Monday April 5, 2021
Introduction
Today is Monday, April 5th.
This week we are starting the journey of reading through the book of Acts together. You are invited to listen to each word and placing yourself in these verses to see how God is working in your life today.
Opening Prayer
Now to prepare your heart and mind for the reading of God’s word. As you do, allow this prayer to lead you into your time with God today.
Holy and loving God, I am ready to receive your word today. Help me to be still and listen to you as you speak a word of life into my life this day. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Acts 1:1-11
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 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. 4 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. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 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.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
This is the word of God for the people of God, thanks be to God.
Closing Prayer
Hold these words in your heart and throughout your day by saying this prayer:
Lord, help me today to live the way you call me to live, be the person you call me to be, and reflect your love in a mighty way. Help me to hold these words in my heart and remember them today.
The First 15
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