Devotional Thoughts from God's Word

Text: Acts 2:1-21
Theme: The saints spoke everyone’s language and praised God supernaturally–as it will be in God’s Kingdom.
Key verses: “A sound roars from the sky without warning, the roar of a violent wind…Then a flame appears, dividing into smaller flames and spreading from one person to the next. All of the people present are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in languages they’ve never spoken, as the Spirit empowers them” (v. 2-4). “…there are devout Jews staying as pilgrims in Jerusalem from every nation under the sun…They are amazed because each of them can hear the group speaking in their native languages” (v. 5-6). “Hear what God says! ‘In the last days, I will offer My Spirit to humanity as a libation. Your children will boldly speak the word of the Lord (v. 17). “Yes, in those days I shall offer My Spirit to all servants, both male and female, and they will boldly speak My word (v. 18). “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be liberated into God’s freedom and peace” (v. 21).
What God said to me: Son, my power and my Kingdom are beyond understanding or predicting. No one could have imagined how my Spirit would come and ascend on those believers that day of Pentecost. I love surprising my saints and astounding the critics. More than anything though, I love using my people to spread the gospel of my dear Son and to worship me as one–like those pentecostal believers did that day. Keep in mind that they had prepared their hearts and minds by investing time in prayer as they patiently waited for my promise of the Spirit. They were already united in love and purpose. Then look what I did to bless them, amaze the onlookers and spread my word! I haven’t changed, you know. And there’s coming a day when all my saints will understand and talk with each other freely forever, on the New Earth.
What I said to God: Holy Father, I am humbled by Your majesty and power. I am amazed by Your grace. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit and for how He lives in me right now. Unloose my tongue to speak Your word boldly and with supernatural clarity today.

Text: Acts 1:20-26
Theme: God will show us his will and make the final choice.
Key verses: “Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us…” (v. 21). “So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas…and Matthias. Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry…Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias: so he was added to the eleven apostles” (v. 23-26).
What God said to me: Dwayne, the focus of this passage is two-fold: First the people had to choose, then I made the final choice from their choice. This is a very important order of events which lays out a couple life-principles for you to follow. Understand that you as my people and my followers have an obligation and the ability to make certain choices. They should be based on wisdom and earnest striving to consider what is best and most reasonable. You should pray and ask for my wisdom and direction, of course. However, I entrust to you the actual choices. Once you’ve narrowed down the possibilities, you must leave the final decision and direction to me. From your initial and careful and wise choices I will show you which is my ultimate will. That’s where the “lot” comes in. As you have studied, it’s almost impossible to know for sure what the disciples did in this case. Most likely they placed stones in an urn, some of which had one name and some which had the other name and some which were blank. Then they reached in their hands and pulled out a stone. It is also plausable that they somehow cast votes–at least that’s what a few scholars say is possible. Here’s the point: It was a choice that was completely out of their control. They had to rely on me–either to turn the hearts of the voters or to turn the placement of the stones as people reached to take them. I am able to do both equally effectively. The point of this passage and the confidence of those early believers is that my will is soveriegn and my choice perfect. Apply that to your thinking and walking today–and believe I will direct your choices and path.
What I said to God: Praise you, Lord, for speaking so clearly to me this morning! I needed to be reminded that you expect me to try to use wisdom and plain common sense to narrow down my options. But in the end I must rely on you–and not my own understanding–to make the final decisions each and every day. I love you and I’m blown away how you put up with me and still love me despite my wanderings and schemings.

Text: Acts 1:12-19
Theme: The disciples were left in a lurch once Jesus ascended.
Key verses: “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives…” (V. 12). “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. In those days Peter stood up among the believers…and said, ‘Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas…he was one of our number and shared in this ministry” (v. 14-17).
What God said to me: Dwayne, all my children face uncertain times. I orchestrate it like that. The key to surviving and thriving during days filled with void and uncertainty is in what you choose to do. I want you to notice what the disciples and the 120 believers did “in those days” immediately following Jesus’ ascension. Notice 4 key actions: 1. They joined together. They didn’t disband. No one left the fold and went out on his own. They knew they needed each other’s encouragement and accountability, so they drew close together. 2. They prayed. Rather than sit around and discuss their options or hash out their differing opinions and ideas, instead they stayed on their knees, seeking my wisdom and help. 3. Their leader pointed them to Scripture. It “had to be fulfilled.” What they had experienced was part of my plan. By focusing them on my Word, they had comfort from understanding the bigger picture. 4. They acted on what needed their attention. They didn’t just sit around and pray and eat together. They didn’t stew about their losses and ignore their current situation. They needed a replacement for Judas and they got it done.
What I said to God: Thank you, Lord, for once again revealing key principles from your Word. When experience “those days” please remind me of these 4 priorities and actions. I especially need to remember to fall on my knees in surrender and petition, rather than trying to figure out the problems and confusions myself. I praise you and love you today. Protect my family and church family. Use me please.

Text: Acts 1:1-11.
Theme: Our ultimate priorities as Christians
Key verses: “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…in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (v. 4-5). “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” (v. 8). “‘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’” (v. 11).
What God said to me: Dwayne, there are three clear priorities set forth in these verses. These are the very last instructions and impressions the disciples heard before they lost sight of Jesus in the clouds. As with any “last words” these are hugely important and should be ultimately foremost in your thinking. First, Jesus told them to wait for the Holy Spirit. And so must you. You can do nothing apart from the anointing and filling of the Holy Spirit each and every day. You must be sure you have surrendered yourself afresh each morning. Of course, the Spirit has already moved into you and is a deposit for heaven. You are always the temple of the Holy Spirit. However, you must be filled to overflowing with him, and that requires submission and constant prayer and faith. Secondly, Jesus told his disciples why they were receiving the Holy Spirit and by inference why they were being left behind on earth. They were (and you are) to be my witnesses. You must have the Spirit in order to effectively pull that off. But don’t miss the fact that Jesus prioritized witnessing to this level. He gave no other reason for having the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, notice those were his last words before he ascended. That demonstrates how important being a light to this world should be to you. Finally, the angels told the disciples that Jesus would return “in like manner.” The point you need to grasp is that Jesus will return one day. And you should be looking for his return every day, so you will not be ashamed before him at his coming.
What I said to God: Thank you Father for meeting with me and for speaking to me this morning. I look forward to going through the book of Acts and discovering what you did through the church. Please help me keep my eyes and mind focused on you and looking toward the sky for your coming. It could happen any minute! Fill me with your Spirit, please. I surrender all today.