The Daily Dose

Cleanse your Temple

When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. John 2:14

In today’s reading, Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem at Passover.  When He got to the temple, He found that the priest had brought in outside venders to sell animals for sacrifices for their own prophet.  They had completely commercialized the process that God had put in place for the cleansing of sin.  Needless to say, Jesus set things straight and although He upset some seemingly important people, He determined to keep the temple from being tainted by those who were taking advantage of the people.

As I read this passage, I see a parallel to keeping our own temple clean still today.  As reborn children of God, our bodies have now become the temple of God.  He lives in us and through us.  When we receive Him, we invite Him in to be the Lord of our life and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  The problem with that is if we do not keep our guard up and continually offer ourselves up as a living sacrifice, the enemy and outside influences can creep in to defile our temple.  Distractions, other people and addictive habits can take the throne of our heart that was designed for our King to sit in.  It is vital for us to keep inventory of our thoughts, actions and words to ensure that we are keeping our temple clean.  When an extorter does get in, we need to become determined even to the point of violently chasing the evil out or our heart and our lives to offer it back up again to our Lord.

I understand this all too well from my own life experience.  Having received salvation at a young age and being closely watch over through my childhood, I didn’t fully grasp this concept of being responsible for keeping my temple clean.  I had a naïve view that because I was saved, I would not be in a position to be threatened by the enemy of my soul.  That could not have been further from the truth.  The fact is that because I did not keep my guard up, gradually habits and people creeped into my life that took over the place where my Savior should have occupied.  I let outside forces and people pull me in a direction far from home and then filled my temple with filth and bad habits.  Until one day, I came to myself and recognize my need to drive these things out of my life and purge out the things that were trying to destroy me.  Thank God for His goodness and grace that relentlessly chased me down and pulled me out of a deep pit, over and over again.  Now I am on guard and keep my temple clean from the outside media, distraction and temptation that would try to put the blinders back on me again.

Today I want to encourage you to keep your temple clean and free from the outside corruption that is trying to get in. Do an assessment of what is coming out of your mouth and life and if you see or hear anything that is contrary to God’s best, take time to investigate what the source is.  What are you allowing in that is coming out in your words or actions that needs to be adjusted.  Eliminate those threats and replace them with Worship, the Word and Prayer.  Fill your temple with the fullness of God’s love and goodness and when it is full of these things, there will be no room for the enemy to occupy.

Today’s scripture reading: John 2:13-25

13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 

14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. 

15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. 

16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” 

17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?”

19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”

21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 

22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 

24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 

25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

He changes things

When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. John 2:9

I’ve seen Him change things.  Things in this natural world supernaturally changed by the hand of God.  I’ve seen Him change hearts, I’ve seen Him change lives and I’ve even seen diagnosis’ change.  In today’s reading, He changed water to wine.  This was a great miracle but doesn’t seem as important today as it was that day.  However, that great miracle was recorded so that we could hope and know today that He still does miracles and He still changes things.

In verse five of today’s reading, Jesus’ mother tells the servants to do whatever He told them to do.  These words continue to be true even today.  Whatever He says to do, when we follow those words, we will see our miracle and we will see our victory.  Whatever He says in His word about our situations and whatever His Spirit speaks to our heart over our circumstances.  When we take steps of faith in those directions, He is leading us to the answer we have been praying for and waiting for.

The miracle of the water turning to wine did not happen until the servants followed the direction of filling the water pots with water.  If they had not taken that step, there would have been no substance to their faith and no action to mix with their faith.  Even though they didn’t understand what was about to happen, the acted on His word and continued until the master of the feast confirmed that the water was now indeed wine.

I love this account because if occurred at a celebration and even though it was a critical moment for the family of the couple, if was certainly not a life or death situation.  Jesus answered the request for the wine simply because He was asked.

Today I want to encourage you in whatever you are facing and whatever you are up against.  He can change the circumstances, hurts or doctor’s report.  First you must go to Him and believe that He can make a difference.  Then you have to ask.  After you have talked to Him about the situation, take some time to listen inside your heart for a scripture or thought that the Holy Spirit is pointing you to.  Take some time to pray over that word or direction and begin to take small steps that way.  Ask the Lord to make His direction plain and clear to you and even though it may not make sense at the time, believe that He knows what He is doing and whatever He says to do, do it!

Today’s scripture reading: John 2:1-12

1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 

2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 

3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”

4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 

7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 

8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 

9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 

10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days.

