Holy Spirit Blessings
W. J. Franklin
There are many reasons for which I am deeply thankful for the anointing with the Holy Spirit.
? Joy, lasting joy, fulness of joy. When the Spirit filled my being I was also filled with an ecstasy with which nothing of earth can compare. This joy made me forget all my surroundings and those about me, and caused me to be entirely occupied with the Lord. I just wanted to praise the Lord and not stop, and so I did and have not stopped.
? Personal benefits of the Spirit. He has given me a satisfied feeling and quietness inside which nothing else can possibly give. The Scripture speaks of this as the “peace of God that passeth understanding.” Nothing can disturb the inward restfulness of the one who is controlled by the mighty Spirit of God. The Spirit took away much of my timidity. Timidity can hinder one as much as many other things, but God makes the righteous to be bold as lions.
? Love for the Word of God. It is my sword, counsel and adviser. These two wonderful promises concerning understanding of the Word were made real to me: “Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth: – John 16:13. And, “Now we have received…the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God” – I Cor. 2:12. The Spirit enabled me to take hold by faith of these promises, as well as the statement from Moses, “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever…” – Deut. 29:29.
? The enabling for deeper service. He enlarges our service and ministry, and causes them to mean something to God. Jesus promised, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you…” – Acts 1:8. He gives us power to testify, to pray, to serve, to endure all things for the Gospel’s sake. The Spirit has helped me to be a “workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth: – II Tim. 2:15.
? Preparation for the final consummation of our salvation, and God’s plan for us at the end of this age. The hope of the coming of Christ actually burns in our hearts after we are empowered experimentally with the Spirit. This inspired hope moves us on, keeps us looking up, prevents us from getting discouraged. My heart sings and rejoices in this glorious expectation. Everywhere, the Spirit has witnessed to this truth of the coming of the Lord in positive terms, both by preaching and by tongues and interpretations. I use to know this truth as a doctrine only, but now it is my living present constant hope.
? Control of the unruly member. He takes our tongues and makes us speak in other languages “the wonderful works of God” – Acts 2:11. Paul said, “He that speaketh in a tongue edifieth himself” – I Cor. 14:4. It is a great joy to have God use our tongue and it is edifying to us as individuals. Many people grow ashamed of the speaking in tongues. Why should we be ashamed of what God does? Maybe we ought to be ashamed of people who are ashamed, but never ashamed of God’s work or activity. Surely it is a privilege to speak in another tongue “as the Spirit gives utterance.”
