Acts 1 - By His Authority

In reading this chapter this morning verse 7 jumps off the page.

"It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority."

But I want to know. I want to write the important dates down in my cute planner. I want to create a Google calendar entry and set a reminder on my phone.

Jeffrey and I often talk about our careers. For the most part, other than the occasional barfing or explosive poop from my students, I know what my days generally look like. He never knows what he days bring. Sometimes it's pretty predictable. He covers news at the state house or is acting news editor. Other days he is rushing to Charleston in the middle of the night for a mass shooting, rushing to Alabama to cover tornado outbreaks or leaving the house on Christmas morning to cover the death of a famous musician. 

I could never do his job and he could probably never do mine. I need organization and predictability. He does not.

But no matter what we face we are promised this

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." Acts 1:8

I used to think that this verse speaks directly to the witness to others, telling people about him. As I mature in my faith, I know this goes far beyond the limits I place on him.

The Holy Spirit gives me power and works in me when:

In meetings 

Teaching 

Loving others

Uplifting others

Witnessing to others

Making decisions

Doing stuff that is hard

Laying hands on and praying for others

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever." John 14:16

My prayer today is that the Holy Spirit will pour over me today in all that I say and do. When is the last time you felt the Holy Spirit? I think it is safe to say that we can use that as a gauge on our relationship with Him. Call upon Him today to fill you with the Holy Spirit. 

Let's be renewed, excited, recharged for Christ!