Reviving Hope: The Power of the Holy Spirit

Summary

After a season of rest and renewal, I return with a heart full of gratitude for the faithfulness of God and the strength of this church. My journey into ministry began unexpectedly, with a clear call from God that set my life on a path of service and preaching. Over the years, I have witnessed God’s hand guiding not only my personal journey but also the growth and impact of our church family. This sabbatical was a time to clear my mind and heart, to seek God afresh, and to be reminded that my assignment here is not finished. I am deeply thankful for the leadership, staff, and every member who has carried the mission forward, proving that this church is not built on one person but on the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Reflecting on the work of the Holy Spirit, I am reminded that from the very beginning—Genesis 1—the Spirit of God, the Ruach, was present, active, and moving. The Spirit is not a distant force but a dynamic, personal presence, involved in every aspect of creation and our lives. The wind, the breath, the very air we feel, all point to the reality of God’s Spirit. Even in moments of doubt or unbelief, God meets us, reminding us that He is the author of every breeze and every stirring in our hearts.

The story of Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones illustrates the utter hopelessness that can grip us, whether as individuals or as a people. Yet, God’s question—“Can these bones live?”—is not for His sake but for ours. He invites us to speak not about our problems but to our problems, to prophesy life where there is death, hope where there is despair. The Holy Spirit is the difference between empty words and words that bring transformation. When we speak God’s truth over our lives, faith is built, and the Spirit breathes new life into what seemed lost.

This is not a one-time event but a continual process. The world is relentless in speaking negativity, but we are called to keep speaking life, to keep inviting the Holy Spirit to move. The evidence of God’s Spirit is seen in the fruit of this church—lives changed, needs met, and a movement that extends far beyond any one person. My prayer is that every person here would experience the breath of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the resurrection of every dry and hopeless place in their lives.

Key Takeaways

- The Holy Spirit is not a distant or abstract force but the dynamic, personal presence of God, actively involved in creation and in our daily lives. From the very beginning, God revealed Himself as Ruach—the wind, the breath—reminding us that He is as close as the air we breathe and as powerful as the force that shapes the world. [11:08]

- Moments of doubt and unbelief are not signs of failure but invitations to deeper trust. Even seasoned believers, like Peter or the man in Mark 9, wrestle with faith and uncertainty. God meets us in those moments, using even our emotions and questions as avenues for His Spirit to speak and reassure us of His presence. [12:59]

- Hopelessness is not the end of the story. The valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 is a prophetic picture for every generation: no matter how dead or dry a situation appears, the Spirit of God can breathe life and bring restoration. God’s question—“Can these bones live?”—is a call to believe in His power to resurrect what seems lost. [17:39]

- We are called to speak God’s truth directly to our problems, not just about them. Prophesying life over dead places is not empty positivity; it is partnering with the Holy Spirit, whose power transforms words into reality. Faith grows as we hear and declare God’s word, even when our feelings lag behind our declarations. [22:34]

- Spiritual renewal is a continual process, not a one-time event. The world constantly bombards us with negativity and fear, so we must repeatedly invite the Holy Spirit to breathe life into us. The evidence of God’s Spirit is seen in transformed lives, restored hope, and a church that moves from a moment to a movement, empowered by the breath of God. [30:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Reflections on Sabbatical and Gratitude
[02:04] - Journey into Ministry and Early Calling
[05:30] - Family Milestones and Personal Growth
[07:25] - The Strength of the Church Community
[11:08] - The Holy Spirit in Genesis: Ruach
[12:59] - Wrestling with Doubt and God’s Assurance
[14:39] - God Reveals Himself Through Creation
[16:08] - The Spirit in the Old and New Testaments
[17:39] - Ezekiel’s Valley of Dry Bones: Hopelessness
[19:52] - God’s Question: Can These Bones Live?
[21:29] - Speaking Life: The Power of Prophecy
[24:15] - Faith Comes by Hearing God’s Word
[27:21] - The Holy Spirit: More Than Positivity
[28:53] - The Process of Spiritual Renewal
[30:13] - From Dry Bones to a Great Army
[31:46] - The Need for the Holy Spirit in the Church
[33:07] - Testimonies of God’s Work in the Church
[33:51] - Invitation to Receive the Holy Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)
> In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 (ESV)
> The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. ...” (Read through verse 14 for the full story.)

Mark 9:24 (ESV)
> Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

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### Observation Questions

1. In Genesis 1:2, what is the Spirit of God (Ruach) doing at the very beginning of creation? How does the sermon describe this presence? [[11:08]]
2. In Ezekiel 37, what is the condition of the valley that Ezekiel is shown, and what does it represent for the people of Israel? [[17:39]]
3. According to the sermon, what does God ask Ezekiel to do in the valley of dry bones, and what is the result when Ezekiel obeys? [[21:29]]
4. In Mark 9:24, what does the father say to Jesus, and how does this relate to the theme of doubt and faith in the sermon? [[12:59]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says the Holy Spirit is not a distant force but a dynamic, personal presence. What does it mean for the Spirit to be as close as the air we breathe? How might this change the way someone thinks about God’s involvement in their daily life? [[11:08]]
2. When God asks Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?” the sermon says this question is for Ezekiel’s benefit, not God’s. Why might God ask us questions about our hopeless situations? [[19:52]]
3. The sermon encourages speaking God’s truth directly to our problems, not just about them. How is this different from simply being positive or optimistic? [[22:34]]
4. The process of spiritual renewal in Ezekiel 37 is described as ongoing, not a one-time event. What does this suggest about how believers should approach times of dryness or discouragement? [[29:29]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor shared about his own doubts and moments of unbelief, even after experiencing God’s presence. When have you felt unsure if God was really speaking to you or working in your life? How did you respond in that moment? [[12:59]]
2. The sermon challenges us to “speak life” over our situations instead of repeating negativity. What is one area in your life right now that feels dry or hopeless? What would it look like to speak God’s promises over that area this week? [[22:34]]
3. The world is described as constantly speaking negativity and fear. What are some specific sources of negativity in your daily routine? What is one practical step you can take to replace some of that with God’s word or encouragement? [[29:29]]
4. The story of Ezekiel’s dry bones shows that change didn’t happen all at once—it was a process. Is there a situation in your life where you’ve expected instant change? How can you practice patience and keep inviting the Holy Spirit to work, even when you don’t see immediate results? [[29:29]]
5. The pastor said the evidence of the Holy Spirit is seen in transformed lives and a church that moves from a moment to a movement. Where have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in your church or community recently? How can you join in what God is doing? [[33:07]]
6. The sermon invites everyone to experience the breath of God and the resurrection of every dry and hopeless place. What is one prayer you can pray this week, asking the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into a specific area of your life? [[33:51]]
7. The pastor mentioned that spiritual renewal is not a one-time event. What is one habit or practice you can start (or restart) this week to regularly invite the Holy Spirit into your life? [[30:13]]

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Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit Brings Life to Hopeless Situations
When life feels dry, empty, or hopeless, the Spirit of God is able to breathe new life into even the most desperate circumstances. Just as the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision represented utter hopelessness, God’s Spirit—His Ruach—entered and transformed what was dead into a living, vibrant army. No matter how lifeless or broken your situation may seem, God’s Spirit is able to restore, renew, and resurrect. You are not defined by your dead places; the Holy Spirit can bring hope and life where there was none. [17:39]

Ezekiel 37:1-6 (ESV)
The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels hopeless or “dead”? Can you invite the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into that place today, trusting that God can restore what seems lost?


Day 2: Speak Life, Not Death, Over Your Circumstances
God calls His people not to simply talk about their problems, but to speak directly to them with words of faith and life. Instead of repeating the negativity and hopelessness of the world, you are invited to prophesy God’s truth over your situation—declaring His promises, hope, and power. Speaking the word of the Lord to your “dry bones” is not empty positivity; it is aligning your words with God’s creative, life-giving Spirit. As you do, you partner with the Holy Spirit to see transformation begin. [22:34]

Ezekiel 37:7-10 (ESV)
So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

Reflection: What negative words or thoughts have you been speaking over your life or situation? Today, choose one promise from God’s Word and declare it out loud over your “dry bones.”


Day 3: The Holy Spirit Is God’s Personal, Dynamic Presence
From the very beginning, God reveals Himself not as distant or uninvolved, but as a dynamic, personal, and powerful presence—His Spirit hovering over creation, bringing order and life. The Holy Spirit is not an abstract force but God Himself, intimately involved in your life, able to comfort, guide, and empower you. Even when you doubt or question whether God is near, remember that His Spirit is as real and present as the wind—sometimes gentle, sometimes powerful, but always with you. [11:08]

Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Reflection: When was the last time you sensed God’s presence in a simple, everyday moment? How can you pause today to acknowledge and welcome the Holy Spirit’s presence with you right now?


Day 4: Faith Grows as You Hear and Speak God’s Word
Faith is not something you must muster up on your own; it grows as you hear and speak the Word of God. The world is full of voices that bring fear, doubt, and discouragement, but God’s Word brings hope, healing, and victory. As you replace the world’s negativity with God’s truth—reading, hearing, and declaring His promises—your faith is strengthened, and you begin to see yourself and your circumstances through God’s eyes. [24:15]

Romans 10:17 (ESV)
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally fill your mind and heart with God’s Word today—perhaps by listening to Scripture, reading a passage aloud, or memorizing a verse?


Day 5: Surrender Fully to God and Receive His Spirit
Transformation and new life begin with full surrender to God. The Holy Spirit’s power is not reserved for a select few or for “weird” churches—it is God’s gift to all who trust in Jesus and yield their lives to Him. When you let go of your own way and say, “God, have your way in my life,” you open yourself to the breath of God, who can resurrect every dead place and empower you to live for His purposes. There is no cheap salvation; Jesus gave His all, and He invites you to give your all in return. [33:51]

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life you have been holding back from God? What would it look like to fully surrender that area to Him and invite the Holy Spirit to move in a new way?

Quotes

``God, in the very second sentence of the book, God defines himself not as some static, distant, uninvolved heavenly being, but as a dynamic, personal, fully engaged, powerful force in your life. And in all creation, this Holy Spirit was involved. [00:11:41] (21 seconds)  #GodIsEngaged Edit Clip

If God is ever asking you a question, it's not because he doesn't know the answer. Okay. He knows the answer. He wants you to know the answer. He's stopping right here and saying things are falling apart in your life. Things aren't going the way you want them to go. It feels like it's all dead. He's asking you this morning, today, can this situation live? God's not asking that question because he doesn't know the answer. He wants you to know the answer. [00:20:01] (23 seconds)  #GodWantsYouToKnow Edit Clip

You don't speak about your problem. You speak to your problem. He said, speak to the bones and tell them dry bones come to life. Hear the word of the Lord. This is God's advice to your situation. You're like, I don't know what's going to help this situation. Let me tell you what's going to help the situation. The Holy Spirit. [00:22:29] (20 seconds)  #SpeakLifeToBones Edit Clip

God's word is different than the word that you've been hearing. God's word says you're healed, that you're an overcomer, that in God, all things are possible, that through him, you're victorious, that you're not defined by that thing that happened, that you're bigger than the moment that you're in right now. That's all the stuff God's word says. So stop telling yourself things like I'm not going anywhere and I don't deserve any better and start speaking life. [00:24:41] (25 seconds)  #SpeakVictory Edit Clip

You're not going to pray one prayer. You're not going to say one thing. You're not going to wake up your spirit one time and think it changes everything. You're going to have to keep speaking life. You know why? Because the world is still speaking junk. All day, every day, you are covered up with it from the news to the movies to the Netflix to the social media to the radio. Everything. Spotify. It's killing you with junk. You're going to have to speak life over and over and over again. [00:30:23] (28 seconds)  #SpeakLifeRelentlessly Edit Clip

God moves and starts at the cross it starts with full and total surrender to God it's when you say God I'm just going to trust you in my life I'm not going to keep going the way I want to go I'm going to back up and say Lord have your way in my life there is no cheap salvation Jesus paid it all he died on the cross he gave his all that means for me to be saved I got to give my all to him I don't have to get right on my own I don't have to be holy and perfect on my own but I do have to say God not my will but yours be good [00:35:31] (30 seconds)  #TotalSurrender Edit Clip