Be Empowered to Witness (Oct 19)
With Jesus’ last instruction still
in their ears, the disciples go forth
speaking words of eternal life.
Visited by their resurrected Lord
and empowered by the promised
Comforter, they fearlessly follow
their marching orders in spite
of mocking, threats and abuse.
The advance of the gospel is
soon opposed by adversaries. But
prompt discipline, wise leadership
and unflinching commitment
only serve to enlarge the church.
Lord, we will Be Your Witnesses:
(Jesus) commanded them not
to depart from Jerusalem, but to
Wait for the Promised of the Father…
for… you shall be baptized with
the Holy Spirit… You Shall Receive
Power when the Holy Spirit has
come upon you; and you Shall
Be Witnesses to Me…(Acts 1:4-5,8)
Then they returned to Jerusalem
from Olivet & went into upper room…
These all continued with one accord
in prayer and supplication (v12-14).
When the Day of Pentecost had
come, they were all with one accord..
And suddenly there came a sound
from heaven… And they were filled
with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).
In the last days…I will Pour Out of
My Spirit on all flesh (Acts 2:17).
Lord, thanks for giving us Your
Holy Spirit when we accepted
You, to Be Empowered and Be
Your Witness. Give me ears to hear
and teach me how to listen to You.
Enable me to better understand
virtues like grace, forgiveness,
eternity; and most of all You.
Keep me from the distraction
of busyness and draw me closer
to You Lord more each day. Amen.
Lord, we note the early Christians praying together has mighty impact.
When we think our voices are small help us remember we are not alone.
Each voice may start out alone, but
by the time it reaches God’s throne
of grace, it becomes part of a huge
chorus asking for the same thing.
Use our prayers Lord rising from
all over and join them together
to fulfil Your purposes. Amen.
Spirit, I want to experience the reality
of Your Presence & see more of You.
Empower me in concrete ways that
I know I’ll never be the same again &
give me whatever gift You deem fit.
Reveal any obstacle between us or
any change of mind I need to make;
for I’m open & have Your way in me.
And Impart some of Your character
on me so that my heart can steadily
become more like Yours. Amen.