We are the heroines of our own story. At least, that’s the lesson we are taught in our most beloved childhood fairy tales and animated movies. The princess, the underdog, the orphan, and the star-crossed lovers all receive their happily ever after because of their internal strength and sheer determination in the face of colossal challenges.
As much as I love a good old-fashioned story where the good guy or gal wins, this idolized belief in the “self-made” hero as followers of Jesus is a misleading one. As hard as we try to overcome temptation and do the right things, we come up short. We simply can’t become more like Jesus by our own will or strength. And when we inevitably fail to live up to our ideal of a “good Christian,” we are left wallowing in our inadequacies and uncertain of where we stand with God.
Thankfully, the gospel teaches us that we are not the heroines of our story or faith! God doesn’t expect us to fake it til’ we make it when it comes to our personal transformation. Instead, through Jesus’s death and resurrection, we are able to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit of God that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells within every believer (Romans 8:11). Through faith in Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit has been poured out on us abundantly (Titus 3:6). His Spirit alive in us is a guarantee of the eternal life that awaits us.
Romans 8 teaches us that the Holy Spirit’s constant presence in our lives empowers us to live free from the power of sin. He continually reveals the truth to us and guides us in the ways of Jesus Christ (John 14:15–20,25–26). We are never alone; He is always with us. The gift of the Holy Spirit is proof of God’s unfailing love for us. The heart of God toward us is one that longs for intimacy with us and desires for us to experience life to the fullest, which comes by relying on the power of His Spirit.
As you reflect on today’s reading, ask yourself, “Who is the hero of my story? Who is the real power behind my spiritual maturity? Am I relying on my willpower to follow Jesus or the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? Am I trusting in my moral strength to do what pleases God and exemplifies Jesus’s love, or am I trusting in the leading of His Spirit?” Today, hear the Holy Spirit’s invitation to lean on Him, to receive from Him. Lay down the impossible job of acting like Jesus, and allow the Spirit of God to empower you to become more like Jesus from the inside out.
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42 thoughts on "The Gift of the Holy Spirit"
Reliable spell caster….
Happy to win my Ex back..
restore broken relationship..
Thanks________________ dr_m ac k (y aho o co m )
I can’t say that I’ve relied much on the Holy Spirit to mold me into the likeness of Jesus. It’s been a lot of striving. And I’m tired. I’m tired of constantly falling short.
I also struggle with this. The idea that I can’t make things happen myself, I need to sit back and allow God to work through me. If I am actively praying and reading my bible, at what point does God take over and lead me and it no longer becomes me but God leading my life through my everyday. How do I know if it is me or him? I guess that just comes from knowing him more.
❤️❤️
Holy Spirit, you are welcomed here. Through You is how I will get through the fire. Through You is where my strength comes from. Through You I receive the treasure now as I await my Heavenly one. Thank you!
Holy Spirit, Come!
Dwell in my heart.
Illuminate my mind.
Direct my footsteps.
Be my guide.
Amen ❤️
This is so good. Thank you for this reading Lord. Who am I trusting in? My own morals? Great questions!
I struggle with remembering the Holy Spirit is with me. It’s hard to wrap my head around.
“Am I relying on my willpower to follow Jesus” just a powerful question for me right not. I said to my friend earlier this week I just need to keep pushing through…but I need to entrust the Holy Spirit to draw me near. I am really wrestling with this right now and need to hear these words. Thank you! Search me Lord!
I know that I am relying on myself instead of the Holy Spirit. I pray that God would show me how to rely on his Holy Spirit .
