Print
| Use your browser's back button to return |
Print
|
| Burning Heart Ministries |
Devotional Readings and PrayersEaster Season, 2009Monday, April 13 THE FIRST WEEK OF EASTER Read Acts 2:14,22-32, giving thanks for this central reality to the Christian faith: Jesus came to earth as a man, was killed and buried, and raised again by the power of God, and that these events restored those who believe to relationship with Father God. Praise His Holy Name! Read Psalm 16:1-11, giving thanks for the love of God that did not allow death to hold His Son, Who became sin for us that we might become righteous through Him. Read Matthew 28:8-15, and pray that the truth of the resurrection of Jesus will be revealed to all people by the Holy Spirit. Tuesday, April 14 Read Acts 2:36-41, giving thanks for our salvation through Jesus Christ, and praying that a spirit of repentance will come upon our land, beginning with the people of God. Read Psalm 33:4-5,18-22, setting your heart and mind to fear the Lord, and to wait for Him for His help and protection. Remember that these promises come in the context of being a part of His family, the Church. Read John 20:11-18, allowing yourself to feel the hopelessness that Mary must have felt. See how the voice of the Lord, speaking her name, gave her faith and renewed hope. Remember the things God has spoken to you, and trust in Him that they will come to pass. Wednesday, April 15 Read Acts 3:1-10, giving thanks for the power of the Holy Spirit that was released upon the Church through the resurrection of Jesus, and the impartation of the Spirit of God. Ask the Father to show you the divine appointments He has ordained for you today. Read Psalm 105:1-9 aloud, praising God for His goodness and mercy. Read Luke 24:13-35, confessing the smallness of our ability to believe God, and asking the Holy Spirit to renew the fire in our hearts for His Word and His agenda. Thursday, April 16 Read Acts 3:11-26, seeing that the healing power of the Holy Spirit provided the opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus. As you serve others today in Jesus’ Name and power, ask for wisdom to recognize the openings to speak of His love and grace. Read Psalm 8:1-9 aloud, praising the Father for the Lordship of Christ over all things, and that He has placed authority in your hands to accomplish His purposes today. Read Luke 24:35-48, seeing that Jesus revealed His glorified humanity to the disciples in His miraculous appearance and by eating the food. Pray that His Spirit would open our hearts and minds to His truth today. Friday, April 17 Read Acts 4:1-12, understanding that resistance and counter-attack from the enemy comes to those who speak in Jesus’ Name. See that such resistance again provides the opportunity to speak His gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, and do not be afraid. Read Psalm 118:1-4,22-27, seeing the Old Testament basis for Peter’s message in Acts 4. Call upon the Lord to once again reveal His light to the world. Read John 21:1-14, seeing how Jesus graciously repeated His miracle with the fishes, that Peter might be restored, and that the promise of salvation for the nations might be underscored as the priority of God. Saturday, April 18 Read Acts 4:13-21, seeing that being with Jesus provides the power and the ability to speak about the truth of Jesus Christ. All we are asked to do is be with Him, and speak of what we see and hear. Read Psalm 118:14-21 aloud as a song of praise, giving thanks for the salvation of God that comes through Jesus. Read Mark 16:9-15, asking God for the grace to believe the reports of those who have seen the Lord at work in a different way than you have seen. Trust the Spirit of truth, and set your heart to speak the good news to those around you. Sunday, April 19 THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER Read Acts 4:32-35, giving thanks for the essential unity and power that came to the Church through the resurrection of Jesus and the impartation of the Holy Spirit. Pray with faith that this dynamic return to the Church, that His Name may be declared in our city. Read Psalm 118:2-4,13-24 aloud, and give thanks to the Lord for what He has done for you. Read 1 John 5:1-6, understanding that in this passage the Spirit has given us the essential realities of faith in Christ, love for the Father and for His Church, and power to overcome the world. Give thanks for that! Read John 20:19-31, see the authority the Lord has given