One day while studying for a message, I read the words Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit: comforter and friend. I recall having this wonderful realization: "I know that Person."
That was three decades ago. I no longer think of the Holy Spirit as the Holy Who. I now call Him our Heaven-Sent Helper. He is the ally of the saint. He is our champion, our advocate, our guide. He comforts and directs us. He indwells, transforms, sustains, and will someday deliver us into our heavenly Home.
He is the executor of God's will on earth today, here to infuse us with strength. Supernatural strength. Was this not the promise of Jesus? He would not let His followers begin their ministries unless they knew the Holy Spirit.
Don't begin telling others yet — stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from Heaven. — Luke 24:49 TLB
By this point the disciples had spent three years in training. They had sat with Him around campfires, walked with Him through cities, witnessed Him banish disease and command demons. They knew His favorite food, jokes, and hangouts. But they were not ready. They'd seen the empty tomb, touched His resurrected body, and spent forty days listening to the resurrected Christ teach about the Kingdom. But they needed more.
You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. — Acts 1:8 NKJV
Mark it down.
The Holy Spirit comes with power.
Power to make good choices, keep promises, and silence the inner voices of fear and failure. Power to get out of bed, get on with life, get busy about the right things in the right way. Power to face the unexpected, unwanted passages of time. Power. This is what Jesus promised then, and this is what Jesus promises still.
How is your power level?
Perhaps you have all the power you need. Life is a downhill stroll through a pleasant meadow. You never lack energy, enthusiasm, or strength. Your step has a spring to it; your voice has a song to it. You are ever the joyful, empowered person. If that describes you, can I recommend a book on honesty?
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