The Holy Spirit | a 3-Day Skate Church Movement Devotionalনমুনা

Can we have the Holy Spirit?

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

We have all been exposed to the good, bad, and ugly of what is happening around us. Does the darkness dim your hope or do you look at these times as an opportunity to shine as a world changer? Jesus was a great light in a time of tremendous darkness. He told us, His followers, that we would be the light of the world. He passed the baton onto us but we can only shine light into this world because He is the one actually living in us. (Galatians 2:20)

The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. (Romans 8:11) He gave us the opportunity to be one with him. (John 17:6-11) Think about how awesome that is! I get excited knowing God is for me, around me, upon me, near me, and with me–and knowing He lives in me is even more exciting! God of the universe, the One who hung the stars and fearfully and wonderfully made us, created a way through Jesus to live IN us.

When I was a pro skater, I traveled to Europe every summer to compete in several contests. The first couple times I made the trip I was far from a relationship with Jesus. By the third trip, something had changed within who I was and my actions reflected that change. I had a transforming encounter with Jesus two months prior. Because of Him, I was now free from sin and living a life of purpose. I had new paradigms of thinking, new desires, and a new mission; I was a new person! I wasn’t flawless, but with the Holy Spirit now living in me and working through me, life was significantly different; not only for me, but those around me as well. I had a “Helper” who went with me everywhere. Every second of every day He was with me–on the plane, in the streets when we were skating, at the contests, and during the times I was sharing the Good News to skaters. The Holy Spirit empowered me to be bold. He fueled me to love. He protected me. He revealed things about situations and people. He taught me the truth and guided the things I said and where I went.

I spent two months in Europe skateboarding, doing what I loved to do in some of the most beautiful cities of the world. In addition to that, the more I worked with the Holy Spirit, the more I learned about what He loves: people. He loves to help people encounter Jesus! He loves restoring people to a right relationship with the Father. He loves to smile, encourage, hug, and serve. He loves leading people to Jesus. He loves to shine! He does this through us, His sons and daughters!

Every day is a gift from God and to the people you encounter–who God wants to love through you. Jesus invites us to partner with Him in going into all the world; making disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He commanded. (Matthew 28:19-20) What a privilege!

Pushing further

1. Are you shining a light into the world around you?
2. How would your life look different to others if you had the Holy Spirit guiding your life?