I read a daily devotional from the You Version Bible app. I have taken notes on the ones that really are inspirational and would love others to know how much God really loves them and is waiting for them to call upon his name. Here are a few I would love to share with you.
DEVOTIONAL
The Father will Give You the Holy Spirit
Jesus knew firsthand the power associated with the Holy Spirit I'm not talking about atomic power or even explosions on the sun. I'm talking about universe-creating power. When God said, "Let there be"
(Gen, 1), He demonstrated a make-it-happen kind of power. All that power dwelled in Jesus, ready to be unleashed with just a word. It was limitless power, able to heal the sick, drive out devils, and calm storms. It was the same power that raised the dead body of Jesus back to life. In Greek, it is called dunamis power. It's where we get the word dynamite. The Holy Spirit was given to Jesus so He could accomplish every assignment given to Him. For us to truly be Christ's followers and demonstrate the same works He did - and even greater works (John 14:12) - we must be empowered by the same Spirit. It is impossible for us to walk in the same anointing Jesus had without it. This is why Jesus insisted that the disciples not leave Jerusalem until they had received the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). Only after the Spirit came upon them would they receive dunamis power to take the gospel "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8, NLT). Just as the Father gave the gift of the Spirit to the Son and to Jesus' disciples, He wants to give Him to us. If my young son asked me if he could drive a brand-new Ferrari, I wouldn't grant that request. There is so little experience on his part to go with so much power. His maturity doesn't match the privilege. Yet God knows exactly what He's doing and gives us the Holy Spirit to grow us up in God. It is truly impossible to be a Christ follower without the Spirit, and the Father stands by, ready to give Him to all who ask (Luke 11:13).
DEVOTIONAL
Sharing the Good News
The first words of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark are an announcement of the arrival of God's Kingdom. And Jesus'last words to His disciples, starting in Mark 16:15, build upon His first announcement
The call Jesus left us with was to continue telling others the Gospel's good news.
This good news is that Jesus has brought the arrival of the Kingdom of God to earth and that through his death and resurrection, he has made a way for ALL people to have a new life in Him.
The task of evangelism - telling others about Jesus, was the first thing that Jesus asked His followers to do as He left earth. Telling others about what Jesus has done for them is one of the most important things we can do with our time. We have been given the greatest gift of all - eternal life with God. But that gift is also freely available to the rest of the world.
So take some time today to pray for those in your life who do not know the hope that Jesus gives. Pray for their salvation but also pray for opportunities to share your own faith story with them.
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