Let's Study Together:
Based on recent sermons —
For 6/8 through 6/12
WHAT CAME DOWN WE HE WENT UP
Day 1: The Spirit Within
Reading: Acts 2:1-4, 33; John 14:15-18
Devotional: The disciples stood on the Mount of Olives watching their Leader ascend into the clouds. They felt abandoned, powerless, and uncertain. But Jesus had promised something better than His physical presence—He would send the Holy Spirit to live within them. Before Christ's ascension, God was above them and Jesus walked beside them. Now, through the Spirit, God dwells inside every believer. You are never alone. The same Spirit that empowered Peter at Pentecost lives in you today. You don't need to wait for a special moment or perfect circumstances. The Spirit is already present, ready to guide, comfort, and empower you for whatever lies ahead.
Reflection: Where do you need to recognize the Spirit's presence in your life today?
Day 2: Power for the Powerless
Reading: Acts 1:8; Romans 8:11; 2 Timothy 1:7
Devotional: When Jesus ascended, the disciples felt inadequate for the task before them. How could they continue His ministry without Him? Yet Jesus promised they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This wasn't just any power—it was the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. You may feel small, insignificant, or ill-equipped for what God has called you to do. Perhaps you're the only Christian at your workplace or in your family. Remember, you possess resurrection power. The Spirit doesn't just rest upon you; He dwells within you. You have everything you need to be a witness, to stand firm, and to accomplish great things for God's kingdom.
Reflection: What situation makes you feel powerless? How can you rely on God's power today?
Day 3: Direct Access to the Father
Reading: Romans 8:34; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 7:25
Devotional: Before Christ's ascension, people needed priests to intercede on their behalf. There were layers of ritual, sacrifice, and separation between humanity and God. But when Jesus ascended, He became our High Priest, tearing the veil and giving us direct access to the Father. You don't need a middleman. You can boldly approach God's throne with your needs, confessions, and requests. Even better, Jesus understands your struggles because He walked where you walk. He knows hunger, tears, anxiety, and temptation. When you pray, you're speaking to someone who has experienced human life and can be touched with the feelings of your infirmities. Come boldly today.
Reflection: What do you need to bring directly to Jesus today?
Day 4: Hope That Anchors the Soul
Reading: Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13
Devotional: As the disciples watched Jesus disappear into the clouds, angels delivered a powerful message of hope: "This same Jesus will come again in the same way you have seen Him go." The ascension wasn't the end of the story—it was a promise of what's to come. We live in a world marked by goodbyes, loss, and uncertainty. But believers have an unshakable hope: Jesus is coming back. He's bringing our loved ones with Him. He's bringing eternity, righteous judgment, and a world where we'll never say goodbye again. The countdown is getting lower every day. This hope isn't wishful thinking; it's a guaranteed promise from the One who conquered death.
Reflection: How does the promise of Christ's return give you hope today?
Day 5: Living Between the Ascension and the Return
Reading: Revelation 22:12-21; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Peter 3:8-14
Devotional: We live in the time between Jesus' ascension and His return. The disciples could have stood gazing into heaven indefinitely, paralyzed by Jesus' departure. Instead, the angels redirected them: get to work, for He is coming again. This is our calling too. We have the Spirit's presence, resurrection power, direct access to the Father, and the blessed hope of Christ's return. Now we must live purposefully. Share your testimony. Be a witness in your Jerusalem. Love your family well. Serve faithfully in your church. Keep your eyes on the eastern sky, but don't stand idle. The same Jesus who went up is coming down, and we want to be found faithful when He arrives.
Reflection: How will you live today in light of Christ's promised return?
WHAT CAME DOWN WE HE WENT UP
Day 1: The Spirit Within
Reading: Acts 2:1-4, 33; John 14:15-18
Devotional: The disciples stood on the Mount of Olives watching their Leader ascend into the clouds. They felt abandoned, powerless, and uncertain. But Jesus had promised something better than His physical presence—He would send the Holy Spirit to live within them. Before Christ's ascension, God was above them and Jesus walked beside them. Now, through the Spirit, God dwells inside every believer. You are never alone. The same Spirit that empowered Peter at Pentecost lives in you today. You don't need to wait for a special moment or perfect circumstances. The Spirit is already present, ready to guide, comfort, and empower you for whatever lies ahead.
Reflection: Where do you need to recognize the Spirit's presence in your life today?
Day 2: Power for the Powerless
Reading: Acts 1:8; Romans 8:11; 2 Timothy 1:7
Devotional: When Jesus ascended, the disciples felt inadequate for the task before them. How could they continue His ministry without Him? Yet Jesus promised they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This wasn't just any power—it was the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. You may feel small, insignificant, or ill-equipped for what God has called you to do. Perhaps you're the only Christian at your workplace or in your family. Remember, you possess resurrection power. The Spirit doesn't just rest upon you; He dwells within you. You have everything you need to be a witness, to stand firm, and to accomplish great things for God's kingdom.
Reflection: What situation makes you feel powerless? How can you rely on God's power today?
Day 3: Direct Access to the Father
Reading: Romans 8:34; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 7:25
Devotional: Before Christ's ascension, people needed priests to intercede on their behalf. There were layers of ritual, sacrifice, and separation between humanity and God. But when Jesus ascended, He became our High Priest, tearing the veil and giving us direct access to the Father. You don't need a middleman. You can boldly approach God's throne with your needs, confessions, and requests. Even better, Jesus understands your struggles because He walked where you walk. He knows hunger, tears, anxiety, and temptation. When you pray, you're speaking to someone who has experienced human life and can be touched with the feelings of your infirmities. Come boldly today.
Reflection: What do you need to bring directly to Jesus today?
Day 4: Hope That Anchors the Soul
Reading: Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:13
Devotional: As the disciples watched Jesus disappear into the clouds, angels delivered a powerful message of hope: "This same Jesus will come again in the same way you have seen Him go." The ascension wasn't the end of the story—it was a promise of what's to come. We live in a world marked by goodbyes, loss, and uncertainty. But believers have an unshakable hope: Jesus is coming back. He's bringing our loved ones with Him. He's bringing eternity, righteous judgment, and a world where we'll never say goodbye again. The countdown is getting lower every day. This hope isn't wishful thinking; it's a guaranteed promise from the One who conquered death.
Reflection: How does the promise of Christ's return give you hope today?
Day 5: Living Between the Ascension and the Return
Reading: Revelation 22:12-21; Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Peter 3:8-14
Devotional: We live in the time between Jesus' ascension and His return. The disciples could have stood gazing into heaven indefinitely, paralyzed by Jesus' departure. Instead, the angels redirected them: get to work, for He is coming again. This is our calling too. We have the Spirit's presence, resurrection power, direct access to the Father, and the blessed hope of Christ's return. Now we must live purposefully. Share your testimony. Be a witness in your Jerusalem. Love your family well. Serve faithfully in your church. Keep your eyes on the eastern sky, but don't stand idle. The same Jesus who went up is coming down, and we want to be found faithful when He arrives.
Reflection: How will you live today in light of Christ's promised return?