S = Luke 4:14-15 "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all."
O = How did Jesus return to Galilee after his baptism and the time of temptation in the Judean wilderness? Well besides the obvious, "He walked!" He returned in the power of the Spirit. The Spirit descended on him in bodily form in 3:22, then "full of the Holy Spirit" (4:1) he was "led by the Spirit into the wilderness." I wonder if it is possible to function in the power of the Spirit without first experiencing the "descending on" (indwelling), the "full of", and the "led by" even through testing and wilderness seasons? The Holy Spirit provided power, a favorable report sent all over, an opportunity to teach, and glorification too. Really a much sweeter deal than he would have gotten from the devil earlier in v. 7.
A = If I am a Christian then I know that I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit. There is no question about that. However, I think I should take time to ask, the following questions: Am I full of the Holy Spirit today? Am I willing, or even better, seeking to be led by the Holy Spirit today? How trusting am I when I follow and it seems to lead into arid and empty lands? How will I react when people think highly of me, and when those who should think the best of me despise or dismiss me because of God's work in my life? I need to be immersed, baptized, in the Holy Spirit or not only will I fail the tests I will face this week, but full of myself I will be pretty stinky by the weekend!
P = O Lord, may your power be evident and effective in my life today! May I not only surrender to your Spirit's leading, but may I rejoice in it. Transform my heart and mind, bring to remembrance the words of Christ, convict me and correct me when needed, and never let me forget that I am loved, accepted, chosen, redeemed, and adopted into your family! May your Holy Spirit produce his fruit in my life this week...enough to share! (Galatians 5:22-23). Amen!
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