Acts 2:4 

New International Version

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

For Encouragement

Most of us wish we had someone to help us at all times. We could use a constant companion in every situation, someone who can teach us, remind us of important things, and always tell us the truth. Imagine having someone who can guide you, correct you when needed, and even show you what’s ahead. It seems impossible to find one person who can do all this, isn’t it? So, we’ve developed complex technology to fulfill some of these functions. 

GPS is widely used for directions everywhere. Cloud-based virtual assistants and voice recognition technologies like Amazon’s Alexa and other robots are filling homes, vehicles, and other places as substitutes for human assistants and companions.

But what if I told you someone more than this really does exist? Would you believe it? What if I told you that this person possesses in Himself all the intelligence, knowledge, and power in the entire universe? Now, hold on.

What if I told you that this person lives in all believers in Jesus as Lord and Savior? Does that sound hard to accept? And if I told you this person is the Holy Spirit, would that surprise you?

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity. He is the Comforter Christ promised to the disciples before the cross (Jn. 14:16). The NIV calls Him the Advocate for all believers, and He is God’s presence in every born-again Christian (Jn. 1:11-13; Eph. 2:8-9). Still, many Christians today have the most limited knowledge about Him and often overlook Him. As Chuck Swindoll says: “Never think that something is insignificant just because it’s invisible. The Holy Spirit is ready to work within us and move among us in revolutionary ways, transforming our lives” (The Living Insights Study Bible, pg. 1158). Sadly, we often treat Him as unimportant.

There is a problem when the church ignores the ministry of the One who gave her life (Acts 2:1-4) and sustains her until heaven (1 Thess. 4:13-18). It is a serious issue when the church neglects the bearer of Christ’s presence in the believer (Acts 1:5b; Eph. 1:13-14). How can the church overlook the source of her power (Acts 1:8; Eph. 1:19-21; 2 Tim. 1:7), her helper and companion (Jn. 14:16)? How can she do without her Teacher, who testifies about Christ and guides her into all truth (16:13)? This needs to change, because the church is lifeless without the Holy Spirit, and He indwells every born-again member. In the same way, a believer who ignores the Holy Spirit and keeps grieving Him cannot be truly alive or fruitful.

So today, as you renew your mind about the Holy Spirit, let us resolve to know Him intimately and welcome His total ministry in the church. Let us not grieve Him (Eph. 4:30) or quench His fire (1 Thess. 5:19). Rather, in humility, let us yield to Him completely, that His power may be manifested in our lives.

Let Us Pray Together

Father, forgive me for diminishing the presence and the Holy Spirit’s power in my life as a believer. Fill me with His power and equip me for life and ministry in Jesus’ matchless name, amen.

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