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This quarter, we focus on the baptism with the Holy Spirit in our weekly devotional series. This week’s devotional comes from John 13 – 19.

Early on in my ministry as a chaplain, I learned that I could not do the work apart from the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

On May 21, 1998, our neighboring community of Springfield, Ore., experienced the worst tragedy in that city’s history when a troubled 15-year-old boy brutally killed his mother and father, and proceeded to carry out a mass slaughter at his high school, killing two students and wounding 24 of his classmates.

Amid the carnage, my life and the lives of others would soon be impacted by our Helper and Comforter, the Holy Spirit—parakletos, “one called alongside.”

The Amplified Bible best describes the work of the Holy Spirit in times like this:

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Standby), that He may remain with you forever” (John 14:16).

The Holy Spirit as Comforter is available to every Christian who calls upon Him for help, strength and counsel. He is quick to intercede for those who cry out to Him in their time of need.

During that rampage at the high school, Teresa Miltonberger, the daughter of a corrections officer, was shot in the head and wasn’t expected to live.

I quickly rushed to the local hospital to see if I could be of some assistance. The scene was one of utter chaos. Grieving students, parents and friends were weeping hysterically, holding one another, stunned and saddened by the unimaginable horror that had befallen our community.

Among them was Teresa’s extended family, gathered together in an adjoining room. As I looked at their crestfallen faces, I felt totally inadequate for the task. I thought, How do I minister to them?

It was then the Holy Spirit spoke to me, saying, “Go in there and pray for them!” Trembling in my spirit, I obeyed. 

Not knowing what I was going to say, I introduced myself and asked them if I could pray for them. It was then that the Comforter came alongside me, strengthening me, giving me the words of hope and healing I needed as I cried out to God. I asked for His help, invoking the name of Jesus Christ, while inviting His peace to invade the situation. 

I boldly prayed, petitioning God to spare Teresa’s life and to heal the wounded. Immediately, the atmosphere changed. The Comforter had come!

Later, He miraculously healed Teresa. 

Experiencing trouble? Cry out! Call upon the Comforter!

By: Foursquare Chaplain Daniel Blomberg, Lane County Adult Corrections in Eugene, Ore.

Share your journey through the Gospels » Leave a comment below to share what God is showing you personally as the Foursquare family reads through the Gospels! Download the reading plan bookmarks for 2012, and you can also subscribe to the weekly Foursquare Leader Prayer email to receive insights and inspiration from Foursquare leaders around the world.

is a freelance writer living in Long Beach, Calif.
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