Tag: refreshing
Times of refreshing!
Scripture reading for January 26th: Acts 3, Psalm 19, Proverbs 19
Acts 3: 17-21 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, Whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago.”
Peter and John had just been used by God to speak prophetically in the power of the Holy Spirit to a lame beggar. At their word, the beggar immediately received strengthening and healing. He began to walk, leap, and praise the Lord! It was truly a picture of the refreshing that comes when God intervenes in our lives and reveals our Lord and Savior, appointed to save even us! Peter called out to those who had participated in the trial of Jesus to repent, change their minds, and receive their refreshing as well! Jesus was in heaven, but was still at work through His people! Everything God had spoken by the prophets had come true or would come true at the final restoring of all things at Christ’s return!
Psalm 19:12-14 “Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for keeping me from errors and presumptuous sins. Fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart might be Yours and thereby acceptable in Your sight. Continue to open my ears to Your instructions that I might be refreshed daily and walk, run, and leap for joy for Your amazing grace!
Proverbs 19:27 “Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.”
Forgiven and refreshed!
Scripture reading for April 8th: Acts 3
Key Scriptures: Acts 3:14-20 “But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of Life, Whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And His Name–by faith in His Name–has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He thus fulfilled. Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, . . .”
Peter and John were faithfully going to the temple at 9:00 am for prayer when they encountered the man lame from birth. He was begging for alms but Peter spoke a word of healing to him in the Name of Jesus Christ, commanding him to rise up and walk. As Peter took his hand and began to raise him up, the man was instantly made strong and was totally healed. This opened a door for Peter to preach the Gospel to the crowd at the temple, some of whom had demanded Jesus’ crucifixion. He explained how faith in Jesus had healed the man lame from birth and how faith in Jesus could bring forgiveness of their sins if they would repent and believe as well. God wanted to blot out their sins and ours and send the refreshing Holy Spirit! Witnesses are needed!
Acts 3:26 “God, having raised up His Servant, sent Him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great mercy and for witnesses of that mercy and for the miracles You work showing You alone are the Christ. Give me boldness to proclaim Your truth and love to my generation and see them forgiven, refreshed and blessed. Through Your Holy Spirit, let miracles and gifts demonstrate Who You are to those I minister to.
Psalm 32:1 “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”
Revelation through sharing!
Scripture reading for October 11th: Isaiah 43-45, Philemon
Key Scriptures: Philemon 4-7 “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you.”
Paul wrote to Philemon concerning his run-away slave, Onesimus. As he opened his short letter, he encouraged him with the report he had heard concerning Philemon’s testimony and the fruit of sharing faith. Paul had received joy and comfort from his love. The sharing of our faith brings revelation to us and others of all the good things we have in Christ!
Isaiah 45:8 “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the Lord have created it.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for revealing your great love and salvation to me. Direct me today in sharing my faith that increased glory may come to Your Name! Amen.