ADVANCE: A Revival DevotionalSample

Advance In The Spirit

"There will come a day where you reach the end of you. When that day comes, you will need to lean on the Holy Spirit to help you" - Carl Lentz, Hillsong Church, New York City

The author of Ephesians 2:10 affirms that “...we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” As sons and daughters of the Most-High God and disciples of Jesus, part of our purpose is to bear good fruit and to do good works. We are invited to participate in God’s mission to rescue and restore creation. Yet this cannot be accomplished by ticking boxes in a list of ‘do’s and don’ts’ nor can it be achieved by personal efforts. Rather, it is developed in us by the Holy Spirit through an intimate and growing relationship with him.

The Holy Spirit is our key to living the life that we are called to live and without Him, we won’t be able to advance into the fullness of God’s promise. Jesus even said himself, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” The Holy Spirit is our advocate, sent to help us advance in our own lives and to advance the kingdom of God. As we grow in intimacy with Him, He helps us advance.

But how can we dive deeper, grow in intimacy with the Holy Spirit, and follow His leading?

The truth is that intimacy requires time and trust. Developing a close friendship with the Holy Spirit begins when we drop our masks and embrace honesty and authenticity, allowing ourselves to be fully known by him as we get to know him through his Word. If we are to do good works, we must learn to follow the leading of the Spirit. This journey is one of trust and dependency so when we set time aside to prayerfully listen, the Spirit will always lead us to truth (Jn 14:16-17) and Truth is a person: Jesus (Jn 14:6). It is through relationship that we will discover what his voice sounds like: one that is consistent with the Word by revealing Jesus and forming Christ’s character in us.

Action Questions: How can you build your relationship with the Holy Spirit?

In what aspect of your life can you lean on the Spirit more to help you advance?

Prayer: "Holy Spirit, thank you for leading me to the truth of who I am: a beloved child of God. Help me to trust your leading as I participate in your mission of restoring creation by doing the good works you have created me for. Continue to reveal Jesus and form his character in me so that all may see that you are good. Amen."