What do you think?
Rate this book
Experiencing the Spirit: The Power of Pentecost Every Day
The first Christians “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) shaking the gates of hell even in the face of severe persecution. The People all around “were filled with wonder and amazement” (Acts 3:10).What can give Christians today the same impact?
God’s Holy Spirit is ready to answer that for us in an awesome way, as Henry Blackaby and his son Mel Blackaby make clear in Experiencing the Spirit . You’ll see how the proof of the Spirit’s presence is our awareness of God’s personal assignments for us, plus our supernatural enablement to carry out those assignments.You’ll find essential clarification on the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts. You’ll explore the dynamics of being filled with the Spirit through intimate relationship with Him, committed obedience, and radical departure from sin.
Instead of considering what you can do for God with your abilities and talents, you’ll be encouraged here to seek what God wants to do through you supernaturally by His Spirit, empowering you beyond your personal competence and capacities. Release the Holy Spirit’s work at the very core of your experience of the Christian life – as He releases you to serve God as never before.
God’s Holy Spirit is ready to answer that for us in an awesome way, as Henry Blackaby and his son Mel Blackaby make clear in Experiencing the Spirit . You’ll see how the proof of the Spirit’s presence is our awareness of God’s personal assignments for us, plus our supernatural enablement to carry out those assignments.You’ll find essential clarification on the difference between natural talents and spiritual gifts. You’ll explore the dynamics of being filled with the Spirit through intimate relationship with Him, committed obedience, and radical departure from sin.
Instead of considering what you can do for God with your abilities and talents, you’ll be encouraged here to seek what God wants to do through you supernaturally by His Spirit, empowering you beyond your personal competence and capacities. Release the Holy Spirit’s work at the very core of your experience of the Christian life – as He releases you to serve God as never before.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
176 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 5, 2009
Being the first time I've read anything by the Blackabys, I didn't know what to expect. Well, I wasn't disappointed. At the beginning it didn't seem as if they conveyed new information about the Holy Spirit. I already knew the things they were teaching about; it just seemed to be put into a fresh package. That was fine, and I was content in just getting a little "refresher course" on the Holy Spirit.
As I got further into the book, though, that changed. I was convicted over my disregard for the Holy Spirit's work in my life, and I was challenged to take a hard look at the many times I've shut the door on God's assignments for me. God will not give us big things to do, if we won't do the small stuff. It makes me wonder what I've missed out on by saying, "No, Lord. I can't."
They discuss spiritual gifts and using them, the importance of relationship with God, what the Holy Spirit's work looked like in Jesus' life and in the disciples, and the need for our full surrender. I can't say that I am in full agreement with their position on determining your spiritual gifts, and it's something I'm still thinking about. All in all, though, I found it to be challenging and stirring. It's definitely worth reading a second time and sharing with friends.
As I got further into the book, though, that changed. I was convicted over my disregard for the Holy Spirit's work in my life, and I was challenged to take a hard look at the many times I've shut the door on God's assignments for me. God will not give us big things to do, if we won't do the small stuff. It makes me wonder what I've missed out on by saying, "No, Lord. I can't."
They discuss spiritual gifts and using them, the importance of relationship with God, what the Holy Spirit's work looked like in Jesus' life and in the disciples, and the need for our full surrender. I can't say that I am in full agreement with their position on determining your spiritual gifts, and it's something I'm still thinking about. All in all, though, I found it to be challenging and stirring. It's definitely worth reading a second time and sharing with friends.
February 18, 2021
I remember going through Experiencing God with my first 2 interns in 1994. I have since read several of Blackaby’s books. I have to be honest, I have resonated with the thought that spiritual gift tests are off a bit- people should not get passes at evangelism by those who say they don’t have the gift or not helping someone out bc one does not have the gift of service. Instead I believe we have the Holy Spirit that will empower us to take on significant ministry- even if it out of our comfort zones. Great book- it hits the 5th gear about halfway through the book and rides nicely from then to the end.
February 27, 2023
Excellent book. Easy to read, but it makes the mystery of the Holy Spirit much easier to understand. It also helped me to more clearly understand the misleading "spiritual gifts."
August 8, 2018
This is a very encouraging look at the power available to any who confess to wanting to be a follower of Jesus Christ. The authors (Henry Blackaby's son also makes valuable contributions) make great use of personal experiences that amplify the mysterious, person who constitutes the third person of our Triune God.
Read
August 11, 20252025-08-11
Review 2025.07.005
Reviewers Note: It is the middle of 2025 and I am not doing a good job of keeping up with this desired goal of mine to write book reviews. I do not want to lower my expectations but I am going to so that I can catch up. This will mean short reviews on the books I read.
Experiencing the Spirit by Henry Blackaby
224 Pages
Looks like this is the third book I’ve read by Henry Blackaby. It was the most highlighted of the books with 16 total. I do not really remember much of it even after reviewing my highlights. I know I enjoyed it. My favorite highlight was “Believers often ask each other (or themselves), ‘What's your spiritual gift?’ The true answer to that question is this: the Holy Spirit is the gift.” which is solid. I’ve been guilty of the wrong answer to that question myself.
Do I recommend a book that I know was enjoyable but not that memorable? I suppose I can.
Review 2025.07.005
Reviewers Note: It is the middle of 2025 and I am not doing a good job of keeping up with this desired goal of mine to write book reviews. I do not want to lower my expectations but I am going to so that I can catch up. This will mean short reviews on the books I read.
Experiencing the Spirit by Henry Blackaby
224 Pages
Looks like this is the third book I’ve read by Henry Blackaby. It was the most highlighted of the books with 16 total. I do not really remember much of it even after reviewing my highlights. I know I enjoyed it. My favorite highlight was “Believers often ask each other (or themselves), ‘What's your spiritual gift?’ The true answer to that question is this: the Holy Spirit is the gift.” which is solid. I’ve been guilty of the wrong answer to that question myself.
