Day 8 – The Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Scripture
“For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” — Acts 1:5
Promise
God has promised to baptize you in His Spirit so that His power and presence can be manifested through your life.
Quote
“The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not about getting more of God—it’s about God manifesting through you.” — Dr. Daniel LeBlanc
Devotion
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not about receiving more of God, as though He were holding Himself back from you. When you were saved, the Spirit came to live within you. But in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, He comes upon you—clothing you with power so He can manifest through you.
Think of it as moving from knowing about Him to welcoming Him personally. It’s the difference between having a guest in your house and saying, “Hello Holy Spirit, this is Your home.” The baptism is an invitation for the Spirit to not only dwell inside you but to rest upon you and flow out of you for the sake of others.
Picture a lamp with a working bulb. The potential for light is there, but until it’s plugged into the outlet and switched on, no one benefits from it. The baptism of the Spirit is that moment of power—it’s when what is inside of you begins to shine outward.
The disciples experienced this shift. Before Pentecost, they believed in Jesus but were fearful, hiding behind locked doors. Yet when the Spirit came upon them, they were transformed. Peter, who had denied Christ three times, boldly preached to thousands, and three thousand were saved that day. The difference? They moved from only having the Spirit within to welcoming the Spirit upon them.
Throughout Acts we see this again and again:
Philip preached in Samaria, and miracles followed.
Stephen, full of the Spirit, spoke with wisdom no one could resist.
Paul laid hands on the sick, and they recovered—even his handkerchiefs carried healing power.
Ordinary people were saying, in essence, “Hello Holy Spirit, flow through me,” and He did.
Let’s make some application now. The baptism of the Spirit is not reserved for preachers or apostles—it’s for you. Begin to practice greeting the Spirit as a Person: “Hello Holy Spirit, I welcome You.” When you encounter someone hurting, let Him manifest through you with love and prayer. When you feel timid, lean into His boldness instead of your confidence. When you face opportunities to serve, trust His gifts to flow through you.
Declaration
I am baptized in the Holy Spirit. I welcome Him daily with, “Hello Holy Spirit.” God’s presence and power manifest through me, impacting others with His love, boldness, and life.
Prayer
Hello Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Thank You for living inside of me and for coming upon me with power. Manifest through me today with Your love, Your gifts, and Your boldness. I yield myself as Your vessel—flow through me so others may see Jesus. Amen.
