The Power of the Holy Spirit 
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. —Acts 1:8

Did you ever read or hear about the blowing up of Hell's Gate in New York? In the early 1900s only ships of a certain size could make their way through Hell's Gate; many boats had sunk attempting the treacherous trip up the river. The state government had given the contract to General Richard Newton to remove obstacles in the river, so ships could manipulate the Hell's Gate safely.

General Newton spent several years building tunnels under the banks of the river. He then placed tons of dynamite in those tunnels. On the appointed day all ships and people were to stay several miles away from this treacherous gate.

The General sat in his home two miles away with his little daughter on his knee. At the appointed time he told his daughter, "When I tell you, press the black button." She did. From two miles away there was a muffled roar. The water shot up one hundred fifty feet in the air and the river was cleared. Ships could now safely pass through this dangerous passage. The little girl was helpless herself. But because of the genuine power of her illustrious father's work, when she pushed the tiny black button, she became powerful.

We are helpless without the filling of the Holy Spirit, but with Him we are all powerful and nothing in Hell can stop us.

GOING DEEPER:

  1. What is the message behind today's story?
  2. Have you ever asked God to fill and empower you with his Holy Spirit? If not, why not ask today through prayer?

FURTHER READING: 
Acts 24:1-2, 8-10

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