Because 50 Day 37
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-4, 16-18
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Today’s Prayer:
Lord, fill all of us with your Spirit.
Going Deeper:
During yesterday’s message Bret pointed out that the disciples, Mary and others were instructed to wait to receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. What is the implication of the fact that they needed the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish their mission? If this group that had every advantage that we don’t have yet still needed the power of the Holy Spirit in their life, how much more do we?
Why do you believe that Luke recorded that the Holy Spirit came on everyone? How did Peter explain what had happened? Remember that Scripture was written in the midst of a culture. In a culture in which women were not valued, God poured out His Spirit on both men and women. Often atheists will try and make the claim that Christianity does not value women. How would you respond to the claim informed by today’s passage?
Today’s prayer is that God would fill all of us with His Spirit. As you pray today think of someone from your team or group. Send them a message and let them know that you are praying that God would fill them with the Holy Spirit.