Recognizing the Lord
Personally Present in Me

The Lord Who Walks with Us

(Ephesians 5:18)

Among Jesus’ disciples, Peter stood out for his power, inspiration, and boldness. Yet, there was something striking about Peter—he displayed his power, inspiration, and boldness only when Jesus was by his side.

1. The Reason Peter Regained His Courage
After parting from Jesus, Peter became so fearful and powerless that he even denied Him three times before a servant girl. But later, another change came upon him. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly testified about Jesus before the very Jews who hated Him. He commanded a lame beggar to walk in the name of Jesus, preached the gospel to those amazed at the healing, and fearlessly declared before the Sanhedrin that sought to threaten him, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge!”

2. Consciousness of the Lord’s Presence
What happened to Peter when he was filled with the Holy Spirit? What restored him to the powerful, inspirational, and bold man he once was? By being filled with the Holy Spirit, he began to aware that Jesus was with him. A person who is conscious of Jesus’ personal presence—this is the one who is truly filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ words move them, Jesus’ words permeate them, and Jesus’ words govern them, leading them to walk step by step along the path guided by the Holy Spirit.

3. Step by Step with the Lord
The fullness of the Holy Spirit is not granted to only a special few. Anyone who decides to accept Jesus’ words and obey Him can be filled with the Holy Spirit. First, let us cast aside selfishness and fleshly desires within us. Let us grieve over our sins and feel sorrow for them. We are not separated from Jesus. Even now, He is guiding us, speaking to us, and walking with us—step by step.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim