382. DAILY DEVOTION FOR MAY 12.2022 –Signs and Wonders

382. DAILY DEVOTION FOR MAY 12.2022 –Signs and Wonders

PLEASE READ THE SCRIPTURE – Acts 2:1-47

The Day of Pentecost was a day of signs and wonders. It began with a sudden sound of a mighty rushing wind. But there isn’t any evidence that the wind was blowing. We have sound without movement. This was accompanied by the appearance of tongues of fire, which rested on everyone, but where no one was burned. And then all those who had gathered were “filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4.

Many devout Jews had gathered in Jerusalem from various nations, and they became confused when they heard them speaking in their own languages. Those who spoke in tongues on the Day of Pentecost did not need interpreters. This was truly amazing.
Peter saw this as the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy in Joel 2:28-32, which he quotes in Acts 2:17-21. He attributes this experience to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and goes on to make reference to signs and wonders, specifically in verse 19.

Peter preached that even Jesus of Nazareth was accredited by miracles, wonders, and signs that God did through Him in their midst. Acts 2:22. Jesus Himself said that He had a greater witness than John the Baptist, the works that He did bore witness of Him. John 5:36.

In Acts 2:43 we read, “Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” What happened that day was not explained away. Most people are afraid of the supernatural. Many Christians prefer the preaching of John the Baptist, who “performed no sign.” John 10:41.

Paul defended his apostleship by pointing to signs and wonders that God had worked through him. 2 Corinthians 12:12. Paul’s preaching of the gospel was accompanied by “mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God.” Romans 15:19.
Some limit signs and wonders to the apostles. But the apostles were not the only ones through whom God worked signs and wonders. Consider Stephen, who, “full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.” Acts 6:8.
It is safe to say that today signs and wonders are missing from many churches, and they aren’t even missed. God isn’t expected to do very much, if anything.

The Day of Pentecost has come and gone, but the Holy Spirit is still here. He is often grieved, resisted, and quenched, but not always. Even today those who are full of faith are also full of power, the power of the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead.

PRAY THIS PRAYER WITH ME (You can pray your own prayer)

O God, open our eyes that we may see You at work in us and through us.
We know that nothing is too hard for You, and yet…. Lord, strengthen our faith.
Have Your way in our lives.
In Jesus’ name. Amen!

SHALOM AND MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED DAY.
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