Faithfully Yours Forever

 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Luke 2:26 (NIV)

 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32 (NIV)

In this passage we are introduced to two people, Simeon and Anna, who are focused upon the voice and work of the Holy Spirit.  They knew who the baby Jesus was and what He would do for people throughout the world.  These things had been revealed to them by the Holy Spirit.

Father God, may we be filled with the Holy Spirit.  May He reveal to us those things that You desire for us to know.  May we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts that are open to receive all things sent to us through that wee small voice that lives within us.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

Passage: Luke 2:25-38

After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.  On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. Acts 1:3-4 (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Today, 40 days after we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, is known as Ascension Day.  During the 40 day period between the resurrection of Jesus and His ascension, Jesus appeared to many of His disciples.  Ascension Day signifies the day when Jesus returned to His Heavenly Father.  Before He left, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be sent to His followers.  May we be filled with the Holy Spirit and be guided by Him.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

Passage: Acts 1:1-11

Jesus asked, “Do you want to get well?” John 5:6b (NIV)

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”  John 5:8 (NIV)

Timing can be everything.  In this passage the disabled man wanted to be healed, but was not able to lower himself into the healing waters before others around him had already done so.  He thought he had missed many opportunities to be healed.  Sometimes it has nothing to do with timing, but everything to do with doing what we have been told to do… and believing that the desired result will happen. Father God, may we be obedient to do those things You have called us to.  May we believe in Your power to heal, but may we also believe that your grace is sufficient.  Amen.

Passage: John 5:1-9

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. John 14:23-24 (NIV)

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  John 14:26 (NIV)

Being a follower of Jesus Christ is to be obedient to His teachings.  It is how we show Him that we love Him.  Sometimes we need further instructions or a reminder of something we have already been taught.  Thanks you, Father God, for having sent the Holy Spirit to continue to teach and guide us every day.  May we hear, understand, and obey.  In the name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.

Passage: John 14:23-29

On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.  One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. Acts 16:13-14 (NIV)

In the beginning of this passage we read of a time when God communicated to Paul through a vision.  We need to be sensitive to the many ways God has to communicate with us.  We need to learn to discern His voice from the other voices in this world.  Often we will be called to preach the gospel by word or deed.  May we heed His call.  May those we are sent to open their hearts and respond.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

Passage: Acts 16:9-15