John 14:16 -17a—I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth.
As the day grew near for Jesus to die on the cross he told his disciples something that was hard for them to believe—that it would be better for them after he was gone. How could this be possible? It’s possible, Jesus explained, because after he left he would send the Holy Spirit to be their Helper. Jesus went on to say that he himself had been with them, but that the Holy Spirit would be IN them!
And it happened exactly as he said it would! When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples the difference it made was amazing! Where they had been hiding in fear of being discovered as Christ’s followers, suddenly their fear gave way to boldness to proclaim Jesus in the streets to the very people who had crucified the Lord. Where they had not known what to say before, the Holy Spirit was now putting powerful words into their mouths, causing thousands to repent and place their faith in Jesus. And miracles began to flow through them. People were healed, delivered from demonic oppression, and freed from strongholds. The believers’ lives began to flourish because they were not living by their own natural abilities, but were being helped by the Spirit of God who was in them. And the good news is that this same help is available for you today!
Acts 2:38–39 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
The Holy Spirit will help you have the character of Jesus in your life (the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; Galatians 5:22-23). And he will help you experience the power and abilities of Jesus through spiritual gifts he has for you (see 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4). With his help you will be a very effective witness to people in your life, drawing them to believe in Christ even as the early disciples did when they received the Holy Spirit!
Today’s focus: Ask the Lord to fill you today and every day with his Holy Spirit, and then live every day knowing that he will help you live beyond your natural strength and ability. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and help you in every aspect of your life.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit into my life. Fill me today with your Spirit. Holy Spirit, lead me and empower me today. Give me the wisdom I need, the words I should say, and the ability and strength to live the life Christ has for me. Help me to be an effective witness for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen!