Many people are unaware of who the Holy Spirit is and why He is present. There is also a misunderstanding around the topic of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, as well as evidence of His presence in our lives. This week, we will demystify the confusion surrounding God’s Spirit and introduce the most often overlooked Person in the church—the Holy Spirit. 

 

Put It into Practice: You can’t know someone you haven’t learned about. Search Scriptures to give you a clear picture of Spirit’s nature, purpose, and voice. Begin each day with this prayer: “Holy Spirit, I welcome You today. Lead me, teach me, and help me hear Your voice,” then listen closely.

 

Day 1      Mark 1:7-13 

Reflect: What contrast does John draw between water baptism and Spirit baptism? The Trinity is present in this text. How do you see the Holy Spirit’s role being spoken of and exemplified here? 

Apply:   When have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence? How did you know it was Him?  In what ways are you expectant of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life? 

Pray:     Thank You Lord, for the gift of baptism in water, of a symbol of my cleansing and commitment to follow You. I also thank You that You have baptized me with the Holy Spirit, filling me with Your power and presence.

 

Day 2      John 14:15-27

Reflect: What are some specific roles the Holy Spirit plays according to this passage, and how do they play out in a person’s life? What do you think Jesus means in verse 17? 

Apply:   What comfort does Jesus’ words bring to you personally?  When and how has the Holy Spirit spoken truth to you? How has He been your Teacher? Your Advocate, Counselor, Comforter?

Pray:     Jesus, help me to submit to the work of the Holy Spirit in me so that I may walk in spirit and truth. May Your love flow through me to others so they may see You in me.

 

Day 3      Acts 1:1–8; Acts 2:1–4

Reflect: How do you explain the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? What does that mean to you? Would you say you experienced it? Why or why not? What was the purpose of speaking in other tongues?

Apply:   What is significant to you about the Spirit coming on them through wind and as a tongue of fire? What does that say about Him? When has the Spirit empowered you to speak? 

Pray:    Thank You, Lord, that I have been baptized into the Body of Christ by Your Holy Spirit and that He now lives in me forever! Fill me, day by day, with Your power to do the works of God.

 

Day 4      Acts 19:1-5; 1 John 4:1-4

Reflect: Why do you think Paul prioritized asking about the Holy Spirit when meeting new believers? How do John’s words shape your understanding of the Holy Spirit and the importance of Him in life? 

Apply:   What signs of the Spirit’s presence do you see (or do not see) in your life? When are times for you to claim the words in 1 John 4:4?  Do you truly live as though the Spirit is within you?           

Pray:      I thank You, Father, that I am Your child, and thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to listen to Your still, small voice and remember that He who is living in me is greater than the defeated enemy that is in the world.

 

Day 5      Ephesians 5:15–20; Galatians 3:2–5

Reflect: What does it mean to be continually filled with the Spirit? How does Paul contrast living by the Spirit with living by the flesh or the law? What more do you need to learn about the Holy Spirit?

Apply:    Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to influence every area of your life? What’s one way you can cultivate a Spirit-filled lifestyle? Will you commit to seeking the Spirit’s infilling each day? 

Pray:      Lord, I pray that I will submit to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit so that I may walk in the path of righteousness for Your name’s sake.