Heart Matters Retreat

Written By Sherri Richard

The Holy Spirit: God With Us Through Time

The Holy Spirit in Creation

Key Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2

  • The Spirit of God was present at the very beginning, hovering over the waters before the world took shape.

  • The Holy Spirit brings order, life, and purpose out of chaos. Just as He was present in creation, He brings new creation and renewal to our lives.

The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

Bezalel: Filled with the Spirit to design the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-5).

  • Wisdom: The ability to apply knowledge effectively in a practical and creative way.

  • Understanding: Insight and perception, especially in technical and artistic skills.

  • Knowledge: A deep understanding of the tasks at hand, particularly concerning craftsmanship.

  • Skill in all kinds of craftsmanship: This includes expertise in:

    • Working with gold, silver, and bronze: Precious metals used in the construction of the Tabernacle's sacred objects.

    • Cutting and setting stones: Likely referring to preparing stones for the high priest's garments and possibly for decorative purposes in the Tabernacle.

    • Carving wood: Used for the construction of furniture and other sacred elements within the Tabernacle.

Bezalel was empowered by the Spirit to be an artisan and craftsman, with exceptional skills to create the intricate and holy objects needed for the Tabernacle, demonstrating the Spirit’s ability to inspire creativity and skill for God’s purposes.

Gideon: Empowered by the Spirit for leadership (Judges 6:34).

  • Leadership and Courage: The Spirit transformed Gideon from a hesitant and fearful man into a courageous leader who could rally the Israelites to fight the Midianites. In Judges 6:34, it says, "Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him." The Spirit emboldened him to lead a small army of only 300 men against a much larger Midianite force.

  • Strategic Wisdom: With the Spirit’s guidance, Gideon developed an unconventional battle strategy, using trumpets, jars, and torches to confuse and defeat the Midianite army (Judges 7). The Spirit provided him with the wisdom to trust in God's plan, even when it defied normal military logic.

  • Faith and Dependence on God: Empowered by the Spirit, Gideon showed great faith in following God's direction, especially when he reduced his army from 32,000 to 300 men, making it clear that the victory was due to God’s power, not human strength.

The Spirit of the Lord gave Gideon the boldness to lead, the wisdom to plan, and the faith to trust in God’s plan for deliverance, enabling him to rescue Israel from the oppression of the Midianites.

David: Anointed with the Spirit for kingship (1 Samuel 16:13).

  • Leadership and Kingship: When David was anointed, 1 Samuel 16:13 says, "From that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David." The Spirit gave David the ability to lead Israel with wisdom, courage, and justice. His leadership unified the tribes of Israel and established a strong kingdom.

  • Military Skill and Strategy: The Spirit empowered David to be a successful military leader, allowing him to defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17) and secure numerous victories over Israel’s enemies. David’s success as a warrior and general was a clear result of the Spirit guiding him in battle strategy and courage.

  • Spiritual Insight and Worship: David’s deep connection with God was marked by his psalms and worship. Many of the Psalms, written by David, show his spiritual insight, reliance on God, and understanding of God's nature. The Spirit filled David with a heart for worship, making him "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). His role as a worshiper, musician, and poet was a unique gift that brought Israel into a deeper relationship with God.

  • Wisdom and Justice: As king, David ruled with a sense of justice and wisdom, making him one of the most revered leaders in Israel’s history. The Spirit provided him with discernment to govern well and make decisions that aligned with God’s will.

  • Covenant Role and Messianic Foreshadowing: The Spirit’s empowerment of David was crucial in establishing the Davidic covenant, through which God promised that the Messiah would come from David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16). David's kingship foreshadowed the coming of Jesus, who would be the ultimate fulfillment of the Spirit’s work through David.

David was empowered by the Spirit in leadership, military prowess, wisdom, worship, and establishing a covenantal role that pointed to the Messiah. The Spirit's presence was a continuous guiding force in David's life, from his anointing as a young shepherd to his reign as king.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon specific people to empower them for a unique purpose.

Prophecies of the Spirit for All Believers

Joel 2:28-29

  • The Spirit would not just rest on a few; He was promised to all who believe.

  • This prophecy points to a future when everyone—no matter their background—could receive the Holy Spirit.

Jesus and the Holy Spirit

  • Jesus’ Baptism: Matthew 3:16

  • Jesus’ Promise of the Spirit: John 14:16-17

Jesus lived by the Spirit’s power and promised that the same Spirit to us. He called the Holy Spirit “the Helper,” someone who will be with us forever.

Pentecost: The Spirit Poured Out

Acts 2:1-4

  • Pentecost marks the moment the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers, fulfilling the promises of Joel and Jesus.

  • The Holy Spirit is not distant. He lives in us today, empowering us to live out God’s purposes.

Closing Thought:

The Holy Spirit is “God within”—the constant, empowering presence of God in our lives. Just as He was present at creation, He is present now, transforming us, guiding us, and drawing us closer to God’s best for our lives.

  • Are you open to the idea that the spirit can move in your life? Why or why not? 

  • Have you ever experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life? 

  • The spirit bestowed a wide array of gifts on Bezalel, Gideon and David. Can you relate with any of their gifts? Creativity? Craftsmanship? Wisdom? Leadership? Understanding? 

  • Think about the unique gifts in your life? Do you think God can use them? 

  • How can you invite the Holy Spirit into areas where I feel stuck, confused, or overwhelmed?

Take a moment by yourself to pray that your heart would be open to the lessons that we will be learning this weekend. 


Sherri Richard