The Difference a Day Makes

"Didn't we tell you never again to teach in this man's name?" the high priest demanded. ... But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than human authority."
Acts 5:28, 29 NLT

Oh the difference a day makes! Only days before the disciples had scattered like scared children when Jesus was arrested and Peter had strongly denied knowing Him while Jesus was on trial. But now they stood without fear before the same authorities who killed Jesus and refused to quit preaching the good news. The resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit into their lives at Pentecost (Acts 2) had radically changed their lives. They had not become better and more courageous men through self-improvement. They had become new men through spiritual rebirth effected by faith in Jesus and the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.

When we believe in Jesus this same Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us and transform us. We become new men and women in Christ immediately through spiritual rebirth. However, sometimes the transformation from what we were to who are now in Christ becomes visible in us more slowly. But we have the power to live as the new people we are in the presence of the Holy Spirit if we will only daily yield control of ourselves to Him.

Believe the Holy Spirit is present in Your life. Confess every sin which may hinder Him. Ask for His fullness. Live in moment by moment dependence upon Him. And day by day you will become the new person You were re-born to be in Christ.

Father, work your transforming work in my life by Your Holy Spirit today so that I become more the person You have saved and called me to be in Christ.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark