God’s Heart to Meet with Man at Pentecost.. Craig Denison Ministries

 

God’s Heart to Meet with Man at Pentecost

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Throughout Scripture we see countless examples of God meeting with man and countless lives being transformed as the result. These examples are in Scripture to stir our faith and fill us with a desire to meet with our Creator. When we read about the life of David, we should be filled with a longing to live as he did, centered around meeting with our heavenly Father. When we read about Gideon or Moses, we should long to know our God as they did. When we read about Jesus coming down to us or his heart for the woman caught in adultery, we should respond by pursuing encounters with our Savior. And when we read of Pentecost and Jesus’ second coming, we should seek out the fullness of God’s presence available to us on this earth in preparation for the age that is to come. May your heart be filled with a wholehearted desire to pursue meeting with God this week.

Scripture:“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. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4

Devotional:

In the miraculous and powerful event of Pentecost, we see God’s heart to not only dwell among us, but within us. We’ve been afforded more intimacy with God than we have fully grasped. The God of Pentecost dwells within us right now as believers, ready to equip us and empower us for a life of powerful impact and restored relationship. Acts 2:1-4 says,

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. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Scripture tells us that although those in attendance spoke many different languages, all heard those filled with the Holy Spirit declaring “in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11).And upon being filled with the Holy Spirit afresh, Peter begins to share the gospel with those present. Acts 2:41 tells us, “Those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Peter, who denied Jesus, begins his powerful, courageous ministry of sharing the gospel with all those who would listen after being empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 tells us, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” This passage is better translated, “Be being filled with the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is our gateway into the fullness of life available to us in Christ. He’s the one who reveals to us the truth of Scripture. He’s the one who speaks to our hearts from the mouth of God. He’s the one who makes us aware of God’s presence. And he’s the one who empowers us to do the good works set before us before the foundation of the earth. Without relationship with the Holy Spirit, we will miss out on the incredible life afforded to us by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

God wants to empower you to impact the earth the way the disciples did. His plan for you doesn’t involve that which is fleeting and temporal. At the end of your life, will you look back and be thankful for the way you said yes to walking with the Holy Spirit, or will your life be filled with works that won’t outlive you? Don’t waste this life being satisfied with less than what is available to you. Choose today to be filled with the Holy Spirit again. Choose to pursue wholehearted relationship with him. And say yes to him at every decision that you might reveal to the world the wealth of relationship available to you in the Holy Spirit.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of being filled with the Spirit. Allow Scripture to fill you with a desire to grow in your relationship with the God who dwells within you.

“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”  1 Corinthians 12:13

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.” 1 Corinthians 6:19

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh today. Ask him to reveal his nearness to you that you might grow in your knowledge of him. Tell him that you want greater relationship with him.

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live today free from sin and in total pursuit of God’s will being done on the earth through your life. Ask him to give you a clear witness about what it is you should and shouldn’t do. Commit yourself to follow his perfect guidance today.

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”  Romans 8:14

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

No matter where you work, where you live, or what your past is, you can live in total communion with the Holy Spirit. His plans extend far beyond what your job is or which family you’re in. He longs to bring the kingdom to earth everywhere you go. He longs to fill you with love and grace for all those around you that you might carry the atmosphere of the kingdom. And he longs to lead you into a continually greater awareness of his love and presence in your life. May your day be marked by joy and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

Extended Reading: Acts 2

Standing Strong and Tall through Prayer..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Standing Strong and Tall through Prayer

Dr. Charles Stanley

Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah was a man who lived on his knees. Whenever he needed guidance, strength, provision, or protection, his first response was prayer. Because of Nehemiah’s humble dependence, God was able to use him greatly to achieve His purposes.

This principle is still true for believers today. God can use us in the most awesome fashion if we'll seek Him and make ourselves available. He has a calling for each of us and doesn't want us wasting the opportunities He provides.

To follow Nehemiah's example of dependent prayer, we must first recognize God as the sovereign Ruler of the universe (v. 5). Although He's our loving Father and loyal Friend, we must never forget that He is also our high and exalted Creator whose holiness is beyond our comprehension. Never think of the Lord as "the man upstairs" or come into His presence in a frivolous manner.