The reading today brought some heaviness to my heart from a past memory that felt like yesterday. And I felt led to press into such gracious truth that gripped me. Thanks be to Him who has comforted & strengthened me so that I might recover. So here goes…
We are warned, that we will be “killed” by those who don’t know God, but assume they do God a favor (John 16:2). They have a “notion” of God but don’t know what doing God a favor truly is. They don’t know what God likes or hates. Who are these people doing God’s service? unless it’s those who are in ministry, those who are “serving God”, having a form of godliness but deny the true power thereof (2 Tim 3:5). They will kick you out of synagogues/churches (John 16:2) through a form of “church split”, a set up, a silent treatment in the front but with gossip and persecution hovering behind. Who can kick you out of church unless those who run church, unless it’s those in leadership? Take heed sisters to what Jesus is really saying. What a pressing warning! This reminds me of what GWINETH52 wisely mentioned couple of days ago, THE YOKE OF DESPAIR through a form of bullying (the church hurt!) that these people will try to put on you. It’s a form of demonic attack, thinking they are serving God when “killing” you. Their conscience is deceived and twisted. May God’s grace help us to discern when something is off with whoever that might be, so no evil yoke of despair and grief or condemnation can be put on us. I am praying for you dear sister if that might be you or someone you know that gets entangled in this twisted evil work. May God give us wisdom to navigate/escape peacefully & discreetly to avoid such trap TO BE KILLED. “These things have I spoken unto you, that you will not be made to stumble” (John 16:1). “These things they WILL do unto you, because they HAVE NOT KNOWN the Father, nor Me” (John 16:3). God will be your defense, but exercise wisdom and discernment for it’s also a defense (Ecclesiastes 7:12 KJV) …. For things are surely dark in these last days. Stand firm in our faith & hope. In a little while, we shall see Him (John 16:16). After all, this life is just simply a little while. To God be all the glory. Be blessed dear sisters.
@Cindy Hannah ; thank you for sharing the note in your Bible that gives scriptural references of how we can know the Holy Spirit is active in our lives. I wrote them in this study book and will add them as notes in my Bible as well. I know I will be referring to them often, as I have struggled for a while now to “feel” God’s presence with me. These verses are already giving me peace of mind in reassuring me that the Holy Spirit lives in me and is active in my life.
I am actually taking Trinitarianism (study of the Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit) in seminary right now and it’s fascinating AND impossible to understand :) lol :) A book (for anyone really interested in all of this) that is small and SO great is “Delighting in the Trinity” by Michael Reeves. IT’s not a tough read but oh wow does it open your eyes of understanding to how amazing this gift of the Holy Spirit is – and WHAT it is… so enriching…
Nicole (commentator today) mentioned “He continually reveals the truth to us and guides us in the ways of Jesus Christ” and THAT is what I’m asking God about right now.
Because of a few months of things occuring, we found a new (great!) space to move into and have vacated/packed/put things into storage while we went to FL for spring break. Came back to find (because it’s new construction) the city had not yet given occupancy-approval certification on the new building so we had nowhere to go. We found a VRBO that gave us a 2-week stay with the belief that THIS SAT we were moving into our home. Not so fast, as C.O.from the city still has not been issued. We are able to extend our VRBO stay for another week but ya’ll – we have 3 young kids and while the older 2 are doing well with all the instability, the 3 year old is so confused. He’s well overall but we’re noticing some emotional changes and clinginess that we believe is due to him just having no clue where his home is and all of his things. And that brings us to that point – we are still living out of our week’s worth of Fl Spring Break clothing. Going on 3 weeks of the same rotations and it’s getting a bit old. ;)
Prayer – what. do. we. do? Certification of occupancy isn’t expected now until mid/late MAY. It’s expensive staying in a VRBO that long. We DO have other living options we could take as (since permits had not been secured) we never signed on the new place. We paid a fee to reserve it, but we are not legally bound to it.
God is our foundation. We are praying our feet stay securely fastened to HIM so that where He moves? We automatically move, and do so in full security in Him. We need wisdom and discernment on what WE need to proactively do. This is a weird space to be in – unexpected for sure. I would love to see signs of Him working. I know He is…
@Allison Bentley, Yes! Love that verse too. Think about the percentage you give for a typical down payment – 10%,20%? If the work and presence of the Holy Spirit in my life now is 10-20% of my inheritance to come….OH, WHAT AN INHERITANCE!!!
