[Peter, to Cornelius and his relatives and friends:] "This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel — that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him."
Don't you love the phrase
"anointed ... with the Holy Spirit and with power"? The Holy Spirit brings us God's presence and enables us to fulfill God's mission. When the Holy Spirit is present (as the Bible reminds us again and again), God's power is made available to us - and not just any power, but resurrection power (
Ephesians 1:17-20). Resurrection power is at work within us (
Ephesians 3:14-19). This power that can do more through us than we could ever ask or imagine (
Ephesians 3:20-21). As Jesus reminded us, let's ask God to release the Spirit's power into our lives (
Luke 11:13). As Paul demonstrated, let's use prayer to release the Spirit's power into the lives of those we love and those who are seeking to share the message of Jesus!
Almighty God and loving Father, thank you for your many gracious gifts to me. Thank you for living inside me through your Holy Spirit. I ask, dear Father, that you fill and empower me by your Holy Spirit so that I may effectively do your will. Please, dear Father, pour out your power through the Holy Spirit on all who are seeking to share your word with those who are lost and those who need to be motivated to action. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Bible: Browse OT/NT Books
Comments
Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment