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Abrazados por el Espíritu: Las bendiciones desconocidas de la intimidad con Dios
Swindoll provides the classic, inspirational work on the Holy Spirit. For so many of us, the Christian life is wholly unsatisfying, often frustrating, because we miss the full experience and blessings of the Holy Spirit.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2010
70 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Charles R. Swindoll
965 books835 followersCharles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 2, 2019
Great book. I think this book could be beneficial for everyone! I would suggest it specifically for the person who hasn’t felt a closeness to God in awhile or someone new to faith wanting to know more about the spirits role in our life.
May 31, 2012
Chuck Swindoll is my favorite Bible teacher. His writing is such a joy to read. This book is a very encouraging book to read. It is helpful to know that "He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. I highly recommend this book. The following quotes are from the book:
The life that He lived qualified Him for the death that He died. And the death that He died qualifies us for the life that He lived. ~Ian Thomas p. 13
He enables you to face today’s trials. He empowers you to meet tomorrow’s demands. He gets you past the divorce. He guides you to your mate. He goes with you to the funeral home. Thursday, Friday, Sunday, Monday, He is with you. Wherever you are—hospital room, dorm room, at home alone, in a difficult work environment, with a sick child, standing by a fresh grave—you have an inner Helper. He has “come alongside” to assist you. The Spirit of God has been provided to comfort as nobody else can. He loves you. He’ll never leave you. He supports and strengthens you. And because of His indwelling presence, you have an amazing life open before you. p. 34
We need to be a collective body of individuals whose lives are unexplainable apart from the supernatural work of the Spirit—growing us, transforming us, loving us to good works, as we increasingly look like Christ. pp. 86-87
People aren’t looking for the amazing; they’re looking for the authentic. p. 87
At critical moments in my own life, I have sought the counsel of seasoned individuals—and they’ve seldom been wrong. But you must choose your counselors very carefully. Wise and trustworthy counselors are persons who want for you only what God wants. Such persons will stay objective, listen carefully, think deeply, and answer slowly. p. 100
The kind of assignments God gives in the Bible are always God sized. They are always beyond what people can do because He wants to demonstrate His nature, His strength, His provision, His kindness to His people and to a watching world. That is the only way the world will come to know Him. ~Henry Blackaby p. 102
Following Christ means that we must believe God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. p. 103
God does not want us to substitute the good for the very best. p. 104
Anytime you force a door, thinking you’ll find satisfaction by getting your way, ultimately you will regret it. Leave it closed. Back away. Accept it. In acceptance lies peace. pp. 106-107
Four Guidelines That Will Help
If you’re struggling with a closed door, I have four guidelines to share with you that have helped me in my own process.
1. Since God is sovereign, He is in full control.
Read Revelation 3:7: “[I am the One] who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens.”
2. Being in full control, God takes full responsibility for the results.
Don’t try to carry that burden. It’s not up to you to make the divine plan work; it’s up to God. Your job is to walk in His will, regardless; it’s God’s job to make everything come together.
3. The closing of a good opportunity occurs in order to lead you to a better one.
Often in the winds of change we find a new direction. God took over and turned a jolt into joy.
4. Not until we walk through the open door will we realize the necessity of the previously closed one.
As a result of obeying God, accepting the closed doors, and walking through the open ones, God will honor you with a perspective you would never otherwise have. Henri Nouwen wrote, “The years that lie behind you, with all their struggles and pains, will in time be remembered only as the way that led to your new life.” pp. 114 – 115
Ask Him to soften the soil of your heart that has been hardened by bitterness or sadness or resentment or blame because of previously closed doors. Ask God to create in you a spirit of willingness and availability. p. 119
You must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God. – The Message, (vv. 12-14) p. 137
How to Live Free
First, only God can bring relief to a soul this wretched.
Second, learn to recognize that a life lived in the energy of the flesh centers on self.
Third, a life lived with the Spirit in control leads us into grace. pp. 140 – 141
The original creation of man and woman is in God’s likeness, but when Adam and Even had a son, he was in Adam and Eve’s likeness. Something significant had changed about that image. Sin damaged the created ideal, but that damage must not have been complete. For this reason, one may say that the image of God has been defaced but not erased. It has been tarnished but not destroyed. p. 148
God allows our suffering. Don’t doubt for a moment that circumstances of suffering are used by God to shape you and conform you into the “image of His Son.” Nothing enters your life accidentally—remember that. There is no such thing as “luck” or “coincidence” or “fate” to the child of God. Behind our every experience is our loving, sovereign Lord. He is continually working things out according to His infinite plan and purpose. And that includes our suffering. When God wants to do an impossible task, he takes an impossible individual . . . and crushes him. Being crushed means being reshaped—to be a vital, compassionate, useful instrument in His hands. pp. 190 – 191
The life that He lived qualified Him for the death that He died. And the death that He died qualifies us for the life that He lived. ~Ian Thomas p. 13
He enables you to face today’s trials. He empowers you to meet tomorrow’s demands. He gets you past the divorce. He guides you to your mate. He goes with you to the funeral home. Thursday, Friday, Sunday, Monday, He is with you. Wherever you are—hospital room, dorm room, at home alone, in a difficult work environment, with a sick child, standing by a fresh grave—you have an inner Helper. He has “come alongside” to assist you. The Spirit of God has been provided to comfort as nobody else can. He loves you. He’ll never leave you. He supports and strengthens you. And because of His indwelling presence, you have an amazing life open before you. p. 34
We need to be a collective body of individuals whose lives are unexplainable apart from the supernatural work of the Spirit—growing us, transforming us, loving us to good works, as we increasingly look like Christ. pp. 86-87
People aren’t looking for the amazing; they’re looking for the authentic. p. 87
At critical moments in my own life, I have sought the counsel of seasoned individuals—and they’ve seldom been wrong. But you must choose your counselors very carefully. Wise and trustworthy counselors are persons who want for you only what God wants. Such persons will stay objective, listen carefully, think deeply, and answer slowly. p. 100
The kind of assignments God gives in the Bible are always God sized. They are always beyond what people can do because He wants to demonstrate His nature, His strength, His provision, His kindness to His people and to a watching world. That is the only way the world will come to know Him. ~Henry Blackaby p. 102
Following Christ means that we must believe God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. p. 103
God does not want us to substitute the good for the very best. p. 104
Anytime you force a door, thinking you’ll find satisfaction by getting your way, ultimately you will regret it. Leave it closed. Back away. Accept it. In acceptance lies peace. pp. 106-107
Four Guidelines That Will Help
If you’re struggling with a closed door, I have four guidelines to share with you that have helped me in my own process.
1. Since God is sovereign, He is in full control.
Read Revelation 3:7: “[I am the One] who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens.”
2. Being in full control, God takes full responsibility for the results.
Don’t try to carry that burden. It’s not up to you to make the divine plan work; it’s up to God. Your job is to walk in His will, regardless; it’s God’s job to make everything come together.
3. The closing of a good opportunity occurs in order to lead you to a better one.
Often in the winds of change we find a new direction. God took over and turned a jolt into joy.
4. Not until we walk through the open door will we realize the necessity of the previously closed one.
As a result of obeying God, accepting the closed doors, and walking through the open ones, God will honor you with a perspective you would never otherwise have. Henri Nouwen wrote, “The years that lie behind you, with all their struggles and pains, will in time be remembered only as the way that led to your new life.” pp. 114 – 115
Ask Him to soften the soil of your heart that has been hardened by bitterness or sadness or resentment or blame because of previously closed doors. Ask God to create in you a spirit of willingness and availability. p. 119
You must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God. – The Message, (vv. 12-14) p. 137
How to Live Free
First, only God can bring relief to a soul this wretched.
Second, learn to recognize that a life lived in the energy of the flesh centers on self.
Third, a life lived with the Spirit in control leads us into grace. pp. 140 – 141
The original creation of man and woman is in God’s likeness, but when Adam and Even had a son, he was in Adam and Eve’s likeness. Something significant had changed about that image. Sin damaged the created ideal, but that damage must not have been complete. For this reason, one may say that the image of God has been defaced but not erased. It has been tarnished but not destroyed. p. 148
God allows our suffering. Don’t doubt for a moment that circumstances of suffering are used by God to shape you and conform you into the “image of His Son.” Nothing enters your life accidentally—remember that. There is no such thing as “luck” or “coincidence” or “fate” to the child of God. Behind our every experience is our loving, sovereign Lord. He is continually working things out according to His infinite plan and purpose. And that includes our suffering. When God wants to do an impossible task, he takes an impossible individual . . . and crushes him. Being crushed means being reshaped—to be a vital, compassionate, useful instrument in His hands. pp. 190 – 191
April 1, 2022
This is my first book by Charles Swindoll but I can tell it won’t be my last. An excellent read explaining the Holy Spirit and the major role He plays in the believer’s life. How He’s not this unknown, ambiguous member of the Trinity, but rather the amazing power of God living inside us. That guides us in all our ways. This books relates how we can live for God’s blessings by being more aware of the Spirit’s work in an and around us. Great stuff!
August 18, 2019
I don't usually read Swindoll's books. I choose this because the Holy Spirit. His work in this book is right on in my opinion~~
He writes the simplicity of living as a Christian born of the Spirit child of God. Read to find how all along the Holy Spirit has been in you and with you, dear Christian. At the moment a person asks Christ to come and live inside their heart, the 3rd person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit comes in and transforms their heart!!!! Instantly the heart is a new creation and testifies to that new saint that they are a new person! Never to see the world or others as they use to. 1 Corinthians 5:17 explains what Swindoll's book goes about simply explaining.
But of course, the saint still has their body and their mind which can choose whether to walk in the Spirit or ignore the beautiful still small voice of God's; the Holy Spirit.
He writes the simplicity of living as a Christian born of the Spirit child of God. Read to find how all along the Holy Spirit has been in you and with you, dear Christian. At the moment a person asks Christ to come and live inside their heart, the 3rd person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit comes in and transforms their heart!!!! Instantly the heart is a new creation and testifies to that new saint that they are a new person! Never to see the world or others as they use to. 1 Corinthians 5:17 explains what Swindoll's book goes about simply explaining.
But of course, the saint still has their body and their mind which can choose whether to walk in the Spirit or ignore the beautiful still small voice of God's; the Holy Spirit.
January 28, 2014
Charles R. Swindoll in his new book, “Embraced By The Spirit” published by Worthy Publishing gives us The Untold Blessings of Intimacy with God.
From the back cover: Has it been a while since your heart was stirred?
Charles Swindoll has been there too–weary of a sterile, predictable faith; running on empty, yet knowing in his heart that there has to be so much more. In Embraced By The Spirit, he welcomes you as a fellow pilgrim to a deeper, more intimate walk with God through a greater understanding of the power of The Holy Spirit.
Approach the throne of grace alongside beloved pastor Charles Swindoll as he guides you through the prayers of your heart. In Hear Me When I Call you will find effective prayers on the themes of your life.
Hear Me When I Call helps put into words what your heart and soul are trying to express as you draw closer to the One who always bears you.
We read in The Gospels that the Disciples went everywhere with Jesus, living together as a nomadic small family. When Jesus knew He was going to die He told them He was leaving but not comfortless as He was going to send The Spirit. They would have the exact same relationship with The Spirit that they had with Him. What the Disciples had we can have today, a relationship with The Holy Spirit. Pastor Swindoll begins the book by explaining who The Holy Spirit is and then launches into the ways we can have and improve our relationship with Him. If you are feeling hesitant about your relationship with The Holy Spirit and how you can grow with Him then this is the book for you. ”Embraced By The Spirit” is a great gift to give to friends and family as well.
You can find “Embraced By The Spirit” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/sw...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Worthy Publishing for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Has it been a while since your heart was stirred?
Charles Swindoll has been there too–weary of a sterile, predictable faith; running on empty, yet knowing in his heart that there has to be so much more. In Embraced By The Spirit, he welcomes you as a fellow pilgrim to a deeper, more intimate walk with God through a greater understanding of the power of The Holy Spirit.
Approach the throne of grace alongside beloved pastor Charles Swindoll as he guides you through the prayers of your heart. In Hear Me When I Call you will find effective prayers on the themes of your life.
Hear Me When I Call helps put into words what your heart and soul are trying to express as you draw closer to the One who always bears you.
We read in The Gospels that the Disciples went everywhere with Jesus, living together as a nomadic small family. When Jesus knew He was going to die He told them He was leaving but not comfortless as He was going to send The Spirit. They would have the exact same relationship with The Spirit that they had with Him. What the Disciples had we can have today, a relationship with The Holy Spirit. Pastor Swindoll begins the book by explaining who The Holy Spirit is and then launches into the ways we can have and improve our relationship with Him. If you are feeling hesitant about your relationship with The Holy Spirit and how you can grow with Him then this is the book for you. ”Embraced By The Spirit” is a great gift to give to friends and family as well.
You can find “Embraced By The Spirit” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/sw...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Worthy Publishing for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 12, 2017
Once again Chuck writes a phenomenal book designed to reach into your heart and soul and make you understand the simple truths we are blessed with once we accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior. It made me think back through this last year of my life and see how the Holy Spirit was trying to teach me things... and because I wasn't sure it was him how I fumbled before coming to my knees. After reading this book I have no doubt in my mind it was the spirits leading and comforting that has led me through one battle to the next. This book offered me a fresh perspective and insight into the power we have available within us every day to walk in. Thank you Chuck for being a servant and writing from the heart.
