Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted):

John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

—Acts 1:5

Just before Jesus returned to heaven, He told His apostles not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father” that He had spoken to them about (Acts 1:4).  He spoke of John’s baptism, then pointed directly to the baptism of the Holy Spirit not many days from then.

The Lord’s instructions were somewhat difficult for the apostles to understand. They knew well the fellowship of Jesus and to enjoy a relationship with Him, but had no concept of what it meant to be baptized with the Spirit.

But something happened:

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication… And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said…this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. —Acts 1:14-16, KJV

The Holy Spirit takes you beyond hearing with your ears and helps you listen with your heart. He gives you the understanding that comes from listening with your heart (spiritual hearing), in addition to the knowledge that comes from listening with your ears (physical hearing).

What happened next changed the world!

A Prayer for Today:

Lord, thank You for the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Lord, whatever I do or face today, help me to remember that You are with me. When things don’t go exactly as I had planned, give me a cheerful, obedient spirit. Forge in me your supernatural determination to do everything that needs to be done today—all for Your glory and honor. I want to move into a deeper relationship with You. Please help me even when I lack faith and understanding. I pray this in Your Name, Amen!