Come and see

“And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”  John 1:46

Many of Jesus’ disciples were called personally by Jesus Himself, but some were brought to Him by the invitation of the other disciples.  Nathanael was invited to “come and see” by Philip and he came to know that Jesus was indeed the Son of God and followed him.

Philip looked for Nathanael one day to tell him that they had found the One they were waiting for.  To say Nathanael was skeptical would be an understatement.  You can hear in his response to Philip’s invitation the doubt and unbelief that was in his heart.  Philip was very wise in his answer to Nathanael’s lack of enthusiasm.  He didn’t try to convince him or argue with Nathanael based on what Philip had experienced himself, he simply said, “come and see for yourself.”  It wasn’t long at all before Nathanael was 100% convinced of Philips’ claims when he met Jesus personally.

This same approach can be used today when sharing your faith with others.  It can be intimidating to come right out and say, “Jesus is my Savior” or “I’m a Christian”.  Saying things like that can sometimes cause a person you are trying to lead to Jesus to shut down immediately.  Then they will not hear anything else you have to say after that.  However, if you have an approach like, “I know someone who has the answer to all your trouble” or “there is someone who can turn your struggles around.”  Then you may have the opportunity to get another sentence in about the things your Heavenly Father has done in your life.  When you get a resisting response, don’t take that as a rejection or not interested answer, simply invite them to “come and see for yourself.”  Give them the option to make that choice by giving them an invitation to come with you to church or a small group meeting or an event, then they can decide if He’s real or not firsthand.  Just like He did for Nathanael, He will show Himself to your invited friend in a way that will touch their heart and turn their life toward God.

Today there are opportunities all around us to invite people to a service, group or special event that your local church may be having.  Let those around you know there is hope and there is help for whatever they are facing today.  If the response is unbelieving, invite them to “come and see!”  Then leave it up to God to show up and introduce Himself to that person that has questions.  He will remove their doubts far from them.

Today’s scripture reading:  John 1:43-51

43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” 

44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”

48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 

51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Your part

The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.  John 1:37

I was feeling very inadequate the other day.  I had compared myself to a well-known author and thought, “What do I have to offer?”  I wanted to wallow in my self-pity for a while, but first, I asked God about it.  I know He said in His Word that it is not wise to compare ourselves with others (2 Cor. 10:12) but it seems like that is just a natural thing that we all do.  As I talked with Him about it, He showed me how all of us are unique and have been strategically placed to reach those around us.  He also said that the person I was measuring myself with would never reach the people that I reach out to.  No matter how big or great a ministry is, it still cannot reach everyone.

As I thought about it, I remembered Jesus’ ministry and how He called a couple of fishermen, but then they went and got others to follow Jesus with them.  In John 1:37, some of John’s disciples followed Jesus, but then Andrew went and got his brother Simon. Simon would not have known about Jesus if his brother would not have come and told him.   The point is that Jesus’ ministry may have never reached Simon if someone else wouldn’t have invited him to come along to meet Jesus.   

Don’t be intimidated by others that seemingly have a big ministry or high platform and don’t think they can do it all.  The fact is that we all have a ministry whether great or small, it doesn’t matter.  We need to reach the ones within our sphere of influence even if it is just by being a friend to them by inviting them to a service or group meeting.  

Today I want to encourage you to do your part of ministry.  We are all in this together and we all have a place to fill.  Reach out to others with the love of God and develop relationships with people who are lost and need a Savior.  Your love and friendship will prepare their hearts so when the timing is right, you will have an opportunity to invite them or introduce them to your Savior Jesus.  Recognize your part in bringing others to Jesus, just like the first disciples did and step into your purpose today.  Let those around you know you have found the Savior and invite them to come and see who He really is.

Today’s scripture reading:  John 1:35-42

35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 

36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 

38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”

39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 

41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 

42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).

Get Rid of Guilt

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

Jesus came to take away sin.   That means that God, through the blood of Jesus, has completely done away with the power of sin and that you, as a born again believer, can live as if it never existed. Glory to God!  You can step out from under its shadow once and for all.  

Does that sound too good to be true?  Well, the first thing to understand is that stepping out from under sin’s shadow doesn’t guarantee you will never sin again.  You still might stumble sometimes and fall into sin, but you have a promise from God that is backed up by the precious blood of the Lamb of God that says when you confess that sin, He’s faithful and just to forgive you of it and cleanses you from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

You don’t have to live under the guilt and condemnation of that sin for even five seconds.  You can quickly repent and receive God’s forgiveness.  No matter how bad you feel about it, repent by faith and receive God’s cleansing.  He will make you clean from all unrighteousness.

