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Jan 13, 2005
Wait -- Clothed With Power
Acts 1:7-8... It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.
Luke 24:49... I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.
Waiting on the Lord has been on my heart for awhile, at times I find it frustrating. While being frustrated, I was reminded of the disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit in the above verses. I found comfort in this:
* Jesus never told the disciples when or how God would accomplish His purpose -- He told them to wait in Jerusalem.
* Jerusalem must have seemed like a less than ideal place to wait -- Jesus was crucified there and the people were hostile to the disciples.
* We know the results of the disciples waiting on the Lord -- the Holy Spirit did come (pentecost), many were saved after the disciples waited for the Lord's power. This shows power comes to those who wait upon God's timing.
* A wonderful new beginning happened because the disciples trusted God -- His timing, preparation & power.
This example shows us that if we follow God's plan, He will enable us to fulfill it according to His timetable. He equips those He calls.
Think about the disciples waiting, none of them knew how long they would have to wait. Just think if one of them walked out of the door on the day before pentecost, saying that he is tired of waiting and is going home. Imagine his disappointment, when he heard the next day of all that happened. How close he had been to the answer. If only he had waited one more day.....
Ecclesiastes 3:1... There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...
Psalm 57:5, 7... Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
Lord open each of our hearts to trust You, to wait on You. Thank You that as we do this You will equip us and clothe us with Your power to do Your work in Your time. Keep our hearts steadfast, O Lord.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Jan 13, 2005
Wait -- Clothed With Power
Acts 1:7-8... It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.
Luke 24:49... I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.
Waiting on the Lord has been on my heart for awhile, at times I find it frustrating. While being frustrated, I was reminded of the disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit in the above verses. I found comfort in this:
* Jesus never told the disciples when or how God would accomplish His purpose -- He told them to wait in Jerusalem.
* Jerusalem must have seemed like a less than ideal place to wait -- Jesus was crucified there and the people were hostile to the disciples.
* We know the results of the disciples waiting on the Lord -- the Holy Spirit did come (pentecost), many were saved after the disciples waited for the Lord's power. This shows power comes to those who wait upon God's timing.
* A wonderful new beginning happened because the disciples trusted God -- His timing, preparation & power.
This example shows us that if we follow God's plan, He will enable us to fulfill it according to His timetable. He equips those He calls.
Think about the disciples waiting, none of them knew how long they would have to wait. Just think if one of them walked out of the door on the day before pentecost, saying that he is tired of waiting and is going home. Imagine his disappointment, when he heard the next day of all that happened. How close he had been to the answer. If only he had waited one more day.....
Ecclesiastes 3:1... There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...
Psalm 57:5, 7... Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
Lord open each of our hearts to trust You, to wait on You. Thank You that as we do this You will equip us and clothe us with Your power to do Your work in Your time. Keep our hearts steadfast, O Lord.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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