Holy Ghost

Welcome, Dear reader! Today, we're diving into the wonders of the Holy Ghost! If you've ever wanted to embark on a journey filled with awe and mystery, you're in the right place. Imagine a life infused with inspiration, joy, and empowerment—all thanks to the Spirit of God.

Who is the Holy Ghost?

Who or what is the Holy Ghost? What difference can He make in your life?

Settle in as we embark on an exciting exploration that could become a vibrant encounter with God Himself. And this excursion might become more practical than you ever expected. One of my purposes for Hello Holy Spirit is to let everybody know how practical, natural and “down to earth” God really is.

Is the Holy Ghost Really God?

The answer is a resounding "Yes", and understanding this is crucial to realizing the full impact of the Holy Ghost in our lives. The Holy Ghost, often used interchangeably with Holy Spirit, is a member of the Holy Trinity, together with God the Father and Jesus the Son. He is a Person in His own right, although not a human person. A "person" is capable to reason, emote and make choices. So, he is a Person even though He doesn’t have a body. He is a spirit person. He doesn’t have a body, but He thinks, speaks, feels and grieves. He is happy and is a Person in His own right. He is actively involved in the world and in our lives. He acts with love, guidance, and power.

Perhaps you're asking, "Who is the Holy Ghost really, and what can He do for me?" The Holy Ghost is an integral part of God's plan for each individual, bringing salvation and personal transformation. He is a friend, a counselor, and a guide, eager to lead us on a path filled with purposeful living. Experiencing the Holy Ghost means tapping into God's boundless enthusiasm and warmth, offering wonder and awe in the most practical and personal ways.

The Holy Ghost is not just a distant theological concept. He's deeply personal and actively interested in our lives. He is often described as a breath of fresh air, renewing and empowering believers to live more fulfilling lives.

Some Bible symbols of the Holy Ghost are wind, fire, and a dove. But I have chosen a young farmer dressed in overalls as my favored icon of the Holy Ghost.  I chose this fellow because we can relate to Him better than to inanimate objects like wind and fire or even a turtledove. The Holy Ghost actually speaks and listens! And the overalls? I chose Him in overalls because this attire shows Him as a worker.

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Imagine the joy of being filled with an unstoppable source of love and inspiration! That's the promise of the Holy Ghost at work within us.

You might be surprised to find out how the Holy Ghost makes it possible for us to hear God's voice. Picture this: a gentle whisper that brings peace, encouragement, and guidance precisely when we need it most. This isn't as mysterious as it sounds!

For example, even though God healed me from stage 4, inoperable cancer in 2013, I sometimes forget to pray about the “small stuff.” Recently, I burned my hand on our woodstove. It hurt, but I was ready to move on. Then the Still Small Voice reminded me to pray. I did pray and I’m so glad I obeyed. The burned skin eventually peeled off, but never again did I suffer excruciating pain from that burn.

The Holy Ghost communicates with us in countless ways, and learning to discern His impressions (voice) can bring clarity and peace into our lives.

There's something truly magical about the Holy Ghost, something that captivates and inspires. His presence can be as tangible as the sunlight warming our skin, and He's always reaching out to comfort and uplift us. With the Holy Ghost, we're never alone; we have a constant companion whose love and care knows no bounds.  One of His names is “Companion.” Another is “Encourager.”

Let's talk a bit about the phrase "Holy Ghost vs Holy Spirit." Essentially, these terms are synonymous, but they can evoke different nuances. "Holy Spirit" is more commonly used today, while "Holy Ghost" harkens back to the King James Version and earlier translations of the Bible. The King James Version was originally translated in England way back in the year 1611AD.

If you grew up using the King James Version of the Bible you probably think in terms of the Holy Ghost rather than the Holy Spirit. That’s OK with me. The KJV is one of the most literal Bible translations. I use it along with the New American Standard Bible.

Regardless of the term, the essence remains the same—God's Spirit (the Holy Ghost) is active, dynamic, and life-giving.

As we continue to explore, you might be wondering about the practicality of such a profound spiritual experience.

Is the baptism with the Holy Ghost really practical in our modern-day lives?

My answer. “Yes, definitely!” I would not want to be a pastor--or a husband or father--without the baptism of the Holly Ghost and speaking in tongues.

I was “filled” (that’s a bible term) with the Holy Ghost in 1963 while enrolled in the Lutheran Bible Institute in Seattle. To this day, the experience of the baptism of the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues is one of the most significant events of my life. I want everyone to enjoy the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues!

So is the encounter with the Holy Ghost helpful and practical for believers in the 21st century?

Absolutely! He is like having an internal compass, always pointing  toward the right path.

The beauty of the Holy Ghost's work lies in His ability to meet us right where we are. No matter what our background or current level of understanding, the Holy Ghost makes Himself accessible and relatable. He's here to illuminate the Scriptures, helping us to grasp right choices.

Have you ever Thought about Speaking in Tongues?

This unique experience, part of being “filled” with the Holy Ghost,  might sound daunting or strange at first. However, it's an extraordinary aspect of the Holy Spirit's work, offering a direct, spirit-to-spirit communication with God. It's a demonstration of divine empowerment, and countless believers testify to its enriching power. Almost everyone who speaks in tongues testifies that it helps to become more intimate with God.

Don't worry if this sounds a bit out of your comfort zone. The journey into deeper communion with the Holy Ghost is personal and unfolds gradually. There's no rush to achieve certain milestones. Each experience with the Holy Ghost is unique, just as you are unique, and He meets you just where you're at.

So, is it possible for you to truly hear His voice and feel His presence? Absolutely! The Holy Ghost desires to interact with us in a deeply personal way. And the more a person opens his heart and mind to His influence, the more he discovers His voice is accessible and affirming.

Imagine a life filled with wonder and awe, where each day brings new surprises of how the Holy Ghost is moving in life. The Holy Ghost cultivates an environment where the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 3:22)—can naturally flourish within us.

I have sometimes wondered how the fruits of the Holy Ghost grow in us. But they do grow. As I Iook back, my life has definitely changed for the better.

My mother once confided to a friend, “Mark will either go into the ministry. .  . or the mafia—I don’t know which!”

Fortunately, the Holy Ghost got ahold of me—I heard God’s call and went into the ministry.

This transformative power of the Holy Ghost can bring a joy that is both liberating and contagious. However, that’s not all He brings. . .

I remember the time He convicted me of the sin of unforgiveness. I thought I had forgiven everyone from my past. But the Holy Ghost sees everything and everyone:

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12.The Holy Ghost actually scripted that verse. In fact, He inspired the entire Bible.

As we open up to the dynamic presence of the Holy Ghost, you may find yourself inspired in ways you never imagined possible. New ideas, a renewed purpose, and a deeper understanding of your place in the world often accompany this spiritual awakening.

Let me encourage you to step into this journey with curiosity and openness. Allow yourself to wonder at the mysteries of God, and be eager to explore the possibilities presented by the Holy Ghost's influence. This is an adventure marked by discovery, hope, and fulfillment.

Consider this your invitation to personally experience the Holy Ghost. Explore, question, and seek answers. Engage in community with others who are on this journey and open yourself to the supernatural wonders that await.

As we conclude, remember that the Holy Ghost is on life's journey with us. He offers practical guidance tailored and custom fit for each individual. He knows each person inside and out. His guidance comes wrapped in unconditional love. So why not take the first step today? Dive into the boundless love of the Holy Ghost and watch how life takes on new dimensions filled with meaning and purpose.