Acts 2:1-28 – Come Holy Spirit

Read Acts 2:1-28

The day finally arrived for the disciples. The Holy Spirit came in a mighty way. I would not have expected anything less. The baptism of the Holy Spirit Jesus had promised was fulfilled on Pentecost that year, approximately 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead and 10 days after Jesus ascended to the Father.

From the way Luke describes it, there could be no question that something unusual was happening. Can you imagine hearing this message in your own language from someone foreign to you? “And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” All of these people from different backgrounds shared a faith and marveled at the same God. Continue reading “Acts 2:1-28 – Come Holy Spirit”

Acts 1:1-26 – In Those Early Days

Read Acts 1:1-26

To get our heads right to walk through the Book of Acts, we need to put ourselves back into the story. Luke picks up right where his gospel leaves off. We’re in those early days following Jesus’ resurrection when everything was just a little unclear. Jesus had been teaching one day and then killed the next. Just like he said, Jesus was brought back to life and spent more time with his friends.

The Book of Acts will take us on a journey through the early days of the Christian church as Jesus’ followers spread the news just as He told them to do. The whole mission relied on one thing for success—the coming of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading “Acts 1:1-26 – In Those Early Days”

Hebrews 13:1-25 – Closing Wisdom

Read Hebrews 13:1-25

There are so many encouraging verses in today’s reading. It’s like the preacher had so many nuggets of truth and blessing left to share, but he didn’t want his sermon to last forever. We could snatch just one of these gems and spend a whole reflection on it. Write down some of your favorites and work on memorizing them for just the perfect moment.

While we’re not sure who this preacher was, their clear intention was to support new believers. The wisdom for life that we find in this chapter covers so many bases. How we treat one another is of high importance. In our world today, people tend to be overly “me” focused. The counsel here suggests we should be more loving and involved in our relationships. Continue reading “Hebrews 13:1-25 – Closing Wisdom”

Hebrews 12:1-29 – Divine Discipline

Read Hebrews 12:1-29

Have you ever thought of your life as a “race” before? Perhaps you’ve heard the term “rat race,” as it describes the maze of patterns we find in our lives. We can certainly identify with the preacher here when he describes something holding us back, our baggage, perhaps. Sometimes we’re too busy holding on to the past that will never be again. Our future is so much brighter!

Endurance through it all is suggested. That can be easier said than done, to be sure. When we look back and see the accomplishments we’ve had in the past, we often marvel at how it could ever have been possible. Parenting is one of those life challenges and blessings all wrapped up together. We endure, we press on, and hopefully we tap into the Holy Spirit’s power. Continue reading “Hebrews 12:1-29 – Divine Discipline”

Hebrews 11:23-40 – More About Faith

Read Hebrews 11:23-40

What more do we learn about faith in this part of Chapter 11? We meet more Bible heroes of faith, including Moses. His story is so complex, from his early days being rescued by an Egyptian princess to his adulthood devoted to God and being God’s instrument to bring the Israelites out of bondage. Moses is even thought to have written the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Pentateuch.

It’s faith like Moses had that can really kick start out relationship with God. What was Moses secret? “He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.” Keeping our eyes on Jesus does help us stay grounded. Don’t exhaust yourself trying to do it on your own. Step out in faith from the start, keeping your eyes on Jesus, seeking his will and direction for your life. Continue reading “Hebrews 11:23-40 – More About Faith”

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