THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS US
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
I say this a lot to our church, but the same power that raised Jesus from the grave is the same power that lives and resides in us. One of the reasons I repeat it is that it’s hard to truly grasp that truth. The reason Jesus could say it’s better for Him to go is that the disciples were promised a gift, the gift of the Holy Spirit. Think about it: Jesus traveled in proximity to Jerusalem. However, after the Holy Spirit arrived in Acts 2, we get to carry the presence of God everywhere tangibly through us.
The Holy Spirit is not just a presence we feel in church or a fleeting emotion we experience in worship. The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers our lives. God has called us to be Holy, but the Holy Spirit empowers us to be Holy. When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit enters our hearts and begins to shape us into His likeness. He convicts us of sin, encourages us in times of weakness, and strengthens us when we’re weary. I’ve never heard God’s voice audibly, but thoughts that often pop up in our heads are the Spirit’s conviction and promptings that help us live the life we’re called to live.
One other way the Holy Spirit empowers us is to share the Gospel. Think about it. The power given to the disciples above was to be bold in sharing the Gospel. To believe the Gospel and share it with others is a work of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, the disciples weren’t just given the power to have personal experiences or feel good about themselves—they were given the power to go and to tell others about Jesus. The same is true for us today. In moments of fear or uncertainty, the Holy Spirit gives us the courage to step out in faith, trusting that He will provide us with the words to speak and the wisdom to know when and how to share.
APPLICATION: Who has God placed in your life that needs the Gospel? Share with them. Pray for them. Invite them to church.
PRAYER: Ask the Spirit what He wants to say about His power today. Thank Him for what He shares.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?