While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 
Acts 10:44-45

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Peter speaks. Many believe. The Holy Spirit pours into the new followers of Christ. You may have had such a dramatic moment when you accepted Christ as your Savior. Your soul may have burst like fireworks on the 4th of July—ablaze in the Spirit.

But perhaps not. Your first Holy Spirit experience may have been more like a gentle breeze stirring tall grass on a summer day, deep within you.

Either way, or perhaps simply over time, you notice mood changes, more joy and peace. You learn to act with confidence, with a sense of divine purpose. You find that the needs of those around you move you to offer your hand, to do good deeds which are pleasing to God.

This is awareness of needs and the motivation to do good is a constant blessing available to you, to others, and even to God. It is described as the gift of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit. Within you the Spirit will guide you by promptings which may bring positive feelings of praise when followed. You will want to remain sensitive to His leading.

The energy and power of the Holy Spirit in your life is not limited to special occasions as it had been before Pentecost when He descended, like tongues of fire. But since that time He has been a permanent indwelling. It is a confirmation of genuine faith in Jesus, of redemption from sin, and the inheritance of eternal life. This is an important assurance.

The awareness of His presence, and resulting joy, can be stifled by one’s sin. But being steadfast in self-reflection, in confession, in making up for the effects of sin when possible, and in community fellowship leads to increasing sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings. This is the way to please God and to enjoy His favor.

To be ablaze in the Spirit or to feel the spiritual breeze of the Spirit guiding your everyday actions and decisions are good things. It begins with accepting Christ as your Savior and ends with the fireworks of His eternal glory.

Next Steps

Think about where you are in following the Holy Spirit. Then pray for His prompting on what your next step should be. Then do it and watch.