Trail Blazers

This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”  Matthew 3:3

For the daily devotional today I would like to share with you a devotional that someone sent to me when they heard about the new partnership that we are forming with Crosswinds.  I believe this devotional is very affirming and encouraging to the work we are doing as a church.

Blazing New Paths

By Elizabeth O'Connor

When the church starts to be the church it will constantly be adventuring out into places where there are no tried and tested ways. If the church in our day has few prophetic voices to sound above the noises of the street, perhaps in large part it is because the pioneering spirit has become foreign to it. It shows little willingness to explore new ways. Where it does it has often been called an experiment. We would say that the church of Christ is never an experiment, but wherever that church is true to its mission it will be experimenting, pioneering, blazing new paths, seeking how to speak the reconciling Word of God to its own age.

Source: Call to Commitment

Prayer:  Thank you Lord that following you is always an adventure.  You never promised that it would be easier, but you do promise that you will be with us.  Help us to blaze new paths and be pioneers in our life, families, church, schools, workplaces, community and world for the glory of your Kingdom.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Where do you need to be blazing new paths today for the glory of God?

Eternal Life in the Hand's of God

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. – John 10:28-29

This past Sunday we celebrated the resurrection.  Through the resurrection, Christ brings us from the death of sin into the wonderful gift of eternal life.  This is a gift that will never be destroyed, will never expire and can never be taken away from us.  It is the most important gift that we will ever receive in all of eternity!

With this wonderful gift we have been placed in the father’s hand for eternity.  This is a place of comfort, rest and peace.  It is a place where we belong and no one can ever snatch us out of the hand’s of God.  What a truly amazing gift!

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the gift of eternal life.  Thank you that no one can ever snatch me out of your loving hands.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  On Sunday we shouted, “He is Risen!”   Are you still shouting it today?  If not, shout it again, “He is Risen!” and celebrate the resurrection, the gift of eternal life and your place in God’s hands each and every day.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson   

Drawing Near to God

Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. – Ephesians 2:12-13

We find joy and comfort in drawing near to those things in life that are familiar.  No matter where we might travel, we always find comfort in coming home.  A child is soothed in the arms of her mother.  Excitement grows within us as we approach a long awaited vacation or a special date on the calendar like a birthday, holiday or anniversary.  But there is nothing that brings us more joy and comfort then drawing near to God.

Paul reminds us that as sinners we were once far from God without hope, but through the blood of Christ we have been brought near to God.  God is who we are most familiar with, because he is our creator.  That is why we find the most joy and comfort when we draw near to God.  As that old hymn so truthfully states, “There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God; a place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.”  Draw near to God today.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord, that through the blood of Jesus Christ I can draw near to you.  It is in your presence where I find true comfort and peace.  Help me to draw closer to you each and every day.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Have you drifted away from God.  If so draw near to him today and be comforted in his loving arms.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

40 Days of Prayer: Day 40

During the season of Lent we have been praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.   Today brings our 40-Days of prayer to a close.  Thank you very much for your faithfulness in prayer during these 40-days of Lent.  I hope you have found this helpful and that you have heard God speak to you through your prayers and the daily Bible readings.

Thank you to Diane Kooiker for putting together these prayers and readings!

Today (Apr. 7, Day 40):

Acts 5:40-42

His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.  Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Pray that we are doing the good that we are called to do and are engaged in the exciting plans God has for his kingdom.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 39

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Apr. 6, Day 39):

Acts 5:33-39

When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.  Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.  Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.  After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.  Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Pray that God will quell any mumblings of discontent.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 38

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Apr. 5, Day 38):

Acts 5:25-32

Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.”  At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.  “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!  The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.  God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.  We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Pray that we are not distracted but focused on the church and on God’s plan for our church.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 37

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Apr. 4, Day 37):

Acts 5:22-24

But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”  On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.

Pray that God will protect his church.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 36

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Apr. 3, Day 36):

Acts 5:17-21

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.  They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.  But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.  “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles.

Pray that when faced with challenges, we do not complain, retreat or fear change, but see it as a potential for growth.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 35

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Apr. 2, Day 35):

Acts 5:15-16

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.  Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.