His followers to speak forgiveness, and how willing He is to meet us in our unbelief. Also see that it is better to believe without requiring proof, for that is pleasing to God. Monday, April 20 THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER Read Acts 4:23-31, seeing how the purposes of God are accomplished even through the work of the enemy, and that the answer of the Lord to trouble is to release power to those who are faithful and obedient. Read Psalm 2:1-9 aloud, seeing the Lord’s sovereignty over those who oppose Him, and asking Him for the lives of the people around you as part of the inheritance of Jesus. Read John 3:1-8, seeing that it is God’s heart to bring people to Himself, and that the Holy Spirit is working this reality even in our time. Pray for the salvation of those around you who do not know Him. Tuesday, April 21 Read Acts 4:32-37, seeing that God’s plan is the establishment of a community of believers to serve as the receptacle for those coming to faith in Christ. Pray that the dynamics of Christian community would be established among His people today. Read Psalm 93:1-5 aloud, joining your voice to that of creation as the praises of God are proclaimed in the earth. Read John 3:7-15, seeing the centrality of being born of the Spirit, and asking the Lord to again release a wave of evangelism in our time. Wednesday, April 22 Read Acts 5:17-26, seeing how obedience in the face of fear releases both the reaction of the enemy AND the power of God for deliverance. Set your will to obey Him today, and entrust the circumstances to His care. Read Psalm 34:1-10 aloud, letting the words of your mouth affirm the praises of the Lord and your trust in Him. Read John 3:16-21, seeing that God sent Jesus out of love, not condemnation, and that the only way to rescue people from condemnation in through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Give thanks for that! Thursday, April 23 Read Acts 5:27-33, seeing again the reaction of the enemy against the truth, and the simple faith and obedience shown by the disciples. Set your heart to obey the Lord today in the declaration of His truth, trusting Him with the results. Read Psalm 34:15-22, accepting His promises of care and protection for those who obey and serve Him in love. Read John 3:31-36, seeing that relationship with Jesus opens us to the realities of God’s Kingdom and truth, and that only in Him is the life we seek. Friday, April 24 Read Acts 5:34-42, giving thanks that the Lord raises up voices of wisdom even in the unbelieving community, that the gospel might be declared freely. Read Psalm 27:1-4,13-14, asking God to reduce your desires to this simple reality - the knowledge of the Lord gained in His Presence. This is where our faith is affirmed and strengthened. Read John 6:1-15, seeing that the heart of God is to make provision for those who follow after Him, and that He will work miraculously on their behalf to see that this is done. Saturday, April 25 Read Acts 6:1-7, seeing how the Holy Spirit gave wisdom to manage the needs of the rapidly growing church. Pray for this release of evangelism, and the wisdom that is required to manage the results. Read Psalm 33:1-5,18-19, praising God and giving thanks that His care is extended toward those who are about His business. Read John 6:16-21, giving thanks for the power of God over creation, and that His Presence brings peace and deliverance from fear. Sunday, April 26 THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER Read Acts 3:13-19, affirming again the central message of salvation, that the Author of Life was put to death, and raised up by the power of God. Pray that those around you who do not know Him would turn to Him and give Him their lives. Read Psalm 4:1-8, speaking aloud this statement of faith, and allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen your heart as you speak. Read 1 John 2:1-5, giving thanks for His merciful restoration when we sin, and for His power to be obedient to His will. Read Luke 24:35-48, seeing that our message to the world has been established, that Jesus died and was raised from the dead for our salvation, and that repentance, or turning from sin to the Lord, is to be declared to all those around us. Set your will to obey the Lord in this today. Monday, April 27 THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTER Read Acts 6:8-15, seeing again the interplay of faithful obedience in the midst of resistance and persecution. See that the Presence of God was Stephen’s strength, and that we can trust the Lord to be with us as we are faithful and obedient. Read Psalm 119:23-32 aloud, declaring your faith in the Lord’s provision for those who are faithful and obedient to His will. Read John 6:22-29, seeing that any material provision the Lord gives is merely a signpost to His real provision, that of eternal life through relationship with Him. Tuesday, April 28 Read Acts 7:51-8:1, understanding that sometimes obedience results in the ultimate sacrifice of martyrdom. See that the Presence of Christ was with Stephen especially in this time, and that his spirit was received by the Lord. Read Psalm 31:3-8,17-21, and affirm your confidence in the Lord even through times of resistance and difficulty. He is with you, and His face is toward you. Read John 6:30-35, seeing that Jesus once again affirms that He Himself is the reality behind all provision, and that His Presence is the real miracle that we desire. Give thanks that He is with you today. Wednesday, April 29 Read Acts 8:1-8, again seeing the connection between persecution and power in the Church. Notice that the joyfulness accompanying the Presence of God outweighed the fear of persecution. Pray for this kind of visitation in our day. Read Psalm 66:1-7, joining in the praises of the God of all creation. Read John 6:35-40, seeing that for Jesus, obeying the Father meant bringing people to Him, that they might have eternal life. Pray for that kind of passion in the church in our day. Thursday, April 30 Read Acts 8:26-40, seeing how the Holy Spirit empowers those who set their hearts to obey and share the gospel. Pray that this obedience will emerge in your life today. Read Psalm 66:8-9,16-20, giving thanks that God hears and answers our prayers as we deal with sin in our lives. Be honest before the Lord, that His empowering may come to you again. Read John 6:44-51, giving thanks for the life that is in Jesus, the Bread of Life. Friday, May 1 Read Acts 9:1-20, seeing that Jesus has sufficient power to reveal Himself to those whose service He desires. Pray that this revelation of Christ would come again in our time. Read Psalm 117:1-2, praising God for His goodness and faithfulness. Read John 6:52-59, seeing that relationship with Christ, especially through the Lord’s Supper, is essential in the ongoing reality and experience of God’s life. Saturday, May 2 Read Acts 9:31-42, noticing the correlation between the working of miracles and the occurrence of evangelism. Notice also how Peter followed Jesus’ pattern of raising a dead person (see Mark 5:35-43). Pray for these kind of opportunities to come in your life. Read Psalm 116:12-19, giving thanks that in the context of God’s love, even death is a precious thing. Give thanks to Him for your life, and call upon His Name today. Read John 6:60-69, considering that Jesus spoke of things that were hard to comprehend, and that seemed opposite of what should be. Ask the Lord for understanding for difficult circumstances that seem contrary to His will for you. Sunday, May 3 THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Read Acts 4:8-12, giving thanks for the healing and restoring power of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Ask the Lord to release this kind of power to His people again. Read Psalm 118:1-9,21-29, giving thanks that Jesus is the Cornerstone of our faith, and that His love and kindness is everlasting. Read 1 John 3:1-2, considering the love that God has for you, that He would call you His own child. Give thanks for that! Read John 10:11-18, praising the Name of Jesus that His love extends to all mankind, and that because of Jesus’ obedience, God is pleased to do everything in His power to bring people to Himself. Monday, May 4 THE FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER Read Acts 11:1-18, giving thanks that God always had in His plan the inclusion of the Gentiles in the salvation that Christ brought. Because of the heart of the Father revealed in this passage, you were included in the Kingdom of God! Read Psalm 42:1-2, and Psalm 43:3-4, giving expression to your heart’s desire to be in the Presence of the Lord and to worship Him. Give thanks that Jesus made this possible through His blood given for us on the cross. Read John 10:1-18, giving thanks for the beauty and tenderness of our Shepherd, Jesus, and for the unity that is brought to His followers through His sacrificial servanthood. Tuesday, May 5 Read Acts 