Monday, May 5, 2008—Prayer as Preparation

The Holy Spirit empowers us to tell others about Jesus and bring glory to God. We do this with our words and with our lives. Read Acts 1:4-14 and John 17:1-11. At first glance, each text might appear to have little to do with the other, but consider that in John 17, we have Jesus’ prayer on the night before his crucifixion, and in Acts 1, we find Jesus’ followers in prayer before the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost. Do you see prayer as an essential preparation for service and/or sacrifice? Does God value our prayers (see Revelation 5:8)? Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit in your life.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008—In the Beginning

Sunday we will celebrate the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost (Acts 2); this week our focus is Spirit-powered witness. However, discussion of the Spirit’s activity in us is best understood in the context of who the Spirit is. God is One, but God manifests/expresses God’s self as Father, Son, and Spirit. In Genesis 1:2, the Spirit acts in creation (some translations say “wind”/“breath”). In the Old Testament, we see the Spirit equipping people to serve God and inspiring the prophets to speak God’s message. What do you learn about the Spirit in Luke 1:34-35,41-42,67; 3:21-22; 4:1 and John 3:5; 7:37-39; 14:16-17,25-26; 15:26; 16:12-15? Ask the Spirit for understanding.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008—Something New

Read John 14:16-17, observing that Jesus makes a distinction between the presence of the Spirit with them and in them. Notice the use of the word “in” (or the concept of indwelling) as you read John 7:39; 14:20; 15:4-5; Romans 8:9-11; Ephesians 1:13-14; 5:18b; Philippians 2:13; and 1 John 4:13. What difference does it make that the Spirit actually lives in believers? In light of what we have learned, read Acts 1:4-14 and 2:1-4,36-38. In whose power do we love others and testify about Jesus? Thank God for the life-giving, indwelling presence and power of the Spirit.

Thursday, May 8, 2008—Waiting on God’s Timing

Read Galatians 4:4-5, noticing what it says about “time.” Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he was aware of waiting for God’s perfect timing. As you read John 2:4; 7:8,30; 13:1; 17:1, notice the words “time” or “hour.” Now read John 17:1-11 and Acts 1:4-14, observing the importance of timing. Do we sometimes run ahead of God and then pray, “God bless our plans”? Or do we hesitate and linger when God is calling us to act? Notice again the importance of prayer as you read Luke 3:21-22; John 17:1ff; Acts 1:14. Talk to Jesus; ask him to help you discern God’s timing.

Friday, May 9, 2008—“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit”

Read Zechariah 4:6. How often do we try to do God’s work in our own strength and then falter or burn out? Notice Jesus’ instructions and his followers’ response as you read Acts 1:4-8,12-14 and 2:1-4. Peter, who had denied Jesus and then fearfully hid behind locked doors (John 18:15-27; 20:19), now boldly testifies about Jesus. The Spirit empowered him to do so. ALL Christians have the Spirit living within them (see Day 3); ALL have spiritual gifts (Romans 12:4-8) to be used for the good of others and for God’s glory (1 Peter 4:10-11); ALL are called to be witnesses (John 17:20-23). Meditate on Zechariah 4:6; thank God for the GIFT of the Spirit.

Saturday, May 10, 2008—The Spirit Equips Us to Testify with Our Words and Lives

We’ve read about the precious and empowering gift of the indwelling Spirit, but we must remember that the Spirit is given for a purpose, and the purpose includes testifying to Jesus’ love and saving grace and blessing others in his name and for his glory. On Friday, we mentioned Spirit-given gifts, which are used to edify other believers and point people to Jesus. The Spirit also produces fruit in our lives as we abide in Jesus. Read John 15:4-5 and Galatians 5:22-23a. Notice that “fruit” is inclusive/singular; one Christian does not have joy and another patience; all manifestations of the fruit are to be apparent in all believers. Tell Jesus you want to abide in him and bear fruit.

Sunday, May 11, 2008 [Pentecost]—We Live and Testify for God’s Glory

At the bottom of each of his compositions, Bach wrote letters SDG (Soli Deo Gloria), a reminder that all he did was to the glory of God alone. As you read Psalm 115:1; Matthew 5:16; John 17:1-11; and 2 Corinthians 3:18, consider marking the words “glory” or “glorify.” Now read John 3:16; Acts 1:8; 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:4-6a; and 2 Peter 3:9,18. Observe God’s heart of love for people. Do you hear God calling you to testify with your words and with your life? Consider how the fruit of the Spirit can give our lives a winsomeness that might awaken in others the desire to listen to the testimony of our words. Re-read Matthew 5:16. Pray you will point others to Jesus and glorify God.

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