HOW TO CULTIVATE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT (FULL VERSION )

 Amos 3:3 – can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

The lives of many believers can be compared to a man who owns a small farm. He works on the farm year in year out and gets just enough to live off this farm. Unknowingly to him or knowingly, underneath his farm is oil and if only he would dig deeper, he would become very rich and will be able to afford the good things of life but he prefers to just farm at the surface. The man represents many Christians today and the field represents the Holy Ghost. The oil represents the riches in Christ. If only we will dig deep we will have oil. Instead of been Christians in poverty we will be Christians with the riches of God.

Who is the Holy Ghost? Holy Ghost is the same as the Holy Spirit. The scriptures refer to the Holy Spirit as God, stating in Acts that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God, Acts 5:3-4 , and Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:16 that the temple of God is the temple of the Holy Spirit. He is coupled in equality with names of God in Christ, as Matthew writes, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19-20). He is omnipotent, Luke 1:35. He is omniscient which Paul tells us saying, “The Spirit knowing all things, searching, even the deep things of God.” (I Corinthians 2:10-11). In Psalms 139:7- 10, David spoke of the Holy Ghost as been omnipresent because everywhere he went the Spirit was there. The Holy Ghost was part of creation.  Genesis 1:2 says and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Job said “the Spirit of God has made me”. (Job 33:4). Holy Spirit is responsible for Regeneration (John 3:5-8); Resurrection (Romans 8:11) and the distribution of spiritual gifts according to his will, 1 Corinthians 12: 4,7,11. The Holy Spirit is eternal, always existing as  Hebrews 9:14 calls Him the eternal Spirit. (E.g. Genesis 1:2; Revelations 22:17).
The Holy Spirit is a personality, not a ‘power ‘or a ‘force’ like electricity. We say someone has personality when he/she speaks and hears; thinks and reasons; feel and has emotions; and decides, has a will, and self determination. In John 16:13, we read that He both hears and speaks. (E.g. Revelations 2:7; Acts 10:19, 20; Matthew 10:20) His actions include helping us, interceding for us with a mind and will (Romans 8:26-27); leading us and giving us commands (Matthew 4:1; Romans 8:14 ; Acts 8:29); guiding and comforting us (John 16:12-13 ; Acts 9:31) ; appoints people for God’s work (Acts 13:2, 4, 20:28); testifies of Jesus (John 15:26; Acts 5:32; Hebrews 2:4, 10:15; Romans 8:16, 9:1; 1 John. 5:6-8); teaches believers and reveals things to them (John 14:26; Luke 12:12) ; being insulted or blasphemed (Matthew 12:31-32; Hebrew 10:29); being lied to, tempted, and resisted (Acts 5:3-4, 9, 7:51); and giving power (Acts 1:8; Luke. 4:14; Matthew 12:28).

The Holy Spirit also has emotions, He can be grieved or vexed (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30) or pleased (Acts 15:28).

Why does the believer need the Holy Spirit today? The Holy Spirit gives the believer supernatural ability. The list of the supernatural ability that the Holy Spirit gives to the believer are:
1.      He gives supernatural power to be a witness for Jesus ( Acts 1:8; Luke 24:48; Romans 15:13-19)
2.      He gives supernatural ability to pray ( Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 ;Ephesians 6:18 ;Jude 20)

3.      He pours natural love unto our hearts (Romans 5:5,15:30)

4.      He gives supernatural anointing to recognize truth 1 John 2:20,27; 2 Corinthians 1:21)

5.      He is the supernatural sealing for eternal life, Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 4:30)

6.      He gives supernatural ability to cope with life , and endurance in trial and persecution ( Matthew 10:20;John 13:12-13 ; Acts 4:8,31;7:55-60)

7.      He is the gateway to the supernatural (Charismatic gifts 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Hebrews 6:4 and Revelations 1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

8.      He is the supernatural Teacher and “remembrance” of all things ( Luke 12:12 ; John 14:26 , 1 Corinthians 2:13)

9.      He is the supernatural comforter (translated –helper, intercessor, stand-by advocate, counselor, instructor, patron, John 14:16-17 ;Acts 9:31)

10.  He is God’s supernatural pledge , earnest, guarantee until  we receive our heavenly possession, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14)

11.  He gives supernatural leadership, supernatural guidance ( Luke 4:1;Romans 8:14,16,9:1;Acts 16:6-10)

12.  He gives supernatural (physical ) health ( Romans 8:11)

13.  He gives supernatural sanctification i.e. making us holy , (Romans 15:16 ; 1 Corinthians  6:11,19;3:16 ; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13 )

14.  He gives supernatural boldness and power of God in our lives ( John 16:14 ;7:39;15:26;Acts 2:32-35)

15.  He is the constant abiding presence and power of God in our lives, John 14:16-17 ; 1 John 2:27; Luke 12:12)

16.  He gives supernatural power of preaching – 1 Peter 1:12 and demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:5

17.  He gives supernatural insight and interpretation of scriptures – 2 Peter 1:20-21 and spirit of prophecy – Revelations 19:10

18.  He Is instrumental in conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment ( John 16:7-10)

This is by no means an exhaustive list. The Holy Spirit does much more than all these today in the life of the believer, the local church and the world.

