Foundations Dec 13, 2010

Saturday, December 13, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Lamentations 3-5 and Hebrews 11

SCRIPTURE MEDITATION

Luke 1:76-79 (NIV); And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

After he was released from silence, the Holy Spirit filled Zechariah. The old man looked at his newborn son and spoke these incredible words of prophecy. How was Zechariah to know these things as he looked into the face of his child – a child who outwardly looked like any other baby? It was by the Spirit that they were revealed to him. Prophetic words were rampant around the birth of Christ and corresponding events. God was proving the words of the past and celebrating what was to come. He was giving His people opportunity to turn to Him. His Spirit was released and incredible things were happening for many to see!

The Holy Spirit is alive and well, along with all of His gifts! We cannot allow fear or past offenses to hinder us from pursuing them. These things are not eerie customs of the Church; they are presents and weapons given to the Church by God Himself! And we can all prophesy! We can all ask the Spirit how to pray and then pray those very things, and that is how we start.

PRAYER and MEDITATION

1.       Ask the Holy Spirit for three people that He wants you to pray for and write down their names.

2.       For each individual spend 5-10 minutes in prayer, asking God what they need prayer for. Write those things down, trusting that they are from God, and pray for the people.

3.       Ask God if He wants you to give a word of encouragement to any of the people on your list through a note, phone call, coffee, etc. Write it down and schedule a time that you will follow through.

4.       Pray for yourself, that you would eagerly desire the Holy Spirit in your life, the clarity of His voice and the offering of His gifts.