Spiritual Momentum

Daily Reading: Isaiah 61

Scripture Focus: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.  (Isaiah 61.1-3)

Devotional Thought: The year and a half before September 2018 was filled with increasing pressure.  In times of prayer God had been telling first me, then my wife and me to "Get out of the boat."  Through prayer and conversations with family and friends, Lana and I left the church we were pastoring and launched Momentum Ministries "to help individuals, groups and churches attain, maintain, and regain spiritual momentum." 

This mission was to be accomplished through writing, preaching, prayer, and encouragement.  The initial focus was on writing - with prayer and encouragement sprinkled in.  Recently, however, "the Spirit of the Lord God is upon me."  God is putting his thumb in my back, reminding me that my call is to preach - "to bring good news... to proclaim..."

I am not sure what that means exactly, only that I must make myself available and must go through the doors God opens.  There is a message of great hope for the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, those who are bound, who mourn and are faint.  I want to tell them about Jesus!

What about you?  Is the Spirit of the Lord upon you?  How can you bring good news to your generation?

Prayer: "I'll say yes, Lord, yes to your will and to your way.  Yes, Lord, yes I will trust you and obey.  When your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree, and my answer will be yes, Lord, yes."  Amen.  (Lynn Keesecker)

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 93.1-5

1 The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.

2 Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.

3 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring.

4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty!

5 Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore.