Acts 3:6 - And Peter seeing the (begging lame) man said, "Silver and gold have I none, BUT SUCH AS I HAVE I give unto thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."
You may not have the largest house in your city or even your neighborhood. Perhaps your car is held together by Christian bumper stickers and the description, "struggling to make ends meet", is a vast understatement to describe your financial situation. But irregardless, of what you lack financially all you need is a relationship with the Holy Spirit and an impartation of his power to change lives.
Simon Peter was running short on funds. His paycheck hadn't come through yet via direct deposit and the money he needed hadn't been wired. Meeting a beggar and being moved with compassion he was obviously discouraged that he couldn't help meet the need before him.
As a result, Simon Peter turned to his only option. Silver and gold were out of the question, but he did have the power of God at work in his life. With faith swelling in his heart he commanded the lame man to rise by the authority of Jesus' name and walk! The rest is history.
Acts 3, quickly leads me to hold fast to the truth that money is over-rated. One touch from Jesus as he moves through us to touch others will surpass the fulfillment all the gold in Fort Knox could ever possibly bring to your life.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 22 - Favor Ain't Fair
Acts 2:47 - Praising God and enjoying the FAVOR OF ALL PEOPLE...
TD Jakes famously once preached, "Favor ain't fair!"
Unfortunately, I can't break it down quite like Bishop Jakes, but I can make you this promise via my Scriptural understanding: FAVOR STILL AIN'T FAIR!
It's that simple and it is settled.
When God opens a door for you that no man can close, it can and most-likely will catapult you to the front of life's lines.
Acts 2:47, lays a foundation for the fact that promotions others may have been waiting for, can suddenly belong to you simply because you were faithful in your praise to God! I.E. - Daniel, Darius, and the Lion's Den....
Our Heavenly Father will raise up whom he will and cast down whom he will, and there is nothing the systems of the world can do to destroy his agenda.
If God be for you, then no one can effectively be against you. Isaiah said, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper." In other words, "It doesn't mean the enemy can't form a weapon, it just means that if he does, in the end it can not harm you."
It seems that favor can in essence remove the ammunition from hell's weaponry.
Daniel was attacked by manipulative peers, but then he found favor with the king. He may have not had favor with everyone, but he found it with the one person who mattered most.
Which leads us to this disclaimer: The act of possessing favor doesn't mean that if you praise God and gain it you will have reached a place where no one will ever choose to not like you. Instead, to have the favor of God at work in your life simply means that while some people will never like you, it will always cause the people who need to show you favor, to do just that.
Keep praising God and watch him place his FAVOR on your life!
Remember it this way, as the praises go up, the favor comes down, and you will wear it like a mantle as: doors open, influence is gained, and blessings follow you.
NOTE: It is important to add that sometimes favor doesn't show up on earth and believers are martyred. The amazing thing about such an occurrence is that God will then show them favor in heaven and their reward will be greater than anyone else's for all of eternity! (Reference Hebrews 11.)
TD Jakes famously once preached, "Favor ain't fair!"
Unfortunately, I can't break it down quite like Bishop Jakes, but I can make you this promise via my Scriptural understanding: FAVOR STILL AIN'T FAIR!
It's that simple and it is settled.
When God opens a door for you that no man can close, it can and most-likely will catapult you to the front of life's lines.
Acts 2:47, lays a foundation for the fact that promotions others may have been waiting for, can suddenly belong to you simply because you were faithful in your praise to God! I.E. - Daniel, Darius, and the Lion's Den....
Our Heavenly Father will raise up whom he will and cast down whom he will, and there is nothing the systems of the world can do to destroy his agenda.
If God be for you, then no one can effectively be against you. Isaiah said, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper." In other words, "It doesn't mean the enemy can't form a weapon, it just means that if he does, in the end it can not harm you."
It seems that favor can in essence remove the ammunition from hell's weaponry.
Daniel was attacked by manipulative peers, but then he found favor with the king. He may have not had favor with everyone, but he found it with the one person who mattered most.
Which leads us to this disclaimer: The act of possessing favor doesn't mean that if you praise God and gain it you will have reached a place where no one will ever choose to not like you. Instead, to have the favor of God at work in your life simply means that while some people will never like you, it will always cause the people who need to show you favor, to do just that.
Keep praising God and watch him place his FAVOR on your life!
Remember it this way, as the praises go up, the favor comes down, and you will wear it like a mantle as: doors open, influence is gained, and blessings follow you.
NOTE: It is important to add that sometimes favor doesn't show up on earth and believers are martyred. The amazing thing about such an occurrence is that God will then show them favor in heaven and their reward will be greater than anyone else's for all of eternity! (Reference Hebrews 11.)
Day 21 - Everyday
Acts 2:46 - And EVERYDAY they continued to meet together in the temple...
Many people struggle to go to church one morning a week. Imagine this: EVERYDAY the early Church believers met in the temple for the purpose of prayer and praise.
This morning I witnessed a young teenage girl, who is recovering from an accident, attend church with 500 stitches in the temple region of her head. She had every excuse to stay home and yet she refused to abstain from assembling together with her friends to praise God.
When you're feeling like a drag on Sunday remember that EVERYDAY the apostles went to the temple! And if that doesnt encourage you, then know that a young lady has raised the bar high on a hillside in Russell Springs as she overcame a horrible wreck (and so many stitches that the doctor stopped counting), so that she could be faithful in gathering to corporately worship our God.
Regardless, of what is going on in our lives more often than not we can spare at least one morning a week to gather together.
I believe as you commit yourself to Sunday morning attendance it will so encourage you that you will find yourself also regularly showing up on Sunday nights and even Thursday nights!
Join us Sundays @ 9am, 11am and/or 6:30pm and don't forget the Thursday night 7pm service...
Many people struggle to go to church one morning a week. Imagine this: EVERYDAY the early Church believers met in the temple for the purpose of prayer and praise.
This morning I witnessed a young teenage girl, who is recovering from an accident, attend church with 500 stitches in the temple region of her head. She had every excuse to stay home and yet she refused to abstain from assembling together with her friends to praise God.
When you're feeling like a drag on Sunday remember that EVERYDAY the apostles went to the temple! And if that doesnt encourage you, then know that a young lady has raised the bar high on a hillside in Russell Springs as she overcame a horrible wreck (and so many stitches that the doctor stopped counting), so that she could be faithful in gathering to corporately worship our God.
Regardless, of what is going on in our lives more often than not we can spare at least one morning a week to gather together.
I believe as you commit yourself to Sunday morning attendance it will so encourage you that you will find yourself also regularly showing up on Sunday nights and even Thursday nights!
Join us Sundays @ 9am, 11am and/or 6:30pm and don't forget the Thursday night 7pm service...
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Day 20 - All Things Common
Acts 2:44-45 - And all that believed were together, AND HAD ALL THINGS COMMON; 45)And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, AS EVERY MAN HAD NEED.
It is no wonder that the apostles had such power in the Spirit. Not only does the Book of Acts consistently testify of their unity in the faith in Acts 2:44-45 it points out that they also shared ownership of their possessions.
AS EVERY MAN HAD NEED, they would come together and do whatever the situation called for to see the need resolved--and to that all I can say is Wow!
It seems almost unfathomable that the families of the apostles and their followers had such degree of unity that were willing to sale their own valued possessions to meet a need in someone else's life. It is one thing to give money or an occasional gift, but to sale your possessions to make it possible to meet an otherwise impossible need is something only the Spirit of God can birth in our hearts!
My Prayer:
Father, bring a level of compassion to my heart that can only be described as heavenly in nature. May my heart melt like wax at the knowledge of a need! In Jesus name, Amen.
It is no wonder that the apostles had such power in the Spirit. Not only does the Book of Acts consistently testify of their unity in the faith in Acts 2:44-45 it points out that they also shared ownership of their possessions.
AS EVERY MAN HAD NEED, they would come together and do whatever the situation called for to see the need resolved--and to that all I can say is Wow!
It seems almost unfathomable that the families of the apostles and their followers had such degree of unity that were willing to sale their own valued possessions to meet a need in someone else's life. It is one thing to give money or an occasional gift, but to sale your possessions to make it possible to meet an otherwise impossible need is something only the Spirit of God can birth in our hearts!
My Prayer:
Father, bring a level of compassion to my heart that can only be described as heavenly in nature. May my heart melt like wax at the knowledge of a need! In Jesus name, Amen.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Day 20 - All Things Common
Acts 2:44-45 - And all that believed were together, AND HAD ALL THINGS COMMON; 45)And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, AS EVERY MAN HAD NEED.
It is no wonder that the apostles had such power in the Spirit. Not only does the Book of Acts consistently testify of their unity in the faith in Acts 2:44-45 it points out that they also shared ownership of their possessions.
AS EVERY MAN HAD NEED, they would come together and do whatever the situation called for to see the need resolved--and to that all I can say is Wow!
It seems almost unfathomable that the families of the apostles and their followers had such degree of unity that were willing to sale their own valued possessions to meet a need in someone else's life. It is one thing to give money or an occasional gift, but to sale your possessions to make it possible to meet an otherwise impossible need is something only the Spirit of God can birth in our hearts!
My Prayer:
Father, bring a level of compassion to my heart that can only be described as heavenly in nature. May my heart melt like wax at the knowledge of a need! In Jesus name, Amen.
It is no wonder that the apostles had such power in the Spirit. Not only does the Book of Acts consistently testify of their unity in the faith in Acts 2:44-45 it points out that they also shared ownership of their possessions.
AS EVERY MAN HAD NEED, they would come together and do whatever the situation called for to see the need resolved--and to that all I can say is Wow!
It seems almost unfathomable that the families of the apostles and their followers had such degree of unity that were willing to sale their own valued possessions to meet a need in someone else's life. It is one thing to give money or an occasional gift, but to sale your possessions to make it possible to meet an otherwise impossible need is something only the Spirit of God can birth in our hearts!
My Prayer:
Father, bring a level of compassion to my heart that can only be described as heavenly in nature. May my heart melt like wax at the knowledge of a need! In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 19 - Reverential Awe
Acts 2:43 - AND FEAR CAME UPON EVERY SOUL: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
When we think of fear we often immediately conjur up images from horror films in our mind. Fear is almost always considered a negative thing and rightfully so. I myself love to quote Paul's declaration, "The Lord has not given you the spirit of fear!" However, there may be more for us to learn from a Biblical stand-point on the subject of fear...
There is a fear that is liberating, because it is holy in its nature. The struggle with understanding it comes from our difference in the use of the word today versus the time in which the Bible was being written.
Solomon spoke of this fear, "The FEAR OF THE LORD is the beginning of all wisdom and knowledge."
In definition, the fear of the Lord is: a reverential awe of the presence of the Lord.
Acts 2:43, describes a culture being shifted by the manifestation of the power and presence of God. As the apostles operated in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit with the demonstration of signs and wonders, FEAR CAME UPON EVERY SOUL.
Imagine the possibilities that could transpire if we, the Body of Christ, began to walk in the highways and hedges of our culture with the empowerment of the Spirit! The result would be the same as it was 2,000 years ago: Reverential awe would spread across the land.
Why is this important?
It is my belief that the greatest stumbling block to the acceptance of salvation on behalf of the unsaved is the their lack of reverence for God. They, as I once did, seem to think they are in charge of much more than they actually are.
There is a Sovereign God whose might is unfathomable and his throne is unattainable. Just read Job or Psalms to hear the magnificence of his capabilities described.
The reality is this: we have no wisdom or knowledge until it is founded upon the revelation that God is not to be approached casually or irreverently. The Heavenly Father, whose name is hallowed, is worthy to be feared in a way that produces reverential awe!
When we think of fear we often immediately conjur up images from horror films in our mind. Fear is almost always considered a negative thing and rightfully so. I myself love to quote Paul's declaration, "The Lord has not given you the spirit of fear!" However, there may be more for us to learn from a Biblical stand-point on the subject of fear...
There is a fear that is liberating, because it is holy in its nature. The struggle with understanding it comes from our difference in the use of the word today versus the time in which the Bible was being written.
Solomon spoke of this fear, "The FEAR OF THE LORD is the beginning of all wisdom and knowledge."
In definition, the fear of the Lord is: a reverential awe of the presence of the Lord.
Acts 2:43, describes a culture being shifted by the manifestation of the power and presence of God. As the apostles operated in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit with the demonstration of signs and wonders, FEAR CAME UPON EVERY SOUL.
Imagine the possibilities that could transpire if we, the Body of Christ, began to walk in the highways and hedges of our culture with the empowerment of the Spirit! The result would be the same as it was 2,000 years ago: Reverential awe would spread across the land.
Why is this important?
It is my belief that the greatest stumbling block to the acceptance of salvation on behalf of the unsaved is the their lack of reverence for God. They, as I once did, seem to think they are in charge of much more than they actually are.
There is a Sovereign God whose might is unfathomable and his throne is unattainable. Just read Job or Psalms to hear the magnificence of his capabilities described.
The reality is this: we have no wisdom or knowledge until it is founded upon the revelation that God is not to be approached casually or irreverently. The Heavenly Father, whose name is hallowed, is worthy to be feared in a way that produces reverential awe!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Day 18 - What Shall We Do?
Acts 2:37 - Now when they heard this, they were PRICKED IN THEIR HEART, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, WHAT SHALL WE DO?
We have all been pricked in our hearts at one point or another by the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The way in which we may have responded to the experience is where our individuality becomes evident.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, in Acts 2:37, Simon Peter had just confronted his audience with the bold truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result, even the most influential members of the gathered crowd felt pricked in their hearts. To put it simply they were wrestling with feelings of what is commonly termed in the theological world as conviction.
Conviction defined: The state of being found or proven guilty
They were keenly aware that their hearts had been pierced with the Sword of God's word. They felt as though they had been caught, tried, and found guilty of their sin, but yet with a reality that is foreign to a court of law (and ironically permissable in the Spirit-realm) they were left with complete freedom as to how they would handle their sin-guilt.
Struggling to determine the correct response, they turned to one another with sincere curiosity and began to ask, "What shall we do?"
If I had been there 2,000 years ago, I would have shared with the inquiring minds that conviction arrests us--and while we have the option to ignore it--failure to submit to it's powerful pricking, will leave us running as a fugitive. Not to mention, that we will wrestle with the guilt of knowing we have done wrong that has never been made right--which makes for a miserable existence!
Perhaps it would do us all some good to reflect on the fact that God convicts us in order to draw us away from the carnal and to Christ. Conviction pricks our heart and makes us aware of the sin in our life, not with the intent to drive us away, but rather to draw us to Jesus. After all, it was Jesus, himself, who said, "I have not come to condemn the world, but to save it!" The Holy Spirit has no desire to tell us simply how bad we are, his plan is to reveal to us how good through Christ we can become.
I have a firm belief: A lack of response to the CONVICTION of CHRIST in our hearts will result in wrestling with the CONDEMNATION of our CONSCIENCE in our minds.
Christ may convict us, but if we are condemned it is only because we have chosen to resist his help with overcoming the sin he has made us aware of.
We each have a great dilemma in front of us... Our hearts have been pricked, now what shall we do?
We have all been pricked in our hearts at one point or another by the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The way in which we may have responded to the experience is where our individuality becomes evident.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, in Acts 2:37, Simon Peter had just confronted his audience with the bold truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result, even the most influential members of the gathered crowd felt pricked in their hearts. To put it simply they were wrestling with feelings of what is commonly termed in the theological world as conviction.
Conviction defined: The state of being found or proven guilty
They were keenly aware that their hearts had been pierced with the Sword of God's word. They felt as though they had been caught, tried, and found guilty of their sin, but yet with a reality that is foreign to a court of law (and ironically permissable in the Spirit-realm) they were left with complete freedom as to how they would handle their sin-guilt.
Struggling to determine the correct response, they turned to one another with sincere curiosity and began to ask, "What shall we do?"
If I had been there 2,000 years ago, I would have shared with the inquiring minds that conviction arrests us--and while we have the option to ignore it--failure to submit to it's powerful pricking, will leave us running as a fugitive. Not to mention, that we will wrestle with the guilt of knowing we have done wrong that has never been made right--which makes for a miserable existence!
Perhaps it would do us all some good to reflect on the fact that God convicts us in order to draw us away from the carnal and to Christ. Conviction pricks our heart and makes us aware of the sin in our life, not with the intent to drive us away, but rather to draw us to Jesus. After all, it was Jesus, himself, who said, "I have not come to condemn the world, but to save it!" The Holy Spirit has no desire to tell us simply how bad we are, his plan is to reveal to us how good through Christ we can become.
I have a firm belief: A lack of response to the CONVICTION of CHRIST in our hearts will result in wrestling with the CONDEMNATION of our CONSCIENCE in our minds.
Christ may convict us, but if we are condemned it is only because we have chosen to resist his help with overcoming the sin he has made us aware of.
We each have a great dilemma in front of us... Our hearts have been pricked, now what shall we do?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Day 17 - The Name
Acts 2:21 - Everyone who calls on THE NAME of the Lord shall be saved.
At the name of Jesus, Paul said, "every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess, and every demon shall flee!"
Jesus even said that his name is so powerful that even if just two or three are gathered together in his name, then he will manifest his presence in their midst.
When you can't beat the addiction or the sickness has left you with nothing but pain, when all of humanity has forsaken you or bankruptcy seems inevitable there is still hope to face tomorrow--just call on the name above every name, JESUS!
In doing so, you will find a friend that will stick closer than a brother and a Savior that will never leave you or forsake you...
Just say THE NAME!
At the name of Jesus, Paul said, "every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess, and every demon shall flee!"
Jesus even said that his name is so powerful that even if just two or three are gathered together in his name, then he will manifest his presence in their midst.
When you can't beat the addiction or the sickness has left you with nothing but pain, when all of humanity has forsaken you or bankruptcy seems inevitable there is still hope to face tomorrow--just call on the name above every name, JESUS!
In doing so, you will find a friend that will stick closer than a brother and a Savior that will never leave you or forsake you...
Just say THE NAME!
Day 16 - Anyone & Everyone
Acts 2:21 - And EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
What a promise: EVERYONE can be saved!
It doesn't matter what you have or haven't done. If you would like to be saved, you can be! All you have to do is call upon the name of the Lord, which is Jesus.
If God could save Paul, a murdering accuser of all Christians, then there are no limits! Anyone and EVERYONE definitely has the potential to be saved.
The work has already been done through the cross of Calvary. All you have to do is receive it and you can do so by calling on the name of the Lord with faith, believing that Jesus was the son of God who came to the earth born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died, was buried, rose again on the third day, and is coming back someday! In a moment's notice old things will pass away and everything will become new again, if you choose to do so...
Today, really could be the first day of the rest of your life if you invite Jesus to become your Savior and Lord.
It all starts with a call. Just call his name.... JESUS!
What a promise: EVERYONE can be saved!
It doesn't matter what you have or haven't done. If you would like to be saved, you can be! All you have to do is call upon the name of the Lord, which is Jesus.
If God could save Paul, a murdering accuser of all Christians, then there are no limits! Anyone and EVERYONE definitely has the potential to be saved.
The work has already been done through the cross of Calvary. All you have to do is receive it and you can do so by calling on the name of the Lord with faith, believing that Jesus was the son of God who came to the earth born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died, was buried, rose again on the third day, and is coming back someday! In a moment's notice old things will pass away and everything will become new again, if you choose to do so...
Today, really could be the first day of the rest of your life if you invite Jesus to become your Savior and Lord.
It all starts with a call. Just call his name.... JESUS!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Day 15 - This is That
Acts 2:12-15 - 12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day (9am). 16But THIS IS THAT which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
Years before this moment, Joel had prophesied that God would pour out his Spirit in an undeniable way. Simon Peter stood in the middle of prophetic fulfillment as an earthquake had just rocked the neighborhood and a sonic boom had accompanied it.
As if that wasn't enough to get the attention of the city, now in the epic center of all that was transpiring 120 people were huddled together in a room rambling in foreign languages that they had never been taught. Not just any languages though--every nationality present outside the
Upper Room heard his language being communicated as the wonderful works of God were declared!
As a multitude gathered, in amazement and with marveled minds the city began to respond with mockery. Surely it couldn't be real. It had to be some type of a coincidence or scheme brought forth by drunken men...
Hearing the confusion outside the gathering room, Simon Peter (never one to back away from confrontation) stepped out on the balcony and, if I may paraphrase, declared, "These men are not drunk as you suppose for it is only 9am in the morning. Instead, THIS IS THAT which Joel spoke of..."
"This is that...", What a way to describe the chaos that was erupting. Simon Peter always did have a way with words!
Peter was attempting to announce, "This is that! That which you have been waiting for, wondering if it would ever come, is now made manifest among us. God's promise is fulfilled and we bask in the overflow of the outpouring of his Holy Spirit..."
My response, "Give me some of THAT!"
Give me an experience with the Holy Spirit that is so overwhelming that I may appear to be just that--overwhelmed!
THIS IS THAT WHICH JOEL SPOKE OF: Joel 2:28-29 - 28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
My Prayer:
Father, raise me up out of casual Christianity. Let me not be stagnantly situated in a form of godliness, but rather pour out your Spirit in my life in such a way that it overwhelms me. Give me some of THAT which Simon Peter and 120 experienced! I faithfully ask you to release in my life the outpouring of your spirit with Joel promised would be available to ALL FLESH. In Jesus name, Amen.
Years before this moment, Joel had prophesied that God would pour out his Spirit in an undeniable way. Simon Peter stood in the middle of prophetic fulfillment as an earthquake had just rocked the neighborhood and a sonic boom had accompanied it.
As if that wasn't enough to get the attention of the city, now in the epic center of all that was transpiring 120 people were huddled together in a room rambling in foreign languages that they had never been taught. Not just any languages though--every nationality present outside the
Upper Room heard his language being communicated as the wonderful works of God were declared!
As a multitude gathered, in amazement and with marveled minds the city began to respond with mockery. Surely it couldn't be real. It had to be some type of a coincidence or scheme brought forth by drunken men...
Hearing the confusion outside the gathering room, Simon Peter (never one to back away from confrontation) stepped out on the balcony and, if I may paraphrase, declared, "These men are not drunk as you suppose for it is only 9am in the morning. Instead, THIS IS THAT which Joel spoke of..."
"This is that...", What a way to describe the chaos that was erupting. Simon Peter always did have a way with words!
Peter was attempting to announce, "This is that! That which you have been waiting for, wondering if it would ever come, is now made manifest among us. God's promise is fulfilled and we bask in the overflow of the outpouring of his Holy Spirit..."
My response, "Give me some of THAT!"
Give me an experience with the Holy Spirit that is so overwhelming that I may appear to be just that--overwhelmed!
THIS IS THAT WHICH JOEL SPOKE OF: Joel 2:28-29 - 28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
My Prayer:
Father, raise me up out of casual Christianity. Let me not be stagnantly situated in a form of godliness, but rather pour out your Spirit in my life in such a way that it overwhelms me. Give me some of THAT which Simon Peter and 120 experienced! I faithfully ask you to release in my life the outpouring of your spirit with Joel promised would be available to ALL FLESH. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 14 - Every Language
Act 2:5-12 - 5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
Verse 5 points out that men were present from EVERY NATION UNDER HEAVEN. Yet, in the Upper Room after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit EACH NATIONALITY HEARD THE WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD BEING DECLARED IN THEIR OWN TONGUE!
Immediately, following this event in the Upper Room a multitude gathered. Initially, there was shock and awe, but in the end Simon Peter would step out on the balcony and preach with heavenly unction thus resulting in 3,000 people being saved. However, the 3,000 would never have been present if they had not first heard their language being spoken!
I often sincerely pray that the Holy Spirit will help me to speak the language of every person in the building when I preach or even that I will meet on a day-to-day basis. Whether it is a single mother struggling to make ends meet, a businessman contemplating how to handle the stress of life, or a wife dealing with her husband's adultery... Whatever the scenario, I long for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to speak with effectiveness to each heart I encounter.
Paul said, "I am all things to all people." Humanly, this goal is impossible. None of us are that diverse, but the Holy Spirit knows no bounds or limits. Just as he enabled the disciples to accomplish 2,000 years ago, he can do for us as he imparts to us the ability to speak the language of the rich and poor, the hurting and the confident...
My Prayer:
Father, empower me to speak the language of all that I will encounter. In whatever way you deem possible, may I be able to effectively communicate the wonderful works of heaven to people I meet, in a way that causes them to desire your Lordship in their heart and your presence in their life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Verse 5 points out that men were present from EVERY NATION UNDER HEAVEN. Yet, in the Upper Room after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit EACH NATIONALITY HEARD THE WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD BEING DECLARED IN THEIR OWN TONGUE!
Immediately, following this event in the Upper Room a multitude gathered. Initially, there was shock and awe, but in the end Simon Peter would step out on the balcony and preach with heavenly unction thus resulting in 3,000 people being saved. However, the 3,000 would never have been present if they had not first heard their language being spoken!
I often sincerely pray that the Holy Spirit will help me to speak the language of every person in the building when I preach or even that I will meet on a day-to-day basis. Whether it is a single mother struggling to make ends meet, a businessman contemplating how to handle the stress of life, or a wife dealing with her husband's adultery... Whatever the scenario, I long for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to speak with effectiveness to each heart I encounter.
Paul said, "I am all things to all people." Humanly, this goal is impossible. None of us are that diverse, but the Holy Spirit knows no bounds or limits. Just as he enabled the disciples to accomplish 2,000 years ago, he can do for us as he imparts to us the ability to speak the language of the rich and poor, the hurting and the confident...
My Prayer:
Father, empower me to speak the language of all that I will encounter. In whatever way you deem possible, may I be able to effectively communicate the wonderful works of heaven to people I meet, in a way that causes them to desire your Lordship in their heart and your presence in their life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Day 13 - Be Seated
Acts 2:2 - "and it (the Holy Spirit) filled all the house where they were SITTING.
I struggle to fathom it... The greatest outpouring of God's Spirit, up to that point in history, transpired while the people present were SITTING down!
I undoubtedly have ADD and, as a result, I don't sit very well. It seems I am always on the move. I struggle to even enjoy meals at times because I am so focused on where I'm going next.
Because of my innate tendency to be focused on going, it becomes very easy for me to fall into the trap of always thinking that I have to be doing something in order to qualify myself for the blessing of God. However, Acts 2:2 sheds a truthful light on the act receiving from God as it brilliantly makes evident: sometimes the best thing you can DO is to BE SEATED!
Contemplate this: In this book labeled ACTS of the Apostles, the greatest blessing it records to have been received by the people of its pages came when they were in the ACT of SITTING...
So, to all of my ADD counter-parts, receive this exhortation from the word of God to simply sit down and receive from the Holy Spirit. Grab your Bible, find a private place, and with a worshipful spirit give your mind to prayer and SIT before the Lord.
It doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with being busy, it just means that sometimes we miss our opportunity to receive from heaven because we have not been in a posture that is condusive to giving God our full attention. May we never allow work FOR God to supplement worship offered TO God...
My Prayer:
Father, help me to sit down and receive from you. Forgive me for having been so focused on working for you, that too often I have failed to properly offer worship to you. I pledge to find a place today where I may BE SEATED in prayer for an extended period of time, that I may freshly receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
I struggle to fathom it... The greatest outpouring of God's Spirit, up to that point in history, transpired while the people present were SITTING down!
I undoubtedly have ADD and, as a result, I don't sit very well. It seems I am always on the move. I struggle to even enjoy meals at times because I am so focused on where I'm going next.
Because of my innate tendency to be focused on going, it becomes very easy for me to fall into the trap of always thinking that I have to be doing something in order to qualify myself for the blessing of God. However, Acts 2:2 sheds a truthful light on the act receiving from God as it brilliantly makes evident: sometimes the best thing you can DO is to BE SEATED!
Contemplate this: In this book labeled ACTS of the Apostles, the greatest blessing it records to have been received by the people of its pages came when they were in the ACT of SITTING...
So, to all of my ADD counter-parts, receive this exhortation from the word of God to simply sit down and receive from the Holy Spirit. Grab your Bible, find a private place, and with a worshipful spirit give your mind to prayer and SIT before the Lord.
It doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with being busy, it just means that sometimes we miss our opportunity to receive from heaven because we have not been in a posture that is condusive to giving God our full attention. May we never allow work FOR God to supplement worship offered TO God...
My Prayer:
Father, help me to sit down and receive from you. Forgive me for having been so focused on working for you, that too often I have failed to properly offer worship to you. I pledge to find a place today where I may BE SEATED in prayer for an extended period of time, that I may freshly receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Day 12 - It Filled All the House
Acts 2:2 - ...and it (the Holy Spirit) FILLED ALL THE HOUSE.
Have you ever been in a corporate gathering where every single person participated fully in worship? I have, but the number of times have been most often an exception rather than the rule.
Likewise, it is not common to see a worship service come to a close and hear every person present, truthfully testify that they were touched in a special way. A few here and a few there, but rarely all can say with confidence that they had a life-changing moment during the gathering...
The aforementioned facts serve as the motivation behind why Acts 2:2 is a dream of mine. I long for the moment when, with consistency, we can gather and know that the entire house is FILLED with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2 goes on to give evidence that when the entire house is filled the Holy Spirit, each individual exeriences the consuming fire of God's presence in their own way: "and cloven tongues of fire sat upon each of them indivually..."
The key seems to be in the common thread that runs through Acts 1 & 2: everyone present at the gathering was in one accord. The result was that it became possible for God to fill 'all the house' because 'all the house' wanted the experience of the Holy Spirit in their lives!
Imagine the possibilities if this coming Sunday everyone present reached a heightened level of desire for the Holy Spirit to be made manifest among us... Our worship styles would not have to be cloned, but if passion for the move of God in our lives could intensify accordingly in each heart....... An upper room experience could transpire, with no spectators and only participators!
My Prayer:
Father, help us to prepare our hearts in such a way that you can do it again... May the upper room experience no longer be simply a defining moment in the Church's past, but may we also know you in the gatherings of today in a specific way. A way that is undeniably heaven moving in the earth. A way that testifies of corporate gatherings being FILLED with the Holy Spirit. A way that encourages spectators to become participators as we individually experience the fire of your presence in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
Have you ever been in a corporate gathering where every single person participated fully in worship? I have, but the number of times have been most often an exception rather than the rule.
Likewise, it is not common to see a worship service come to a close and hear every person present, truthfully testify that they were touched in a special way. A few here and a few there, but rarely all can say with confidence that they had a life-changing moment during the gathering...
The aforementioned facts serve as the motivation behind why Acts 2:2 is a dream of mine. I long for the moment when, with consistency, we can gather and know that the entire house is FILLED with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2 goes on to give evidence that when the entire house is filled the Holy Spirit, each individual exeriences the consuming fire of God's presence in their own way: "and cloven tongues of fire sat upon each of them indivually..."
The key seems to be in the common thread that runs through Acts 1 & 2: everyone present at the gathering was in one accord. The result was that it became possible for God to fill 'all the house' because 'all the house' wanted the experience of the Holy Spirit in their lives!
Imagine the possibilities if this coming Sunday everyone present reached a heightened level of desire for the Holy Spirit to be made manifest among us... Our worship styles would not have to be cloned, but if passion for the move of God in our lives could intensify accordingly in each heart....... An upper room experience could transpire, with no spectators and only participators!
My Prayer:
Father, help us to prepare our hearts in such a way that you can do it again... May the upper room experience no longer be simply a defining moment in the Church's past, but may we also know you in the gatherings of today in a specific way. A way that is undeniably heaven moving in the earth. A way that testifies of corporate gatherings being FILLED with the Holy Spirit. A way that encourages spectators to become participators as we individually experience the fire of your presence in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Day 11 - The Sound
Acts 2:2 - And suddenly there came a SOUND FROM HEAVEN...
Research on the subject of revival is absolutely startling, when you realize that each significant awakening in Church history was accompanied by a sound.
