THE POWER AND THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Summary: The power of the Holy Spirit is what He does. The presence of the Holy Spirit is Himself. The power of the Holy Spirit endorses God’s message. The presence of the Holy Spirit endorses God’s people. The power of the Holy Spirit can change your circumstances, but the presence of the Holy Spirit can change your heart. The power of the Holy Spirit comes upon you. The presence of the Holy Spirit dwells within you. The power is for service. The presence is for salvation. The power helps you to do. The presence helps you to become.

There is a story of D.L. Moody ( an American evangelist, founded the Moody Church, Moody Bible Institute, and Moody Publishers) written by his son in the book The Life of D.L. Moody, meant to remind us all that “being filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) should be our constant desire, prayer, and aim.

“The year 1871 was a critical one in Mr. Moody’s career. He realized more and more how little he was fired by personal requirements for his work. An intense hunger and thirst for spiritual power were aroused in him by two women who used to attend the meetings and sit on the front seat. He could see by the expression on their faces that they were praying. At the close of services they would say to him: “We have been praying for you.”

“Why don’t you pray for the people?” Mr. Moody would ask.

“Because you need the power of the Spirit,” they would say.

“I need the power? Why,” said Mr. Moody, in relating the incident years after, “I thought I had power. I had the largest congregations in Chicago, and there were many conversions. I was, in a sense, satisfied. But right along those two godly women kept praying for me, and their earnest talk about anointing for special service set me to thinking. I asked them to come and talk with me, and they poured out their hearts in prayer that I might receive the filling of the Holy Spirit. There came a great hunger into my soul. I did not know what it was. I began to cry out as I never did before. I felt that I did not want to live if I could not have this power for service.”

The book then tells of the great Chicago fire, of D. L. Moody’s relief work, the building of the north side tabernacle, and of his visiting in the East to secure funds for his work. Then, the narrative continues:

“My heart was not in the work of begging,” he said. “I could not appeal. I was crying all the time that God would fill me with His Spirit. Well, one day, in the city of New York—oh, what a day!—I cannot describe it, I seldom refer to it; it is almost too sacred an experience to name.  I can only say that God revealed Himself to me, and I had such an experience of His love that I had to ask Him to stay His hand. I went to preaching again. The sermons were not different; I did not present any new truths, and yet, hundreds were converted. I would not now be placed back where I was before that blessed experience if you should give me all the world — it would be as the small dust of the balance.” (pages 146, 147, and 149)”

The Holy Spirit’s power and presence are distinct yet interconnected. Power is the ability to act, and presence is the indwelling of God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables believers to live a transformed life pleasing to God. It’s the power to do what is impossible on our own, to live a life that reflects God’s character and accomplishes His will.

The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, offering comfort, guidance, and a sense of God’s closeness. This presence is a constant source of strength and encouragement, helping believers to navigate life’s challenges and remain steadfast in their faith.

Discussion Questions:

1. What areas do you feel the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in your life?
2. In what areas do you feel you need more of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence?