September 1

Acts 1

After the Ascension, the apostles meet in an upper room to choose a replacement for Judas.

INSIGHT

God is moving. For thousands of years He has worked in the world through the nation of Israel and the Law of Moses. Now He will work through the church and the gospel of Christ. God instructs the apostles to wait in Jerusalem until they receive power from on high. Then when they are baptized with the power of the Holy Spirit, they are to be the Lord’s witnesses in their city, the surrounding country, and the entire world.

PRAYER

Offer God this psalm of praise as you think about His power and the significance of serving Him:
The Lord is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works.
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them. . . .
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord,
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever. (Psalm 145:17-19, 21)

Having offered Him your praise, pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
(Isaiah 55:6-7)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.
(Revelation 7:12)

The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Compassion for others
• The Lord’s work in national and world affairs
• Your activities for the day

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory andblessing!”
(Revelation 5:12)