NOVEMBER 21 – Reading 325

by Albert Rosado | November 21

“POWER AND PURPOSE”
(Acts 1:1-5:16)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

We all love stories about superheroes who gain amazing power. In the Spider-Man movies and comics, Peter Parker’s wise Uncle Ben gives him a famous warning: “With great power comes great responsibility.” This means if you have special strength or ability, you must use it in a good and careful way.

When Jesus was about to leave earth, He gave His followers a promise that is much bigger than any superpower. He said they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This is God’s own power living inside us!

This power is not for us to show off or to live selfishly. The Holy Spirit’s power comes with a great purpose, which is our responsibility: to be Jesus’s witnesses. A witness is someone who tells what they know to be true. Jesus gives us power to tell others about Him, to show His love, and to help people find the way to God.

Using God’s Power Wisely

This power helps us in three main ways:

1. It helps us live right: The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to choose good over evil and to show God’s love to others (Galatians 5:22-23).
2. It helps us speak: It gives us the right words to share the good news about Jesus when we have the chance.
3. It helps us serve: It gives us gifts and abilities to help and build up others in the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

The question for us is: Are we using the power of the Holy Spirit correctly and wisely? Is this power making us more loving, more patient, and more focused on telling others about Jesus? The Holy Spirit is ready to work powerfully in you, but you must choose to let Him lead your life for His purpose.

Simple Truth:
The Holy Spirit gives us God’s power to live rightly and to be witnesses for Jesus, which is our great responsibility.

Reflections:

• If someone were to look at your life, how would they see the power of the Holy Spirit being used?

   

• What is one way you can be a better witness for Jesus this week, using the strength the Holy Spirit gives you?

Application:

• Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you today and show you how to use His power for good.

   

• Look for a chance to tell someone what you know to be true about Jesus (to be a witness).

   

• Pray for the strength to use your words and actions wisely, remembering your great responsibility.

Closing Prayer:
Father God, thank You for the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit and the power He gives me. Forgive me for the times I have forgotten to use this power wisely. Help me today to be a strong witness for Jesus. Give me the strength to live rightly and to share Your love with everyone I meet. Amen.