June 6, 2011
This was a very good read. I gave the book a four only because it is written as Swindoll speaks. He needs an editor that would edit out the veral glitches and make the prose smoother. Swindoll says he had avoided a study of the HOLY SPIRIT because of others' excesses. I took am reluctant to deal with the Holy Spiit because of the charimatics misuse of the H.S. This book is a pleasant read about the H.S. without the mystical abuses. I cannot say I learned a great deal that I did not already know about the H. S. I did find it affirming that someone could write aout the H.S. without going weird.
January 14, 2016
This is a great book. In this world of chaos we need this reminder that the One in us is real, and more powerful than the one that is in the world. It is written to reach everybody without taking away the mighty message. We are not alone and we are not powerless. We are not the victims of our circumstances. If you want the tools to live a victorious life, just read this book: you will not regret it.
July 7, 2016
A short read packed with powerful and challenging insights into being caught up in a life long - life changing relationship with the Holy Spirit of God. Re-ignite your spiritual walk with a few days in reading this book -- Chuck Swindoll has a sense of humor and an ability to spin a story that will both entertain and challenge the reader...
July 8, 2015
¡Maravilloso!
Es el primer libro que leo de Charles R. Swindoll y quedé fascinado. Es un libro devocional a mi entender, no es un libro complejo o que toque temas controversiales sobre el Espíritu Santo, es un libro para intimar con el Espíritu Santo.
Lo recomiendo para todo cristiano pero muy especialmente para nuevos creyentes.
Es el primer libro que leo de Charles R. Swindoll y quedé fascinado. Es un libro devocional a mi entender, no es un libro complejo o que toque temas controversiales sobre el Espíritu Santo, es un libro para intimar con el Espíritu Santo.
Lo recomiendo para todo cristiano pero muy especialmente para nuevos creyentes.
Read
July 28, 2012Good balanced view of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and the spirit filled life.
January 14, 2013
Such a great book to get a person back on the path.
October 7, 2013
A decent go to book on the Spirit. It was in a stack of resources, so other resources outshined it. But the material is good and practical and useful, not intended to be depth and scholarly
September 9, 2015
Exelente libro
Un libro claro y sencillo en su enseñanza. Lo considero como Algo refrescante. Te sacara de algunas dudas sobre ciertas preguntas lo recomiendo.
Un libro claro y sencillo en su enseñanza. Lo considero como Algo refrescante. Te sacara de algunas dudas sobre ciertas preguntas lo recomiendo.
January 1, 2020
Swindoll has written a very good explanation of the basics of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. This book is biblical and theological on a popular level (as opposed to academic). It is both devotional and practical. And, in true Swindoll form, it has many stories and Bible references to make his various points.
If you have not had much exposure to teaching on the Holy Spirit, this book is a good starting point. Or maybe you have had a lot of teaching on the Holy Spirit but need some devotional refreshing on the subject. This is a good book for you, too. This book was not new information for me, but it was a fresh take on things of which I needed to be reminded. I have been blessed in reading it.
If you have not had much exposure to teaching on the Holy Spirit, this book is a good starting point. Or maybe you have had a lot of teaching on the Holy Spirit but need some devotional refreshing on the subject. This is a good book for you, too. This book was not new information for me, but it was a fresh take on things of which I needed to be reminded. I have been blessed in reading it.
November 2, 2023
Swindoll is a solid author and writes in a very accessible style. I was hoping for a few new insights though I wasn’t expecting them. I didn’t get any. So many books at this level provide sound biblical truths but do not go much beyond telling you that you can be blessed by them. How to apply and live these truths ought to be at least half the book, but most books are light on this. I get that the application can be so varied but maybe that needs to be said too! Overall a solid read, just not what I hoped for.
August 28, 2020
Great book!! Definitely an important read for all Christians. It takes us back to the basics of who is the Holy Spirit, and what does that mean for us. But the ways Chuck Swindoll explains it is really empowering! Thankful for this book!
June 25, 2024
Great and balanced view on the workings of the Holy Spirit.
Some frank thoughts on Christianity and the Christian walk.
Highly recommend to Christians and anyone exploring their relationship with the Holy Spirit and the function of the Trinity on this daily walk.
Some frank thoughts on Christianity and the Christian walk.
Highly recommend to Christians and anyone exploring their relationship with the Holy Spirit and the function of the Trinity on this daily walk.
March 22, 2022
A lot of it (most) is spot on but the bit about "*obeying* your doctor" is super cringe.
March 28, 2024
A pretty good devotional book. Don't think it's going to be a deep thinking, exegetically rich book. My biggest critique was cheaper 5 (I think). I think he did a pretty bad job of exegeting nearly all the scripture in that chapter.
October 28, 2014
Very inspiring and thought provoking.....
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews