The Indwelling Presence of God

Today we are exploring how Jesus brought one monumental Old Testament ritual into a whole new light. Through Jesus, our access to the living God changed drastically, from the restrictions placed on God’s dwelling place in the temple, to the Holy Spirit living within each of us.

Let’s start today with a simple prayer. As you read or listen, invite God into your heart:

Dear Lord, thank You for today and for all the opportunities it brings as I strive to serve You better. Holy Spirit, help me hear and understand what You have for me. I so want to learn and grow in my spiritual relationship with You and I desire to develop a stronger understanding of Your word. Amen.

Acts 2:1-4, 38-39 (NLT)

1On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.


38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”

Yesterday we explored the meaning behind the tearing of the curtain between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place at the moment of Jesus’ death. Today we will focus on how God changed everything by bringing the Holy Spirit into the lives of His followers, thereby giving everyone who believes access to God directly.

Before the risen Christ ascended, He reminded His followers that they would soon receive the power of the Holy Spirit. And so the apostles and other believers gathered together in anticipation, praying and wondering what would happen next. Do you remember when you first accepted Christ? Did you wonder what would happen next in your life?

This must have been a very uncertain time for them. As the days passed and they continued to pray, some of the followers surely had doubts or felt confusion about what was to come. I know I have sometimes felt out of touch with God or unsure if He was still working in my life. Have you ever been hesitant or in doubt that God would be there for you?

But they did not have long to wait! On the day of Pentecost, just ten days after Christ ascended, they were suddenly and miraculously filled with God’s presence through the arrival of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit, which is available to all who believe, is a promise from God and was fulfilled by the life and death of Jesus Christ. As you grow in your faith, do you believe the Holy Spirit is alive in you, guiding and encouraging you in your faith journey?

As you process through what we talked about today, spend some time in prayer, and let the presence of the Holy Spirit wash over you. Use the following prompts if you need help getting started in prayer.

Praise God and thank Him for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for the grace He has given you!

Ask the Holy Spirit to encourage you and help you each and every day.

I pray you find the Holy Spirit to be a constant and reassuring presence in your life.