Day 1: Baptism In The Spirit
THURSDAY | AUGUST 14
Acts 1:8 NLT
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Right before leaving earth, Jesus gave his followers some very special instructions. He told them not to leave Jerusalem until the gift God promised came. Jesus said in Acts 1:5, “John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
For years, they had grown accustomed to having Jesus, their teacher, nearby. They were used to seeing his miracles and hearing his teachings directly. But now that Jesus was no longer going to be with them physically, it was their turn to put into practice everything Jesus had shown them. Now they were going to be what God would use to demonstrate his glory and share his gospel.
But God wasn't going to leave them alone. The Holy Spirit, who is God, would come to fill and empower them to fulfill this mission. The Holy Spirit would become their close friend, as they saw the glory of God displayed in their lives and around them.
Acts 2 tells us that on the day of Pentecost 120 believers were gathered in an upper room. When all of a sudden a loud sound and wind filled the place where they were at. Tongues of fire came upon their heads and they started to speak in other languages.
That promise of the Holy Spirit wasn't just for those gathered in that upper room. That same Spirit that filled them is the same Spirit that is with us today. That same Spirit can fill us and continues to empower us today. This promise is for you.
This word "power" in Acts 1:8 is the Greek word "dunamis." Dunamis means "power," "strength," and "ability." This word "dunamis" is the root of words like "dynamite."
We do not live our Christian life in our own strength, but in God's. It is God's ability that enables us to accomplish anything worthwhile, because apart from Him we can do nothing. It is His strength that makes us overcomers. Dunamis is part of God's nature, and we have access to that dunamis through the Holy Spirit.
Dunamis, this power, is available to us. You have a powerful friend within your reach. You have the Holy Spirit who wants to empower and fill you if you welcome Him.
REFLECT: What has been your experience? Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit? Have you experienced a physical manifestation of the Spirit, such as speaking in tongues? If so, how did it feel? How does the baptism of the Holy Spirit help your spiritual life and your daily life?
PRAY: Pray that God would fill you and others with his powerful Spirit
ADDITIONAL READING: Acts 2:1-21; Acts 10:44-48
Take a few minutes to think about this and write your thoughts down in a notebook or notes app.