Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!"
—Acts 4:8 NIV
Not only did Jesus pour out the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:32-33), but the Spirit continued to inspire Peter and others to speak the message of God's grace and truth to the people. We must not underestimate the incredible truth that this simple verse proclaims. Just as God spoke through the prophets in ages gone by, he spoke through Peter and the other apostles to reveal his will, to form his people, and generally to support the apostles' mission. Peter's words are God's words because of the Holy Spirit who inspired them and propelled them into people's hearts — and continues to do so — to convict them of sin and to call them to God's grace!
Dear Father, I confess that I do not understand the intricacies of inspiration. But I also confess that I believe that you spoke your truth through human servants because of the work of the Holy Spirit in them. So I ask that you open my heart to know your truth through the Holy Spirit dwelling within me and empower me to live the truth your servants have proclaimed. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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—Acts 4:8 NIV
Key Thought
Not only did Jesus pour out the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:32-33), but the Spirit continued to inspire Peter and others to speak the message of God's grace and truth to the people. We must not underestimate the incredible truth that this simple verse proclaims. Just as God spoke through the prophets in ages gone by, he spoke through Peter and the other apostles to reveal his will, to form his people, and generally to support the apostles' mission. Peter's words are God's words because of the Holy Spirit who inspired them and propelled them into people's hearts — and continues to do so — to convict them of sin and to call them to God's grace!
Today's Prayer
Dear Father, I confess that I do not understand the intricacies of inspiration. But I also confess that I believe that you spoke your truth through human servants because of the work of the Holy Spirit in them. So I ask that you open my heart to know your truth through the Holy Spirit dwelling within me and empower me to live the truth your servants have proclaimed. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Continue reading...
