Category Archives: Uncategorized

Passage of the Day:

From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis. ¹² From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district^[a] of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days. ¹³ On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. ¹⁴ One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. ¹⁵ When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us, Acts 16:11-15.

Reflection:

In the first century, Jewish synagogues were required to have a minimum of 12 men to establish their own house of worship outside of Jerusalem. Luke indicates that the Roman colony of Philippi did not have enough Jewish men for a place of worship. Subsequently, Paul, Silas and Luke held services outside of town, along the banks of a river. Unfortunately, when these men looked for a group to share the good news about Jesus, the only one’s present were women. Luke mentions a woman from Thyatira who accepts Jesus into her heart along with her household. Lydia is so moved following her baptism that she opens her house to establish the Church in Thyatira. This is how one first century woman provided leadership in the absence of Christian men.

Prayerful Action:

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate, Proverbs 31:30-31.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

In a rare first century move, Luke does not mention Lydia’s husband. Luke uses a blanket statement, “along with her household.” While it’s assumed that everyone living in Lydia’s house enters into a personal relationship with Jesus, Luke is likely referring to her husband and children. Yet, it is apparent that Lydia is the spiritual leader of her home and a woman of prayer. To all of my female readers, this is how you provide leadership in the absence of Christian men by hungering and thirsting for righteousness, Matthew 6:33.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

The female band Fireflight possesses a modern-day Pat Benatar sound. As you listen to the lyrics of Core of My Addiction, may you be inspired to make seeking God’s first a main priority.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. ² He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. ³ When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. ⁴ After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. ⁵ So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. ⁶ The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. ⁷ Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. ⁸ Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. ⁹ Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. ¹⁰ They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him, Acts 12:1-10.

Reflection:

As Luke recounts the angel encounter in today’s featured passage, Peter gives the impression that he is experiencing some sort of a vivid dream. Perhaps, Peter was thinking, “is this really happening?” It wasn’t until this angel suddenly disappeared when Peter realized that was a supernatural prison breakout. When one of the members of Jesus’ inner circle was killed, King Herod targets Peter who is arrested and about to face trial. Like a scene from a movie with a prison break, this angel of God pulled off a miracle worthy enough for the Bible.

Prayerful Action:

Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. ²¹ Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will, Psalm 103:20-21.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

One New Testament author reminds readers to entertain angels or be open to the possibilities of some sort of divine intervention, Hebrews 13:2. Meanwhile, David reminds Israel of the role that God’s angels play in life, serving the kingdom of God to fulfill the Lord’s will. Unfortunately, when doubt enters the minds of Christians, this diminishes God’s power to perform miracles in your life. May today’s devotion open your mind to the possibility of God performing a similar miracle in your life today.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

One of my favorite discussions as a Bible teacher was sharing angel stories from family members and relatives. May today’s song refresh your memory of times when God actually sent an angel to you in your time of need.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. ²⁰ Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. ²¹ The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. ²² News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. ²³ When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. ²⁴ He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. ²⁵ Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶ and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch, Acts 11:19-26.

Reflection:

When I first began my career in youth ministry, I was warned about becoming a Lone Ranger. This term refers to trying to make an impact on the kingdom of God on your own, without a partner or team. Apparently, the Holy Spirit made Barnabas realize that he needed a spiritual teammate. According to Luke, Barnabas went to Tarsus, Saul’s hometown, fervently looking for this recently converted man. Perhaps, the Holy Spirit called Barnabas to bring Saul to Antioch where they both spent one year serving the local church. As Barnabas and Saul emulated the practices and teaching of Jesus, the citizens of Antioch called this congregation Christians. You are how you live.

Prayerful Action:

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, Ephesians 5:1-2.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

One of my biggest mistakes as a Christian is becoming complacent. Meanwhile, I often lack the vision that Barnabas demonstrated, seeking out a younger Christian to mentor. When churches forget to disciple the next generation, church attendance declines, and an occasion close their doors for good. Therefore, don’t rest of the loreals of your past as a Christian. Rather, press on to take hold of the good works that God has for you in the future, Philippians 1:6.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Living hope is something that can’t be contained as sooner or later you’re going to share this perspective with others. May the lyrics of today’s song inspire you to emulate Jesus daily.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. ³³ There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. ³⁴ “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. ³⁵ All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. ³⁶ In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. ³⁷ About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. ³⁸ Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” ³⁹ Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. ⁴⁰ Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. ⁴² This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord, Acts 9:32-42.

Reflection:

As one of the first disciples called by Jesus, Peter spent 3 years absorbing Jesus’ knowledge, love for people, and passion to heal and help the needy. Subsequently, shortly after Jesus’ ascension into heaven in Acts 1:9-10, the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples in Acts 2:1-4. After accepting Saul, who became Paul as one of the first century apostles, Peter felt called to step in, carrying on Jesus’ ministry as a faith healer. After raising Tabitha from the dead, Peter’s miraculous act led many citizens of Joppa to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11.

Prayerful Action:

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, James 5:15-16.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

Healing is one of those aspects in the Bible that seems too good to be true. Anyone inflicted by a birth related condition, a prolong injury or a serious medical concern is placed into a difficult situation. If you aren’t miraculously healed, is this due to a lack of faith? Like the words of King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, healing occurs in God’s timing. I waited 21 years to be freed from stuttering, so I know from experience that healing occurs in God’s timing, not yours. Leaning on fortitude is the best way to press on while you’re still waiting on God to answer your prayers.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Rather than dwell on “if wish Jesus was here,” Peter started to step up in Jesus’ absence. May today’s song inspire you to become an overcomer by serving Jesus today.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. ²³ After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, ²⁴ but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. ²⁵ But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. ²⁶ When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹ He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,^[a] but they tried to kill him. ³⁰ When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. ³¹ Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers, Acts 9:22-31.

Reflection:

If you knew me in high school, you wouldn’t recognize me anymore. Not because I’ve physically aged the past 40 years, but I’ve undergone a complete transformation. In my teenage years, I was cocky, self-centered and extremely sarcastic, saying whatever came to my mind. Today, I’m humble, mellow and try to be a positive each day. As first century citizens began to see a kinder, gentler Saul, the man who gave the order to execute Stephen, people began to whisper, “is this real or some kind of act?” While all other spiritual leaders turned their backs on Saul, Barnabas was the only one who was willing to give him a second chance. In the middle of the book of Acts, Saul who changes his name to Paul actually out grows Barnabas spiritually. This is the power of giving someone a second chance.

Prayerful Action:

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off, Acts 13:2-3.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

My high school swim coach, Ken Horne, possessed a similar gift to that of Barnabas. Ken was able to see something in me that I never noticed, taking time out of his busy schedule to invest in me. Luke suggests that Barnabas saw something in Saul and spent time discipling him prior to becoming missionary partners. If Barnabas didn’t stand up for Saul in front of the disciples, Luke would have highlighted another first century spiritual leader. However, whenever anyone receives a second chance, great things often follow.

Song of the Day:

Final Thought:

Today’s song comes from a band from Columbus, Ohio. While the lyrics seem strange on the surface, the message is about taking Jesus whenever you go and leaving the love of Jesus with all the people that you encounter. May today’s devotion inspire you to give other people in your life a second chance so that this generosity may result in a modern-day apostle Paul.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” ²⁷ So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian^[a] eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, ²⁸ and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. ²⁹ The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” ³⁰ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. ³¹ “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him, Acts 8:26-31.

Reflection:

The term sober is usually associated with not being under the influence of alcohol. Yet, from a biblical context, passages using sober like 1 Peter 5:8 calls first century Christians to be spiritually awake with a sober mind. Peter is taking about ongoing attacks from the Devil in the spiritual realm. The moment Christians let their guard down is when the door is open for the Devil to come into your life and ravage your soul, Ephesians 4:27. Therefore, as Christians pursue a spirit of fortitude, you’ll strive to remain spiritually awake regardless of how tire your body may be.

