SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 1:4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.”
6 ¶ So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
OBSERVATION: In his gospel, Luke emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of Jesus. And now, in Acts (also written by Luke), we see the emphasis on the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of the church.
They would be “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit would “come on” them and they would receive power to be witnesses throughout the world, starting in Jerusalem where they were then gathered.
APPLICATION: I too must start in Jerusalem…in my Jerusalem where I live. I too must depend on the Holy Spirit to lead me to those needing to hear the message of Jesus. I too must rely on the Holy Spirit to work through me as I speak, pray, and touch in Jesus Name.
When I face a situation beyond my capabilities, it is then for me to trust the Holy Spirit to work through me. When He does, people around will know that Leon could not do what was done. There must be someone greater working in me.
PRAYER: Lord, let me live a life that is obviously beyond my abilities. Let me live a life that can only be explained through acknowledging that God is with me. Holy Spirit, lead me and use me to bring glory to Jesus. For it is in His Name I pray, Amen.
Pastor Leon
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