The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our lives as followers of Jesus. He encourages, guides, cautions, comforts, and gives us power. Jesus told His disciples He had to leave so the Holy Spirit could come and live within every Christ follower. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, giving us supernatural power to live the life God wants us to live.

The Holy Spirit gives us the power of salvation and draws us to Jesus. When we invite Christ to be Savior and Lord, we are spiritually born again and become children of God. The Spirit also guides us when we don’t know what to do or where to go. As we listen and obey, we become more familiar with His voice and His gentle nudges. The question isn’t whether He will guide us, but whether we will trust Him.

The Holy Spirit gives us power to share Christ. We may feel nervous, afraid we won’t know what to say, or worry we’ll mess things up. But it isn’t all on us. When we speak, the Holy Spirit works through us and does what only He can do. Like the early believers, we can speak boldly because God’s Spirit empowers us.

The Holy Spirit gives us power to live a holy life. We live in a broken world with voices constantly pulling us away from God, but the Spirit helps us overcome temptation and pursue what pleases God. He changes our thinking, convicts us when we sin, and develops the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. There is a spiritual battle, but the Spirit leads us toward life, peace, and victory.

Finally, the Holy Spirit gives us power to make a difference through our spiritual gifts. Every follower of Jesus has been gifted by God to strengthen the church and make a difference in the world. So, Keep Pushin’. Don’t resist or quench the Holy Spirit when He prompts you. Be filled with the Spirit and let Him lead, guide, correct, convict, and empower you to do what God wants you to do.

Scriptures—John 14:16-17 (NLT), John 16:7 (CEV); 1 John 4:4 (NLT); John 3:5-6 (NRSVUE); Romans 8:16 (ERV); John 14:26 (CEV); 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV), Acts 4:31 (NIV); Romans 8:5-6 (NLT); Galatians 5:16-17 (NLT); Hebrews 2:4 (NLT); 1 Corinthians 12:7 (TLB); Acts 7:51 (CEV); Ephesians 4:30 (NLT), Ephesians 5:18 (TLB)

Verses— “But I tell you I am going to do what is best for you. This is why I am going away. The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you.” (Jn 16:7) “But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.” (Jn 14:26) The Holy Spirit displays God’s power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church. (1 Co 12:7)

Questions— Which role of the Holy Spirit do you need most in your life right now: encouragement, guidance, caution, comfort, or power? Why? How do you recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit? How does knowing that the Holy Spirit empowers you change the way you approach opportunities to share your faith? How do you allow the Holy Spirit to help you overcome temptation and live a holy life? What are your spiritual gifts? How are you using them to strengthen the church and make a difference in the lives of others?

Prayer – Dear God, help me listen to Your Holy Spirit and follow where You lead. Give me the strength to do what is right and resist temptation. May I live boldly for Jesus and make a difference for your kingdom with the gifts you have given me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.