Happy Thursday! What a great reminder today. As I often wonder is this sign from God to be strong and brave or is this a sign to go the other direction. Thank you so much for all of your prayers ladies I cannot thank you enough. We will see what this weekend brings me and I pray to be lead by God to know what is right.
@Michelle Patire, I definitely feel you about social media!! We should all do a social media challenge or something! I gave up social media for Lent but honestly I didn’t fully stay off of it, so I think I am going to do it again until my birthday next month. It’s definitely good to take breaks. Praying for you @Kimberly Z, for wisdom and the Lord would direct your steps!
Michelle Patire and other Social Media strugglers. First I am 66 and have grandchildren. I use FB because of relatives not on Instagram that I want to “keep up with”. I try really hard to only scroll once a day on FB for a few minutes (I usually set a 15/20 min limit)to see updates regarding friends and family trying to get info out to a lot of people at one time. Instagram is my dark hole believe it or not. It is where I can get distracted with Reels and Ads. To try to combat this I set up a separate Instagram account to follow Influencers and businesses that I enjoy (retired life). I only flip to that account a couple of times per week. It keeps my real Instagram focused on family and friends’ pictures of themselves and their families. It has been freeing and keeps me from a constant “check for updates” mode. Hope this helps. I don’t think it’s bad I think it is discipline that you can do with setting limits. Doesn’t mean I don’t follow a rabbit down a hole every once in a while but when I do I can hear the Holy Spirit say “ENOUGH” or “ERASE THAT”!
Like others have mentioned, I have struggled sometimes with grasping how the Holy Spirit is at work in my life. I have notes on 1 John 14 in my bible that help me remember how the Holy Spirit’s presence can be evident to a believer. I hope others may find them helpful too. The Holy Spirit is evident in these things: The aptitude / understanding for spiritual things. (1 Cor 2:14). The desire for prayer ( Romans 8:26). The realization of new standards of conduct in our lives. (Rom 2:12). The ability to overcome or put to death the deeds of the body.(Rom 8:13).  A sense of ability to accomplish the impossible. (Eph 3:16). The realization that we have a new love for all men. (Rom 5:5). The realization that we are maturing in the fruits of the spirit in our lives. (Gal 3:22). Personally I would add: A thirst for the word. But I don’t have a scripture reference to back that thought up. Have a wonderful day She’s!
14 The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1:14 I forget how much I love this verse!!! The Holy Spirit is proof He’s coming back for us!!! Happy Thursday sisters!!!
♥️Trying harder every day to lean into the Holy Spirit and not my own head.
SEARCHING – I like “walks alongside”. I just need to remember it. I too miss Churchmouse. I pray she is okay.
Lay down the impossible job of acting like Jesus, and allow the Spirit of God to empower you to become more like Jesus from the inside out.
God is so good! I needed to hear this. I am on my worst enemy. Thank you, Nichole for writing an amazing devotional. The scriptures we read, and this beautiful devotion was a great reminder to me not to be so hard on myself. I fail all the time and sometimes I feel so bad, BUT GOD, I take a deep breath and try the again the next day. I will keep depending on the Holy Spirit to empower me to do what I’m supposed to do. Happy Thursday sweet She’s!
Praying for your family, Candace!
@ Candace, Sorry for your loss and prayers for your MIL!
Good morning She’s!
I have to admit, despite growing up and being a Christian all my life, the Holy Spirit was a little blurry in my mind. After all, we referred to “it” as the Holy Ghost. lol. But over the last decade or so I have come to realize the importance and magnitude of Him. Before I had probably thought I was doing my walk on my own and my own wisdom of loving Jesus. Now I know that I have to rely on the Holy Spirit to make me more like Jesus and produce the fruit. This is true in my relationships, my wisdom, and testimony! In my witnessing, in my longings, in my reading the word. It is all by help of the Holy Spirit. He prompts our direction and guides us, and gently corrects when we veer. The intuition when we know something is wrong. I have been so nervous to pray out loud and for people but I know now I don’t want to speak my own words, I want to rely on the Holy Spirit to speak through me and give me the words to share.
