Power from on High
Welcome to Day 19 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Everything we have looked at so far, from peace to purity to mission, is more than we can manage alone. Today we turn to the One who makes it possible.
Just before He ascended, Jesus told His disciples:
“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)
The Promise of the Father
Wait for the Gift
These disciples had walked with Jesus for three years and had seen Him risen. Even so, He told them not to leave Jerusalem until they had received what the Father had promised (Acts 1:4–5). Knowledge and experience were not enough. They needed power.
The Day of Pentecost
On the day of Pentecost the promise came. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:4). The same Peter who had denied Jesus beside a fire stood up in front of a crowd, and about three thousand people were added to the church that day.
For You and Your Children
Peter told the crowd that the promise was for them, for their children and for all who are far off (Acts 2:39). The baptism in the Holy Spirit was not only for the first believers. It is for every follower of Jesus today.
What the Spirit Does in Us
He gives power to witness. The power is given for a purpose: to make Jesus known.
He teaches and reminds. The Advocate teaches us all things and reminds us of everything Jesus has said (John 14:26).
He gives courage. The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
He gives gifts. To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good, including wisdom, healing, prophecy and tongues (1 Corinthians 12:7–11).
He grows fruit. Love, joy, peace, patience and the rest of the fruit of the Spirit are His work in our character (Galatians 5:22–23).
Gifts and fruit belong together. The gifts show the power of Jesus. The fruit shows what He is like.
Keep Being Filled
Paul tells believers to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), and the sense is to go on being filled. This is not something we receive once and then live on for years. We come back to Him daily.
Jesus encourages us to ask. If earthly parents know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13).
Three Steps for Today
Ask. If you have not yet been baptised in the Holy Spirit, ask the Father today. If you have, ask Him to fill you afresh.
Yield. Is there an area of life where you have been relying on your own strength? Hand it over to the Spirit.
Step out. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one person to encourage, pray for or speak to about Jesus today, and then do it.
If you would like someone to pray with you to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, please speak to one of our leaders on Sunday.
Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I cannot live this life in my own strength. Fill me again today. Baptise me afresh with power from on high. Give me boldness to be a witness for Jesus, grow Your fruit in my character, and use Your gifts through me to build up others. Come, Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keep going
See every day of this guide on our Prayer & Fasting page.
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