11:19-26, and consider the excitement that must have been on the early church as God began to save the Gentiles in other places. Pray for the joy of evangelism to come upon the Body of Christ in our time. Read Psalm 87:1-7, giving thanks that through the Holy Spirit sent forth, God makes His home in the heart of every believer, no matter where they are or where they come from. Read John 10:22-30, resting in the joyful knowledge that nothing can separate those who follow Jesus from the hand of the Father, Who loves them. Wednesday, May 6 Read Acts 12:24-13:5, considering the importance of fasting and prayer when directional prophecy comes to the Body. Think of things God has spoken concerning you, and then take those things before Him in prayer that they might be done. Read Psalm 67:1-7, giving praise to God for His wonderful love and care. Pray that the nations would come to praise our God. Read John 12:44-50, considering that to accept the Word of God is life, and to reject Him and His Word is death. Set your heart to obey the things God has spoken to you that have been confirmed in the Body. Thursday, May 7 Read Acts 13:13-25, giving thanks for this time in history when the Gospel began to go forth with power. Pray for those around you who need to hear that Jesus died for them, that they may become the Father’s children. Read Psalm 89:1-2,20-26, considering how completely God fulfilled the prophecy given to the writer. Give thanks that Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise in the Scriptures. Read John 13:16-20, and allow the Lord to place you in that role of the ambassador, speaking in His Name. Remember that those who accept you are accepting Him, and those who reject you are rejecting Him. Friday, May 8 Read Acts 13:26-33, again giving thanks for the gospel of Jesus Christ that is for our salvation. Pray for those in your life who need to receive the message of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Read Psalm 2:6-11, considering that the salvation of the lost is Jesus’ due reward for His suffering. His inheritance consists of the people for whom He died. Pray for this, and ask the Lord for His passion to be your passion. Read John 14:1-6, giving thanks that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that following Him leads us to our Father’s house. Saturday, May 9 Read Acts 13:44-52, considering the wisdom of the ways of God, that He even used rejection by His own people to open the doors of salvation to you and me as Gentiles. What is it to rejoice in the Lord over receiving persecution? Read Psalm 98:1-4, giving praise and thanks to the Father for His wonderful plan of salvation that He has made known in the earth. Read John 14:7-14, considering that the Father looks just like Jesus, and that to believe in Him is to do what He did, even in the realms of the miraculous. Sunday, May 10 THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Read Acts 9:26-31, and reflect on the difficulties the early church must have had in accepting and digesting all that God was doing. Pray for grace to receive and embrace all that He has for us. Read Psalm 22:25-31, seeing that joy awaits those who seek the Lord freely, out of a pure fear of the Lord. See also that the time is near in which all will bow before Him in reverential awe. Come, Lord Jesus! Read 1 John 3:18-24, seeing that the knowledge of His love cleanses our consciences, releasing faith to receive anything from the Lord. Read John 15:1-8, understanding that the key to holiness and fruitfulness is intimate relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ. Pursue Him today, and all the rest will take care of itself. Monday, May 11 THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER Read Acts 14:5-18, considering the dual dynamics of persecution and power. Are we willing to make the choices of obedience in the face of persecution that will release the power of God in our daily lives? Pray for courage to do so. Read Psalm 115:1-4,15-16, giving glory to God for Who He is, for what He does, and for what He will do. Read John 14:21-26, understanding that loving Jesus equals obedience to Him. Without obedience to His will, love is shallow and empty. Pray for the will to obey what you know He desires you to do. Tuesday, May 12 Read Acts 14:19-28, considering that the gospel goes forward in the midst of suffering. It has always been so. Pray for a heart to love the lost, that we might find courage to obey in the difficulty. Read