Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Life Journal, January 25, 2011

Life Journal, January 25, 2011
Today's readings: Exodus 12, 13; Psalm 21; Acts 1

ACTIVE WAITING

Scripture
So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?"

He replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go."
Acts 1.6-11

Observation
We have been given the Holy Spirit so that we might be witnesses for Jesus throughout the world until He returns.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)
The apostles were ready for their job to be done--they were ready for Christ's Kingdom to come. But Jesus tells them (and us) that there is work to be done until that time and that God, the Father, is sending us the Holy Spirit so we can do it. We aren't to sit back, twiddling our thumbs waiting for Christ's return--we are to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit telling about Jesus.

So, first of all, am I depending on and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and not my own? I cannot do it in my own "strength" and "wisdom." I must depend on the Holy Spirit.

Next, am I sharing the Good News as I wait for Christ's return--am I being faithful to what He has called and commanded me to do?? If I try to do it on my own, I will fail--but if I do it with the Holy Spirit at work in me and through me, I will not fail!

I need to take inventory of what I am doing and how I am doing it--and then turn to the Holy Spirit to fill me and lead me and use me to accomplish all that God has for me to do . . . and not sit idly by waiting for Christ's return.

Prayer
Father God, thank You for the Holy Spirit. Fill me anew with Your Spirit today. Use me today! Give me the words and a boldness to be Your witness!! Thank You Father!!


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