Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 12, 2016
By: Tripp Prince
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Acts 2:1-3
If you’ve ever heard a sermon on Acts, you’ve likely heard it linked to the evangelistic nature of the early church, and for good reason! It’s here that we see the Spirit fill the early apostles and empower them for dynamic and transformational ministry. Peter preaches the sermon to which all preachers aspire: Spirit-filled, God-honoring, Christ-exalting preaching that points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s mission in the world. He likewise invites his hearers to know and enter into this new reality through repentance and the water of baptism, that they too may be filled with the life giving Spirit of God (Acts 2:38).
Yet in the midst of this display of God’s power and work in the world, we see a remarkable contrast: intentional, patient, and faithful prayer.
“All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers” (Acts 1:14).
The Spirit’s empowering of the early Christians was preceded by their fervent commitment to a life of prayer and devotion to God. The same must be true of us today!
The power of God at work in the world is not a force to be controlled or deployed at will. We do not manipulate or determine God’s work in any way. Our posture is always one of supplication, asking the Lord to meet us in our weakness and in his great power bring the hope of the gospel where it is most needed. Does your life with God reflect this commitment to expectant prayer?
If you want to see God’s power at work in the world, first commit yourself to a life of prayer. Never seek to force God’s hand or demand that he work in a certain way. Trust me, it won’t work! Instead, come to him as a humble child, a sheep in need of a shepherd, and place your trust fully in the deep and inexhaustible love of God. As we do this, we open ourselves to his empowering grace and see more clearly the countless ways he is at work within and around us.
“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).
Prayer
Father, as we look for your powerful work in the world, may we also first come to you in humble and expectant prayer.Application
Find time this week to come to the Lord in prayer without a list of demands or needs. Simply sit in his presence with an attentive and receptive heart, listening for the still, small voice that faithfully guides and shepherds us.Related Reading
Luke 11:13; John 14:26; Acts 13:2Post/Tweet today
If you want to see God’s power at work in the world, first commit yourself to a life of prayer. #wisdomhunters #prayerandpowerWorship Resource
8 minutes – United Pursuit: Since Your Love Check out Boyd’s newest devotional book Two Minutes in the Bible for Men. Order now! If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help. Our free Apple app Our free Android appComments are closed.
God is taking our men’s group through an intense study on prayer and the powerful weapon in which God intended it to be. Tonight is our second night to gather together dive into the scriptures. This is such a timely post, God alone knew I/we needed as we prepare our hearts for this evening.
These devotionals have been spot on, lately in the life of our family. God has spoken directly into our lives through you. Thank you for this ministry. It has truly been a blessing to my life as well as those around me. God bless.
Dear Peter,
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. Please know that Boyd read them and was blessed by them. Isn’t it just amazing when our Heavenly Father speaks to us through His Word, devotionals, other people and circumstances. I never cease to be awestruck when HE does that. His faithfulness is never ending.
We are grateful that God is speaking through the Wisdom Hunter’s devotionals to your men’s group and your family. We give ALL the Glory to HIM!!
Thank you again, Peter, for taking the time to reach out to us. You know, Boyd has a special place in his heart for men’s groups, so I know that your comments meant a lot.
In His Love,
Gwynne
“Praise the Lord, all you nations;
extol Him, all you peoples.
For great is His love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord.”
Psalm 117:1-2