People tempt their gas tanks. You’ve seen it. Maybe you’ve done it. “How far can we get before we’re stranded? Wanna place bets?” We look at each other with hopeful smiles and wait for the inevitable. Sometimes, I ride with those whose tanks are masterfully calibrated. A glance at the meter and one to the clock, followed by, “We need to find a gas station in five and a half minutes at this speed, because that’s how long I can coast on empty. In my last car, it was 23 minutes.” That’s some impressive nonsense, eh?
Then there are people like my mother. The tank is not allowed to get below ½ to ¼, because there’s no point in that: you have to buy fuel anyway and might as well schedule it in instead of screaming for it at the last possible second. Also, check the oil and record the mileage in the log before you head out. Take a glance at your tires and adjust seats and mirrors before liftoff. Every 3,000 miles, change that oil, Baby. Those are words of vehicular wisdom, right there. (I know. Now you’re like, “What’s a mileage log?” That’s OK because I’m literally like, “Where’s the oil checker thingy?” Enough on that embarrassing strain, already…)
We all have to admit it, really. Running on empty isn’t exactly smart. Neither is operating your life or Christian life on empty—or in ignorance.
“But, do you know what the Holy Spirit is?” I practically begged him hopefully through the text message.
“Why is that even important? Are we done on this subject? What difference does it make?” Little words replied on my phone’s screen.
It was heart-breaking to see a believer without life. Could it be you?
What is the Holy Spirit? I am no Theology major or seminary graduate, but I do know from experience that it is the real connection to God: the promptings to do what is right, or sometimes, different, that a seeking follower of Christ receives. The thoughts that coincide with God’s written Word, that protects and guides throughout the Christian walk, come from this Source. Not epiphinous “revelations” like some cult groups that lead to harming others or violating God's written Word, but always steady, quiet and comforting, like a knowledge that Someone knows what’s going on here. Or, sometimes it is just plain "realization."
I asked my Pastor for a specific list of What the Holy Spirit does. That copy is getting pretty worn now, so I’ll share it digitally with you. And I think you might recognize a full tank a little better today than you did yesterday, or at least be encouraged!
1. Convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8)
2.Guides us into all truth (John 16:13)
3. Regenerates us (John 3:5-8)
4. Glorifies Christ (John 16:14)
5. Testifies of Christ (John 15:26)
6. Reveals Christ to us (John 16:15)
7. Leads us (Romans 8:14)
8. Sanctifies us (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
9. Empowers us (Acts 1:8)
10. Fills us (Ephesians 5:18)
11. Teaches us to pray (Romans 8:26-27)
12. Bears witness in us that we are children of God (Romans 8:16)
13. Produces in us the fruit of His work and presence (Galations 5:22-23)
14. Distributes spiritual gifts though the body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
15. Washes and renews us (Titus 3:5)
16. Brings unity to the body (Ephesians 4:3)
17. Brings oneness to those who were enemies (Ephesians 2:14-18)
18. Is our guarantee and deposit of the future resurrection (2Corinthians 1:22)
19. Seals us unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30)
20. Sets us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2)
21. Quickens our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11)
22. Reveals the deep things of God to us (1 Corinthians 2:10)
23. Reveals what has been given to us from God (1 Corinthians 2:12)
24. Dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16)
25. Speaks to us (Revelations 2:11, Hebrews 3:7)
26. Speaks through us (Matthew 10:20)
27. Is the agent by which we are baptized into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13)
28. Brings liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17)
29. Transforms us into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18)
30. Cries in our hearts, “Abba, Father” (Galations 4:6)
31. Enables us to wait (Galations 5:5)
32. Grants everlasting life (Galations 6:8)
33. Gives us access to God the Father (Ephesians 2:18)
34. Makes us corporately God’s habitation (Ephesians 2:22)
35. Reveals the mystery of God to us (Ephesians 3:4-5)
36. Strengthens our spirits (Ephesians 3:16)
37. Enables us to know that God abides in us (1 John 3:24)
38. Confesses that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:2)
39. Says “Come, Lord Jesus” along with the bride (Revelations 22:17)
40. Dispenses God’s love into our heart (Romans 5:5)
41. Bears witness to the truth in our conscience (Romans 9:1)
42. Teaches us (1 Corinthians 2:13)
43. Gives us joy (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
44. Enables some to preach the gospel (1 Peter 1:12)
45. Knows the thoughts of God (1 Corinthians 2:11)
46. Casts out demons (Matthew 12:28)
47. Brings things to our remembrance (John 14:26)
48. Comforts us (Acts 9:31)
49. Makes some overseers in the church (Acts 20:28)
50. Sets apart certain believers, though the body, for specific work (Acts 13:2)
Maybe we out to think about the times we block out such a powerful presence for our own selfish reasons. How dare we? Without those things…We’re pretty much running on empty.
“...In answer to your inquiry, I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell...” – William Booth
Amen,sista! Love Linn
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