Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. – (Luke 4:14)

Galilee is the place of Jesus’ ministry. Luke is telling us that Jesus is conceived by the Spirit, announced by the Spirit through several witnesses, affirmed by the Spirit at his baptism, and led by the Spirit through his temptation. Now, after his victory over Satan in the wilderness, Jesus begins his ministry in the power of
the Holy Spirit. This note is crucial because of its connection to the early believers in the book of Acts.

The Holy Spirit is Jesus’ gift of presence and power to his followers. The Spirit empowers them and fills them and leads them as they share the story of Jesus fearlessly with all people. That same Holy Spirit longs to do the same thing through us today.

We can be Jesus’ witnesses, beginning where we are, moving into the surrounding region, and ultimately touching all the world because of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us. And when we have those doubts that inevitably creep into our hearts, we can remember what the Spirit did through Jesus and realize the Spirit longs to do the same things through us today.

Also read Holy Spirit is God’s Gift

Prayer:

Almighty God, empower us — your children, Jesus’ followers, your Church — with the Holy Spirit. Convict and motivate us to be witnesses to the things Jesus did while on earth and what he is doing now in our own lives. Do what you want to do through us and to your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory) - John 7:37-39

It is dry in my part of the world this early winter of 2010. The weather experts say it will be dry through spring. When I go to the country and go down gravel and dirt roads, the dust is like powder – so fine that it seeps in through the seals on the doors and windows. Winter wheat and oats are stymied green shoots just out of the ground because there is not enough moisture to help them grow.

Our lives, our spirits, can feel parched and dry. All the big religious celebrations in the world can’t remove this dryness. They may make us forget it for awhile, but just for awhile. Our thirst can only be slaked by the Spirit of the Living God. Jesus poured out the Spirit when we first became his true followers. Yet even with the ongoing presence of the Spirit within us, we can lose sight of the living water within us. So let’s draw close to Jesus and ask that the Spirit’s presence have greater influence, power, and refreshment in our inner being.

Prayer:
O Father, God Almighty and God who is near, help me to sense the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. May the Spirit have great influence over my heart and my behavior. I willingly offer myself to be shaped, empowered and refreshed by the Spirit as I am conformed to be more like Jesus. It is in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

“I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative — that is, the Holy Spirit — he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid “ - (John 14:25-27)

In a world of chaos and uncertainties as well as trials and difficulties, we rejoice. Not because we are out of touch or in denial, but because the presence of the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, within us brings us our Father’s comfort. The Spirit teaches us about Jesus and his great love and sacrifice for us.

The Spirit comforts us, ministering to our interior world — our spirits. This gift of peace is not something anyone can have without the Spirit. Yet because of the Spirit’s presence, we are blessed in ways that those without the Spirit cannot know.

Prayer: O Father, thank you for the peace that the Spirit brings. Thank you for the peace that comes from the Spirit’s presence. Thank you for the peace that the Spirit leads me to find. Forgive me for trying to rush my way through life out of touch with your Spirit and trying to control the circumstances of my life rather than relying on the guidance of the Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.