What do you believe about the Holy Spirit? Millions of books have been written on the Trinity. What does it mean when we speak of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? How are they three in one? What is the role of the Holy Spirit? Here are several passages about the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER
O Holy and Gracious God, send the Holy Spirit upon me as I study that I may learn more about your grace and truth in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Monday – Genesis 1:1-5
In the very beginning the Spirit is identified as the power and presence of God. In verse 2, the writer informs us that it is the Spirit of God that hovers over the unformed waters. God speaks and creation begins. What does it mean that God’s Spirit of Creation is the same Spirit who faithfully watches over you?
Tuesday – 1 Samuel 16:1-13
God had rejected King Saul. He had taken matters into his own hands too many times. So God sends Samuel looking for the next king – the greatest of all of Israel’s Kings: David. What role did the Spirit play in identifying which of the sons should become King? In verse 13, how did the Spirit become part of David’s life? Why?
Wednesday – John 14:15-31
It was the night before Jesus’ death. It was time for important truths, and I suspect Jesus wondered if the disciples were getting it. But Jesus knew there was more. When Jesus left, there is another power, another presence that would continue His work through the disciples and other believers. How does Jesus describe him (vss 16 & 17, vs 26)? What does Jesus say is the Spirit’s purpose? How can the Holy Spirit provide this for you today?
Thursday – Acts 2:1-13
Pentecost – which was a Jewish holy day attracting pilgrims from wide areas in the Roman empire – becomes a significant day in the history of the Christian Church. Prior to this, the Holy Spirit seemed to come to specific people for a measured period of time. But on Pentecost, the Spirit came to everyone who believed. The coming the Spirit broke down all kinds of barriers: language, culture, and even fear. Those disciples who were hiding in the upper room were now loudly proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in the streets. How can the Holy Spirit help you overcome fear?
Friday – 1 Corinthians 12
The Corinthians were an exciting, but young church. Paul was teaching them about spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit provides special abilities to each believer for the purpose of witnessing to Jesus and building up Christ’s body. There are several lists in scriptures. They are not all the same, and perhaps not in language we are accustomed to using. What gifts has the Spirit given you, and how can you use them in the ministries of Christ?
Saturday – Galatians 5:16-26
Paul also teaches about the fruit of the Holy Spirit.When one is filled with the Spirit, these are the inevitable characteristics that person will display (see vss 22-23).These are offered in contrast to the other examples of the works of the flesh, or sin.How are these reflected in your life, in your relationships, and in your work?