Reading Plan: 

Acts 19

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Cooper Herrington 

Forgotten God. That is what many have called the Holy Spirit at least in America today. The Holy Spirit is our helper. He is a who not a what. Today we read about Paul coming across a group of believers who only knew about John the Baptist. They had just a snapshot of a much larger picture. John the Baptist prepared and pointed people towards Jesus. Paul comes across this group and tells them about Jesus. He tells them Jesus was the promised Messiah, and that He lived, died, and came back to life. After hearing about Jesus and believing in Him, they received the Holy Spirit. Their lives were changed forever in this moment.  

While the Holy Spirit might be forgotten in America when it comes to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we don’t see Jesus or the Father placing the title of "Forgotten God" on Him. Jesus said in John 16:7 “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” Does that verse blow anyone else’s mind? Jesus, the Son of God, who lived a sinless life, died on a cross, and came back to life is telling the disciples that it is better for them that He leaves and the Holy Spirit comes. No wonder the people Paul came across were changed forever when the Holy Spirit came. The good news for us is that we have the same Holy Spirit in us. 

In another part of John, Jesus tells the disciples that the Holy Spirit will teach them and remind them of everything Jesus has said and done. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life. It is too easy to hurry through life, pack our schedules, drain our bank accounts, and tear down our bodies so that we effectively eliminate any chance for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Today take a deep breath, say no to one thing, and begin to allow the Holy Spirit to have room in your life to do what He wants to. This is easier said than done, but one small brave choice leads to massive life change as time goes on. 

Reflection:

• Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Help me hear and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit today. Lord, let me live out of an overflow of Your love and Your Spirit by being with You.  

Family Application: I can turn away from sin!

Author: Nichole McCardle 

• Today, we are reading from Acts 19, and we are continuing to follow Paul on his journey of teaching others about Jesus. Read Acts 19 with your family. Wow, a lot happened in this chapter! We see that Paul continued to tell others about Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul’s miracles healed many people. Lots of people, who were living in sin, came to know about Jesus. They gave up their sins, confessed their sins, and repented of them. They chose to live a life of following Jesus instead of clinging to their sinful ways. Just like the people in Ephesus, we are all sinners. A sin is something that is not pleasing to God. We all make mistakes, say mean things, disobey our parents, or think of bad things. Those are all sins. But also, just like the people in Ephesus, we can confess our sins to God and turn away from those sins and we will be forgiven. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 
• Is there something that you need to stop doing because it is not pleasing to God? It is not always easy to turn away from things that are not pleasing to God. Ask your parents, family, friends, or KXP leaders to help you! Confess your sin to God and ask Him to help you turn away from it. 
• As we read through Acts, the theme this week is telling others about Jesus! Make sure to invite at least one friend to church with you this week, so they too can hear about the love of Jesus! 
• Prayer: God, You are forgiving! Thank You for loving me and forgiving me when I confess my sins to You! Help me to repent and turn away from things that are not pleasing to You. Amen.