Yesterday in prison we had such a beautiful time and I was gifted to pray for three different people and what an amazing gift! What a Joy to share the Love of God and how it can change our life and perspective! Yes they are in jail, but wasn’t Paul?!! We told them they can choose how to go from here!! Almost all 8 made the decision to accept or renew their heart to Jesus! It just makes you want to share the gospel and hope with everyone you know!
I like what you wrote Rachael from Texas…”grace is opposed to earning but it not opposed to effort.” We have to be careful not to become too lazy in our walk with the Lord too. Yes, dependence on the Holy Spirit in partnership with you WALKING (that’s the effort piece!) with Jesus. –SO GOOD and TRUE! Amen and Amen! May we keep WALKING in Faith and the HOLY SPIRit to become like Jesus!
Have a good day!
@Kimberly Z– prayers for you! In my experience, they are ex’s for a reason, lol!! So be sure to listen to the Holy Spirit’s nudging! Prayers for you! I know we get to a point where we get lonely and want to make it happen. Unfortunately, after my divorce, did that too often and have many regrets that came from bad decisions that came from loneliness and wanting a marriage.
Hey @Kimberly Z- was just praying for you more in depth.
I don’t know the full story of what’s going on with you and your ex. But I want to share, as I was growing closer to the Lord when I moved to NY in 2016, I happened to run into a high school boyfriend twice on my commute to work. We often got on the same train as me. I moved to NYC after a breakup and felt the Lord calling me to a season of singleness, but I struggled so hard to not find my value in romantic relationships. Anyways, when I saw my ex, I prayed and said “God, if he’s meant to be in my life, he will reach out.” This happened twice and he never reached out.
Not sure why God allowed this. Maybe it was a test of Satan. I am not sure.
God knows what we need. I am praying you truly heed His voice and are surrendered to whatever He says. His Spirit guide you and keep you.
Please pray for my family, my father-in-law past yesterday morning. My mother-in-law had a double ear infection and one of her ear drums ruptured so she can barely hear. We have been writing on a white board to communicate with her.
I just love Ephesians 1:13-14! I have been sealed – no one and nothing can ever take me out of the palm of my Father’s hand! Sealed until the redemption! We as believers in Christ are guaranteed our salvation because of the Holy Spirit that lives in us – even though we have not yet gone to God – we are His, forever! “We have this guarantee until we are “completely purchased” by God through resurrection and glorification.” (Enduring Word Bible Commentary) So much to praise God for!! Father God, help me every day to rely on the power of Your Holy Spirit to guide me, teach me and lead me from temptation. I can not do it alone, I need Your Spirit to become more like Jesus, inside and out. Amen.
@Michelle Patire – praying that you will be able to cut back on your social media by the power of the Spirit that lives in you.
@Kimberly Z – praying for Gods wisdom for you and His will be done
@Bri – praying for B.H. and that God opens the door for you to have conversation with him about his faith
Blessings to all my SRT sisters!
I’m so thankful for the reading and reflection today on the Holy Spirit -and how we need to lean on the spirit and let him do life for us-from the inside out! Listen to song “Spirit of the Living God” – it touches the heart❤️
Lol spell check @Chapek **
Thank you sisters for the prayers and suggestions <3
@Searching — yes, I have two friends dear to me that are my age (29 & 31) who the Lord has led to not have social media. Their lives are full without it! I don't think I am called to leave it entirely. I have prayed about that. But I'm not sure what balance looks like.
@Rhonda J & @Rachael from Texas– thank you for your empathy and book suggestions! I'm actually in need of a book for the summer so I will definitely look into these suggestions!
