"When the day of Pentecost arrived..." (Acts 2:1)
Consider these two questions. What did the disciples do to cause Pentecost to come? Was Pentecost a day that the disciples primarily learned something, or did something?
First, what did the disciples do to cause Pentecost? I believe the answer to that question is, "Absolutely nothing." Jesus told them before His ascension that the Holy Spirit was coming. It was a sovereign act of God in fulfillment of His promise.
Secondly, I believe the disciples primarily did something. Actually, something was done through them. But it was not primarily a learning moment in a classroom. We have too much of that in the American church and not enough action.
For 10 days the disciples waited in prayer. They were asking God to prepare them to maximize the opportunity He would provide. God gives us incredible opportunities to proclaim His message everyday. Are we ready? Have we found time to be alone with God so that He could prepare us? What will you do with the opportunities God gives you today to proclaim His word?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Direction
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." (Ps. 119:105)
I memorized that scripture verses many years ago in Vacation Bible School one summer, but find it is still important day by day in my life. Often the Bible describes living as a "walk". So as you walk life's path, what is it that guides your life? Where do you find direction? Many today find their direction from their peer group, or even from television. Others look to Pastor Phil or Pastor Oprah. But God says that we should allow His Word to direct us.
Someone has said, We need to study the Bible so that we can master God's Word. But more importantly, we need to take another step. We need to allow God's Word to master us. In other words, God's word is living (Heb. 4:12) and it speaks directly to our life. And through it God calls for us to make decisions related to obeying Him. So when we read God's Word, we allow it to speak to our hearts, and then we surrender to it to obey.
I memorized that scripture verses many years ago in Vacation Bible School one summer, but find it is still important day by day in my life. Often the Bible describes living as a "walk". So as you walk life's path, what is it that guides your life? Where do you find direction? Many today find their direction from their peer group, or even from television. Others look to Pastor Phil or Pastor Oprah. But God says that we should allow His Word to direct us.
Someone has said, We need to study the Bible so that we can master God's Word. But more importantly, we need to take another step. We need to allow God's Word to master us. In other words, God's word is living (Heb. 4:12) and it speaks directly to our life. And through it God calls for us to make decisions related to obeying Him. So when we read God's Word, we allow it to speak to our hearts, and then we surrender to it to obey.
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