Psalm 145:10-21, realizing that speaking of God’s Kingdom is the natural outflow of relationship with Him. To whom can you speak today of the wonderful Lord Whom you serve? Read John 14:27-31, understanding that His peace is given to those who obey, doing as the Father commanded. Set your will to obey Him, and the peace of God will follow. Wednesday, May 13 Read Acts 15:1-6, reflecting upon the wide range of experiences of that time. There was joy, confusion, dissension, and God was in the middle of it all, bringing the lost to Himself. Pray that He would do the same in our day. Read Psalm 122:1-5, giving thanks for the House of the Lord, which is His people coming together to worship and praise His Name. Read John 15:1-8, and allow yourself to sense His Presence and peace. Trust Him to cleanse you and do His work in you as you merely stay close to Him. Thursday, May 14 Read Acts 15:7-21, noticing that Paul’s heart was to not place any cultural restrictions on the Gentile believers except those that had trans-cultural application. Pray for wisdom that as new believers come into the Body, they might be instructed rightly. Read Psalm 96:1-10, giving Him thanks that His wonderful and gracious gospel is being told to all the nations. Pray for the salvation of the lost that you know today. Read John 15:9-11, again seeing that loving Jesus means to be obedient to His commands, including the command to speak of the Kingdom of God. Pray for opportunities to serve your unbelieving friends today in the Name of Jesus. Friday, May 15 Read Acts 15:22-31, rejoicing in the unity that came to the Body by the Holy Spirit over a difficult issue, and the joy that it brought the new converts as they heard the decisions of the brothers. Read Psalm 57:7-11, and praise the Lord for His wonderful mercy to all nations. Read John 15:12-17, seeing the connection between loving Jesus, obeying Him, sacrificially serving the Body, and bearing fruit that will last. All these things make up the character of one who becomes Jesus’ friend. Saturday, May 16 Read Acts 16:1-10, considering the great sensitivity Paul showed to carry out some traditional things that were important for relationship, and to respond to the Holy Spirit’s direction concerning Macedonia. Pray for that kind of responsiveness to the Spirit today. Read Psalm 100:1-5, and worship the Lord as our Tender Shepherd. Read John 15:18-21, considering that there is a price to following Jesus. Don’t be surprised when the world system rejects you in His Name. Sunday, May 17 THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Read Acts 10:25-26,34-35,44-48, seeing that the Lord orchestrated the blessing on Cornelius’ household in His own sovereign way. Make room for the Holy Spirit to move as He desires in your life today. Read Psalm 98:1-4 aloud, singing praise songs that come to your mind, giving thanks for the kind and faithful God we have as our Father. Read 1 John 4:7-10, seeing that everything that comes to us is by His loving initiative, that we might be drawn closer to our Father’s heart. This reality is to express itself in relationship to one another, loving each other by His grace and mercy. Read John 15:9-17, understanding that the reality of love is closely related to obedience in our lives. As we set our hearts to obey Jesus, the love of the Father is perfected in us, and we bear fruit that is pleasing to Him. Monday, May 18 THE SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER Read Acts 16:11-15, seeing how the Holy Spirit led Paul’s group to the exact people who were appointed for salvation. Trust God that He is able to coordinate your contacts with people, and share the Gospel boldly in that assumption. Read Psalm 149:1-9, giving thanks to God that He lifts up the lowly in His Presence. Psalm 149:6 speaks of the praise of God in our mouths, and the two-edged sword in our hands. Those two things go together, it seems, and come as we rest in Your Presence (v.5). Thank You, Jesus, for the glory You share with Your church. Read John 15:26-16:4, realizing that one of the essential fruits of the Holy Spirit’s Presence is the power to bear witness to Jesus and His Gospel. Pray for opportunities to be used by the Lord this day. Tuesday, May 19 Read Acts 16:22-34, again seeing the connection between obedience, suffering for Jesus’ sake, and miraculous activity in your life. Give the Lord permission today to do with you what He wants, that you might see His power at work in