Today’s scripture: Acts 2:17-21 (ESV-text and audio) (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Mark Shoup):
When I was around the age of seven, I had a lot of trouble sleeping. This really upset and frustrated me, probably because back then you couldn’t get up and play video games or watch the Cartoon Network; you just had to lay there and think about not sleeping.
This went on for some time until my mom got a book about child psychology that said it was not uncommon for children of that age to have trouble sleeping, and that it would go away on its own eventually. My mom showed me the place in the book where it said this, and even though it didn’t cure my insomnia, just knowing that the situation was “normal” and would eventually go away, set my mind at ease and comforted me.
As a Church, we have recently experienced a few prophetic visions, all having to do with overcoming large obstacles. While this is exciting enough at face value, I wonder what it is that God is trying to tell us. Are the obstacles nearly overcome, or are they still coming? Are they figurative or more literal in nature? Are the visions meant for us individually, or as a church family?
I don’t know the answers to those questions and you might not either. But I don’t think we need to worry — that’s not what is important. What is important is that you keep them in the back of your mind. At some point, they will probably be the missing piece to a puzzle or the tool our church needs to accomplish something. Maybe they will be the encouragement that helps us to keep going, even when our failure seems certain.
So just like being relieved to find out that your insomnia is going to go away soon, let Gods prophetic messages be a tool in your spiritual toolbox. Whether you use it now or later on, it will be there to help you when you need it!
Prayer for the day: God, show me how to use your prophetic information.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.