Several years ago I was flying to Lubbock Texas to one of my son's Parents Day at college and during the flight I decided to do a scripture study from the concordance of the Bible I had at the time, on the Holy Spirit.  I was really just biding my time while on the flight.  I never expected the experience I was about to have with the Holy Spirit.  I think it was because I had gotten so focused on Him and was reading one scripture after another about Him, who He is and what He has done, that I became  "caught up" in Him.  I don't know of another way of putting it.  By the time I stepped out of that plane I felt like I had been drinking "gun power soup".  Wow!

      I learned something that day.  When we get focused on the Holy Spirit, He becomes very real to us, more real that we can imagine.  He is the one Jesus sent to be our Comforter.  The Amplified Bible "amplifies" that by adding..."our Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener and Standby.  If that's the case, just think how important it is to get to know Him.

     The Holy Spirit is equal to and One with the Father and Jesus.  Jesus told His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  He also draws no attention to Himself.  His special ministry is to exalt and glorify Jesus.  He is the one sent to teach us about Jesus and conform us into the image of Christ, which is our "hope of glory".  The Holy Spirit is also the comforter (exhorter) of the church.  If you need encouragement...He's the One you turn to.

     Next time we'll take a look at how passionate He is about His ministry.  You won't believe how much He loves you and is wanting to be actively involved in your life!