Why do we need to cultivate a relationship with Him? First of all a relationship with Him can be cultivated because He is a personality. An experience of been filled with Holy Spirit is not sufficient enough to know Him. We can know Him better every day of our lives.

How does one cultivate a relationship with Him? Amos 3:3 says can two walk together except they agree? No. For two to walk together they need to do some agreeing . Firstly they need to agree on direction, if a man is going north and the other is going south they cannot walk together. They need to agree on destination and route. To walk with the Holy Ghost, there needs to be agreement on the direction, destination and route. It is either we want to go in His direction, to His destination following His route or not. The Spirit filled way is a holy way. He will never dwell in an unholy life. He does not require a Holy place to come in but He requires you be willing that the place should made holy after He comes in. The Holy Spirit does not come to a man to make him famous or make a celebrity out of him or reputation. He comes to make a man holy and make him gifted and enable him to witness, Acts 1:8. You can only be filled the Holy Spirit if you are willing to be meek, docile, and humble. The very desire to be a celebrity or publicity or to be known abroad cancels the work of God on man to destroy flesh and to make him whole. The greatest gift of the Holy Spirit is a meek and a docile heart. The Holy Spirit wants to educate, domesticate and meek you.
To walk with the Holy Spirit there should be oneness between us and the Spirit of God. One in outlook, hope and thought. Fellowship is oneness with the Holy Spirit. To cultivate a relationship with the Holy Ghost, you need to be one with Him (understand and surrender to Him).
How to cultivate a daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit?
1. Develop sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.  The dove (representing the Holy Spirit) from heaven is so gentle and sensitive, he will never force himself on you. Moses’ face shone and he did not know it (Exodus 34:29); the Lord left Samson and he did not know it, Judges. 16:20. In the same way, the Spirit comes as a dove to rest upon us and we need to spend time in his presence to detect what grieves or pleases him. He soothes, He comforts, calls us by name and can even give you a pet name. Daily times of devotion, silence and solitude are indispensable, Psalm 46:10. Practice living in God’s presence moment by moment.
2. Cultivate fellowship with the Spirit through conversation. Greet the Holy Spirit each morning. Ask him questions. Invite him to help you constantly as you face your challenges. Freely share your joys and sorrows with him. Build a habit of referring decisions to him. At first it may look awkward as you seem to hear no reply. Understandably, it will be slower for you to make decisions, but it is just because you have not yet learnt to identify his language and symbols. He communicates all the same, and you grow gradually into understanding what he is saying.
3. Grow in daily fellowship with the Spirit as you read and react to the scriptures. Invite him to open your understanding whenever you turn to the scripture. (Ephesians 1:17) Discipline yourself to have a daily quiet time of meditating on the scriptures. Satan blinds our understanding. (2 Corinthians 4:4) The Holy Spirit opens it. He gives deeper insight and conviction. Invite him to empower you to obey the scriptures.
4. Build intimacy with the Holy Spirit through prayer. Invite him to help your weakness during times of prayer. He knows and prays according to the will of God. Ask for his anointing to make two-way praying possible. He helps to intensify your prayer. Pray in the Spirit. (Jude 20, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 13-15)
5. Increase your friendship with the Holy Spirit through passion for him. Love God’s Spirit for Himself. Be more interested in the Spirit than in his gifts and what you can get out of him. Tell him you love him. Sing songs to him as you would to a friend. Enjoy his company. Get interested in His interests and avoid grieving and quenching him. Commit yourself to cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Do not love the world.
6. Partner with the Holy Spirit in ministry. Invite him to minister with you as you preach, teach, witness, or lead the people of God. Ask for his anointing and words taught by the Spirit. (1 Cor. 2:3-5, 13) Co-operate with him concerning your fields of ministry. (Acts 16:6, 7; 8:29) Invite him to chair your meetings. (Acts 15:28) Spend time in the company of those filled with the Spirit. Let spiritual songs be around you and in your heart.
Cultivating daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit is an exciting adventure that takes time and effort but is worth it.

The first step into cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit is giving your life to Christ.

The bible said in Romans 3:23 that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6 :23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift was explained in John 3:16 , For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. What shall we do to be saved? The bible says in Romans 10: 9 that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:10 – For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth we confess and are saved. Prayer this prayer from your heart today!

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died for me and rose again on the third day. I confess I am a sinner. I need your love and forgiveness. Come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I receive Your eternal life. Confirm You love by giving me peace, joy and supernatural love for others, Amen.

Welcome to Christ brethren, Please join a bible believing church

Samuel Oluwatoki

Please forward this newsletter to a friend, family or colleague. Remember Matthew 10:32 which say whoever confesses me before me, him I will confess before my father who is heaven.