            Pray that we may love deeply, honestly and forgive those requesting it.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 34

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 31, Day 34):

Acts 5:12-14

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.  Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.

            Pray that we may bw used by the Lord so that many more will believe.  

40 Days of Prayer: Day 33

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 30, Day 33):

Acts 5:5-11

When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.  Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.  Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

            Pray that we are accountable to each other.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 32

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 29, Day 32):

Acts 5:3-4

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?  Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t

the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

Pray against sin and the work of the devil.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 31

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 28, Day 31):

            Acts 5:1-2

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.  With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

            Pray that pride and competition may be kept out of our church efforts.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 30

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 27, Day 30):

 Acts 4:36-37

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”),  sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Pray that our actions may have postive effects.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 29

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 26, Day 29):

Acts 4:34-35

that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Pray for generosity.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 28

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 24, Day 28):

Acts 4:33

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all

Pray for grace.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 27

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 23, Day 27):

Acts 4:32

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.

Pray for unity.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 26

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 22, Day 26):

Acts 4:27-31

Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.  They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.  Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.  Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”  

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

 Pray for boldness to do things we have not done before.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 25

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 21, Day 25):

Acts 4:23-26

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.  When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.  You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

   “‘Why do the nations rage
   and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
   and the rulers band together
against the Lord
   and against his anointed one.

Pray that we commit every circumstance to be a matter of prayer.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 24

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Yesterday (Mar. 20, Day 24):

Acts 4:13-22

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.  So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.  “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.  But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!  As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.  For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

            Pray that we may boldly proclaim the name of Jesus.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 23

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 19, Day 23):

Acts 4:5-12

The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!  If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed,  then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.  Jesus is

   “‘the stone you builders rejected,
   which has become the cornerstone.’

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

           

            Pray that when persecuted we may still stand for Jesus.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 22

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 17, Day 22):

Acts 4:1-4

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people.  They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.  They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.  But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

Pray that we are open and available for God to use us in whatever way.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 21

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 16, Day 21):

Acts 3:17-26

“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.  But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer.  Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.  Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.  For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.  Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’

 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days.  And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Pray that we acknowledge the miracles God works around us on a daily basis and give praise to God.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 20

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 15, Day 20):

Acts 3:11-16

While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.  When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?  The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.  You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.  You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.  By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Pray that we are listening to the Holy Spirit’s prompting.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 19

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 14, Day 19):

Acts 3:9-10

When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Pray for life changing moments.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 18

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 13, Day 18):

Acts 3:6-8

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”  Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.  He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Pray for a time of refreshing – where our crippled bodies are healed and we are free to worship.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 17

*** I was not able to post this message  yesterday, so I am posting two today one for yesterday and the one for today.  ***

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 12, Day 17):

Acts 3:1-5

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.  When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.  Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!”  So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

Pray for deliverance from our burdens and regrets.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 16

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 10, Day 16):

            Acts 2:46-47

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Pray that we can form a strong community.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 15

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 9, Day 15):

Acts 2:42-45

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

Pray that we commit ourselves to the fellowship of believers.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 14

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 8, Day 14):

Acts 2:40-41

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Pray that our faith becomes contagious.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 13

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 7, Day 13):

Acts 2:38-39

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Pray that we expect ourselves and our church to be used by God.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 12

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 6, Day 12):

Acts 2:29-37

“Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day.  But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.  Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay.  God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.  Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.  For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

   “‘The Lord said to my Lord:
   “Sit at my right hand
 until I make your enemies
   a footstool for your feet.”’

  “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

  When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

Pray that others may come to understand and know the gospel just as the crowd did at Pentecost.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 11

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 5, Day 11):

Acts 2:22-28

“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.  This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.  But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.  David said about him:

   “‘I saw the Lord always before me.
   Because he is at my right hand,
   I will not be shaken.
 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
   my body also will rest in hope,
 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
   you will not let your holy one see decay.
 You have made known to me the paths of life;
   you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

Pray that we stay tethered to Jesus and his ministry.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 10

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 3, Day 10):

Acts 2:14-21

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”

Pray that we will respond to God’s call.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 9

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 2, Day 9):

Acts 2:5-13

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?  Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome  (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”  Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Pray that the Holy Spirit’s work on earth will change lives in our neighborhood.