Thankful for the Holy Spirit
Clint Thomas • 8/28/2025 • Hurricane Baptist Church • Tennessee

"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)

I am thankful for the Holy Spirit and the second chance at redemption that has allowed me to end my wandering in the proverbial wilderness of life.  Like a weary traveler finding his way home, I have come to recognize the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit as the constant presence that has led me back to God.  This paper seeks to explore the nature, purpose, and power of the Holy Spirit – God’s active presence among us, who not only transforms lives but also empowers believers to walk in truth and carry forth the message of Christ.

The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  As such, He is not a mere force or symbol but fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son.  The Holy Spirit is the manifestation of God’s active presence in the world today and in the lives of those who follow Him.  He is the personal presence of God dwelling within believers, guiding them, teaching them, and comforting them.  Through the Holy Spirit, God’s will is revealed, and His love is made known in a deeply intimate and personal way.

The Holy Spirit does not originate from any religious institution or organization; rather, He proceeds directly from Christ Himself.  His purpose is divine and singular to draw us closer to the heart of God and to equip us to live out the Gospel in our daily lives.  He is like a Sherpa for Christ’s climbers – those seeking to ascend the heights of spiritual maturity and righteousness.  Just as a Sherpa guides and supports a mountaineer through treacherous terrain, the Holy Spirit navigates believers through life’s challenges, always pointing us toward Christ.

He is a true shepherd of Christ’s flock, caring for our souls, binding our wounds, and leading us beside still waters.  The Holy Spirit guides us into truth, provides clarity in our reading and understanding of the Holy Scriptures, and reveals the will of God.  He cultivates within us discernment, wisdom, and spiritual insight.  He does not speak on His own but communicates what He hears from the Father and the Son, giving us divine direction for our journey.

The ministry of Jesus on Earth was marked not only by teaching and miracles but also by His deep relationship with the Holy Spirit.  From His baptism, where the Spirit descended like a dove, to His final promise to the disciples in Acts 1:8 [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.], you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; – Jesus underscored the vital role of the Spirit in empowering believers.  The Holy Spirit has existed from the beginning (Gen 1:2) and remains with us until the end (Rev 22:17).  He is eternal, omnipresent, and ever active in the unfolding of God’s plan.  His power is transformative.  He fills our spirits with divine understanding, ignites in us a hunger for truth, and sets our hearts ablaze with a passion for God’s presence.

He does not merely accompany us – He walks beside us, intercedes for us (Rom 8:26), advocates on our behalf, and reveals the very thoughts of God (1 Cor 2:10-11).  Through Him, we are empowered to receive Christ, to grow in our knowledge of Him, and to proclaim His truth boldly to the world.

The Holy Spirit gives rise to a deep longing – an insatiable thirst – for more of God.  This
yearning is not simply emotional but spiritual; it is a craving for a transformational encounter and ongoing relationship with our Creator.  Through His power, we gain strength to live by Christian principles and to share our personal testimonies, becoming vessels of God’s glory.

The Holy Spirit is not a distant concept or an abstract theology.  He is God within us – our guide, comforter, teacher, and advocate.  I am thankful for His presence in my life, for the redemption I have received, and for the renewed direction He provides.  No longer lost in the wilderness, I walk in step with the Spirit, sustained by His power and led by His purpose.  It is through Him that we find our place in God’s kingdom and discover the strength to live lives that glorify our Savior, Jesus Christ.

From G Waddell:  I am personally aquainted with Brother Clint and he is a solid man of God.  

Thanks for "Taking 5"  -  Gary Waddell  -  Victory Ministries Middle Tennessee

www.iamnotashamed.com  -  God bless & bless GOD