Because Nehemiah respected the awesome holiness of God, he approached Him with confession, admitting not only his sin, but his father's and Israel's as well (vv. 6-7). We cannot hide, deny, or cherish sin and expect the Lord to hear and answer our prayers. Purity of heart and the power of God are linked. We need the sensitivity to instantly recognize when we've strayed, and the willingness to deal with sin immediately.

The reason Nehemiah stood so tall and strong was not due to his natural abilities, but because he developed a relationship of dependency on the Lord through prayer. The same can be true for you. Don't rush into your day without taking time to enter God's throne room to seek His guidance.

The God of Details..Katie Westenberg

 The God of Details

By Katie Westenberg

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: You must make it according to all that I show you  —  the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings. - Exodus 25:9

Cracking open the book of Exodus feels like a throwback for me. So many dramatic stories from this book were imprinted in my mind by way of Sunday School felt boards. They have become somewhat euphoric for me.

Moses in his humble reed basket being taken in by the princess, that burning bush, wild plagues and the Israelite’s spectacular escape - it’s easy to read through the first half of Exodus like a storybook.

And then comes the latter half - covenants and law, rules and instruction. It seems so antiquated. The reading becomes onerous and I’m tempted to skim. What are we to make of all this? Is it even important any more?

The chapters are steeped rich in history and cultural significance which is certainly worthy of study on its own, but in reading through Exodus recently I was wowed by something more simple - the details.

“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of find woven linen and blue, purple, and scarlet thread; with artistic designs of cherubim you shall weave them. Exodus 26:1

When God relayed his vision for the tabernacle it didn’t come in vague and half-baked ideas. He was specific and incredibly detailed. The loops on the curtains, the clasps on the loops, the color of thread, lengths and widths - it’s all in there.

I have always loved how God gave Noah specific instructions on building the ark, but these details in Exodus take the technicalities to an entirely new level. And they show us an entirely different side of God.

Throughout our lives, we struggle with day-to-day challenges. We face small bumps in the roads, simple challenges that we pray and think our way through. And occasionally we face the big ones. The really tough ones. Sometimes we step back and honestly ask how in the world is this even possible, God? It’s a new territory we’ve never walked before. Our resources are limited. On paper it’s just not even possible.

In Exodus, right amidst those precise instructions and patterns, we meet the God of details. The God who takes Israel’s hand and says “Here, this is exactly how I want you to do it. This thread, that many loops, these bronze clasps.”

All of a sudden the last half of Exodus takes on a whole new meaning for me. Yes, it is a rich history. Yes, we learn about feasts and sabbath law, but we also meet the God who cares about the details. We meet the God who knows and sees, who gently leads those who want to meet Him and know Him and aren’t always sure what that should look like lived out. He takes their willing hands and guides them in the growing.

That God, I AM, never changes. He is still the God of details, taking his people by the hand today. What a gift.

A Prayer for Fall..Emma Danzey

 A Prayer for Fall

By Emma Danzey

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

It is about to be a time of season change here. As I looked outside my kitchen window, the tree across the street gave me a preview of what is to come. The green leaves are starting to turn into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. The season of fall is a reminder to us in many ways of the underlying work of our Creator that comes forth. Just like these leaves become brand new and beautified, by the help of the Holy Spirit, our lives can go through the same type of process of spiritual transformation.

Today as we pray for the upcoming fall, may it be a reminder to us of the work of God in our lives and hearts. We are being made into His image and transformed into His likeness. As Ecclesiastes shares, there is a season for everything, and we can press into this season of Autumn and reflect on our great God.

Let's Pray:

Dear Creator of All,
Thank you for the beautiful changes that are coming. Thank you for the crisp fall air, the colorful unveiling of your glory, the harvest of many fruits and vegetables, and the finale of your year-long process. As we reflect on Your goodness today, thank You for the season that reminds us that You make all things new. Thank you for the time of year that brings coolness, abundance, and bright colors.

As I look at your creation through nature, would You remind me of Your glory? Reveal to me Your power and Your grace. No matter what I am going through in this time, help me to open my eyes to see the visual that You are working and are not done with me. I confess the areas of sin and darkness in my life. Help me Holy Spirit to be renewed by You day by day. I lay down my agenda. I lay down my plans for what life should look like and entrust myself to you. Just as you make the trees look more beautiful than before, Your plans and your ways are higher than my own.

