Day 14 - What Does the Spirit Do?

When the Holy Spirit lives in us, there are several things that ought to be part of our lives. Francis Chan, author of Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit encourages us not to merely skim the “list” like a grocery-store list or to-do list, but to spend time reading about them, meditating on them, and asking for them. We will be exploring these facets of the Holy Spirit over the next several weeks.

• The Spirit helps us know what to say—and how to say it—when we are in perilous or uncertain situations.
• Our Counselor provides the teaching—and the reminding—of what we need to know and remember. He guides us in the way we should go.
• The Spirit gives us the power to witness for God to the ends of the earth. He equips us with the strength we need to accomplish God’s purposes.
• The Spirit sets us free from our sins. We can’t do that on our own.
• Through the Spirit we enjoy adoption as children of the Father.
• The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sins.
• Where the Spirit is, there is freedom and life.
• Because of the Spirit, we abound with hope and are filled with joy and peace.
• The Spirit gives us gifts—each one of us—that bless the Body.
• When we are led by the Spirit, we bear a fruit that includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When I look at that list, I am humbled at what gifts are offered to me. I want to be a vessel that turns its sails in such a way that I can catch the wind of the Spirit.

How do you feel about these gifts?

Do you believe you have access to them?

Will you commit to reading about them and praying for them in your own life?