The Bible answer man thread really hopped all over the place and I so wanted to join in, but it phosnizzled out before I could rap
Anyway, I remember my first time. I'd like to hear others experiences, especially those that contributed to the Bible answer man thread. I'm sure they are different as our God moves in many mysterious ways that we couldn't even fathom how he works.
My story:
Our pastor had invited the kids and young adult group (about 7 that night I being the oldest at 21 - small AOG church) to get together to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. We were already saved, some of us longer than others. Baptized in water as well. I didn't really understand the Holy Spirit until that day.
In the living room of one of the familie's home the pastor told us to pray; silently, meditatively, thanking the lord for his mercy and blessings, concentrating on just seeking his face. The pastor continued to pray with us and about us for about an hour or so. Not much was really happening but a bunch of crying and praying in english. Some out loud, some quiet.
I sat for an hour on my numb butt praying and seeking his face tears streaming down my face. I don't know what I was saying, but that was my attitude and my earnest prayer that he would baptize me with the Holy Spirit.
Then, BANG! It hit me with a force I have never known before nor has it had such an impact after. However, I still do manifest my love praise and worship in my private tongues but have never given a message to the body, although I have been witness to many a tongue and interpretation service, during worhsip and sermon tranistion. I've never witnessed it at a different time in that or any other church. However, a girl (20ish) used to say the same thing over and over like she was speaking in tongues (during worship and praise)...I knew she was faking even at 8. But she'd look the part.
Anyway, to continue my story, so I now feel this sudden urge to speak, uncontrolable, unknowing what is being said, all I know is joy is springing from my heart with an unending, overflowing rush of pure maniacal ramblings from my tongue. Unbeleiveable! I must have SHOUTED for about 20 minutes non-stop talking and crying my hands straight up in the air, me sitting cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, snot running down my nose. I'm sure I looked a sight. When that subsided, I laughed my tucus(?) off. Then we all went home and I told my parents what happened and they were happy, of course. After having it soak in for a few hours, it seemed, I began to get very scared and then went on through the next few years running away from God getting into drugs and things not of God. But he never strayed to far in my heart and sometimes in my thoughts.
It never left me. I use it more regular now than ever, even years later. But, I only have used it in my private prayer time or silently with others around. I'm sure that if given the opportunity, I may speak or interpret the tongue given I was open to the Holy Spirit's leading at the time. Is this the only gift I have received since then? No, I have received, and been confirmed, of having more than 1, which should be edifying his people as well as myself. God uses us for his purpose despite our shortcomings...his will be done. Does that mean that I have the ability to posess all (what was the last count? gifts or spiritual manifestations or whatever you want to refer to them as? Yes. Do I, not that I know of. Healing for example. Or you know, Organization...definitely not one for me. But I can play a mean lick and sing a killer lyric. That's not a gift of the spirit, but it is a gift nonetheless to first Glorify God and then edify the body. We should all be open to any gift God has for us and not quibble of whether it's God given or not or how it's given, it's all good because it's from him. If we are kidding ourselves by pretending anything, that will only come back to us at a later time when we are convicted to repent. Hopefully, everyone who does pretend straightens out and learns. I don't want to preach here as I have my own stumblings.
I'm sure there are many who are stuck in traditional thinking and knowing this is black and white because the Scripture says thus...rise above it and seek only God's wisdom, he will answer you in wahtever you seek, but in his time and in his way. Don't expect to get a letter from God with the answer either as you will find out you are doing most of the footwork and meditation until God reveals it to you...then you know it's got to be only God. There are so many things I've experienced in my own life and have seen that would blow some believers away and would put others to sleep. I just find a comfort when I see God in motion and hear of his mercy and his judgement and discipline, even if it's for me. I know it will end up being positive if I continue in His will, not mine nor my own understanding.
So that's it. Let me hear your own story.
Peace,
John
Anyway, I remember my first time. I'd like to hear others experiences, especially those that contributed to the Bible answer man thread. I'm sure they are different as our God moves in many mysterious ways that we couldn't even fathom how he works.
My story:
Our pastor had invited the kids and young adult group (about 7 that night I being the oldest at 21 - small AOG church) to get together to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. We were already saved, some of us longer than others. Baptized in water as well. I didn't really understand the Holy Spirit until that day.
In the living room of one of the familie's home the pastor told us to pray; silently, meditatively, thanking the lord for his mercy and blessings, concentrating on just seeking his face. The pastor continued to pray with us and about us for about an hour or so. Not much was really happening but a bunch of crying and praying in english. Some out loud, some quiet.
I sat for an hour on my numb butt praying and seeking his face tears streaming down my face. I don't know what I was saying, but that was my attitude and my earnest prayer that he would baptize me with the Holy Spirit.
Then, BANG! It hit me with a force I have never known before nor has it had such an impact after. However, I still do manifest my love praise and worship in my private tongues but have never given a message to the body, although I have been witness to many a tongue and interpretation service, during worhsip and sermon tranistion. I've never witnessed it at a different time in that or any other church. However, a girl (20ish) used to say the same thing over and over like she was speaking in tongues (during worship and praise)...I knew she was faking even at 8. But she'd look the part.
Anyway, to continue my story, so I now feel this sudden urge to speak, uncontrolable, unknowing what is being said, all I know is joy is springing from my heart with an unending, overflowing rush of pure maniacal ramblings from my tongue. Unbeleiveable! I must have SHOUTED for about 20 minutes non-stop talking and crying my hands straight up in the air, me sitting cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, snot running down my nose. I'm sure I looked a sight. When that subsided, I laughed my tucus(?) off. Then we all went home and I told my parents what happened and they were happy, of course. After having it soak in for a few hours, it seemed, I began to get very scared and then went on through the next few years running away from God getting into drugs and things not of God. But he never strayed to far in my heart and sometimes in my thoughts.
It never left me. I use it more regular now than ever, even years later. But, I only have used it in my private prayer time or silently with others around. I'm sure that if given the opportunity, I may speak or interpret the tongue given I was open to the Holy Spirit's leading at the time. Is this the only gift I have received since then? No, I have received, and been confirmed, of having more than 1, which should be edifying his people as well as myself. God uses us for his purpose despite our shortcomings...his will be done. Does that mean that I have the ability to posess all (what was the last count?
gifts or spiritual manifestations or whatever you want to refer to them as? Yes. Do I, not that I know of. Healing for example. Or you know, Organization...definitely not one for me. But I can play a mean lick and sing a killer lyric. That's not a gift of the spirit, but it is a gift nonetheless to first Glorify God and then edify the body. We should all be open to any gift God has for us and not quibble of whether it's God given or not or how it's given, it's all good because it's from him. If we are kidding ourselves by pretending anything, that will only come back to us at a later time when we are convicted to repent. Hopefully, everyone who does pretend straightens out and learns. I don't want to preach here as I have my own stumblings.I'm sure there are many who are stuck in traditional thinking and knowing this is black and white because the Scripture says thus...rise above it and seek only God's wisdom, he will answer you in wahtever you seek, but in his time and in his way. Don't expect to get a letter from God with the answer either as you will find out you are doing most of the footwork and meditation until God reveals it to you...then you know it's got to be only God. There are so many things I've experienced in my own life and have seen that would blow some believers away and would put others to sleep. I just find a comfort when I see God in motion and hear of his mercy and his judgement and discipline, even if it's for me. I know it will end up being positive if I continue in His will, not mine nor my own understanding.
So that's it. Let me hear your own story.
Peace,
John
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