You say in Psalm 104:19, “He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.” You are the One who created the moon to reveal the season. Different times of year have different lengths of days for a reason. Different seasons have different temperatures and beauties about them. Fall is such a lively and exciting time of celebration and life. Help my soul to join in with the praise from nature, worshiping You, the Creator.

Jesus, You celebrated the feast of trumpets, the day of atonement, and the feast of tabernacles during this season of fall. These were times of repentance, forgiveness, joy, and celebration. As we stand on this side of the cross and resurrection, may we not forget the work that You have done on behalf of all who accept You as Savior Jesus. We pray that we would allow You to examine our hearts and refine any areas that need to be made more like You. Help us to be reminded of this in this season of the saving grace of Christ. Help us to remember that we have been given such forgiveness and identity in You.

Lord, the leaves that are turning are dying and becoming more beautiful. Would this be a visual reminder to me to die to myself, pick up my cross, and follow You each day? To live is Christ, to die is gain. Help me to not live by my flesh but by the Spirit so that others can see You. I pray my life would be an aroma of You. May others see my actions and hear my words and know that You are the Living God and You love them.

Fall is also a time of slowing down. Father, would you enable me to remember to pace myself? Would you help me to find rest in You and strength to accomplish the tasks ahead with You? Help me to live out of a place of being secure in You. Amen.

Trading Comparison for Gratitude..Laura Bailey

 Trading Comparison for Gratitude

 By Laura Bailey

“Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.” - Genesis 29:16-18, NIV

Anxiously sitting in the salon chair, feet hanging inches from the floor, my oldest daughter eagerly waits while a “fairy godmother” transforms her into a princess. Spinning her around, my husband and I exclaimed, “Oh! How beautiful you look!” My daughter’s smile quickly dissolved as she whispered, “but am I more beautiful than my sister?”

My husband was gob-smacked that amid such a glamorous experience, she would ask about her sister. I shrugged it off, “that’s just girls.” Though I tried to excuse away my daughter’s comments, deep down, it bothered me that at such a young age, she was dealing with comparison. But, honestly, even in my late thirties, I still struggle with the same feelings. 

One of the most harrowing stories for me to read is about Leah and Rachel, both women’s lives plagued by comparison and envy ( Genesis 6: 16-30). On the surface, it’s easy to commiserate with Leah. Who wouldn’t be a little upset if your husband announced that it was actually your sister he wanted to marry? And if it wasn’t bad enough to share a husband, there was a race to see who could bare the first child ( Genesis 29:31). 

Rachel was barren, so she decided she would start her family by giving her female slave to her husband ( Genesis 30:1-6).  In today’s culture, that seems a little extreme, but don’t we do the same thing? When we focus on what others have, instead of being grateful for what God has done in our life, we often take matters into our own hands– typically making a mess of the situation.

Leah and Rachel’s sisterly rivalry was the cause of much pain, strife, and discord, but God still used these two women to build the house of Isreal. It is from these sisters that the 12 Tribes of Israel are formed, with Jesus descending from the tribe of Judah. 

Comparison leads to feelings of jealousy, discontentment, and ungratefulness. It can hold such a tight grip on our hearts that it ultimately shapes everything we do. We doubt ourselves, and our thoughts are plagued with questions of accusation and entitlement.

Why did they get that job and I didn’t?
Why do they look like that, and I look this?
“Why do things seem so easy for them while I feel life is a struggle?” 

Everything about you, God created purposefully. Nothing is by chance: your hair color, eye color, race, and where you live. He has a plan designed specifically for YOU, not the woman next to you, YOU! 

I readily admit that it can be challenging to be genuinely happy for others, especially during a difficult season. Resist the urge to compare circumstances, ask the Lord to fill your thoughts with gratitude, and provide you with peace and contentment.

Intersecting Faith and Life: 
Do you find yourself stuck in a comparison trap? Take a minute today and ask the Lord to help release you from feelings of discontentment or jealousy. Make it a daily habit to write down the many ways God has blessed you, thanking Him for all He has done in your life. 

Further Reading:
Philippians 2:3