@Taylor – thank you for your solidarity- it is something I know our generation struggles with a lot!
@Heidi- thank you for sharing your testimony!! I hope it encourages others, too, and that you continue to share it!!!
@Lisa Chapel- I am not married, but I love that idea for spouses!!! :) I will keep that in mind for future.
@Kim Z- thank you for your empathy <3 praying the Lord be near to you as you navigate life and make good decisions :)
@Mercy- these are such good questions to ask and think about. I think "connection" and "inspiration" are two things I look for on social media. Also encouragement. Thank you for your words of encouragement :) I am trying to be more proactive in texting or calling someone, instead of scrolling.
Thanks you, ladies. I will continue to pray about this and see where God leads. You have encouraged me that it is a process and God provides tools out there to help us. I did not overcome an eating disorder in a day and keeping healthy and capturing the enemy's lies is my proactive way to not fall back into those habits. I have to do my reading for today but wanted to reply before :)
“Pull yourself up by your bootstraps” yes that’s a common idea/phrase; but no even though I’m from Texas I don’t even own cowboy boots and I don’t own a horse ;) I counter this phrase with “grace is opposed to earning but it not opposed to effort.” We have to be careful not to become too lazy in our walk with the Lord too. Yes, dependence on the Holy Spirit in partnership with you WALKING (that’s the effort piece!) with Jesus. May the Spirit give us new hearts for we are new creations! & May we be obedient to follow Him! Praise Him for the work He has done & for sending the Spirit to be with us always! May we listen & obey. Amen
This devotion was so helpful for me based on my comment yesterday. It’s a good reminder that I can’t become more like Jesus by my own will and strength. I am on a constant journey of sanctification and maybe the sins I still struggle with are part of the “already, but not yet” nature of our lives as Christians. @Heidi thank you for your comment yesterday as it was really helpful <3
Praying for all the prayer requests! @Kimberly Z praying for you as you navigate reconnecting with your ex. @Michelle Patire I also struggle with the grip social media has on me big time. I don't have any advice to offer as my screen time report is bad lol, but just know that you're not alone.
Amen
From HRT/Bob Bunn:
The night before His crucifixion, Jesus shared that the Spirit would come as a Counselor (John 14:15,26). The Greek term John used refers to a legal advisor, an advocate who walks alongside a defendant through every twist and turn of a trial.
This terminology clicked for me – “walks alongside”; as daily we face trials, conflicts, outright lies, challenges, intimidation for our beliefs, decisions and choices.
I needed Nicole’s reminder that I absolutely cannot successfully live my best Christian life on my own. Trusting, praying, reading & studying God’s word, seeking wisdom, paying attention to the nudges of the Spirit.
KIMBERLY Z – praying for wisdom and discernment in relationship decisions. Look for the joy wherever you are ❤️
BRI – praying for DH, and those that I know in similar situations, talking the talk but not walking the path. May we all seek and grow closer to the Lord.
HEIDI, MERCY, RHONDA J – lots of wisdom shared yesterday, thank you
MICHELLE PATIRE – praying for you, and thankful I have never been on social media (it wasn’t even a thing until I was older than you are now). People remind me that I’m “missing out” and there are times when I am tempted – when access to info on things I’m interested in is only available on fb, ig etc.
BECKY ALLEN ❤️
DOROTHY – praying
TAYLOR ❤️
CHURCHMOUSE and others – miss you
The Holy Spirit will never abandon us.
We cannot become like Jesus by our own willpower, we need the help of the Holy Spirit. I pray that God will help me be more like Jesus, not by own strength but with the help of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
So grateful for the Holy Spirit!
Amen. Thank you, Holy Spirit. Amen
It is truly only by the Spirit have I changed! So thankful that my sanctification does not depend solely on my “will-power”
BRI – praying the Holy Spirit will work in DH’s life and draw him to Jesus.
Love the lesson in this devotional, and very fitting in todays world
Amen