Daily Devotions: Thursday, April 23, 2009

This week, we’ll be studying the Holy Spirit in light of His name.  In the languages of both of the Testaments, Hebrew in the Old and Greek in the New, the word for Spirit refers to breath or wind.  Frequently the Bible uses the imagery of “the Breath of God” to point to the Holy Spirit.  This week we’ll find out why, and discover why we’re calling this series “Breathe.”

Text: John 20:1-23

• What did Mary Magdalene discover when she went to tomb where Jesus had been buried early Sunday morning?  What did she do?
• What did Peter and the beloved disciple do when they heard Mary’s report?  What did they find there?  Why did it take them so long to believe?
• What did Mary do when the two disciples left the tomb?  What did she see?  Who did she think it was?
• What did Jesus tell Mary when she realized who he was?  What did Mary do?
• Where were the disciples that evening?  Why?
• What did Jesus tell his disciples in verse 21?
• What did Jesus do to his disciples in verse 22?

Daily Challenge:

• Immediately after telling his disciples that their mission was to be be sent out into the world to announce the arrival of God’s kingdom in the same way that he himself had been sent, Jesus breathes on them and tells them they need to receive the Holy Spirit.  Why do you think it is so important that we open ourselves to God’s presence and power in our lives before we can do Christ’s work in the world?

Prayer Focus:

• Pray that God would help you to be aware of and open to the way he is working in your life this week.