When the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were transformed in many ways. They were still the same people, likely with all the same flaws and peculiarities as before, but something had changed. Immediately, we see that Peter, who had denied even knowing Jesus just a few weeks before, is filled with boldness and begins to preach to people on the street, proclaiming the good news of Jesus and calling for people to repent. The Holy Spirit does more than comfort and strengthen believers. He brings empowerment, boldness, courage, wisdom and more.

Like Peter, we have flaws and insecurities. We may be overly zealous about the wrong things or feel too shy to ever mention Jesus to our co-workers and neighbours. Or perhaps we are often frozen with doubts and uncertainties that cripple us from doing anything. We all need the power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. The book of Acts is filled with stories of ordinary people who endured persecution, ridicule and even death. But no matter what the situation was, they were empowered and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, filled with joy in times of challenge and displayed wisdom beyond human understanding.

So how does the Spirit change us today? When the Holy Spirit blows through your life, you will be transformed as well. You may still be the same person, flawed and imperfect, but the Holy Spirit changes you, equipping you for the good work of the gospel. Ephesians 1 tells us that we are marked and sealed in Christ by the Holy Spirit. People who are filled with the Spirit, bear the fruits of the Spirit. Others will know that we are filled with the Spirit of God, and not operating in our own understanding or human impulses. The Spirit leads and guides us to be more like Christ in every area of our life, as we submit to His leading.

In Acts, we see that the early church prayed for the Holy Spirit, received the Holy Spirit and then shared everything they had, with kindness, boldness and wisdom. Now, it is our turn to seek God for revival, starting with our own lives. Let’s pray, receive and share as we build the kingdom of God.

Reflection & Application:

Are you worried about sharing Jesus with people in your world?

The Holy Spirit can fill you with boldness and courage!

Are you unsure of what to say or how to minister to your friends?

The Holy Spirit can give you wisdom and the right words to say!

Are you in a challenging situation with no apparent way out?

The Holy Spirit can fill you with strength to endure the fire and comfort you despite the circumstances!

Take a moment to pause and reflect.

Prayer:

Thank you, Father God, for sending your Spirit. I ask that you’d fill me with Your Spirit and give me wisdom to navigate this day/challenge/conversation. Please give me what I need to carry out the work of your Kingdom, boldness to tell others of your goodness and direction for my life today. I pray that others will see you through me and that you will be glorified. I ask this in the beautiful, powerful name of Jesus. Amen!

Scripture Readings:

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: ‘Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.”Acts 2:14-16 (NIV)

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 4:31 (NIV)

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13 (NIV)

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV)