From Believers to Disciples
Friday, May 4, 2007
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“Study to show yourself approved by God …” 2 Timothy 2:15a KJV
Prayer Focus for Today
Heavenly Father, the promise Jesus mentioned—the Holy Spirit—came to us on the first Christian Pentecost nearly 2,000 years ago. Thank You for not leaving us alone or isolated, but coming to live within us by the Holy Spirit. I pray today that You will fill me anew with the Spirit that my thoughts, words and actions may be in line with Yours. I pray, also that I may live as a faithful witness, not only today but everyday, and that whatever is necessary for me to make You known to others, I will be willing to do. All this I pray in the name of Jesus, and for the sake of His coming Kingdom. Amen.
God’s Word Today
This week’s Scripture comes from Luke 24:35-49. We will look at several verses each day, and see what we learn about the God’s Promise to send the Holy Spirit: (Note: This week’s Scripture comes from the NIV rather than the NLT, because it is a more effective translation for this text.)
35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
36While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
From Today’s Reading, a Believer …
What is it that the Father promised to send? Is it obvious from this Scripture?
Turn in your bible to Joel, chapter 2 and see what God promised to send to His people in “the last days.” This is the promise to which Jesus referred.
Let’s Go Deeper in Our Walk with Jesus
What is necessary for us to go deeper in our walk with Jesus according to today’s Scripture?
From Today’s Reading, a Disciple of Jesus Will …
One of the most basic realities of the disciples’ lives is that until they received the Holy Spirit they lacked both the understanding and the power to live life the way Jesus called them to live it. They were not able to bear witness to Him without fear until the Holy Spirit came. Take some time right now to ask God to fill you anew with the Holy Spirit. If there are any areas of your life where you are struggling, ask the Holy Spirit to bring you the power to overcome.
Ministry, Mission, Outreach, Service Opportunities to Consider
During this five week series “Living in the Spirit,” you may be exposed to some truths about the Holy Spirit that you have not considered before, since the Holy Spirit’s role is often glossed over in much preaching and teaching—even biblical preaching and teaching. Thus, the suggestion for this week is to take every opportunity to read more about the Holy Spirit—preferably in the Bible!—using your concordance or Bible dictionaries to find out everything you can about the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Then as a specific application, ask God to fill and empower you each day with the Holy Spirit that you may know and do His will!
My Journal
Note any thoughts from Through the Bible or the Daily Reading here:
The Promise of the Father!
The promise of the Father is the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew that although He had risen from the dead, His time remaining on the earth was short. In a short time, He was going to fulfill God’s promise in Joel 2 and send the Holy Spirit on “all people.” The all people includes us. As we go about our daily lives we don’t have to muster up enough strength to live for Jesus. All we have to do is rely on the Holy Spirit and He will give us the strength to do everything necessary to become more and more like Jesus and to draw others to Him!