Over and over again, history announces that most often when heaven and earth met there was a specific sound that identified the happening. From the sounds of people crying to God without restriction in repentance to new songs being sung, all the way to the release of untrained but joyful praise-oriented noise, sound has always played a substantial role in God's presence being revealed among his people.
I am reminded of numerous Old Testament experiences where God sent a specific and strategic sound to announce his moving within the earth. One of my favorite examples of this is in 2 Samuel 5 when God sent a noise through the mulberry trees. (Read it, you will be blessed!)
I have heard Nashville has-been's and Motown wanna-be's. I've heard Southern Gospel's best and Contemporary Christian's most prestigious and I must say that I have walked away from each experience confident in one fact: It doesn't matter how gifted you are or how tight your band is, the one thing needed most in the earth is the accompaniment of a SOUND FROM HEAVEN...
My Prayer:
Father, open up our ears to hear your sound. Announce your arrival with a heavenly sound as you suddenly manifest your presence among us. I have heard all earth has to offer and I long for a sound that only you can inspire and release. May we even hear your sound today in private that we may release it in public. In Jesus name, Amen.
Research on the subject of revival is absolutely startling, when you realize that each significant awakening in Church history was accompanied by a sound.
Over and over again, history announces that most often when heaven and earth met there was a specific sound that identified the happening. From the sounds of people crying to God without restriction in repentance to new songs being sung, all the way to the release of untrained but joyful praise-oriented noise, sound has always played a substantial role in God's presence being revealed among his people.
I am reminded of numerous Old Testament experiences where God sent a specific and strategic sound to announce his moving within the earth. One of my favorite examples of this is in 2 Samuel 5 when God sent a noise through the mulberry trees. (Read it, you will be blessed!)
I have heard Nashville has-been's and Motown wanna-be's. I've heard Southern Gospel's best and Contemporary Christian's most prestigious and I must say that I have walked away from each experience confident in one fact: It doesn't matter how gifted you are or how tight your band is, the one thing needed most in the earth is the accompaniment of a SOUND FROM HEAVEN...
My Prayer:
Father, open up our ears to hear your sound. Announce your arrival with a heavenly sound as you suddenly manifest your presence among us. I have heard all earth has to offer and I long for a sound that only you can inspire and release. May we even hear your sound today in private that we may release it in public. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Day 10 - Suddenly
Acts 2:2 - SUDDENLY there came a sound from heaven...
Imagine this... Ten days of waiting and then SUDDENLY!
We are ten days into this 40-day journey of prayer and fasting and I greatly anticipate a suddenly.
My definition of a God-centered suddenly is: A moment when we are about the father's business, focused on the task at hand and then without warning God's manifest presence arrives to touch people in a way that is completely off the charts and out of the norm.
I've experienced it a few times in private prayer. Once or twice even in public gatherings and I can say this much for God's use of sudden invasions of his presence, "You never, ever forget them!"
Perhaps you have been in a worship gathering and everyone had their program. You knew what was supposed to come next. The three songs had been sung and the offering had been received, next up the soloist, etc. But then something happened...... It could only be described as a moment of the suddenly. God changed everyone's plan. A brand-new level of attention to the heavenly arrived and every person was acutely aware that the manifest presence of God was among them. You couldn't describe it, but you could feel the embrace of heaven. Suddenly, heaven had without warning touched your earthen heart in a special way...
I've never had a 'suddenly' even come close to rivaling what is described in Acts 2, but for those special moments when God surprised me, I am forever changed and I long for the next one; however this is probably the time to point out a valid truth...
Acts 1:1 ends with the words they were all in "one accord in one place." The very next word is in verse 2 and is our topic of discussion: SUDDENLY! Is it possible they weren't waiting on heaven but that instead heaven was waiting on them? I will never believe it was a coincidence that the moment they came into complete agreement--one accord--then SUDDENLY heaven showed up.
May we all learn this: we are not waiting on heaven, heaven is waiting on us...
My Prayer:
Father, let me do nothing that would delay my SUDDENLY.... In Jesus name, Amen.
Imagine this... Ten days of waiting and then SUDDENLY!
We are ten days into this 40-day journey of prayer and fasting and I greatly anticipate a suddenly.
My definition of a God-centered suddenly is: A moment when we are about the father's business, focused on the task at hand and then without warning God's manifest presence arrives to touch people in a way that is completely off the charts and out of the norm.
I've experienced it a few times in private prayer. Once or twice even in public gatherings and I can say this much for God's use of sudden invasions of his presence, "You never, ever forget them!"
Perhaps you have been in a worship gathering and everyone had their program. You knew what was supposed to come next. The three songs had been sung and the offering had been received, next up the soloist, etc. But then something happened...... It could only be described as a moment of the suddenly. God changed everyone's plan. A brand-new level of attention to the heavenly arrived and every person was acutely aware that the manifest presence of God was among them. You couldn't describe it, but you could feel the embrace of heaven. Suddenly, heaven had without warning touched your earthen heart in a special way...
I've never had a 'suddenly' even come close to rivaling what is described in Acts 2, but for those special moments when God surprised me, I am forever changed and I long for the next one; however this is probably the time to point out a valid truth...
Acts 1:1 ends with the words they were all in "one accord in one place." The very next word is in verse 2 and is our topic of discussion: SUDDENLY! Is it possible they weren't waiting on heaven but that instead heaven was waiting on them? I will never believe it was a coincidence that the moment they came into complete agreement--one accord--then SUDDENLY heaven showed up.
May we all learn this: we are not waiting on heaven, heaven is waiting on us...
My Prayer:
Father, let me do nothing that would delay my SUDDENLY.... In Jesus name, Amen.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Day 9 - One Accord
Acts1:14 - These all continued in one accord, making prayer and supplication...
"They all continued in one accord." This is not a small thing, nor is it just an interesting side-note to the story. It is an amazing truth that these followers of Jesus were able to maintain one accord. Why would such a thing be considered amazing? Because, they were "people" and we, the tenants of human society, have proved even from the days of Cain and Abel that we often struggle to maintain any consistent level of agreement among us.
Perhaps the reason for the disciples' success is also hidden in this verse regarding what they spent their time doing, it says they were "making prayer and supplication."
Prayer changes everything!
The individuals in the upper room made a decision to focus their attention on God, by doing so they were by default brought into closer alignment in their hearts. This truth has the same effect among the Body of Christ today, as it did then.
As we spend this 40-day period focused on prayer, may we not fail to make supplication (petition) unto God, as we focus on asking him to help bring us into one accord for the sake of fulfilling his purpose and manifesting his presence in the earth...
My Prayer:
Father, take me and mold me. If there is offense in my heart toward my brothers and sisters in Christ then purge me of any hidden bitterness that may prevent me from walking in one accord with fellow believers. I do not want to be a stumbling block on the pathway to unity. I petition you to touch my heart, and the hearts of others, that we may lay aside any differences and come together for the common cause of experiencing your presence and purpose among us corporately. In Jesus name, Amen.
"They all continued in one accord." This is not a small thing, nor is it just an interesting side-note to the story. It is an amazing truth that these followers of Jesus were able to maintain one accord. Why would such a thing be considered amazing? Because, they were "people" and we, the tenants of human society, have proved even from the days of Cain and Abel that we often struggle to maintain any consistent level of agreement among us.
Perhaps the reason for the disciples' success is also hidden in this verse regarding what they spent their time doing, it says they were "making prayer and supplication."
Prayer changes everything!
The individuals in the upper room made a decision to focus their attention on God, by doing so they were by default brought into closer alignment in their hearts. This truth has the same effect among the Body of Christ today, as it did then.
As we spend this 40-day period focused on prayer, may we not fail to make supplication (petition) unto God, as we focus on asking him to help bring us into one accord for the sake of fulfilling his purpose and manifesting his presence in the earth...
My Prayer:
Father, take me and mold me. If there is offense in my heart toward my brothers and sisters in Christ then purge me of any hidden bitterness that may prevent me from walking in one accord with fellow believers. I do not want to be a stumbling block on the pathway to unity. I petition you to touch my heart, and the hearts of others, that we may lay aside any differences and come together for the common cause of experiencing your presence and purpose among us corporately. In Jesus name, Amen.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Day 8 - Why Stand You Here Gazing?
