I woke up at 4:44AM with these words going through my mind...
The same power that rose Jesus from the grave
The same power that commands the dead to wake
Lives in us, lives in us
The same power that moves mountains when He speaks
The same power that can calm a raging sea
Lives in us, lives in us
He lives in us, lives in us
His power does live in all who accept it. Unfortunately, even those who accept it don't always live it out. We read in Acts 1 the words Jesus gave to His disciples. He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Matthew Henry writes of the first five verses of Acts 1:
Our Lord told the disciples the work they were to do. The apostles met together at Jerusalem; Christ having ordered them not to depart thence, but to wait for the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. This would be a baptism by the Holy Ghost, giving them power to work miracles, and enlightening and sanctifying their souls. This confirms the Divine promise, and encourages us to depend upon it, that we have heard it from Christ; for in Him all the promises of God are yea and amen.
"...giving them power to work miracles, and enlightening and sanctifying their souls." That is exactly what the Holy Spirit pours down upon us. His empowerment. Miracles are still happening today. I believe they are not happening as often because people don't embrace His empowerment and exercise it. I also believe people do not want enlightened to His thoughts so they tune Him out. They would rather do things their way so they can feel in control. Even people who claim to be sanctified are missing out on His empowerment because their old self comes back into play. One cannot stop at chapter one of the book of Acts to get the full picture. Chapter two is about the Day of Pentecost. The first four verses show a different attitude among the disciples. Prior to Jesus leaving them they argued over who was the greater. There was discord among them. In chapter two we read of unity. This happened because they prayed together more. They drew closer to the the Lord which in turn drew them closer together. That is exactly what would happen in churches today. If people would completely die to self and walk in obedience, then we would see miracles happen daily and be unified. There would be the empowerment over all instead of just the few it is seen in. Acts 2:42-47 can be lived out if believers will allow it. My heart yearns to live in such a place. I am not going to quit praying for such a life. The Lord gave me the word 'expect' for this season of life and that is exactly what I will do. I will 'expect' as I pray.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for waking me with this song and these words of encouragement from the book of Acts. I am praying with expectation to live in such a place. I pray for people all over this land to have their eyes opened to how life can be with Your empowerment. What a difference our country would be with people dying to self and walking in obedience. Cleanse me of anything that may not be of You so You can empower me to do Your work. May You be glorified in my words, actions and attitude today as I walk in Your empowerment. Thank You Jesus for being My Power. Amen.
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