your life. Read Psalm 138:1-8, considering that He is worthy of praise and celebration regardless of your circumstances. Paul and Silas obeyed this Psalm in the worst of situations, and God responded with deliverance. Read John 16:5-11, and give thanks to the Father for the Holy Spirit and for the work He does in your life and in the world. Wednesday, May 20 Read Acts 17:15-18:1, seeing that even Paul found those who were not responsive to his words. However, a few joined him, and the Gospel spread. Remember that you are not responsible for results, only for obedient witness. Read Psalm 148:1-2, 11-14, and let your heart and spirit join the angels in praise to His Holy Name. Read John 16:12-15, giving thanks for the Holy Spirit, Who leads us into all truth, and teaches us about Jesus, Who is the Truth. Thursday, May 21 ASCENSION DAY Read Acts 1:1-11, giving thanks that Jesus promised to return even as He was taken up, and that the Holy Spirit is with us until that time. Pray for His soon return. Read Psalm 47:1-9, seeing that the ascension of Jesus was the majestic reality of His taking His place of authority after being fully obedient to the Father on earth. Look forward to the time when, having obeyed the Father on earth, we too will be taken into glory. Read Ephesians 1:17-23, considering that the power God has given to the church is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in the heavenlies. Pray that the church will walk in the obedience that releases this power. Read Luke 24:46-53, considering what it is to wait upon God until we are “clothed with power from on high”. Praise Him, and call upon Him for this outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us as His people in our time. Friday, May 22 Read Acts 18:9-18, considering the grace of God to promise Paul that he would not undergo further beatings. Evidently Paul had become fearful, and God’s grace was sufficient to give him strength to go on. Read Psalm 47:1-6, and praise the Lord for His awesomeness and sovereignty. Read John 16:20-23, remembering that though we have joy in the Lord, our more common experience is the labor pains that prepare us and the world for the coming of Jesus. Take heart that the day of deliverance is coming. Saturday, May 23 Read Acts 18:23-28, seeing how the Lord orchestrates the meeting of those who are at work in His Kingdom. Give thanks for the relationships into which He has led you, and for the partnerships you have in the work He has given you to do. Read Psalm 47:1-2, 7-9, and worship the Lord Who is ruler over all the earth. Read John 16:23-28, and embrace the freedom you have been given to ask anything in the Name of Jesus. Look forward to the day when He Himself will teach us about the Father face to face. Sunday, May 24 THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Read Acts 1:15-26, seeing that the Lord is able to guide the decisions of those who fear Him, and seek His face. Read Psalm 103:1-2,11-12,19-20, giving thanks for His merciful forgiveness of sin, and for His Kingdom that rules over all creation. May Your Kingdom come, Lord Jesus! Read 1 John 4:11-16, seeing that love for God and for one another, the Presence of the Holy Spirit, and the acknowledgment that Jesus is the Son of God, all serve to assure us that we are of the truth, and that God is among us. Read John 17:11-19, giving thanks for the prayer of Jesus for us as His followers, that we would be filled with His joy and consecrated by His truth. Monday, May 25 THE SEVENTH WEEK OF EASTER Read Acts 19:1-8, giving thanks for the Holy Spirit, and asking the Father to release His power upon us again, that we may be filled with the Presence of the Lord. Read Psalm 68:1-6, seeing that the fruits of God arising in the earth are that widows and orphans are cared for, the lonely are set in families, and prisoners are set free from bondage. Pray that this happen more and more in our day. Read John 16:29-33, rejoicing in the overcoming power of Jesus over the situations of the world. Take heart in any troubling situation you face, knowing that Jesus defeated death, and that His power is present for you. Tuesday, May 26 Read Acts 20:17-27, considering the blessing of Paul’s example of humble faithfulness in obedience to God. May we have the joy of saying with conviction that we were faithful to God’s calling in our lives when we face the end. Read Psalm 68:9-10,19-20, giving praise and thanks to God for His faithful love and provision for those