Acts 1:9-11 - And when he had spoken these things, while they were beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up; behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
Why stand you here gazing? The angel was direct in his question that very possibly also posed as a rebuke.
The disciples had experienced a supernatural phenomenon. They had a now you see him, now you don't moment with Jesus as he ascended into heaven. They were star-struck--amazed even. Yet, they were also paralyzed by the promise Jesus left them with, "I will return!"
Evidentally they processed the promise the wrong way or they simply decided to stand in amazement a bit too long. Irregardless, of what led to their gazing, heaven had no time for it. The angel made sure to speak boldly and authoratively as he let the disciples know that there was no time to waste. I believe there are even a couple of directives that can possibly be taken from his statement to them:
1) They could gaze up at the afterglow of their experience later. For the moment they needed to be busy fulfilling the work of Jesus' commission.
2) Yes, Jesus would be back, but standing around with an escape mentality watching the clouds, while doing nothing for the cause of the Gospel would not be tolerated.
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us! I am ecstatic that heaven has an eternal dwelling place reserved for me, but I believe the angel was also attempting to make sure the disciples did not become so heavenly minded that they were no earthly good!
My Prayer:
Father, I am looking forward to heaven, but I take a lesson from the experience of the disciples in this passage and pray that I am never found paralyzed with anticipation of your return. May I never cease to celebrate the miraculous release of your presence in my life, but at the same time help me to never gaze at the location of a former experience to the point I am not effectively carrying your witness to the next place you have ordered my steps. In Jesus name, Amen.
Why stand you here gazing? The angel was direct in his question that very possibly also posed as a rebuke.
The disciples had experienced a supernatural phenomenon. They had a now you see him, now you don't moment with Jesus as he ascended into heaven. They were star-struck--amazed even. Yet, they were also paralyzed by the promise Jesus left them with, "I will return!"
Evidentally they processed the promise the wrong way or they simply decided to stand in amazement a bit too long. Irregardless, of what led to their gazing, heaven had no time for it. The angel made sure to speak boldly and authoratively as he let the disciples know that there was no time to waste. I believe there are even a couple of directives that can possibly be taken from his statement to them:
1) They could gaze up at the afterglow of their experience later. For the moment they needed to be busy fulfilling the work of Jesus' commission.
2) Yes, Jesus would be back, but standing around with an escape mentality watching the clouds, while doing nothing for the cause of the Gospel would not be tolerated.
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us! I am ecstatic that heaven has an eternal dwelling place reserved for me, but I believe the angel was also attempting to make sure the disciples did not become so heavenly minded that they were no earthly good!
My Prayer:
Father, I am looking forward to heaven, but I take a lesson from the experience of the disciples in this passage and pray that I am never found paralyzed with anticipation of your return. May I never cease to celebrate the miraculous release of your presence in my life, but at the same time help me to never gaze at the location of a former experience to the point I am not effectively carrying your witness to the next place you have ordered my steps. In Jesus name, Amen.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Day 7 - Prioritized Vision
Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Be witnesses... A witness is someone who has seen and can now testify. The 500 people standing before Jesus were given a clear command to witness to the world about the truth of Jesus. However, there is something that is many times overlooked in this verse. Notice, that Jesus also gave his disciples a strategy for how to most effectively become witnesses. He specifically prioritized where they were to go and in what order.
Go to Jerusalem, then Judea, then Samaria, and ultimately the uttermost parts of the earth. What does that list mean to us? It is potentially surprisingly significant!
Jerusalem was their city--their home. It symbolizes their local area. Judea was their region. Samaria represents an area recognized as a state and the uttermost parts of the earth is self-explanatory.
We have a list of priorities passed down from Jesus himself as to how we are to approach becoming witnesses for Him. Our vision such start and thrive locally, then move outward into the region, state, nation and world!
I believe we would be much better served as churches and ministries to utilize the effectiveness this approach could bring. In fact, Acts 1:8 is the main reason HPC has established strategic GO Teams with prioritized areas: Local, Regional, State, National, & International. Each team has a leader and our congregation is challenged to progressively move through the process. I believe it is more than just a good idea, perhaps it is actually a God idea! May this Biblically-inspired approach help us to be successful to the maximum level as we share the good news of Jesus with all the world...
Be witnesses... A witness is someone who has seen and can now testify. The 500 people standing before Jesus were given a clear command to witness to the world about the truth of Jesus. However, there is something that is many times overlooked in this verse. Notice, that Jesus also gave his disciples a strategy for how to most effectively become witnesses. He specifically prioritized where they were to go and in what order.
Go to Jerusalem, then Judea, then Samaria, and ultimately the uttermost parts of the earth. What does that list mean to us? It is potentially surprisingly significant!
Jerusalem was their city--their home. It symbolizes their local area. Judea was their region. Samaria represents an area recognized as a state and the uttermost parts of the earth is self-explanatory.
We have a list of priorities passed down from Jesus himself as to how we are to approach becoming witnesses for Him. Our vision such start and thrive locally, then move outward into the region, state, nation and world!
I believe we would be much better served as churches and ministries to utilize the effectiveness this approach could bring. In fact, Acts 1:8 is the main reason HPC has established strategic GO Teams with prioritized areas: Local, Regional, State, National, & International. Each team has a leader and our congregation is challenged to progressively move through the process. I believe it is more than just a good idea, perhaps it is actually a God idea! May this Biblically-inspired approach help us to be successful to the maximum level as we share the good news of Jesus with all the world...
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Day 6 - Receive
Acts 1:8 - but you shall RECEIVE power when the Holy Ghost is come upon you...
When someone gives you a gift you don't have to buy it, you just receive it. Likewise, as we find out later in the Book of Acts, you can do nothing financially or even works-based to cause the Holy Ghost to come upon you. Instead, as it was then, it is now--you simply RECEIVE it.
Open up your heart and spirit. Focus your agenda on the fact that heaven is releasing fire and power, then RECEIVE it!
Remember there is nothing you can do outside of also receiving Jesus as your Savior that will ever make you a better candidate. The Holy Ghost is a gift from heaven to you. He is not for some people and not for others. The book of Joel says, "God will pour out his Spirit on all flesh." It is safe to say, "all includes everybody." Heaven is pouring out the Holy Spirit, now all we have to do is RECEIVE it...
My Prayer:
Father I receive your promise. I receive your enduement of power. I receive your baptism of fire. I receive your Holy Spirit. I understand I can not work for it. I can not buy it. I simply lift my hands and surrender my life to your release. I will not resist, I will receive. Come on me, empower me, overshadow me. In Jesus name, Amen.
When someone gives you a gift you don't have to buy it, you just receive it. Likewise, as we find out later in the Book of Acts, you can do nothing financially or even works-based to cause the Holy Ghost to come upon you. Instead, as it was then, it is now--you simply RECEIVE it.
Open up your heart and spirit. Focus your agenda on the fact that heaven is releasing fire and power, then RECEIVE it!
Remember there is nothing you can do outside of also receiving Jesus as your Savior that will ever make you a better candidate. The Holy Ghost is a gift from heaven to you. He is not for some people and not for others. The book of Joel says, "God will pour out his Spirit on all flesh." It is safe to say, "all includes everybody." Heaven is pouring out the Holy Spirit, now all we have to do is RECEIVE it...
My Prayer:
Father I receive your promise. I receive your enduement of power. I receive your baptism of fire. I receive your Holy Spirit. I understand I can not work for it. I can not buy it. I simply lift my hands and surrender my life to your release. I will not resist, I will receive. Come on me, empower me, overshadow me. In Jesus name, Amen.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Day 5 - Dynamite power
Acts 1:8 - and you shall receive POWER when the Holy Ghost is come upon you...
The same Greek word used to derive the term dynamite is used here in the word POWER in Acts 1:8.
We all know the potential of dynamite. We also understand that a little can do a lot.
What is the intended communication to the readers of Acts 1:8 by choosing to use this term? The theological thoughts could get lengthy so I say we just sum it up with the understanding that a little of the Holy Ghost can accomplish much in our lives, because it packs the spiritual equivalence of dynamite!
