Carry the Presence: Living Boldly in Holy Spirit Power

Devotional

Day 1: The Cost and Call of Carrying God's Presence

Carrying the presence of God is not a casual or part-time commitment; it requires wholehearted devotion, honesty, and a willingness to live differently from the world. The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 shows that God desires authenticity and full surrender, not just outward displays of faith or half-hearted participation. When we choose to go all in, we become true carriers of His presence, stepping beyond mere observation into the miraculous life He has for us. [01:14:34]

Acts 5:1-11 (ESV)
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Reflection: Is there any area of your life where you are holding back from God or presenting yourself as more committed than you truly are? What would it look like to go “all in” with Him today?

Day 2: Awareness of the Holy Spirit’s Presence

Being aware of the Holy Spirit is foundational to living a life filled with peace, wisdom, and power. The Spirit is not distant or reserved for special moments; He dwells within every believer, guiding, comforting, and empowering us daily. When we lose awareness of His presence, anxiety, fear, and confusion can take over, but when we recognize that our bodies are His temple, we can walk in confidence and assurance, no matter the circumstances. [01:20:30]

1 Corinthians 6:19 (ESV)
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.

Reflection: When was the last time you paused to check your “spiritual dashboard” and intentionally acknowledged the Holy Spirit’s presence in your daily routine? How can you remind yourself to be aware of Him today?

Day 3: Boldness Activates the Power of the Holy Spirit

Boldness is the key that activates the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives; it is not about arrogance, but about faith in action and the willingness to step out even when it’s uncomfortable. The early church saw miracles and transformation not because they were perfect or highly educated, but because they were bold enough to obey God’s promptings, even in the face of opposition or fear. When we choose boldness over people-pleasing or hesitation, we open the door for God’s supernatural work in and through us. [01:36:15]

Acts 4:13 (ESV)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Reflection: Where is God prompting you to step out in boldness today—perhaps to pray for someone, speak truth, or serve in a new way? What is one bold step you can take in obedience to the Holy Spirit?

Day 4: Living in Authority Through the Word and the Spirit

God has given us authority through the Holy Spirit and His Word, enabling us to stand firm against the enemy and declare God’s promises over every area of our lives. It is not enough to know the Word intellectually; we must live it, speak it, and let it shape our actions so that our confession matches our lifestyle. When we align our lives with God’s truth, we close the door to the enemy and walk in the victory and freedom Jesus has already won for us. [01:41:41]

John 16:13-14 (ESV)
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where your actions and words are not aligned with God’s truth? How can you begin to live and declare His Word with authority in that area today?

Day 5: Worship and Gratitude Break Down Walls

Worship and gratitude are powerful weapons that bring down the walls and obstacles in our lives, just as the Israelites saw the walls of Jericho fall when they obeyed God and praised Him. Instead of complaining or focusing on what’s wrong, choosing to worship and give thanks—even in difficult circumstances—shifts our perspective and invites God’s breakthrough. When we lift our eyes to Jesus and praise Him, we position ourselves to receive His best and see the impossible become possible. [56:42]

Joshua 6:15-16, 20 (ESV)
On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city.” … So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been tempted to complain or lose hope? How can you intentionally choose worship and gratitude in that situation today, trusting God to bring the breakthrough?

Sermon Summary

Today, the invitation is to become true carriers of God’s presence, not just spectators of His power. The journey begins with a choice: to turn from old patterns and step into the new things God is doing, even when it means letting go of comfort and keeping silent before the walls that seem immovable. Like the Israelites at Jericho, victory comes not through complaint or striving, but through worship and trust—lifting our eyes to the source of our help and praising God even before the breakthrough.

The early church in Acts 5 witnessed miracles, healings, and deliverance, yet many stood at a distance, unwilling to participate because they recognized the cost of hosting the Holy Spirit. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a sobering reminder that God desires authenticity, not performance. The presence of God is not a casual thing; it demands wholeheartedness, integrity, and a willingness to be “all in.” To carry the presence is to embrace a higher standard, to move from being an observer to a participant in God’s move.

Carrying God’s presence requires three things: awareness, boldness, and authority. Awareness means recognizing that the Holy Spirit is not a distant guest but a resident within, available in every moment, not just in church but in the mundane and the difficult. When peace is absent and anxiety rises, it’s a sign that awareness of His presence is running low. Boldness is the willingness to act on God’s prompting, to risk reputation and comfort for obedience, knowing that miracles often happen outside the sanctuary. Authority comes from living in alignment with God’s Word—when our confession matches our lifestyle, we can stand firm against the enemy and declare God’s promises with confidence.

The call is to move from spiritual spectatorship to active participation, to let the Holy Spirit’s power, love, and sound mind define our daily lives. This is not about striving for more of the Spirit, but about yielding to the fullness already given. As we become more aware, step out in boldness, and stand in our God-given authority, we will see walls fall, cycles break, and new fruitfulness birthed in our lives and communities.

Key Takeaways

1. Worship and Trust Over Complaint: When facing obstacles, the breakthrough often comes not through striving or voicing our frustrations, but through worship and trust. Like the Israelites at Jericho, keeping silent before our walls and lifting praise to God positions us for His intervention. Complaining drains spiritual vitality, but worship invites God’s power into our situation. [55:54]
2. Authenticity in God’s Presence: God’s presence cannot coexist with deception or half-heartedness. The story of Ananias and Sapphira reveals that God values authenticity over appearance; He desires people who are truly “all in,” not just those who look committed. Living with integrity before God is the foundation for carrying His presence and experiencing His power. [71:22]
3. Awareness of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is not a distant force but a constant companion, dwelling within every believer. When anxiety, fear, or confusion dominate, it’s a sign that we’ve lost awareness of His presence. Regularly checking our “spiritual dashboard” and refueling in God’s presence restores peace and empowers us to face life’s challenges with confidence. [79:27]
4. Boldness Activates the Spirit’s Power: The power of the Holy Spirit is not reserved for the spiritually elite or for church services alone. Boldness—acting on God’s promptings, even when it’s uncomfortable—activates miracles and breakthrough. People-pleasing and fear hold us back, but faith-filled boldness releases God’s power in our everyday lives. [96:03]
5. Authority Flows from Alignment: Spiritual authority is not just about knowing Scripture, but about living in alignment with God’s truth. When our lifestyle matches our confession, we can stand in authority, declare God’s promises, and see the enemy flee. The Word of God in our mouths, spoken in faith and lived out in obedience, unlocks the power of the Holy Spirit in every area of life. [101:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[55:02] - Entering a New Season: The Power of Worship
[55:54] - Walking Around the Walls: Trusting God’s Process
[56:42] - Praise Brings Down Barriers
[58:55] - Carry the Presence: Introduction
[59:19] - Unity and Commanded Blessing
[60:19] - Spectators vs. Participants in God’s Move
[70:10] - The Cost of Hosting the Holy Spirit
[73:12] - The Danger of Lukewarm Faith
[76:01] - As Jesus Is, So Are We
[77:15] - Three Keys to Carrying God’s Presence
[79:27] - Awareness: The Holy Spirit Within
[87:14] - Guidance Requires Humility and Obedience
[91:34] - Power, Love, and a Sound Mind
[96:03] - Boldness: Activating the Spirit’s Power
[99:25] - Standing in Authority
[101:16] - Living the Word: Authority and Breakthrough
[104:55] - Declaring God’s Promises
[106:22] - Praying for Fresh Outpouring and Fruitfulness

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 5:1-16 (ESV) — > But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? ...” (Read through verse 16 for the full story of Ananias and Sapphira, and the miracles and healings that followed.)

1 John 4:17 (ESV) — > By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) — > For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Observation Questions

In Acts 5, what was the difference between those who witnessed the miracles and those who actually participated in what God was doing? ([01:00:19])
What happened to Ananias and Sapphira, and what does their story reveal about God’s expectations for those who want to carry His presence? ([01:11:22])
According to 1 John 4:17, what does it mean that “as Jesus is, so are we in this world”? How does this connect to the idea of being a carrier of God’s presence? ([01:16:13])
In 2 Timothy 1:7, what three things does Paul say God has given us instead of fear? How are these qualities connected to carrying God’s presence? ([01:31:58])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think some people in Acts 5 “dared not join” the apostles, even though they respected and admired what was happening? What might have held them back? ([01:00:19])
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a strong warning about authenticity. Why is authenticity so important when it comes to hosting the Holy Spirit? ([01:11:22])
The sermon said that “awareness, boldness, and authority” are keys to carrying God’s presence. What does it look like to lose awareness of the Holy Spirit in daily life? ([01:19:27])
How does living in alignment with God’s Word give a believer spiritual authority? What happens when there is a gap between what we say and how we live? ([01:41:16])

Application Questions

The Israelites at Jericho were told to keep silent and worship instead of complaining. When you face a “wall” or obstacle, what is your usual response—complaint or worship? What would it look like to choose worship and trust this week? ([55:54])
The sermon challenged us to move from being spectators to participants in God’s move. Are there areas in your life or faith where you tend to stand back and watch rather than step in? What is one step you could take to participate more fully? ([01:00:19])
When was the last time you felt anxious, fearful, or overwhelmed? Did you notice a lack of awareness of the Holy Spirit in that moment? What practical habit could help you “check your spiritual dashboard” and refuel in God’s presence? ([01:19:27])
The story of Ananias and Sapphira shows that God values authenticity over appearance. Are there any areas in your life where you are tempted to “look committed” rather than actually be “all in”? What would it take to move toward greater integrity? ([01:11:22])
The sermon said that boldness activates the Spirit’s power, especially outside of church. Can you think of a recent moment when you sensed God prompting you to act or speak, but you hesitated? What held you back, and how could you respond differently next time? ([01:36:03])
Spiritual authority comes from living in alignment with God’s Word. Is there a specific area where your lifestyle and your confession don’t match? What is one step you can take this week to bring your life into greater alignment with God’s truth? ([01:41:16])
The call is to let the Holy Spirit’s power, love, and sound mind define our daily lives. Which of these three—power, love, or sound mind—do you most need to grow in right now? What is one practical way you can invite the Holy Spirit to help you in that area? ([01:32:23])

Sermon Clips

See, the key to carrying the presence of God is being aware that he's there. See, the Holy Spirit is not distant. He's not simply up in heaven, nor is he only a feeling or goose bumps during worship. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit dwells in you. [01:19:27] (17 seconds) #HolySpiritWithin

I don't care what they say about you. They can falsely accuse you. They can talk bad about you. They can lie about you. You know what they've said about me and Melinda? All kinds of stuff. You know how much I sweat it? Nothing. I only come and sweat here when I preach the word. I don't sweat it. Why? Because God's got me. God's got me. [01:23:54] (21 seconds) #PeaceOverDiagnosis

It's the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit that is our portion. Where's your eyes? Are they on the diagnosis? Where's your eyes? Are they on the situation? When I'm aware of the Holy Spirit I also know he's my counsel. You may have all the facts, you may have all the advice, all the data but at the end of the day I go with peace. And if I've lost peace I pause. [01:26:43] (30 seconds) #ObedienceOverOpportunity

Awareness of the Holy Spirit brings power. When I realize that I'm aware of the Holy Spirit, I know all of heaven is backing me up. Bible says the same spirit that rose Jesus from the dead dwells in you. That means that resurrection of God power is alive inside of you. It quickens your mortal body and when I lose awareness of his presence, that's when fear creeps in. [01:31:30] (25 seconds) #LiveInLoveAndPower

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