GPS-Banks of the Jordan

JUN 08 / Sunday – Read Matthew 3:13-17 / Acts 2 (esp. v38-41)

Overview: Perhaps nothing symbolizes God’s conquering of the “forces of chaos” better than when the waters of chaos become the waters of baptism and Christ’s people are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a life of freedom, peace, and power.

09 / Mon – Jordan River  |  Read Matthew 3:1-6

John’s was a baptism of repentance. It prepared the way for the Messiah. Does God seem far away at times? There could be several reasons but it’s good to ask if sin might be the cause. Someone once said…sin is when I tell God ‘no’. Take time to examine your heart. If you find sin there, repent. That means you state it for what it is, ask forgiveness and for help to change. Then turn away from that sin and go the opposite direction. It will open the way for the Lord to come near.

10 / Tue – One coming after John  |  Read John 1:19-23 / Matthew 3:11

What did John the Baptist reply when asked if he was the Messiah? And how does he compare his baptism to how the One coming after him would baptize? In John 14:16-17, what did Jesus promise his disciples on the night before he was arrested? And then in Acts 1:4-5, 8 what did he promise before he left them and returned to heaven? Did you know these promises are for you today? What is holding you back from asking the Holy Spirit to fill you up as he did others in Acts 2?

11 / Wed – In words they could understand  |  Read Acts 2:1-11

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to broadcast the gospel to foreign visitors in their own languages. Is it possible they were so busy talking about Jesus that they didn’t realize they were using words they had never learned? Have you ever talked to someone and words came out that you hadn’t planned but it was exactly what they needed to hear? That was the Holy Spirit speaking through you in their heart language. Would you ask Him to do that more often?

12 / Thu – Noticeable characteristics  |  Read Matthew 3:7-10

John was pretty harsh with the religious people who came to the river bank. Read his admonition to them in v 8. Repentance, when real, is fruitful and can be observed. Have you ever met someone in everyday life – like a clerk checking out your groceries or a receptionist at the doctor’s office or the mechanic servicing your car – and could tell he or she was a Christian? What tipped you off? Is there anything about you that would give the same impression to strangers you meet? When you are full of the Holy Spirit, God’s love spills over onto others. Will you ask for that today?

13 / Fri – Empowered  |  Read Mark 1:9-13

Even though you believe in Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit, it doesn’t mean that life will be easy. Right after Jesus was baptized, he was sent into the wilderness to be tempted. You know the story. How was he able to resist Satan’s temptations? Was it because the Holy Spirit empowered him beforehand at his baptism and brought to his memory the words of God he had learned? There are many difficulties we could never survive on our own. God knows this and He will empower you, by His Spirit, to make it through whatever lies ahead. You can count on it.

14 / Sat – Living God’s way  |  Read Romans 12:1-2

The idea of sacrifice is not popular. Instead, we live in a world where getting what you want is more important than doing what you should. Even when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, it can be a challenge. That is what Paul meant here. Living God’s way may require you to sacrifice what you prefer and do things you don’t really want to. He knows the struggle and it means a lot to Him when, regardless of your feelings, you choose to obey Him. How will you bless the Lord today?