Little is much, when God is involved!
My Prayer:
Father, I invite you to come upon me that I may receive the release of your dynamite power. I do not desire just a small portion of you in my life, but I embrace the reality that a little of your power deposited in me can make a big difference. In Jesus name, Amen.
The same Greek word used to derive the term dynamite is used here in the word POWER in Acts 1:8.
We all know the potential of dynamite. We also understand that a little can do a lot.
What is the intended communication to the readers of Acts 1:8 by choosing to use this term? The theological thoughts could get lengthy so I say we just sum it up with the understanding that a little of the Holy Ghost can accomplish much in our lives, because it packs the spiritual equivalence of dynamite!
Little is much, when God is involved!
My Prayer:
Father, I invite you to come upon me that I may receive the release of your dynamite power. I do not desire just a small portion of you in my life, but I embrace the reality that a little of your power deposited in me can make a big difference. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Day 4 - Times & Seasons
Acts 1:7 - And again he said unto them, "It is not for you to know the times and seasons which the Father has committed to His own power."
In our society there is the potential for information overload. While humanity once had to wait for the morning newspaper's headlines, today's news is reported in seconds via the advances in modern day technology.
I must admit I may be addicted to information. My iPhone has spoiled me beyond measure. Instantly I can gather world news, sports info, and the weather with just the push of a button. Technology has made information convenient. However, when dealing with God I have found info doesn't always come at the pace we would prefer. Instead we are told through Scripture that we will not know the day or hour when Jesus comes. We are even commanded to not lean to our own understanding when reflecting on the mysterious ways of our God.
Ecclesiastes says there is a time and a season for everything--this much we know. However, seasons are not always easily predictable with God. Many times God's plan is so different than our own that we simply must patiently, obediently do what heaven asks of us at the moment without possessing complete knowledge of why we are doing it.
The disciples were told point-blank in the Scripture above that they would not be given the info they requested. Instead they would simply have to leave it to the Father. May God grant us the grace to do the same. It will not always be easy to go on without the covenience of full understanding but if we can simply learn to take God at his word the impossible can become possible.
Medical studies may not be able to bring reason to it, economic reviews may fail comprehend it, and we ourselves may never be able to even explain what we experience, but God has never been late. He is always right on time, even when we don't understand how to read heaven's clock...
My Prayer:
Father help me to trust your timing. Enable me to wait on your presence even when I don't understand your choice of seasons for my life. May I never fail to give you glory as your plan consistenly overshadows my own agenda and defeats the enemy's plot to destroy me. You are an eternal God who operates outside the boundaries of time and my mind will never be able to completely comprehend that truth, so I will by your grace not lean to my own understanding but will instead trust your timing. In Jesus name, Amen.
In our society there is the potential for information overload. While humanity once had to wait for the morning newspaper's headlines, today's news is reported in seconds via the advances in modern day technology.
I must admit I may be addicted to information. My iPhone has spoiled me beyond measure. Instantly I can gather world news, sports info, and the weather with just the push of a button. Technology has made information convenient. However, when dealing with God I have found info doesn't always come at the pace we would prefer. Instead we are told through Scripture that we will not know the day or hour when Jesus comes. We are even commanded to not lean to our own understanding when reflecting on the mysterious ways of our God.
Ecclesiastes says there is a time and a season for everything--this much we know. However, seasons are not always easily predictable with God. Many times God's plan is so different than our own that we simply must patiently, obediently do what heaven asks of us at the moment without possessing complete knowledge of why we are doing it.
The disciples were told point-blank in the Scripture above that they would not be given the info they requested. Instead they would simply have to leave it to the Father. May God grant us the grace to do the same. It will not always be easy to go on without the covenience of full understanding but if we can simply learn to take God at his word the impossible can become possible.
Medical studies may not be able to bring reason to it, economic reviews may fail comprehend it, and we ourselves may never be able to even explain what we experience, but God has never been late. He is always right on time, even when we don't understand how to read heaven's clock...
My Prayer:
Father help me to trust your timing. Enable me to wait on your presence even when I don't understand your choice of seasons for my life. May I never fail to give you glory as your plan consistenly overshadows my own agenda and defeats the enemy's plot to destroy me. You are an eternal God who operates outside the boundaries of time and my mind will never be able to completely comprehend that truth, so I will by your grace not lean to my own understanding but will instead trust your timing. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day 3 - Baptism of Fire
Acts 1:5 - John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized in the Holy Ghost.
In the Gospels, a reference to the truth of Acts 1:5 is stated by John himself as he declared, "I baptize you with water, but there comes one after me... Who will baptize you with fire." He was obviously speaking of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Contemplate this for a moment... When you are baptized in water, as the outward confession of salvation, a minister handles the responsibility of immersing you, but when you experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Scripture declares that Jesus himself, baptizes you!
During water baptism you go into the water dry, but you come up wet. I believe it is the goal of heaven that when you are baptized in the Holy Spirit you arise spiritually on fire. You come forth with a brand-new intensity, passion, and boldness!
If you are in a state of spiritual apathy. If you have become lethargic in your commitment to Christ. Cry out to heaven for Jesus to come near to your life and not just save you from sin, but to baptize you in the consuming fire of His presence, that you may serve him with passion!
John Wesley once drew crowds of thousands of people to hear him preach. When asked how one man could gather such a following he responded, "I simply set myself on fire (with the Holy Ghost) and they come to watch me burn..."
May Jesus freshly baptize us in the fire of the Holy Ghost today as we strive to passionately experience Him and share His Gospel with the world!
My prayer:
Heavenly Father, let every stale part of my spiritual life now be met by the fire of heaven. Forgive me for casually walking out my Christianity. I ask that in the same way I was publicly baptized to mark the day of my salvation, baptize me now freshly in Holy Spirit that this day may mark a new level of fiery intensity. May it never be said of me that I have lost my first love. Ignite my heart that I may burn with passion to experience your presence in my life without ceasing. Let me so burn that I will pray continually and seek you all the days of my life. Jesus, I invite you to immerse me completely in the fire of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your sufficient grace. Amen.
In the Gospels, a reference to the truth of Acts 1:5 is stated by John himself as he declared, "I baptize you with water, but there comes one after me... Who will baptize you with fire." He was obviously speaking of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Contemplate this for a moment... When you are baptized in water, as the outward confession of salvation, a minister handles the responsibility of immersing you, but when you experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Scripture declares that Jesus himself, baptizes you!
During water baptism you go into the water dry, but you come up wet. I believe it is the goal of heaven that when you are baptized in the Holy Spirit you arise spiritually on fire. You come forth with a brand-new intensity, passion, and boldness!
If you are in a state of spiritual apathy. If you have become lethargic in your commitment to Christ. Cry out to heaven for Jesus to come near to your life and not just save you from sin, but to baptize you in the consuming fire of His presence, that you may serve him with passion!
John Wesley once drew crowds of thousands of people to hear him preach. When asked how one man could gather such a following he responded, "I simply set myself on fire (with the Holy Ghost) and they come to watch me burn..."
May Jesus freshly baptize us in the fire of the Holy Ghost today as we strive to passionately experience Him and share His Gospel with the world!
My prayer:
Heavenly Father, let every stale part of my spiritual life now be met by the fire of heaven. Forgive me for casually walking out my Christianity. I ask that in the same way I was publicly baptized to mark the day of my salvation, baptize me now freshly in Holy Spirit that this day may mark a new level of fiery intensity. May it never be said of me that I have lost my first love. Ignite my heart that I may burn with passion to experience your presence in my life without ceasing. Let me so burn that I will pray continually and seek you all the days of my life. Jesus, I invite you to immerse me completely in the fire of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your sufficient grace. Amen.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Day 2 - Wait for the Promise
Acts 1:4 - and being assembled together with them (Jesus) told them that they should not leave Jerusalem but that they should WAIT for the promise of the Father...
