PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 1:1-11
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach…” (Acts 1:1)
The four stories about Jesus tell us about Jesus’ time on earth.
Now Luke (the author of Acts, see Luke 1:1-4) is writing the sequel.
The book of Acts follows up on what Jesus BEGAN to do and teach.
The story continues, Jesus still works through his followers today.
We are the continuation, the sequel to Jesus’s life on earth.
We are his hands and voice, bringing his message to the world.
This is made possible through the Spirit of Jesus at work in us.
This is what Acts 1-28 highlights, how the Spirit works.
We are the Acts 29 movement of Jesus followers, the next chapter.
“The word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.” (Acts 19:20)
The message of Jesus is continuing to spread and grow in power.
We are bringing good news to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
I may not be a super evangelist, but in my own small ways Jesus is at work.
This makes me wonder what today’s chapter will be like, what he will do through me.
PRAYER
Lord, you have sent me to this time and place, to who I am with, and to where I go each day. May Your message spread and grow in power through me!
John the Baptist came before Jesus and announced is coming – baptizing people for repentance. Jesus too was baptized and then Jesus began his earthly mission. Now Jesus completed his mission and was resurrected and now initiates a new thrust by the apostles – promising them a new baptism of the HS: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses” I have received this baptism and now am empowered. I need to tap into the power and not get in the way. Lord Jesus use me to be effective in your kingdom – thank you for leading me where I have been and where I am now – lead me into as many days as you give me to serve you!
Jesus has empowered His followers to be His hands and feet on the ground today to proclaim the good news by word and deed that He is alive and will return to rule His people and walk among them. The presence of His Spirit empowers His followers. So I too need to be an instrument of His peace today and every day.
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness ever joy
Oh, master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul
Make me a channel of your peace
It isn’t pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men let we receive
And in dying that we’re born to turn around
Oh, master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness ever joy