June 26, 2025

THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS US

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

 Luke 24:49 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

As Jesus prepared to return to heaven, He made a powerful promise: the Holy Spirit was coming. But He also gave a clear instruction—wait in the city until the Spirit came and filled them with power from heaven.

That power came, as we know, on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), about 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection. But why was this spiritual power so essential? What kind of power did they need—and what kind do we need today?

1. Power to Witness

Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”

The first purpose of the Holy Spirit is to empower us to boldly and effectively share the gospel. While miracles, tongues, and supernatural experiences are part of the Spirit’s work, Jesus’ focus was clear—His followers needed power to tell the world about Him.

The same is true for us today. The Holy Spirit gives us courage, clarity, and compassion to reach people with the good news of Jesus.

2. Power to Pray

Romans 8:26 says, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

There are moments when we’re overwhelmed or unsure of what to pray. In those times, the Holy Spirit steps in—praying through us and for us.

As we grow in our spiritual walk, we learn to trust the Spirit’s leading in prayer, even developing a spiritual prayer language that allows us to intercede beyond our natural understanding.

3. Power to Serve

Throughout the New Testament, we see that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to every believer—not just for personal use, but to serve others.

• Romans 12:4–8 lists motivational gifts

• 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 outlines manifestation gifts

• 1 Corinthians 12:27–31 describes functional roles within the body

All these gifts come from the Spirit and are designed to make us more effective in serving both the Church and the world around us.

4. Power to Live

In Galatians 5:22–23, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

These aren’t just virtues—they are the evidence of the Spirit’s power working in us. They make it possible to live in peace, unity, and holiness, reflecting the character of Christ in our everyday lives.

Let’s make the decision today—not to live in our own strength, but to receive the full empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, fill me fresh and new with Your power. I can’t function without Your presence and strength. Empower me to witness, to pray, to serve, and to live in a way that honors You. Amen.

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