Tuesday May 9, 2023

Today is Tuesday, May 9 and we are studying what the Bible says about Christ’s Ascension.

As I enter this time of prayer, I quiet my mind, slow my breathing and focus on the God who loves me. I rest in his presence.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the truth of scripture, open my ears to hear your still small voice, and open my mind to understand the message you have for me today. Amen.

I marvel in the beauty of God’s Creation and praise him with the words of Psalm 24.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Psalm 24:1-3

Pause and Pray

What is the promise of the Father Jesus speaks about (Acts 1:4)? The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to Christians and to the Church. The promise is the continuation of God’s presence, power and comfort among the body of believers. The gift is given by God in God’s own time and only by God’s grace. Whatever Jesus Christ’s personal presence and teaching had been to the disciples before the Ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit would be more. Jesus tells his followers to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Acts 1:6-9

The disciples gather to wait and pray. That is their first activity. The initial response to Jesus’ instructions is not work, action, busyness, human effort or earnest striving – it is prayer. The disciples’ primary steps involve openness and waiting for the Holy Spirit to act. When Jesus says “you will receive power” the Greek word is dynamin, the same root found in the word “dynamite.” They are not to move forward in their own effort, develop programs, create org-charts, design missions and organize campaigns. They are to wait on God’s power to go, do and speak because their human power will only fall short.

Ask: How often do I delve into something in my own power and fail to wait on God’s power? Have I asked for God’s promised gift of the Holy Spirit?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, I am in awe of your presence. I gather near you as the disciples did long ago and ask what the future holds for me and my life. Forgive me for my impatience and lack of faith. Remind me to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit to give me the confidence and courage to tackle anything this world throws at me. I trust you completely. I read the words from Acts again and listen for the message you have for me.

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Acts 1:6-9

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider a circumstance, situation, or relationship I have currently been worried about. What are my most recent concerns or problems I have been trying to solve? Have I been patiently taking these to the Lord in prayer? Or have I been trying to find solutions in my own knowledge, strength and power? Maybe God wants to remind me to sit and wait on him. To increase my trust. To strengthen my faith. To remember that “God is Big Enough.” Perhaps God has a word of guidance or direction to share.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord and Savior, thank you for being with me through the course of my days. I humbly ask for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit to come into my life and bring the peace, courage and power to live victoriously. I want my life to glorify and honor you in everything I say and do. I know I need your help. Come Holy Spirit! I wait for you. Amen.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:11-13

I leave this time of prayer trusting in a God who loves me; I go in the power he gives me to demonstrate his love to others.

Amen