Prayerful Action:

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak,” Matthew 26:41.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

The apostle Philip was taking a walk one day. Based upon Luke’s account, Philip was spiritually awake and sober, searching for an opportunity to share his faith, 1 Peter 1:15-16. Instead of being focused on his daily agenda, Philip heard the book of Isaiah being read out loud. Rather than simply wait for another chariot to pass by, Philip starts running to catch up. Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:25, Philip listened to God’s whisper and began jogging that likely led to an all-out sprint. By the time Philip caught up, he begins having a conversation with this Ethiopian eunuch. When you’re spiritually awake and sober, God can use you to lead someone into a personal relationship with Jesus, Romans 10:9-11.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

When you’re spiritually awake and sober, you’ll hear and listen to the Voice of Truth. May today’s song inspire you to follow in Philip’s footsteps by being available to minister to others daily.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! ⁵² Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— ⁵³ you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.” ⁵⁴ When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ⁵⁶ “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” ⁵⁷ At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him,” Acts 7:51-57.

Reflection:

Based upon the accounts of the 4 gospels, the only people Jesus regularly spoke out against were religious zealots. On numerous occasions, experts in Jewish law, Pharisees, Sadducees and various religious leaders tried to trick and outwit Jesus. However, after a series of unsuccessful attempts, these religious zealots finally gave up, Matthew 22:46. As for the apostle Stephen, he became just as frustrated with religious zealots, who were obsessed with the Torah. This legalistic emphasis prevented Jewish leaders from being open to the Holy Spirit. While speaking out against religious zealots who deviate from the Bible is necessary, if no one listens to you, move on to teachable individuals. Matthew 7:6.

Prayerful Action:

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces, Matthew 7:6.”

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed unteachable individuals. Matthew 7:1-5 appears to be directed toward Jewish leaders who live by the motto, “do as I say, not as I do.” Jesus makes sure that before you speak out against someone for their actions, behavior or choices made, make sure you’ve gotten this specific area under control in your own life. As for Stephen, he was falsely accused of saying blasphemous words against Moses and against God in Acts 6:10. This arrest led to Stephen’s speech before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7. Knowing he was about to be stoned, Stephen didn’t hold back, rebuking religious zealots for their unbelief.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Spiritual discipline is one of those areas inside of churches that is loosely applied. Subsequently, when control and power-hungry Christians go unchecked, religious zealots are conceived. Before these individuals create division within your church, don’t be afraid to speak out when the timing is right.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹³ No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. ¹⁵ As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. ¹⁶ Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed, Acts 5:12-16.

Reflection:

The context of today’s passage begins with a couple who tried to convince first century apostles that they were also Christians. Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira viewed the church as a social gathering, seeking to win approval and favor by trying to replicate Christianity without having a personal relationship with Jesus. When God made Peter aware of their scheme to become accepted, Ananias and Sapphira both lied to the Holy Spirit, thinking that they could deceive church leaders. After Ananias and Sapphira both suddenly die from apparent heart attacks, other spiritual pretenders kept their distance, afraid a similar fate may happen to them. Subsequently, only true believers met at Solomon’s Colonnade to worship the Lord.

Prayerful Action:

He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! – Acts 28:31

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

I sent two years living right down the street from Willow Creek Church, a mega-church in Illinois. After moving back to Delaware, the church that I helped start in college became a Willow Church Association Church. Congregations throughout the country sent leadership teams to Willow Creek to find out how they too could duplicate this spiritual climate. Unfortunately, over the past 25 years, most Willow Church Association churches have failed. Why? Well, Willow Creek was a byproduct of a spiritual awakening within Chicago when teenagers fasted and prayed for their lost friends. You can’t counterfeit or fake faith. Growing churches have genuine believers who hunger and thirst for righteousness. This spiritual anointing can’t be manufactured. Rather, when Christians share a common vision to fulfill the Great Commission in their community, then and only then will the Holy Spirit move. This sets the stage becoming bold believers.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

There are plenty of Ananias and Sapphira’s attending church each Sunday. Meanwhile, there is plenty of hypocrisy to go around in every church. Rather than dwell upon and focus on the negative, dare to become a genuine follower of Jesus, filled with the boldness of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the good news about Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. ²⁵ You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? ²⁶ The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.^[b]’^{[c] 27} Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. ²⁸ They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. ²⁹ Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰ Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” ³¹ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly, Acts 4:23-31.

Reflection:

Over my 40 years as a practicing Christian, I’ve met a few individuals who placed their complete dependence and trust in God, Proverbs 3:5-6. These mature followers of Christ remind me of first century apostles. Despite being imprisoned for their faith, John and Peter couldn’t stop telling others about Jesus. Rather than become fearful of government officials and religious leaders, these godly men turned to the Lord for strength. According to Luke, this time of prayer was so powerful that this place was filled with the Holy Spirit. Upon leaving this meeting, those in attendance were filled with a spirit of courage, boldly proclaiming the good news about Jesus.

Prayerful Action:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go,” Joshua 1:9.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

Whenever individuals are blessed with material possessions, human nature has a way of leading to complacency. Perhaps, this is what happened to the church in Laodicea, Revelation 3:15-18. Instead of placing your sole trust in God, many Christians rely on their own abilities to provide for their families. There was a time in my own life when I lived paycheck to paycheck, unable to affordable extra-curricular activities. Yet, now with just one child in college, my family has been blessed with the funds to enjoy life. Nonetheless, I have to avoid the temptation to become lukewarm in my faith. The next time a spirit of complacency comes your way, pray to the Lord that you’ll be filled with a courage and boldness.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

Temptations never stop in life. Subsequently, regularly praying for boldness and courageous is essential. The spiritual discipline of Bible Study and prayer helps protect your mind. Meanwhile, when you gather together with other Christians to pray, this sets the spiritual tone for courage.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. ⁶ Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. ⁷ They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” ⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹ Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’^{[a] 12} Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” ¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say, Acts 4:5-14.

Reflection:

Today’s passage reminds me of current events going on in the United States. As parents have voiced their concerns about the direction of their children’s education, some have been labeled terrorists. Meanwhile, devout pro-life supporters have been arrested for trying the save the lives of unborn children about to be aborted. As for John and Peter, they could not stop telling their Jewish friends what Jesus has done. After Resurrection Sunday, these once fearful disciples had become transformed spiritually, willing to risk their own lives for their newfound faith. This recent change was fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit, carrying on the ministry of Jesus following His ascension into heaven. The Great Commission filled these men with a spirit of fortitude to press on, Acts 1:8.

Prayerful Action:

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 1:8.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

Some theologians believe the Holy Spirit that fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2 is different than the Holy Spirit accessible to modern-day Christians. This perspective held by certain denominations claim that this anointing of the Holy Spirit was limited to the first century, vanishing after the apostles and disciples passed away. However, I believe that this out pouring of the Holy Spirit still exists today, but a lack of belief, faith and generational sins have limited this anointing. As one Old Testament prophet once declared in Hosea 4:6, people perish when they lack the knowledge to succeed and or possess a clear vision for the future. When John and Peter bought into the Great Commission, this inspired them each to wake up with excitement each morning.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

As a grown adult, life can be extremely draining and exhausting. Yet, when you have something to look forward to or a goal to achieve, you have a reason to get up and go to work. In the same way, Christians who discover their spiritual gift and begin to serve God with their talent, you become active members of the Great Commission today. May the lyrics of today’s song inspire you not to give up.

by Jay Mankus