Topic: John 20:22 [John Hagee Devotional 3 June 2020]

And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’

Jesus Christ anointed the disciples. They were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and they turned the world upside down with the Good News entrusted to them (Acts 17:6).

Under that anointing, thousands repented when they preached. Under that anointing, the lame went walking, leaping, and praising God. The demon-possessed were set free, and the dead were raised back to life. When Peter’s mere shadow fell on the sick, they were healed.

Under that same anointing, they were arrested, imprisoned, beaten, crucified, burned, beheaded, and stoned. Through that persecution, the message of the cross spread like wildfire. No religious leader could shut it down. No emperor could put a stop to it. No power on earth could stand against it.

Under the anointing, we may face persecution. Struggle does not mean that we are not spiritual. Struggle means that we are flesh and blood fighting against spiritual powers of darkness that are rampant in the world. But the weapons of our warfare are mighty!

When the battle rages, the anointing enables us to fight through to the victory that is ours through Jesus. When the fire blazes the hottest, the anointing emboldens us to stand our tallest as children of Almighty God. In good times, in bad times, in all times, the anointing of God empowers us to fulfill His purposes.

Blessing:

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May you be filled with the anointing of the Holy Spirit of God to be His witness today!

Today’s Bible Reading:

Old Testament

2 Samuel 20:14-22:20

New Testament

Acts 1:1-26

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 121:1-8

Proverbs 16:18