Scripture Union Daily Guide 31 May 2020 for Sunday
Topic: The Reception of God’s Spirit
Opening Prayer: May the meditation of my heart be acceptable unto you, O Lord as I read from your word.
Scripture: Acts 2: 1–13
Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
Message: The day of Pentecost is a Jewish festival that fell on the fiftieth day after the Sabbath of the Passover. On that day, an offering of first fruits was offered to the Lord. God sovereignty chose to gather into the church the first fruits of the full harvest of all believers on this particular day. Notice the state the disciples were in when the Spirit was poured on them (v.1, see also 1:14).
When God’s people are united in all they seek to do for the Lord, we should expect his presence to be with us! Let us be all in unity, notwithstanding the variety of sentiments and interests, as there was among those disciples, and God’s power will be released.
The baptism of the Spirit fulfilled promises Jesus made during his dialogue with the disciples at the Last Supper (John 14:16) and before his ascension (Acts 1:4–5). The timing was no doubt perfect. Read vv.5, 9–11 and note the variety of people from all over the then world who witnessed this great event. As an observer on that day, would you have responded like those in v.12 or those in v.13?
Practice/Word Application
• So what? The power of the Spirit is still at work in our lives. We were reborn of the Spirit (John 3:8) and he lives in us and empowers us (Romans 8:9). To what extent does the Spirit control your thoughts, words and actions?
Dreams
Dreams have varied meanings and many functions. Some merely reflect one’s state of mind Eccl. 5:3, while some actually reveal God’s plans as the case of Joseph Gen.7:5–10, 41:1–7. Dreams can also be a manipulation by the devil. The word of God is the authentic means of assessing any dream. Any dream that contradicts the revealed will of God (the Scripture) does not have its source from God and so should not be considered. With prayer God can reveal true meaning of dreams.
Prayer Points
• Lord, may your Church learn to dwell in unity in all she does for the sake of the Kingdom.
• Thank God for the blood of Jesus that was shed for our salvation and total deliverance.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalm 141:2
Read the Bible in one Year
Hosea 1–4; Matt. 18:1–20
Scripture Union Daily Guide 31 May 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
