[Peter, to Cornelius and his relatives and friends:] "This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel — that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him."
—Acts 10:36-38 NLT
Don't you love the phrase "anointed ... with the Holy Spirit and with power"? The Holy Spirit brings us God's presence and enables us to fulfill God's mission. When the Holy Spirit is present (as the Bible reminds us again and again), God's power is made available to us — and not just any power, but resurrection power (Ephesians 1:17-20). Resurrection power is at work within us (Ephesians 3:14-19). This power that can do more through us than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21). As Jesus reminded us, let's ask God to release the Spirit's power into our lives (Luke 11:13). As Paul demonstrated, let's use prayer to release the Spirit's power into the lives of those we love and those who are seeking to share the message of Jesus!
Almighty God and loving Father, thank you for your many gracious gifts to me. Thank you for living inside me through your Holy Spirit. I ask, dear Father, that you fill and empower me by your Holy Spirit so that I may effectively do your will. Please, dear Father, pour out your power through the Holy Spirit on all who are seeking to share your word with those who are lost and those who need to be motivated to action. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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—Acts 10:36-38 NLT
Key Thought
Don't you love the phrase "anointed ... with the Holy Spirit and with power"? The Holy Spirit brings us God's presence and enables us to fulfill God's mission. When the Holy Spirit is present (as the Bible reminds us again and again), God's power is made available to us — and not just any power, but resurrection power (Ephesians 1:17-20). Resurrection power is at work within us (Ephesians 3:14-19). This power that can do more through us than we could ever ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21). As Jesus reminded us, let's ask God to release the Spirit's power into our lives (Luke 11:13). As Paul demonstrated, let's use prayer to release the Spirit's power into the lives of those we love and those who are seeking to share the message of Jesus!
Today's Prayer
Almighty God and loving Father, thank you for your many gracious gifts to me. Thank you for living inside me through your Holy Spirit. I ask, dear Father, that you fill and empower me by your Holy Spirit so that I may effectively do your will. Please, dear Father, pour out your power through the Holy Spirit on all who are seeking to share your word with those who are lost and those who need to be motivated to action. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Continue reading...