Good morning! I trust you have had a good weekend and are starting strong as you enter this new week.
Today we live in the age of technology. When I hit the send button on my email, this Monday Morning Encouragement will go to people around the United States and in several other countries. I can speak and see family that is over 1200 miles away with my computer. My meals are cooked in a microwave oven and I take pictures with a digital camera. We live in an age that is dependant upon power. If the electricity goes off, I immediately lose my ability to communicate, to heat my home, to cook meals and most importantly to illuminate the darkness.
Today I want to examine Jesus’ final words before His ascension to Heaven.
Acts 1:8 (HCSB)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The first thing I want us to focus on in this verse is the word “power.” The word “power” as used here, comes from the Greek word “dunamis.” Dunamis is a root word for the English word “dynamite.” I want you to think in terms of dynamite. Dynamite contains an explosive power so strong that it can demolish a building or change the very landscape of a hillside.
So let’s step through this thought… As a Christian, the Holy Spirit indwells you. When the Holy Spirit entered your life, you received “power.” Now this verse tells us that as a result of that “power” we will be “witnesses.” When a believer is plugged in to the power of the Holy Spirit, they cannot help, but to be witnesses for Jesus. Unfortunately today, too many “Christians” and too many “churches” live powerless lives. We are like people who have electricity and lighting, but instead choose to live by candlelight.
So what does the power of the Holy Spirit look like when it is at work in the life of a Christian?
Acts 4:13 (HCSB)
When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that they had been with Jesus.
The answer is simple; Jesus becomes evident in every aspect of the Christian’s life. God’s power is heard in their testimony of Christ. God’s power is witnessed in their prayer life. Lives are changed by the touch of Christ as the Christian moves throughout their day. In the Old Testament we read many times where even the enemies of the nation of Israel were in reverent fear of the Lord. God’s power was undeniable and unmistakable even to those who did not worship God.
Today I encourage you to examine your own life. Are you living in the “power” of the Holy Spirit’s presence? Are you bearing witness to the Lord Jesus? If you are not, it’s time to check the connection. Being plugged in to the power of the Holy Spirit is all about surrender. If you are not living in the Holy Spirit’s power, you are living in your own strength. Blow out the candles and turn on the lights…God has wired you to shine brightly for His glory.
Until next week, may God’s riches blessings be yours this week.
Carl
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