July 28, 2011 - Acts 19:6

“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.” Acts 19:6.
When Paul laid his hands on these twelve disciples in Ephesus, there was an outward display of speaking in other languages and in prophetic words. It is very interesting that there was a public demonstration of God’s blessing in their lives. Everyone who was present became aware of what God had done in that moment. Even these twelve men knew that something different and special had happened in them and through them. They had evidence that the Holy Spirit of God had come to them.
I remember a few times in my life where I was keenly aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in and around me and the group that I was with. Once, I even felt the Spirit was doing “surgery” on me on His “operating table.” I am not exactly sure what work He was doing, but I knew for sure at the time that I was on the ground, as if on the operating table, and that something was happening within me. My eyes were closed and I sensed a peace and a joy all around me and in me. It was as if I was under His anesthesia and He was doing the work necessary on me in the moment. It was an amazing time, and I wish that I could have stayed right there! It was an outward manifestation of the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, which I am so thankful to have experienced.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced any outward expression of the Holy Spirit’s work within you? If so, what do you remember about that time? If not, would you be interested in having some outward expression of the Holy Spirit’s work within you?
Prayer: Father, I desire to be filled afresh with Your Holy Spirit. It is not that I want to have the experience, in and of itself. I desire to know You better, and if the fresh filling of the Holy Spirit will do that, I want it. Amen.