Here is some more good news!  As soon as you confess and turn away from that sin, God removes it far from you . . . As if it never happened.  Psalms 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”  God chooses to forget about your sins and never brings it up again.  Hebrews 8:12 says, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”  

Today I want to encourage you to get rid of all the feelings of guilt in your life. Repent and step out by faith from under the shadow of sin into the mighty light of God’s forgiveness!  Let the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus free you from the chains that hold you back from the right relationship with God that Jesus died to give you.

Today’s scripture reading: John 1:29-34

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 

30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ 

31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.”

32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 

33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 

34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

Word in the flesh

“And the Word (of God) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 

Today I want to turn the focus on to Jesus being the “Word” of God.  This passage in John 1 is truly amazing.  It starts out in verse 1 saying in the very beginning of everything, there was the Word, and that Word was with God and that Word was God! (Word = God) I am thinking about “Word” and my conclusion so far is that there is no “word” without speaking.  Even if it is just one word, it cannot be a word until it is spoken or else it is just a thought.  So, as you read the scripture reading today, consider the word “speaking” every time you read “Word” or “Him”, since He is the Word.  This is opening up my understanding on speaking God’s Word.  It seems when we speak God’s Word, we are speaking God, or at a minimum speaking “God” language.  (Heavenese)

The passage also says that “All things were made by Him (the Word/speaking), and without Him (the Word/speaking) nothing was made or created.”  If you go back in Genesis 1 and read the creation account, you see that everything that God created, He spoke it into existence.  The scripture says, “And God said . . .” and then it was there.  “Then God said, “Let there be light; and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)  It doesn’t say “and God thought let there be light.”  I’m sure He thought it, but nothing happened until He spoke.

So, consider that Jesus was God’s Word wrapped up in flesh and blood like us.  God’s very Word!  God’s breath became a man, just like one of us, in body form, to live among us, to show us how to live and live victoriously in this world.  Jesus said He only said what came from His Father, because He was His Father’s Word in the flesh.

I can’t seem to express this strongly enough or come up with the words big enough to stress the importance of speaking God’s Word.  Also, the privilege and power that God’s Words carry.  Yet, God gave us permission and wants us to speak them!  He created us to speak!  We are the only ones of His creations on earth that He gave this power and authority to.  Yet, how often do we abuse this great gift of speech?  Instead of speaking the words that God gave us, we speak the doubt and unbelief in agreement with God’s enemy.

I want to leave you with one final thought today:  “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God/speaking the Word of God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 God’s Word is a creative force and when we speak them, we put ourselves in agreement with His power and His will.

Today, I want to encourage you to consider your words and how they affect your everyday life.  Are you speaking life (God’s Words) into every circumstance, situation, and problem?  If not, you can start today.  Listen to yourself talking.  If you hear any words that seem contrary to what Jesus would say, repent quickly and ask God for the right words to apply in that situation. One hint is, God’s Words are encouraging, uplifting, and bring freedom/peace to any given circumstance.  If you are not seeing those results, ask the Holy Spirit for the God Words to say, then speak the power of God’s Words to your “mountain” of circumstances. Line your life up with God and His plan today by speaking them out with His Words.

Today’s scripture reading:  John 1:14-28

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ”

16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 

17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 

18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”

20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”

21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”

23 He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 

25 And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

26 John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 

27 It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.”

28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

There was a man sent

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.”   John 1:6

This passage is written about John the Baptist.  He was sent ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for Him.  As I read it, I consider that this is exactly what we all are sent to do.  It is our job description.  We are to prepare the way for the Lord to enter into the hearts and lives of those who are lost.  We do this in a variety of ways.  Sometimes it’s by inviting someone to church, or helping someone through a difficult time.  It could be simply sharing the love of God with someone or showing someone the way to salvation.  It doesn’t have to be complicated or dramatic.  John simply said, “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the LORD.” (John 1:23)

This passage in John says that he came as a witness of the Light that all through the Light would believe.  John wasn’t the Light, but his job was to lead people to the Light. That’s our job, too.  Jesus said, “we are the light of the world,” (Matthew 5:14) but our job as lights is to lead people to the true Light by shining in this dark world.  Our lives and example of love is our greatest display of His light.  As we live and walk in His light, others are drawn to that light because now they can find their way in the dark.

