little old me
" 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?' They answered, 'We have not so much as heard that there is a Holy Spirit.' " —Acts 19:2
The Lord chooses the "lowborn and despised, those who count for nothing" (1 Cor 1:28). He pours out His Spirit on all mankind, even on the servants and handmaids (Acts 2:18; Jl 3:1-2). The "God-forsaken" Samaritans, the blasphemer Paul, and the pagan Cornelius received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8, 9, 10). The twelve Ephesians, who were even more backward than the twelve apostles, received the Holy Spirit and "began to speak in tongues and to utter prophecies" (Acts 19:6). These men did not even know Jesus; they had received only the baptism of John (Acts 19:3). Yet in a few short hours, Paul led them to Jesus and to life in the Spirit.
Maybe you think you're not worthy to receive the Holy Spirit. No one's worthy, but Jesus baptizes in the Spirit anyway. Possibly you're not holy. Holiness does not give you the Spirit; however; the Spirit gives you holiness. Maybe no one respects you, but Jesus promised He will in no way reject you (Jn 6:37). The Holy Spirit is for "little old you" right here and right now. "Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest and in our hearts take up Thy rest."
Prayer: Jesus, may I have a growing, burning thirst for the Spirit.
Promise: "You will suffer in the world. But take courage! I have overcome the world." —Jn 16:33
Praise: Elizabeth yields often to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and lives at a greater spiritual depth.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Baptism in the Holy Spirit on audio AV 43-1 or video V-43.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 27, 2005
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