Day 38: Hello Holy Spirit
Forget Others: Flowing Boldly
Scripture
“But they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.” (Mark 5:17 NKJV)
Promise
When you stop living for the approval of others—whether their criticism or their praise—you’ll flow with the Spirit in freedom and boldness.
Quote
“I’d rather have the Holy Spirit in a meeting than the approval of a thousand men.” — Kathryn Kuhlman
Devotion
In Mark 5, Jesus cast out a legion of demons and set a tormented man completely free. You’d expect the crowd to rejoice, but instead they begged Him to leave. Why? Because the move of God disrupted their comfort and challenged their values. If even Jesus was rejected for obeying the Father, we should not be surprised when we face criticism.
But here’s the truth many miss: the praise of man can be just as dangerous as criticism—if not more. Criticism can wound us, but flattery can seduce us. When you crave approval, you’ll temper your obedience to keep people happy. When you live off applause, you’ll measure success by human standards instead of heaven’s. Both criticism and praise can quench the Spirit if they rule your heart.
Kathryn Kuhlman said, “I’d rather have the Holy Spirit in a meeting than the approval of a thousand men.” That’s the kind of focus that frees the Spirit to flow. God is searching for hearts that value His presence over popularity, His whisper over human applause, His will over public opinion.
If you want to flow freely with the Spirit, you must live unshackled from both criticism and compliments. The Spirit moves unhindered through those who are dead to people’s opinions but alive to God’s voice. Like Peter on Pentecost, you can stand boldly and declare the truth—even before the very crowd that once mocked or doubted you.
Now let’s look at some practical ways to apply this truth:
Refuse to chase applause. Let your worth come from the Spirit’s affirmation, not people’s approval.
Release the fear of criticism. If they rejected Jesus, they may reject you too—but you’re still in His will.
Guard against flattery. Don’t let compliments puff you up; stay humble and dependent on the Spirit.
Seek to please God first. Before you act, ask: “Holy Spirit, is this what You want?”
Stand boldly in obedience. Whether praised or criticized, keep flowing in the Spirit without hesitation.
When you say, “Hello Holy Spirit, I choose You over every opinion of man,” you open the door for Him to move freely through you—unhindered, unfiltered, and unstoppable.
Declaration
Hello Holy Spirit, I will not live for man’s praise or fear of man’s criticism. I live for Your approval alone, and I flow in bold obedience.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, I confess that at times I’ve let both criticism and flattery shape my choices. Today I choose to value Your presence above people’s opinions. Free me from the trap of seeking praise or fearing rejection. Burn away every distraction of man’s approval, and let me flow boldly in Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
