“ . . . the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” (Daniel 4:18)

The magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans and the astrologers could not interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Finally, in comes Daniel who Nebuchadnezzar describes as someone who has the Holy Spirit.

OK. So, he does not actually say, “Holy Spirit.” He calls it “the spirit of the holy gods,” true to his polytheistic religion.

Isn’t it interesting that even the unbelieving king knows the spirit of the holy gods is at work in one of his subjects? That is, people recognize the Holy Spirit at work whether or not they know Him or believe in Him. It matters not.

That’s the beauty about God. People recognize Him at work even if they don’t know Him because there is something different about the person through whom He works.

You don’t have to preach God or the Holy Spirit to people in order to introduce them to Him.

In this case, it was Daniel’s gift in dream interpretation that convinced the king that the spirit of the holy gods was not only at work in Daniel but lived inside him.

What gift do you possess that is from the Lord? Seek to use it in such a way that you honor God and the person you are with that they will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was the Holy Spirit.

If you prophesy, simply be the most encouraging person in the room. People will take notice.

If you sense unhealthy spiritual atmospheres, learn how to shift the atmosphere without drawing attention to yourself. People will notice something about you every time you set foot in a place.

If you interpret dreams, use the wisdom of Joseph to honor the person whose dream you are interpreting and give practical applications, like storing up the grain in the years of plenty.

If you love well, honor God in that so that people will know God’s love every time they are with you.

So many things are not rocket science. The love of God is so creative and takes so many shapes and forms that if you have it as the foundation of any gift, it will do what it is supposed to do.

People may not know the God you serve, but they will know that the Holy Spirit is in you, even if they can’t articulate that.

Blessings as you let Holy Spirit work through you and the gifts you carry.

By Ralph Veenstra