Today I want to encourage you to display the true Light in your life.  Be the witness and example that God has called you to be.  Don’t make it complicated or overbearing, develop relationships and trust with others so they want to get closer to the Light.  Be that witness that John was.  You can be the name in today’s verse. There was a person sent from God, whose name was (your name here.)  This is your job description and you are His witness so go ahead and prepare the way of the Lord to enter into the hearts of the lost ones around you.

Today’s scripture reading: John 1:6-13

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 

7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 

8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 

9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 

11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 

13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

The Word gives life

_{The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. John 1:4}

The Gospel of John.  Many people start reading the Bible here, in the book of John as new believers.  It is a good place to start, but it is also a deep place to start.  The very first words are: In the beginning was the WORD.  Of course, most of us know that the WORD is Jesus.  Because the very next verse says He was in the beginning with God.  He is Jesus, the Word, the Life and the truth.  However, we are getting ahead of ourselves.  Let’s go back to verse one.  John said that in the beginning of everything was the Word.  We know this is a person, or being because it is capitalized as a name. Plus, just a few verses down, John is going to tell us that the WORD became a body.  Then John says that the Word was not only with God, but the Word was God and that all things that exist were made by the WORD.  John goes on to tell us that in the WORD was life and that life was the light of men.  God’s Word is life and when we speak His Words, we are shining His light.

If that were not enough to make us stop and praise God, let’s take this a step further and consider the WORD.  In the beginning was the Word of God.  The Word of God is what created and made all things, including people.  When the Word made mankind, they were the only one of God’s created things that He gave the Word to. Therefore, we have the same creative power in us that was in the beginning to create all things.  Oh, I’m not saying we have it to that extent, of course. But, today more than ever, we have the Word of God at our fingertips and when we speak that Word, it has the potential for power because it is God’s very own Word, Jesus.

This is pretty deep for me, but we do see many examples of the creative power of Words throughout the scriptures, starting with the creation of all things.  When we look at the account in Genesis, we see that the Spirit of God was hovering, but nothing came into existence until Words were spoken.  God spoke the Word’s “Let there be” and there was.  I know what you are thinking, and you are right.  That was God and of course that worked for Him.  He is the creator!  But did you know that when He spoke the Words “Let us make man in our own image,” He was including the image of the creative power of Words in them.  In fact, He said “Let them have dominion over everything on the earth”.  They certainly didn’t do that with strength and power, they were given that authority in Words.

There are many other instances such as Abraham was called the “father of many nations” long before he even had Isaac. David rehearsed killing Goliath to king Saul before he slung a rock at him and hit him in the head. The woman with the issue of blood said: “If I can touch the hem of His garment, I will be made whole” before she ever got close to Him.  Even Jesus Himself said if you have faith, you can speak to a mountain and tell it to move, and it will be done.

Lastly, I want to consider the Word as the light.  When you speak the Word of God to others, you are speaking His light over them and into them.  God’s light of His Word can be deposited into others simply by speaking to and praying it over those you love and come into contact with each day.  You have the power with you to speak God’s Words to those around you and to yourself to change the trajectory of the direction you are heading right now.

Today I want to encourage you to speak God’s creative Words into the world around you.  Proverbs 18:21 says that death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit.  Begin today to take in the fruit of speaking life Words that build yourself and other up.  Search out the scriptures and find the wisdom of God in them that will put pressure on the struggles you are are dealing with to turn them around for good.  I will warn you, you will be tested when the situations do not change instantly, but continue to speak that power of the Word of God over those conditions and I promise you things will turn around for good.  Take authority over your life’s struggles by stepping into the creative power of the Word of God and your life will never be the same again.

Today’s Scripture Reading: John 1:1-5

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

2 He was in the beginning with God. 

3 All things were made through Him, and without Him (the WORD) nothing was made that was made. 

4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

5 And the light shined in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Receive the Power

Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49

Here we are at the end of the book of Luke.  This portion of each of the gospels is widely known as the great commission.  It is when Jesus told the disciples that they are now His witnesses and to go into all the nations to preach the good news of repentance and remission of sin through the blood of Jesus.

However, many people miss the first direction that Jesus gave the disciples and believe that all Christians are His witnesses and that all should go out into the nations or wherever they are and preach the gospel.  While we all are called to tell the good news to others no matter how long or short of time we have been saved, this passage tells us the way to be most effective is to first be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus told the disciples to go back into Jerusalem and wait.  Wait until they would be endued with power from on high, the power of the Holy Spirit.  That is exactly what they did.  The final verses of chapter 24 say that Jesus prayed a blessing over them and while He prayed, He was taken up into heaven and parted from them.  Then, the disciples returned to Jerusalem, with great joy and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God.  Notice, they did not immediately go out into all the world to preach the gospel, they waited.  In fact, they waited for 10 days before the Holy Spirit came down on them.  That is when the were filled up with power from on high to go into all the world.  That power was so evident, that it completely transformed the disciples in the upper room and they began to turn the entire world upside down.

