Day Five: A Change in the Atmosphere

Acts 5:15 – 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.

“The head of the church is a victorious and powerful Lord. On this basis, Christ can impart to the church all of the empowering resources it needs to resist the attacks of powers and to engage in the mission of filling the world that God has called it to.”
[Clint E. Arnold, Ephesians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary]

In our verse today, we see that the very presence of Peter had power. If one could get into proximity of his shadow, then resurrection power could be experienced. Like Peter, we are called to be agents of resurrection power who have the ability to change the atmosphere of every room we walk into.

1. What does Acts 5:15 tell us about the potential of every believer?
2. What does Acts 5:15 tell us about the potential of the corporate gathering of believers?

The resurrection power we have is greater than any depression, sickness, or attack of the enemy. They must flee in the presence of the Spirit.

Father, we thank you, because your resurrection power in us causes a change in every room and every situation we step into. Let every oppression flee in the presence of your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s worship to “Holy Spirit” by Jesus Culture

– ES

FacebooktwittermailFacebooktwittermail

Day Four: Bursting at the Seams

Acts 19:11 – God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.

“The church exists in a unique relationship of solidarity with the risen and exalted Christ. Through this union, the church not only receives God’s power, but it represents the ongoing presence and ministry of Christ on the earth.” [Clint E. Arnold, Ephesians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary]

In our verse today, we read about the activity of God in Ephesus during Paul’s missionary journey there. Artifacts like aprons and handkerchiefs which contacted Paul had became vehicles of God’s power! It is no wonder he is desperately praying for the church to know “his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Eph 1:19).

1. What does Acts 19:11 tell us about the boundaries of the power God has given to us?
2. How is this consistent with the ministry of Jesus?

Father, thank you for pouring out your Spirit on us and calling us to more than just an ordinary life. May the expressions of your power in us be uncontainable. Spill out into those around us as we are filled by you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s be soaked God’s presence with “In Over My Head” by Bethel (Click here).

– ES

FacebooktwittermailFacebooktwittermail

Day Three: Love, Joy…and Resurrection Power

Acts 4:9-10 – 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, 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.

“The church is a community of power… not intrinsic power, but a power that comes from God, defined by the resurrection of Jesus and his exaltation as Lord over every other power.”
[Klyne Snodgrass, Ephesians NIV Application Commentary]

When we think of the fruit of the Spirit, we probably think of Galatians 5:22-23. However, a fruit of the Spirit is also resurrection power! The Spirit produces in us not only love, joy, peace, etc… but also works of power!

1. How does it change your self understanding, knowing that “resurrection power” is a fruit of the Spirit?
2. How does it change your ministry to others, knowing that “resurrection power” is a fruit of the Spirit?

Father, thank you for making us powered up people with the power that raised Jesus from the dead. Let our minds take in the full implications of this new powered up life! In Jesus name, Amen.

Let’s worship to “Hosanna” by Hillsong (Click here).

– ES

FacebooktwittermailFacebooktwittermail

Day Two: The All-Nighter

Exodus 14:21-22 – Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

Ancient Israel was caught between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. They were panicking. From their perspective, they were as good as dead. What solution of deliverance could be found? However, when Moses obeyed the LORD and stretched out his hand over the sea, the LORD sent power in the form of a strong east wind that separated the sea. Their situation crossed from death to life.

1. How long did it take for the power of God to turn the sea into dry ground?
2. What do you think it felt like to wait during that time?

When God rescues his people from death to life, sometimes it’s not in the timing we would desire. Sometimes there’s a need to wait. But rest assured that God’s resurrection power is at work.

Thank you Jesus for sending your Spirit of resurrection power in us. As we pray and seek you to act in our lives and in those around us, help us to trust and not doubt as we wait to see you move.

Let’s worship to “Won’t Stop Now” by Elevation Worship (Click here).

– ES

FacebooktwittermailFacebooktwittermail

Day One: There’s A Power For That

Romans 8:11 – And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

The Spirit is in the business of resurrection. And that’s good news! Resurrection power is not an isolated one time event for Jesus alone. The Spirit is looking for opportunities to replicate his resurrection power in life of every believer. Sure, this applies to bodily resurrection, but it’s even more than that. Think of all Christians’ testimonies that speak of how the Spirit brought new life to a situation that looked lifeless and hopeless. The same can happen to you and I today!

1. Is there a situation you know of that looks lifeless?
2. How does it change our perspective to have the power that raised Jesus from dead living inside us?

Father, thank you for giving us hope in every situation, for you have an answer to even bodily death itself. Let your resurrection power come upon all areas of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Spend time worshipping to “Overcome” by Elevation Worship (Click here).

– ES

FacebooktwittermailFacebooktwittermail