who look to Him. Read John 17:1-11, seeing that eternal life is to know the Father intimately, and that our task here is to obey Him from that perspective of intimate relationship. Wednesday, May 27 Read Acts 20:28-38, considering the character qualities with which Paul exercised his apostleship. Pray for pastors and leaders in this time, that the character of Biblical leaders might be formed in them. Read Psalm 68:28-35, praising God for His power and Presence in the earth and the skies. Pray that His power will indeed be shown forth on the earth through His people. Read John 17:11-19, giving thanks that Jesus has prayed and continues to pray for your protection by the power of His own Name. God will answer His prayers, and you will be safe in His care, regardless of what circumstances you may endure. Thursday, May 28 Read Acts 22:30; 23:6-11, seeing how Paul spoke in the face of fear, and how the protection of God was with him so that his assignment might be completed. Read Psalm 16:1-11, choosing to set the Presence of the Lord before you at all times. It is in His Presence that life is, and He alone is your hope for safety as you obey His will. Read John 17:20-26, joining in the prayer of Jesus for the true unity of the Body of Christ, and rejoicing that His prayer will indeed be answered by the Father. Ask the Lord to release His glory upon the church, that the world may know that Jesus is Lord. Friday, May 29 Read Acts 25:13-21, considering the surprising circumstances under which Paul was able to preach to the Kings of the earth. Understand that being in trouble for Jesus’ sake is not a bad thing, for it can be God’s plan for someone to hear the Gospel who otherwise might not. Read Psalm 103:1-2,11-12,19-20, and bless the Lord for His wonderful deeds in the heavens and on the earth. Read John 21:15-19, seeing how Jesus restored Peter to ministry, and then graciously prepared him for the suffering he would have to endure. Give thanks that Jesus has already walked the path of suffering, that he might be with us in our time of need. Saturday, May 30 (Notice the special readings for this evening in anticipation of Pentecost Sunday) Read Acts 28:16-20,30-31, giving thanks that by all means possible, God extends the Gospel to all who will hear. Consider how Paul’s suffering in Jesus’ Name resulted in an entire empire being converted to Christianity. Read Psalm 11:1-7, giving thanks that God is seated in heaven, observing men and assuring that His purposes will be done. Read John 21:20-25, giving thanks for the testimonies of the Gospel writers, given that we might have faith in Jesus our Lord. Saturday Evening PREPARING FOR PENTECOST Read Exodus 19:3-8, 16-20, giving thanks for the coming of the Word of God in power upon the nation of Israel. Pray that on this Pentecost, God’s Spirit would come upon us in power, that His Word might be declared in all the world. Read Ezekiel 37:1-14, rejoicing over the power of the Holy Spirit to bring life to that which is dead. Pray that the breath of God would blow upon us afresh in this time, that the church might be brought together in power and in unity. Read Joel 3:1-5, asking God to fulfill this promise in our day, that all flesh would be filled with His glory, and that all who call upon His Name would be saved by His power. Read Psalm 104:1-2,24-30, giving thanks that God understands the timing for the release of all blessings, and that He will give that release in its proper season. Pray that the church may be prepared, that we not delay the Lord’s timing through apathy or laziness. Read Romans 8:22-27, allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede through you for the will of God to be accomplished in this time. Read John 7:37-39, praying for the release of the Living Water in the Body of Christ. Sunday, May 31 PENTECOST SUNDAY Read Acts 2:1-11, rejoicing that God has restored unity to His people by the Presence of the Holy Spirit. Receive personally the power of the Spirit of God in your life today. Read Psalm 104:1,24-34, making this Psalm your prayer for this day. Call upon the Father to send His Spirit to renew the earth and save His people. Read 1 Corinthians 12:3-13, giving thanks for the ministries of the Holy Spirit in the Body, and asking the Lord to release them again according to His purposes. Read John 20:19-23, giving thanks for the Holy Spirit, Who enables us to go even as Jesus did, in the Presence and power of the Father. |
Gary Wiens, 4/14/2009 |