What would have happened if they hadn’t done what Jesus said to do and waited?  First of all, they would not have been in the right place on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came.  They would have all gone separate ways to cover the known world at that time and probably would have ended up quitting or being martyred.  It wasn’t until they received the power of God on their lives that each one of them became and effective witness and many were added to the Kingdom of heaven each day.

So how does that apply to us today?  Our direction is no different than it was for Jesus’ followers 2000 years ago.  After we receive salvation through the blood of Jesus into our lives and hearts and make Him Lord and Savior, we are to also be immersed into the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in the fullness of His authority here in today’s world.  It will probably not be an experience like the disciples had when the room was shaken and tongues of fire sat on their heads, but you will receive the power of the Holy Spirit in the same way you received Jesus into your life.  Ask Him to empower you and plunge you into the ministry and calling that God has planned for your life.  Receive by faith even if you do not see an instant phenomenon and begin to walk through the open doors that He provides for you to be His witness.  First to your family, then to your neighborhood and then beyond.

Today I want to encourage you to receive the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.  If you already have at some point, maybe it is time for a refilling.  Much like your spiritual batteries need a recharge regularly, by getting in the Word and into God’s presence, you can be drained of the Spirit’s power and need a refilling to get back out there in the highways and byways.  Invite the Holy Spirit and His power into your life today and become that witness that turns your world upside down.

Pray:  Holy Spirit, I invite you to come into my life and immerse me into your power and authority in this world.  Empower me to be my Father’s witness to those around me and to those even far from me.  I receive You and your power to the fullest into my life right now, in Jesus name, Amen.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 24:44-53

44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 

45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 

47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 

48 And you are witnesses of these things. 

49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 

51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 

52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 

53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

Open my understanding

And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Luke 24:45

I remember the first time I saw this verse.  I thought, wouldn’t that be great to have the Lord Jesus open up my understanding so that I could comprehend the scriptures?  That is the day I began to pray that over myself and others and He has.

In today’s reading, the disciples were finally able to understand why Jesus had to suffer and die and all the prophecies that He had to fulfill to complete His mission here in this world.  Why did He wait until after to open their understanding and why couldn’t they get it when He told them the many times before His death what was going to happen?  It was because now it was time for them to take over this ministry and even though they heard most of what Jesus told them that day, many times before, they were not able to comprehend it until it had been accomplished and they could look back and understand.

It is kind of like when we are going through something, we take steps of faith that the Holy Spirit puts in our heart to do.  Sometimes it doesn’t even make sense, but we take the steps anyway.  Then, after some time, even years later, when we are through the situation, we can plainly see why we needed to take those steps of faith that didn’t exactly make sense in the process.  Our understanding was opened so that we could comprehend why the Holy Spirit led in that direction.

I have used this example before, but I will talk about it again today.  It has been years ago now that I had a situation that was being settled in the court system.  Things didn’t seem to be going well in the judges hands.  The court was making decisions based on what they were hearing and seeing not based on facts.  As I prayed about it and finally took time to listen to what the Holy Spirit was speaking to my heart, I heard in that still quiet internal Voice to get the matter out of the court system.  That didn’t make sense to me, and I felt like I was losing and had to give up all my rights.  Thankfully, I did follow that wisdom and now, all these years later, I am still seeing the good results of that decision made all those years ago.  My understanding has been open so that I comprehend what the Spirit was leading to way back then.

Now, I pray for Him to open my understanding to comprehend the scripture and the things He is leading me to day to day.  It doesn’t always happen instantly, but I do know that He is faithful to show me at just the right time and that gives me confidence to listen to those inner promptings even when I cannot see the end results.  I know He can see them, and He is leading me in the right direction.

Today I want to encourage you to pray for the Holy Spirit of God to open your understanding as you read the scriptures.  Pray for your spiritual ears to be open as He leads you through life’s ups and downs.  Then when you hear from your heart to your head a solution that may not exactly make sense in the natural realm, you can almost guarantee that God is up to something supernatural and by taking the steps of faith He offers, you will pull the rug right out from under the enemy that is trying to trap you.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 24:44-49

44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 

45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 

47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 

48 And you are witnesses of these things. 

49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”