This much is for sure: I am glad 2009 is over! Maybe I took a wrong turn, maybe the enemy decided it was time to camp out on my doorstep, or perhaps it was just my time for a bad year, irregardless of what exactly happened I feel blessed to have survived it with my sanity in tact. I really do hope that 2010 is much different. ;)
As I read through Acts 1 this morning I felt God pricking my heart about something I didn't expect. I sincerely sensed him telling me to WAIT. Yet, I have no desire to stay put any longer in the lingering after-effects of a bad year. However, this morning I am certain that heaven is attempting to communicate to me that rather than limping off into 2010 with my own agenda, I should instead make sure that I have been careful to first WAIT for the Holy Spirit's inspiration, renewal, leadership and direction.
In Acts 1:4, in their closing moments with Jesus, before he would ascend to heaven, the disciples were told to not move forward to another city, but to instead WAIT in Jerusalem until they experienced 'the promise of the Father'. We know from reading on through Acts that 'the promise of the father' turned out to be the enduement of power they would receive from the Holy Ghost, ten days later. The most amazing thing may be the truth that is revealed through further study. While Jesus spoke this word to 500 people, only 120 chose to actually WAIT for the duration of time until the promise was revealed.
Waiting is not easy--even when you have a word from Jesus, himself, to do so! But just imagine if the 120 had not waited? I believe it's safe to figure that they would not have had the success in their ministries that history testifies they experienced.
We also have a promise of the Father: 'Those that WAIT upon the Lord shall renew their strength, mount up with wings as eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint' (Isaiah 40:31)
I most assuredly did not fly through 2009. I did however perfect weariness--I may have even fainted a time or two. But on January 5, 2010 I stop limping forward in my own fatigued strength as I instead choose to kneel, faithfully waiting for the promise of the Father to renew my strength through the empowerment of His Holy Spirit.
On Day 2 of the fast this will be my prayer focus:
Father, I WAIT on your touch, your vision, and your strength. For it is not by my might or my power, but by your Spirit that all true ministry is accomplished. I don't just need you--I acknowledge that I have to have you. I WAIT on your renewal of my strength. Give me a new found strength to walk when others faint, to run when others wearily falter, and to mount up with wings as eagles when it seems impossible to muster the strength to hold on. Father, I WAIT for your promises to be fulfilled in my life, that I may go where you send me and do what you tell me. Come upon me, empower me, overshadow me. In Jesus name, Amen.
This much is for sure: I am glad 2009 is over! Maybe I took a wrong turn, maybe the enemy decided it was time to camp out on my doorstep, or perhaps it was just my time for a bad year, irregardless of what exactly happened I feel blessed to have survived it with my sanity in tact. I really do hope that 2010 is much different. ;)
As I read through Acts 1 this morning I felt God pricking my heart about something I didn't expect. I sincerely sensed him telling me to WAIT. Yet, I have no desire to stay put any longer in the lingering after-effects of a bad year. However, this morning I am certain that heaven is attempting to communicate to me that rather than limping off into 2010 with my own agenda, I should instead make sure that I have been careful to first WAIT for the Holy Spirit's inspiration, renewal, leadership and direction.
In Acts 1:4, in their closing moments with Jesus, before he would ascend to heaven, the disciples were told to not move forward to another city, but to instead WAIT in Jerusalem until they experienced 'the promise of the Father'. We know from reading on through Acts that 'the promise of the father' turned out to be the enduement of power they would receive from the Holy Ghost, ten days later. The most amazing thing may be the truth that is revealed through further study. While Jesus spoke this word to 500 people, only 120 chose to actually WAIT for the duration of time until the promise was revealed.
Waiting is not easy--even when you have a word from Jesus, himself, to do so! But just imagine if the 120 had not waited? I believe it's safe to figure that they would not have had the success in their ministries that history testifies they experienced.
We also have a promise of the Father: 'Those that WAIT upon the Lord shall renew their strength, mount up with wings as eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint' (Isaiah 40:31)
I most assuredly did not fly through 2009. I did however perfect weariness--I may have even fainted a time or two. But on January 5, 2010 I stop limping forward in my own fatigued strength as I instead choose to kneel, faithfully waiting for the promise of the Father to renew my strength through the empowerment of His Holy Spirit.
On Day 2 of the fast this will be my prayer focus:
Father, I WAIT on your touch, your vision, and your strength. For it is not by my might or my power, but by your Spirit that all true ministry is accomplished. I don't just need you--I acknowledge that I have to have you. I WAIT on your renewal of my strength. Give me a new found strength to walk when others faint, to run when others wearily falter, and to mount up with wings as eagles when it seems impossible to muster the strength to hold on. Father, I WAIT for your promises to be fulfilled in my life, that I may go where you send me and do what you tell me. Come upon me, empower me, overshadow me. In Jesus name, Amen.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Day One - Seeing Jesus
Acts 1:3 - To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
During the 40 days of corporate fasting at HPC I am going to attempt to post multiple times each week as we walk through the Book of Acts.
As we put a special emphasis on prayer and fasting our most specific prayer directive is that the Holy Spirit would: come upon us, empower us, and overshadow us. It might also be safe to say that we as people of God are desperate for the Holy Spirit to bring His baptism of fire to our lives.
A further subject of prayer would be that our ambitions melt before the presence of the Lord as we embrace Christ's will for our lives. May His Kingdom come to our earthen hearts and be established forever.
Acts 1:3 points out that after Jesus' resurrection from the dead he was with the disciples "being seen of them 40 days..." It is my prayer that this truth will inspire you to pray for yourself and our church that we will see Jesus in an infallible way during this special 40 day season of prayer and fasting. May we see Jesus during the next few days as never before, so that this period of time will set the tone for the rest of our lives!
We are asking that at least 80 people would commit to fast one day during this 40 day period. This would allow us to have two people fasting each day. With the hundreds of people who attend HPC, this should be an easy goal. One important note is that while we would like to have record of at least two people fasting each day, you do not have to be on the calendar to fast. Simply allow God to lead you.
We ask that on the day you fast you replace your regular meal times with prayer and Bible study as you use the prayer directives listed above. I would also encourage you to use the A.C.T.S. prayer method for extended prayer. A - adoration C - confession T - thanksgiving S - supplication
In other words walk through these steps during your prayer time. Start by stating your adoration for the Father, confess your sins, thank the Father for forgiveness and the blessings he has bestowed upon your life, and then close with prayers of supplication or petitition--don't be afraid to ask God to move on your behalf. (I do not share A.C.T.S. to bring legalism to your prayer life but rather to help those of you who struggle with extended prayer times. If you don't need this method then don't use it.)
This is going to be a great 40 days. We will never be the same!
During the 40 days of corporate fasting at HPC I am going to attempt to post multiple times each week as we walk through the Book of Acts.
As we put a special emphasis on prayer and fasting our most specific prayer directive is that the Holy Spirit would: come upon us, empower us, and overshadow us. It might also be safe to say that we as people of God are desperate for the Holy Spirit to bring His baptism of fire to our lives.
A further subject of prayer would be that our ambitions melt before the presence of the Lord as we embrace Christ's will for our lives. May His Kingdom come to our earthen hearts and be established forever.
Acts 1:3 points out that after Jesus' resurrection from the dead he was with the disciples "being seen of them 40 days..." It is my prayer that this truth will inspire you to pray for yourself and our church that we will see Jesus in an infallible way during this special 40 day season of prayer and fasting. May we see Jesus during the next few days as never before, so that this period of time will set the tone for the rest of our lives!
We are asking that at least 80 people would commit to fast one day during this 40 day period. This would allow us to have two people fasting each day. With the hundreds of people who attend HPC, this should be an easy goal. One important note is that while we would like to have record of at least two people fasting each day, you do not have to be on the calendar to fast. Simply allow God to lead you.
We ask that on the day you fast you replace your regular meal times with prayer and Bible study as you use the prayer directives listed above. I would also encourage you to use the A.C.T.S. prayer method for extended prayer. A - adoration C - confession T - thanksgiving S - supplication
In other words walk through these steps during your prayer time. Start by stating your adoration for the Father, confess your sins, thank the Father for forgiveness and the blessings he has bestowed upon your life, and then close with prayers of supplication or petitition--don't be afraid to ask God to move on your behalf. (I do not share A.C.T.S. to bring legalism to your prayer life but rather to help those of you who struggle with extended prayer times. If you don't need this method then don't use it.)
This is going to be a great 40 days. We will never be the same!
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