We Believe in the Holy Spirit Devotional Guide
Monday: Read John 14:12. The first time I saw this verse I thought, “Whoa! Do greater works than Jesus? Jesus healed the sick, walked on water, made the blind to see, and raised the dead! How can any of us do greater works than Jesus?” What is even more confusing is Jesus says then says, “Because I am going to the Father.” Don’t we need Jesus to do greater works than him? How can we do great things if he is leaving us? How can we do greater works than Jesus?
Tuesday: Read John 14:15-17. In these verses, Jesus brings some clarity to verse 12. In these verses Jesus is introducing the Holy Spirit. This is when the light bulb went on for me. We are able to do greater works than Jesus because when Jesus ascended to the Father his Spirit began to live in each of his followers. This means Jesus’ power and influence multiplies throughout the earth. So when you compare all the work the church has done over the last 2,000 years to what Jesus did by himself on earth for 3 years it is much greater. The power of the Holy Spirit is behind all the great works of the church. How has the Holy Spirit empowered you in your life?
Wednesday: In our passage for this week, Jesus uses some interesting words to describe the Holy Spirit. Jesus calls it an “advocate.” The Greek word for advocate is a powerful description. It was used to describe a person who was called in to be a witness in your favor in a court of law. Or it could also be used to describe a lawyer who pleads your case against serious charges. If you were accused of a crime you did not commit and you needed the best attorney to prove your innocence, that attorney would be your “advocate.” An advocate was also used to describe someone who rallied the troops or motivated athletes who were discouraged or fatigued. Jesus also referred to the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of Truth” because the Spirit guides us into truth and reminds us what Jesus taught. Later Jesus describes the Spirit like spring water that flows within us. Which one of the above descriptions of the Holy Spirit speaks to you the most?
Thursday: Read John 14:17. This verse begins to explain how do we recognize the Holy Spirit when we need to make decisions, find wisdom, or be guided through difficulty? Well take a look at what Jesus says next. In verse 17 Jesus is basically saying that those of the world can’t recognize the Spirit because they interpret everything that happens out of their own ability. But Jesus’ followers know him because he will be with them and in them. In other words, the difference between us and the world is that we see things based on what God is able to do through us. How does this help you recognize the Spirit when it is at work?
Friday: Read John 15:5. This verse reminds how we can be sure it is the Holy Spirit moving in our lives. Verse 15 is telling us that when you find ability beyond you the Spirit is with you. When you find power beyond you, the spirit is with you. When you find wisdom beyond you, the spirit is with you. When you know you could not have accomplished something on your own, you can be sure it was the Holy Spirit. When you have been led to a place you would have never found on your own, you can be sure it was the Holy Spirit. When you found strength to do something that seemed impossible, you can be sure it was the Holy Spirit. When you are attempting to do something that requires God’s help to get it done, you can be sure you are in the right place! Can you think of a time that you were able to accomplish something beyond your ability because of the power of the Holy Spirit?