"Lord, fill me with your Spirit…"
Day 1
Today's Reading: Genesis 1-2, Joshua 1-2, 1 Chronicles 1, Isaiah 1-2, Lamentations 1, Job 1, Psalms 1-2, Matthew 1, Acts 1-2
Today was a wonderful day of beginnings. Not only in that this is the first day of my new reading plan, but it starts out breaking in a new bible, reviewing God's work of creation ("In the beginning…") and seeing the start of many new things (Joshua going into the Promised Land, the birth of the church at Pentecost, and even the experiencing the suffering of Job).
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
What resonated with me today was the presence of God's Spirit. Upon first reading, we may neglect to see and discern His presence. But upon this time as I reread anew the Scriptures again, I notice His presence in the heavens and the earth as God creates, man rebels, and life and death hang in the balance.
We see his presence in the beginning hovering over the surface of the waters, we witness God breathing life into Adam, we hear his voice speak through the book of instruction that is passed to Joshua upon the death of Moses, we see the blessing and fruitfulness meditation upon the Word brings, we witness the miraculous virgin conception of the Messiah through the virgin Mary, and finally witnessed the powerful transformation of the Apostles as tongues of fire descend upon them uniting them to speak as one and devote themselves to prayer, instruction and breaking bread.
Matthew 1:18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant from the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:8 …you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Prayer: Gracious Father, I am in awe of your wonderful creation. By your word, you spoke into being all that exists and breathes. You have made us in your image, given us life, food, and family. Thank you for your presence. You are worthy of worship and praise. Now fill my heart with your spirit without measure! Let it overflow that I might be fruitful and full of joy. In Jesus name, Amen.
Did this post bless you? What questions do you have about faith? Do you know the promises God gives to those who put their faith in Christ?