PEACE, PURPOSE, AND PRESENCE: THE SPIRIT’S GIFT TO EVERY BELIEVER
Rashawn Nance
Today’s Scripture: “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” John 20:21-22, ESV
Theme: The Holy Spirit’s presence is a precious gift from God of Himself. He indwells anyone who believes Jesus’ death and resurrection and receives His offer of salvation.
GOD WITH US, ALWAYS
After Jesus’ resurrection, He met His disciples in a locked room, surrounded by fear and uncertainty. With gentle words, He offered them what their hearts needed most: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” But Jesus didn’t stop there—He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
This wasn’t just a comforting gesture. In that moment, Jesus was giving them the greatest gift—God’s very presence, not just beside them, but living within them. The Holy Spirit isn’t some distant concept or abstract force. He’s God’s personal, comforting, empowering presence, ready to meet us right where we are.
A GIFT FOR ALL WHO BELIEVE
The beauty of the Holy Spirit is that He’s not reserved for those who seem to have it all together. He’s for anyone—no matter your past, your doubts, or your struggles—who believes in Jesus’ death and resurrection and accepts His invitation to new life.
The Holy Spirit brings peace that settles anxious hearts, strength when we feel like we’re running on empty, and guidance when the road ahead is unclear. He gently reminds us, again and again, that we are never alone—God Himself is with us, even in our darkest and most uncertain moments.
EMPOWERED TO GO
Jesus didn’t just give His disciples peace and His presence to calm their fears; He breathed purpose and power into their lives. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead became alive in them and now lives in us, equipping us to love boldly, serve selflessly, and share hope wherever we go.
We’re not called to rely on our own strength or wisdom—God’s Spirit is the source of all we need. He makes the impossible possible, turning ordinary people into vessels of God’s extraordinary grace and purpose.
Make It Personal: I’ve learned that this walk with Jesus isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Some days I get it right, and some days I fall short, but what matters is that I keep showing up, keep seeking Him, and keep moving forward because of the Holy Spirit inside me. I know I’ll never earn God’s love or be flawless, but that’s the beauty of grace—He loves me anyway.
There’s real joy in knowing I can always come to Him for forgiveness and direction, no matter what life throws my way. My hope isn’t in my own strength, but in the promise that Jesus will never leave me. Every day, I want to live with intention, worship Him honestly, and trust that He’s with me and my loved ones, guiding us closer to His purpose.
Pray: Jesus, thank You that this life isn’t about perfection, but about progress—about walking with You, step by step, day by day. My greatest hope is to hear You say, “Well done, my faithful servant,” when this journey is over. Help me to find joy in following the righteous path, to seek forgiveness when I fall short, and to remember that no matter what life throws at me, You are the source of power and Your Holy Spirit will never leave or forsake me.
Remind me, Lord, that I don’t have to be perfect to walk with You. What I can do is take up my cross daily, be intentional in my worship and praise, and choose to live for You. I’m a sinner—there’s nothing I could ever do to earn Your love, but You give it freely, and for that, I say thank You, Jesus.
God, please be with my friends and family—by blood and by spirit. Give us the strength and will to never stop pursuing You, to keep moving forward on this journey toward Your kingdom. Fill our hearts with faith, our lives with purpose, and our days with Your presence. Amen.
Read: John 14:16-17; Romans 8:11; Acts 1:8
Weekly Memory Verse: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16:7-8, ESV