Day 1 (Acts 1-2)

SCRIPTURE:

Acts 1:4-5,8

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. 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.”

Acts 2:1-4

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

OBSERVATION:

The Book of Acts not only reveals to us the mission of the Church (The Great Commission), but it also reveals the power that we need in order to accomplish this Great Commission (The Holy Spirit)! Truthfully, the Church (which is more than a building, it’s a people) cannot do all that we are called to do until we are first filled with / empowered by The Holy Spirit! Luke (the author of this book) emphasizes this in his writing… Wait – Receive – Witness!

APPLICATION:

Acts 2:1 reads, “When the day of Pentecost came...” Did you know that you can have your own personal day of Pentecost? It’s true! The person and power of The Holy Spirit was not just for the disciples of that day – The Holy Spirit is for the disciples in every day! And if you want this gift - you must seek the one who gives it (God). Why is being empowered by The Holy Spirit so important? Because when He lives inside of you - His supernatural power will flow out of you! You can now live on His strength and not your own – you can rely on his wisdom and not your own – you can live a Godly life instead of trying to live a “good” life. So, when it comes to your own day of Pentecost experience - you must expect it, allow it, wait for it, surrender to it, pray for it, and ultimately receive it! (“It” is not meant to be used as a derogatory label towards The Holy Spirit).

PRAYER:

God, I believe that the gift of your Holy Spirit is available for me! I am asking to be filled with and baptized in The Holy Spirit! Just like you did for the disciples on the day of Pentecost – I am asking for my own day of Pentecost experience. I am exhausted trying to live on my own power… I need your power living in me and working through me! Of all the payers I will pray in this new year – this specific prayer is at the top of my list! I am expecting it, allowing it, waiting for it, surrendering to it, praying for it and ready to receive! In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen!