
SAS assignment help or SAS homework assist providers for years and has massive clients.
The team of AssignmentHelp is extremely dedicated to offering a a lot pleasant
expertise to the customers by using them highly efficient writing as properly because the coaching methods.
Taking the assistance from AssignmentHelp make student
receive the highest quality SAS Task Help writing services on-line inside
the given deadline whereas sustaining the very best quality.
%%
My web site; play poker (Tonya)
A fantastic Movies for every person would certainly be physical fitness.
You don’t require to fear getting in shape. You can make it fun by tweaking it to what you take pleasure in doing, hence making it a
Movies in contrast to some arduous duty. You can go on bike flights or
you can play basketball with pals.
Just want to say your article is as amazing.
The clearness in your post is simply great and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please continue the
rewarding work.
ทางเราจำหน่าย kardinal stick , ks quik , kss kurve ต้องขอบอกได้เลยว่า kschill.com เป็นตัวแทนหลักอย่างเป็นทางการในไทย ที่ใหญ่ที่สุด
และเป็นเจ้าเดียวกับ RELX THAILAND สินค้าทุกแบรนด์ ทุกรุ่น เราได้ทำการคัดสรร บุหรี่ไฟฟ้า ที่เป็นหนึ่งในนวัตกรรม ช่วยเลิกบุหรี่ ที่มีประสิทธิดีเยี่ยม และช่วยได้จริง มาให้ลูกค้าได้เลือกใช้ โดยสินค้าทุกชิ้นของเรา สั่งตรงจากโรงงาน
%%
My web-site :: online casino (Lizette)
Hello there! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your
site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when browsing from my apple iphone.
I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able
to resolve this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share.
With thanks!
%%
Stop by my webpage – play poker [Sebastian]
This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.
Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads.
I’m hoping to give a contribution & assist different users
like its helped me. Great job.
Но, к счастью, английский никто зря не учил:
в Европе появляется все больше и больше программ
на английском языке за достаточно бюджетную стоимость.
Варианты программ можно узнать на данном сайте.
Посмотреть и сравнить программы получения степени в
разных странах и университетах
можно на этом сайте. Все программы
на чешском языке в этом ВУЗе покрываются государством
и каждый иностранец, владеющий местным языком
может учиться на них бесплатно.
Участвуя в программе обмена студентами Erasmus, иностранец может поехать учиться на один семестр в зарубежный университет, который также является участником программы.
Стоит заметить, что первокурсники
участвовать в программе не могут.
Стоит заметить, что грант можно получить не только для
учебы на французском, но и на английском языке.
Правительство Голландии предлагает
получить грант размером в 5 000 евро на оплату
обучения на бакалавриате или магистратуре.
Свободный университет Берлина.
Данный ВУЗ предлагает обучение по техническим и гуманитарным направлениям
бесплатно, однако, некоторые сборы
должны быть оплачены. Но правительство
страны ввело новый закон, согласно которому абсолютно все студенты (и граждане стран ЕС,
и иностранцы) должны платить за
обучение в Австрии.
Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
Extremely useful info particularly the last section 🙂 I care for such info a lot.
I used to be looking for this certain info for a long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
I just want to show my grace to really good stuff and if you
want to hear? Let me tell you a brief about how
to find good hackers for good price check it out
Hi Dear, are you truly visiting this web site daily, if so afterward you will without doubt get nice know-how.
While skunks might be very cute, they’re nonetheless wild
animals and I’d not suggest they be saved as pets.
The easiest way to protect or put together for coming in touch with any wild animal
is often to teach your self about that certain species.
So up coming time that you’re questioning of how on earth
you’ll be capable of rid your property of that white striped animal, try
pondering of the way in which you may reap the advantages from their presence.
These animals will be destructive to gardens and lawns by the use of digging.
Other animals they eat embrace frogs, snakes, and lizards.
Quite a few women and men would find it ridiculous, but these
animals possess an entire lot of optimistic points which it’s possible you’ll want to assume about.
They could also be additionally recognized to eat the eggs of flooring laying birds, this contains hen eggs.
Despite their odor, you may take heed to youngsters crying
“Oh, can I hold it?
I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this sort
of area . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site.
Studying this information So i’m happy to convey that
I have a very good uncanny feeling I discovered
exactly what I needed. I such a lot indisputably will
make sure to do not omit this site and give it a glance regularly.
The educational course of can become a enjoyable journey, and ideas
needs to be taught to keep college students transferring towards gaining higher understanding of current programs at their stage.
A small group might want to come back together to be able to enter competitions on a local or state degree primarily based on a
specific curiosity, and the child will expertise new ideas even when the group does not advance far beyond the local
degree. While the notice did not illustrate the airbag’s “unintended configuration,” it mentioned that it might lead to noncompliance
of the regulation when a toddler round three to six years old is seating within the
front passenger seat without a seatbelt and out of position. And in September, it issued a recall for over a million automobiles as a result of their window computerized reversal system could
malfunction and pinch the driver or passenger.
Excellent post. I will be dealing with many of these issues as well..
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be what precisely I’m looking for.
Would you offer guest writers to write content in your case?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a lot
of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome site!
%%
Also visit my blog post :: keyless entry repair (Terrance)
Hello, I would like to subscribe for this weblog to obtain newest updates, so where can i
do it please assist.
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this website.
I’m hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well.
In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own website
now 😉
Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce a top notch article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t manage to get anything done.
인터넷카지노
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this
post was great. I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
пин ап (пин-up) легальный сайт казино вход в букмекеров
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless think of if you added some great visuals or videos to give
your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent
but with images and videos, this site could certainly be one of the very best in its field.
Fantastic blog!
Buy NFL Jerseys and Snapback hats on sale here at our online website https://www.miengirona.com/.
We offer the largest selection of products online and the best quality.
Buy cheap products online now!
If soime one wants expert view regarding blogging and site-building
afterward i propose him/her to visit this webpage, Keep up the nice job.
Also visit my web site … flexmon.xyz
I do not know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering
issues with your website. It appears as if some of the written text
on your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please
provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
This might be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
Thank you
buy viagra online
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought
this post was good. I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re
going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉
Cheers!
The game has an average RTP of 98% when you choose not to lace side bets.
Check out my site :: Dominik
Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
Just want to say your article is as astonishing.
The clearness to your post is simply cool and that i can assume you’re
an expert on this subject. Fine together with your permission allow me to take hold of your RSS feed to stay updated with coming
near near post. Thanks one million and please continue
the gratifying work.
I think the admin of this web site is really working hard for his
web site, since here every material is quality
based information.
My partner and I stumbled over here by a different website and
thought I may as well check things out. I like
what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to finding out about your web page again.
I got this site from my buddy who informed me regarding this web site
and now this time I am visiting this website and reading very
informative articles here.
get iptv* reseller panel us
iptv reseller
Hello, I log on to your blog on a regular basis.
Your writing style is awesome, keep doing what you’re doing!
ยินดีต้อนรับเข้าสู่ครอบครัว โคตร
KS ทางเรายินดีให้บริการตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง
Kardinal Stick เทคโนโลยีใหม่ล่าสุดในปี 2020 ด้วยดีไซน์ที่หรูหรา ใช้งานง่ายเหมาะแก่การใช้เป็นตัวเลือกในการเลิกบุหรี่ที่ดีที่สุดในตอนนี้ ?