[Peter said,] "We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."
—Acts 5:32 NIV
The apostles, and some others, were witnesses of Jesus' presence after his resurrection from the dead. However, if we listen carefully to this statement of Peter, there is a great promise for those of us who live centuries after Jesus' resurrection. We have living in us a witness of Jesus' resurrection — the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises to send this witness — sometimes called our Anointing from the Holy One, the Spirit of truth, the Comforter, Advocate, or Counselor — to live in us as his followers. This promise is not just for those of the first century, but this is a forever promise to anyone who loves Jesus and obeys his teaching! (See John 14:16-23.) Just as Peter said, the Holy Spirit is the witness God gives to those who obey him! Do we want to hear testimony to the resurrection of Jesus? Then, let's listen and look for the work of the Spirit in our own lives!
Father, I am astounded by the touches of grace in every aspect of the Jesus story. Today, however, my heart is captured by the incredible gift of grace you have given to me in the Holy Spirit. While I affirm the importance of Scripture and the truth of the Bible, I am deeply moved to realize that you have given me the Holy Spirit as your living witness inside me, assuring me of the resurrection of my Lord. Thank you! I praise you! In Jesus' name. 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 5:32 NIV
Key Thought
The apostles, and some others, were witnesses of Jesus' presence after his resurrection from the dead. However, if we listen carefully to this statement of Peter, there is a great promise for those of us who live centuries after Jesus' resurrection. We have living in us a witness of Jesus' resurrection — the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises to send this witness — sometimes called our Anointing from the Holy One, the Spirit of truth, the Comforter, Advocate, or Counselor — to live in us as his followers. This promise is not just for those of the first century, but this is a forever promise to anyone who loves Jesus and obeys his teaching! (See John 14:16-23.) Just as Peter said, the Holy Spirit is the witness God gives to those who obey him! Do we want to hear testimony to the resurrection of Jesus? Then, let's listen and look for the work of the Spirit in our own lives!
Today's Prayer
Father, I am astounded by the touches of grace in every aspect of the Jesus story. Today, however, my heart is captured by the incredible gift of grace you have given to me in the Holy Spirit. While I affirm the importance of Scripture and the truth of the Bible, I am deeply moved to realize that you have given me the Holy Spirit as your living witness inside me, assuring me of the resurrection of my Lord. Thank you! I praise you! In Jesus' name. 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...