Do I recommend a book that I know was enjoyable but not that memorable? I suppose I can.
February 13, 2022
This is one of the best spiritual books I have read in a while. Recently the idea of the Spirit has been brought up at church, and I wanted to find out more on my own, so I picked up Experiencing the Spirit! There is so much of this book I underlined...I could write an entire review on that. And this is a. book I will probably end up reading again to process more and think deeper. But this book made me realize how powerful the Spirit is, how I have it inside me and how amazing that is. It made me consider my walk with God and how sometimes He can feel so far away from me - but it's me that is straying from Him and not listening due to disobedience. It's really about Oneness with Him and His Spirit - which gives us an abundance through every life moment.
July 13, 2023
I really want to read more of Henry Blackaby's books. He brought out understanding of the Person of the Holy Spirit. Scripture I have heard much is enriched in meaning. To me, personally, there is so much importance on His work in your life. I will admit I didnt understand all there is to know about who He is. He is not only one who seals me for salvation. I need to surrender my life to His leading. He desires to live God's best through me. It is also a relief from being spiritually burnt out by trying to be my best in my own strength & efforts - instead of His power living in me. Thank you. I needed that reminder.
July 9, 2024
As usual, excellently written
Well written and use of real-world experiences force the reader to reflect on personal experience and therefore revealing the Holy Spirit involvement in their own lives. Thus reviewing a greater understanding of both the character, work, and involvement of the Holy Spirit. For me, it released my why the results of teaching and witness are not my responsibility but His.
Well written and use of real-world experiences force the reader to reflect on personal experience and therefore revealing the Holy Spirit involvement in their own lives. Thus reviewing a greater understanding of both the character, work, and involvement of the Holy Spirit. For me, it released my why the results of teaching and witness are not my responsibility but His.
July 24, 2025
For some reason it was a bit challenging to get into this book. From the beginning I could recognize the importance of the message but something about the writing style didn't draw me in initially. but once I pushed through, by the end I was really enjoying this book. It is such an important recognition that all we do should be done out of our relationship with the Spirit and flowing it of His power not relying on our own gifts.
June 2, 2018
I would recommend this clear and accessible book to anyone who wants basic teaching and encouragement about the Holy Spirit. This is an excellent presentation on core truth about the Spirit and walking in the Spirit for believers from every theological background.
January 13, 2019
Wow, this book was really good. I rarely re-read books but this is one I want to go through again someday. I borrowed this from the library so I couldn't highlight it. I'm going to get my own copy of this one.
June 8, 2018
I was really challenged to trust the Lord more and walk worthy of Him—not in a condemning way but an inspired way.
March 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I felt almost sad as i turned the last page of the book.
January 2, 2022
My favorite book of the year. So good I had to buy for a couple friends already ! A must read!!
January 7, 2022
It’s my second time reading this book and I recommend it as a great devotional work. Halfway through I used the writing to inspire prayer. I am sure I will read it again.
April 28, 2022
Explores the foundational truths about the gifts and work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.
May 2, 2023
Not much to add from the first time I read this book. Please refer to my first review. shalom
January 25, 2011
Started out reading this with a women's study group but could not keep up with the schedule due to my being needed here at home with the kids in the evenings. So I have kept up with the reading at home. So many good things about this book. Opens up your eyes to the work of the Spirit in your life and around you.
I only gave it 4 stars because of the fact that towards the end, the author does not explain salvation scripturally. He uses the proper scriptures (Acts 2:38) but then does not incorporate baptism as part of salvation, which the Bible is VERY clear that baptism is part of our salvation. (1st peter 3:21)
My favorite quote from the book is: "Eternal life is not going to heaven when you die. It's a living relationship with God that begins at salvation and extends into eternity."
I only gave it 4 stars because of the fact that towards the end, the author does not explain salvation scripturally. He uses the proper scriptures (Acts 2:38) but then does not incorporate baptism as part of salvation, which the Bible is VERY clear that baptism is part of our salvation. (1st peter 3:21)
My favorite quote from the book is: "Eternal life is not going to heaven when you die. It's a living relationship with God that begins at salvation and extends into eternity."
May 27, 2011
I think Henry and Mel have a lot of credibility and insight; probably the most meritorious part of the book are the stories they tell of how God has led and used them. I found the book itself to be largely driving home a single point (that the Holy Spirit is the essential spirit gift and most other spiritual gifts are actually natural ones). Whilst I don't disagree with the point, it wasn't really until the last CD where I felt they were really teaching specifics about walking with the Holy Spirit in the way they were describing.
June 2, 2009
AWESOME! This book truly opened my eyes to what it can be like to really experience the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. By understanding the relatinoship and the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we will really experience life transformation, in our lives and in the lives of those God puts in our path. Another must read by Blackaby!
June 11, 2010
I went through this book with a group of moms from my church. It was a wonderful, enlightening book. I learned a ton about the Holy Spirit and my relationship with Him. The experience of going through the book with a group of women was wonderful.
June 29, 2016
This is my first book by Blackaby. I'm so thankful that my sister gave this to me. I learned so much about the Holy Spirit and to understand how important He is in my life. This book is so anointed and filled with important truths to help us do God's work and complete our purpose.
April 1, 2009
A great book for Lent meditation and like all of the Blackaby books, very simply and well written.
October 6, 2010
Amazing book! Eye opening and encouraging! Highly recommend this one.
October 26, 2012
Biblical sound and written with excellence.
January 20, 2016
Wow! What a way to get to know the Holy Spirit. Whether you've never met him before or have known a little about him this book was amazing!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews