Category Archives: Devotion

GIVING NEW LIFE

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“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”        Romans 6:11 NIV

 

“Lord, I have really messed up my life. I wish I could just start over.” Have you ever felt this way? Maybe you are even wondering if life is worth living. Well, I have some bad news and some good news. First, you cannot change your past, it is firmly set in history. However, you can start over, no matter where you are right now. The Holy Spirit specializes in giving new life. All who have believed in Christ and trusted in Him for salvation have His Spirit dwelling within them. New life begins immediately for all who choose to accept His offer of the forgiveness of their sins. There is no more condemnation, and they are set free to begin living for Christ. How easy life would be if that were the only fresh start we’d ever need. But our old sinful tendencies, which the Bible calls “the flesh”, are not removed at salvation. Throughout life, there will be times when we will need to go back and make things right. The Holy Spirit is ever present, empowering us to say no to the flesh and yes to Christ. Stop and consider the strength of the One who lives within you. He has all the power of almighty God, who raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). Is your situation more difficult than a resurrection? By setting our minds on the things of the Spirit and living under His authority, we can put to death the sinful actions and habits that have made a mess of our lives. The Lord wants to set us free from addicting pleasures and drives that lead only to pain and heartache.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, lead us from the mess of our lives to life in Jesus Christ.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

By setting our minds on the things that please You, Holy Spirit, and living under Your authority, we can put to death the sinful actions and habits that have made a mess of our lives. So living the new life You bring into us. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Ephesians 1:3-10

 

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THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

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“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.”                          John 16:13 NIV

 

Knowing He’d soon have to leave, Jesus gave His disciples this encouragement: God would send a Helper to indwell, guide, and empower them. In Acts 2:4, as promised, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. We enjoy the same blessing: the third member of the Trinity takes up residence within us as we trust Jesus as Saviour and Lord. But God’s Spirit also has a role in the life of nonbelievers. Namely, He has a threefold task in drawing them to our Lord. He convicts the world of: Sin: His goal is not just to bring a guilty feeling, but to show the need for a Saviour. Righteousness: To come to faith, one must understand that Jesus Christ lived a holy life but was crucified for our sin. Then He rose again, conquering death and offering redemption to all. Judgment: Scripture teaches that after death, those who didn’t trust Jesus as Savior will stand before God and be judged. The Holy Spirit is crucial to salvation. For one thing, Satan has blinded unbelievers to the truth about God (2 Corinthians 4:4), but the Holy Spirit can open their understanding. What’s more, the unsaved are dead in their sins (Ephesians 2:1). Just as a corpse cannot breathe life into himself, a lost soul is unable to understand spiritual truth. Every salvation is clearly a supernatural act of God. Let us witness in the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord Jesus, thank You for making us Holy Spirit empowered witnesses.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, we acknowledge that everyone who experiences salvation, is your supernatural act through the power and ministry of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for making us Holy Spirit empowered witnesses. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

John 1:9-17

 

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JESUS’ AMAZING GIFT

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Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”           Acts 2:38 NIV

 

Yesterday I described the change from His Old Testament role of short-term empowerment to His residing permanently within every believer – starting at salvation. Unfortunately, many Christians assume that the indwelling is an event that occurs sometime after one is saved. The question, “Have you gotten the Holy Spirit?” still gets asked, as if receiving Jesus and being indwelled by His Spirit are unrelated events. Here is the plain truth: A new believer receives the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence at salvation. We need not attend a special service or pray for His arrival. The moment we place our faith in Jesus Christ, as our Saviour and Lord, His Spirit comes to abide with us forever. The Bible clearly tells what happens: 1) we listen to the gospel; 2) we believe the gospel; 3) we’re sealed in Christ with His Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). In John 14:16, Jesus says of the Holy Spirit, “The Father will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.” That means He is there to stay. The Holy Spirit lives permanently within us, as Christians. This is important, since without Him, it’s impossible to serve God successfully or joyfully. Once we understand this fundamental truth, our faith is going to grow. We’ll know that rather than trying to “get the Spirit,” we need to live like the Spirit-filled Christians we are. Are you living and depending on the Holy Spirit’s indwelling power every day?

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, thank You that we live each day in dependence upon You.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Holy Spirit, thank You for living permanently within us. For without You, it’s impossible to serve our Lord successfully or joyfully. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

 

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PENTECOST

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“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.”          Acts 2:1 NIV

 

The Holy Spirit did not make His first appearance at Pentecost. We find Him mentioned as early as the creation account (Genesis 1:2). He is also shown to be doing the Father’s work throughout the Old Testament and Gospels. However, the Spirit arrived in the upper room with a fresh mission from the Father. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit empowered individuals for specific tasks. For example, Bezalel’s God-given wisdom and craftsmanship enabled him to become the Tabernacle’s chief architect (Exodus 31:1-5). We also read that the Spirit settled upon leaders needing help in administration (Numbers 11:16-17); warriors facing formidable tasks (Judges 6:34; 1 Samuel 16:13), and men called to proclaim God’s word (Isaiah 61:1; Ezekiel 2:1-4). When the Lord wanted a job done, He chose someone to do it. Then the Holy Spirit equipped him or her for the task. He gave power only to certain people and didn’t necessarily remain with them long. Indicating that the Spirit’s involvement with believers would be different than before, Jesus told the disciples, “He abides with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). God’s Holy Spirit had come alongside the disciples during their time with Christ. But following the completion of Jesus’ work on earth, He would dwell within them. Since Pentecost, every believer has received the Holy Spirit. He no longer comes and goes but rather remains permanently in us. He seals us in Christ as proof of the promise that we are forever in God’s presence (Ephesians 1:13-14).

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, thank You for sealing us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Thank You, Lord Jesus, since Pentecost, every believer has received the Holy Spirit. Thank You Holy Spirit, that You no longer come and go but You remain permanently in us. Sealing us in Christ as proof of the promise that we are forever in God’s presence. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Titus 3:3-8

 

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HIS POWER

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“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.”          Ephesians 3:20 NIV

 

Yesterday’s reading offered scriptural proof that the Holy Spirit is a person. Yet a persistent misconception casts Him as some kind of intangible force. The underlying assumption is that “the power of the Holy Spirit” is something Christians wield for themselves. But in fact, the phrase refers to His work in our lives. Jesus was very clear that serving God is not a one-man or one-woman show. He told His disciples they would not be ready until they received power from on high (Luke 24:49). It takes two – a believer and the Holy Spirit – to live the Christian life victoriously. He takes up residence in us the moment we receive Christ’s forgiveness for sins. From then on, His job is equipping us for our daily ministry of modelling Jesus to the world. When the apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through [Christ] who strengthens me,” he was talking about the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence (Philippians 4:13). What he means is that within us is an indescribably rich power source. The Holy Spirit works through us to get done that which is impossible for us to accomplish alone. In fact, the Bible says that He can do “far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). And Paul certainly proved that with his prolific ministry. What is God calling you to do that is “far more abundantly” beyond all that you think you can achieve? Let us stop making excuses and get to work! His power will be unleashed in response to our acting in faith.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, thank You for empowering us to be witnesses for Jesus.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, we choose to stop making excuses and get on with the work You have called us to do. As You unleash the power of Your Holy Spirit in response to our acting in faith. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

1 John 4:16b-21

 

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HE IS SOMEBODY

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“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—He will testify about Me.”                  John 15:26 NIV

 

In the early years of my life as a disciple of Jesus, I never had a clear grasp of the Holy Spirit. He was often spoken of as an “it”. He is not an “it.” The Holy Spirit is a “Somebody.” God’s Spirit possesses three defining characteristics of personhood: intelligence, will, and emotion. To prove these points, let us look at some New Testament verses. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 explains that the Holy Spirit knows God’s thoughts and illuminates the truth for us. Later in the same book, He is identified as the One who determines the spiritual gift(s) of each believer (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Finally, the Holy Spirit’s feelings are revealed in verses like Romans 15:30, which tells of His love, and Ephesians 4:30, which warns against grieving Him. Consider also that Jesus spoke of a Helper who would come after Him (John 14:16, 26). Aiding and assuring others are the acts of a person, as is teaching which is the Holy Spirit’s primary work. Perhaps you misunderstand the Holy Spirit as I once did. He is not an “it” any more than God the Father or Jesus Christ is. The Holy Spirit is a part of the Trinity, and if you are a believer, He is with you now. God has given us His Spirit as a special Helper. One who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). Praise the Lord!

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for sticking closer than a brother.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Thank You, Father, for giving us the Holy Spirit as our special Helper. One who sticks closer than a brother. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Mark 14:32-42

 

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OUR MOTIVATOR

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“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”             Acts 2:43 NIV

 

As the disciples proclaimed the Gospel, Jesus was ever confirming His Word with demonstrations of divine power, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He is still doing so today. He also confirms His Word by touching a lost sinner’s heart. As the Holy Spirit draws them to Jesus and saves them when they come in faith. He changes that life and confirms His Word through making them a “new creation”, 2 Corinthians 5:17. He confirmed His Word by keeping His promises not only in the lives of the early disciples, but also in our lives today. Jesus promised that through the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit, He came through for the disciples, and He did. This is confirmed in the book of Acts, which can be known as either the Acts of the Apostles, or the Acts of the Holy Spirit. This was not the end. Many of us have benefited from this kind of confirmation. For Jesus continues to fulfil His Word by speaking to us through His Written Words today. It is like water to a thirsty soul. It is like food to a starving person. It is healing to a wounded spirit. Praise the Lord, that our Saviour and Lord Jesus continues to confirm His Word in a demonstration of power through the Holy Spirit for His glory, in the lives of all those who put their faith in Him. That has been my experience many times down through the years, and I am sure that it has been your experience as well. May we continue to rejoice in our great Motivator, our Lord Jesus Christ, through the power and ministry of His Holy Spirit in our lives.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, thank You for confirming Your Word through the Holy Spirit.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord Jesus, our Saviour and Lord, we rejoice in You being a great Motivator, by confirming Your Word, through the power and ministry of Your Holy Spirit in our lives. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

John 18:15-18, 25-27

 

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OUR MASTER

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“And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”         Matthew 28:20 NIV

 

Jesus has already ascended back into Heaven, but we are told that He was “working with them”. The phrase means that He was “a partner in their labour.” How is that possible? He is in Heaven, and they are upon the earth. How did Jesus work with His disciples? First, He did it through His intercession. As He prayed for them in Heaven at the right hand of God, all the power they needed to accomplish their mission was given to them. As He is praying for us, now! Second, He did it through the power of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit of God came, He did what Jesus was unable to do. While Jesus was here in a human body, He was limited to one geographic location at a time. If He was with you, He could not be with me. When the Spirit of God came, He entered every single one of the Lord’s followers. He came into the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. He has entered every person when they declared Him to be their Saviour and Lord. As we serve our Lord in this day, we can be assured that He will ever be with us. We can also be certain that He will stand with us to empower us and use us for His glory. Praise the Lord that we do not have to do what He has called us to do alone! We are Holy Spirit empowered witnesses for Him!

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord Jesus, thank You for empowering us with Your Holy Spirit.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Thank You Lord Jesus, that we can be certain that You stand with us to empower us and use us for Your glory. We do not have to do what You have called us to do alone! We are Holy Spirit empowered witnesses for You. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Mark 4:35-41

 

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HIS COMMAND OUR MISSION

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“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”              Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

 

Ten days after Jesus ascended back into Heaven, an amazing event took place, which we celebrate on the 24 of May – Pentecost. We read about it in Acts 1-2. The disciples, which numbered about 120 at the time, were praying, in one perfect agreement, in a room in Jerusalem. While they prayed, the Spirit that Jesus had promised to send to them fell on them and they were given His power to preach His message to a lost world. On that day, they preached the Gospel in Jerusalem and 3,000 people from all over the known world were saved. The disciples and their new converts took the Gospel message far and wide. Everywhere they went they told everyone they met that “Jesus died for our sins according to the Scripture; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” Many thousands of people heard this good news and came to faith in Jesus, and the Gospel continued to spread. So much so that the disciples were accused of “turning the world upside down”, Acts 17:6. What they were doing was just what the Lord told them. They were simply sharing the Gospel. The Gospel message has not changed in over 2,000 years. We have the privilege of taking the same message the disciples preached to our world today. That is His command, and that is our mission!

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, thank You for the privilege of sharing Your message with others.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, Your Gospel message has not changed in over 2,000 years. Thank You for the privilege of taking the same message the disciples preached to our world today. This is Your command, and our mission! AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Exodus 14:10-14

 

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THE COMPLETING ONE

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“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”          John 14:2 NIV

 

When Jesus Christ ascended back to Heaven, He ascended as the risen Lord of Glory. He ascended as One Who is to be worshiped, served and loved. His sacrifice and His death on the cross are reason enough for Him to demand worship from those He has saved by His grace. For He is our one and only Commander in Chief. Yet He is more! He Is our Completing One. Jesus left us the promise that He was going to prepare a place for us in Heaven so that we could be there with Him throughout eternity. Just as a bridegroom prepares a place for His bride, Jesus has committed Himself to providing a place for us. And, what a place it is? Take some time and read Revelation chapters 21-22. One great and glorious day, we will join Him in that place He is making ready for us! There is more. Jesus is the Coming One. While Jesus was here, He told His disciples that He would be going away. He also promised them that He would come again in John 14:1-3. This promise was confirmed by the angels who attended the Lord’s ascension in Acts 1:11. One day soon our Saviour will appear in the clouds above the earth, and He will call His people up to meet Him in the clouds. On that day, our frail and sinful bodies will be changed into His image, and we will be with Him in all His glory, and we will be like Him. What a great future we have!

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord Jesus, what a joy it is to know You have prepared a place for us.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Completing One. Having prepared a place for us and will be returning to take us home, to be with You for ever. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Genesis 32:3-21

 

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