In whose power are you doing ministry? I would like to say that I have operated in the power of the Spirit for nearly 30 years of shepherding ministry. The reality, however, is that there are many times I have worked from the power or the flesh. When I have, I have always seen predictable results rather than powerful ones.

Jesus told His disciples in John 14:25-26 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” We are dependent on the Holy Spirit to accomplish anything of eternal value.

F.B. Meyer wrote a book titled, Secret of Guidance. In the chapter on The Fullness of the Spirit he wrote:

“Nothing can compensate the Church, or the individual Christian, for the lack of the Holy Spirit. What the full stream is to the mill‑wheel, that the Holy Spirit is to the Church. What the principle of life is to the body, that the Holy Spirit is to the individual. We shall stand powerless and abashed in the presence of our difficulties and our foes until we learn what He can be, as a mighty tide of love and power in the hearts of His saints.”

How can we know if we are operating in the fullness of the Spirit? I think there will be evidences in our lives as we shepherd God’s people.

Are we passionate in prayer before the throne of God? Communion with God is of great importance.

Are we pursuing the Word of God? A love for truth is non-negotiable.

Are we sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit? We can quickly quench or grieve the Holy Spirit when we set our own agenda rather than following His.

Are we burdened for lost people and sharing the Gospel? The Holy Spirit magnifies Christ. When we share the Gospel we too magnify Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

I love this quote by Henry Blackaby:

“Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes–all the time! It must be that way, for God’s glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the Spirit within us, God gets the glory. He wants to reveal Himself to a watching world.” Experiencing the Spirit: The Power of Pentecost Every Day