Prayer Works Morning Devotion: June 4, 2025

"Waiting On The Holy Spirit - Getting Our Hearts Ready for Pentecost"

"Acts 2:5-13 The Crowds Response - Amazement & Mockery"

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Good morning, everyone. Good morning. What a blessed morning. What a blessed day, to see a new day to have new opportunities, to worship to pray together to know that we're not alone.

To be reminded that God has something special in store for us each and every day if we only have eyes to see and ears to hear.  

So as we start this morning devotion and just praying Heavenly Father that you would be in my mouth and let the words in my mouth be acceptable to you. Creating me a clean heart and remove a right and steadfast spirit within me. 

I think you have me, Father, for this opportunity to be a vessel, to be used by you. And I pray that you would just fill my mouth with your words and your words alone in Jesus name I  pray, Amen.  

Excuse me, this morning our focus Scripture as we've been walking towards the remembrances of Pentecost, our focus Scripture this morning is acts 2:5:13 and I'm not going to spend a lot of time on it, but I would still like to read it and then also share words, encouraging words that are on my heart.  

So I'm going to read that scripture and I'm also going to read the scripture that I was reading this morning because as I reflect on both these scriptures, I believe that the Lord is giving us a word of encouragement through them.  

So let me first read Acts 2:5-13. And then after that, I'm going to read a few passages from Zechariah Chapter 3 and you'll see the connections in a bit. Ok, so, and there were dwelling in Jerusalem, Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven and then this sound occurred.  

So this is, you know, the Holy the Pentecost has come. The Holy Spirit has come and everybody in Jerusalem is witness to it, and they're hearing it. And when the sound occurred, the multitude came together were confused because everyone heard them speak in his own language.  

Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another. Look, I'm not all these who speak Galileans. And how is it that here, each in our own language in which we were born. So when the Holy Spirit comes, just you know everybody's going to know it.  

There's not going to be any doubt when the Holy Spirit is moving in us, there's not going to be any question that something incredible is happening, but let's read on. And how is it that we hear each in our own language in which we were born. 

Parthians, Medes and Elamites those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia. Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Libya and Jordan Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and Proselytes, Cretans and Arabs.  

So these are all these different kinds of people. Multitudes are understanding what these apostles are saying, and disciples are saying they're like, how is this possible? We know they're not one of us, but how is it that we understand what they're saying?  

So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to saying to one another whatever could this mean? Now let's look at this next verse here others mocking said they are full of new wine.  

So here we have different responses to the move and the hand and the work of the Holy Spirit that we have to expect different responses. People will understand and marvel and then there will also be people who will refuse to accept.  

The move of the Holy Spirit and attribute it to something else. And just as and this kind of brings to mind what the Pharisees told Jesus when he healed the mute and deaf and blind man and said, oh, he's doing this by the work of the hills above. 

And here we see the same response here in this crowd by those who said, oh, this miracle that's happening, it's because they're full of new wine. Imagine that. So God is showing us these scriptures are showing us the response that we can expect to the move of the Holy Spirit and the miracles that will happen as a result of the Holy Spirit working through us.  

But let's look at Zechariah. I was reading it this morning, kind of tying the two together so you can see the history and the nature of that spirit that will deny the move of the Holy Spirit. So this is a book of Zachariah. 

So then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him, or to accuse him. So this is the root. This is at the heart of this mockery, Satan, standing at the right side of us, as we stand before the throne of God. 

Accusing us and opposing us, so we have to expect this, my brothers and sisters, that we will be opposed even as we're doing the work of the Kingdom. We will be opposed But let's take heart.  

Let’s read the next few verses. And the Lord said to Satan, the Lord rebuked you, Satan the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you. So that's us. God has chosen us. 

And God alone will rebuke Satan on our behalf. That's not something we have to do. The Lord will rebuke Satan, and when the Lord rebukes Satan, he is rebuked far more thoroughly than we ever could.  

And this next sentence here just my heart, just kind of leaped inside of me when I read it and it said. Is this not a brand? Or in other words, is this not a burning stick plucked from the fire? And I just thought, Oh my goodness, isn't that who we all are?  

We are burning sticks that have been plucked from the fire. When you think about a stick that is burning, this stick has been sentenced. It's scorched, it's ugly on one part of it.  

But yet still we have been plucked from the fire and that's what God is calling us to do as well. But we can only do this through the power of the Holy Spirit with this power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we can expect some people to marvel, some people to be amazed, but we can also expect some people to mock and oppose us.  

But the Lord will rebuke Satan no matter what form he comes in, no matter who he's working through, the Lord will rebuke Satan, and he recognizes and we must recognize, that we were once burning sticks.  

We were on our way to destruction, but God plucked us from the fire. And I'll just go into read now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and was standing before the Angel and that's us.  

We've been plucked from the fire and now here we're standing in front of the Almighty God and our sin is filthy. Filthy before the most holy of most high God. Then he answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying take away the filthy garments from him.  

So Christ has taken away our filthy garments, and we must remember this because in the coming days, especially as we are getting deeper in this walk. Satan is coming strong against us to oppose us and to remind us of the filthy garments that we once wore.  

But the Lord says, take away the filthy garments. Let's remember, even as we hear the voice of the enemy, either in our heads or coming through the mouths of people we know, accusing us, mocking us, opposing us, reminding us of who we once were, and telling us there's no way you've changed.  

You're the same person. I knew you. Let us remember that the Lord has taken away our filthy garments, and to him, he said continue on. See, I have removed your iniquity from you and I will clothe you with rich robes. 

So my brothers and sisters. Stop looking, at and remembering and seeing yourself in the mirror with your filthy garments. God has removed our iniquity.

We were once burning sticks that we were plucked from the fire before we were consumed, and we are now clothed through the blood of Jesus and rich robes.  

And this is what's interesting because there's Zechariah. He is watching his vision and he says to the Lord, and I said to him, let them put a clean turban on his head and what did they do? 

They put a clean turban on his head and they put the clothes on him. So just imagine that Zachariah was like, wow, he asked for more blessings on Joshua. And isn't that what we're called to do?  

So we're called to pluck burning sticks from the fire and to ask for blessings and covering the head is our cover, covering the head and reminding people and reminding ourselves that we are clothed in rich garments, new garments through the blood of Jesus and not, and not forget it.  

And God will bless those we ask him to bless and let me continue on with what we must do knowing this, what we must do, knowing that we have been plucked from the fire, that our filthy garments have been removed from us, and we are cleansed and thoroughly cleanse and clothed in the blood of Jesus.  

What must we do? So the Angel of the Lord admonished Joshua and just think of that he admonished Joshua, just think Joshua has been his filthy clothes, has been removed from him. He's got a new turban on, he's got him clean, new robes on him and the Angel tells Joshua admonishes him very strong and This Is Us.  

He says if you will walk in my ways and if you will keep my command then you shall also judge my house, and likewise have charge of my courts. I will give you places to walk among these who stand here.  

So that's the condition my brothers and sisters, yes we are saved. Yes, our sins have been forgiven us. But that's we're not to be content and complacent in that we could always things could go South quickly.  

It can become too cocky and if we take this blessing and this renewal and this new life and this forgiveness that we have, if we take it for granted as the angel of the Lord admonishes Joshua, you're standing here. Your sins have been forgiven. You're clean, you're washed up.  

But let's not get it twisted. We must walk in the Lord's ways. We must keep his commands, and the promise is if we do that, we will the Lord will give us places to walk among those who stand here.  

So getting back to Acts after the Holy Spirit came and the people in the multitudes were amazed. If you think about what the apostles and disciples were able to accomplish after receiving the Holy Spirit after being reminded of who they are, the Lord took them all over their world.  

And here we are in America how many centuries later? Praising the name of the Lord. Because this word has gone forth across every nation and it will continue to go forth across every nation. God will continue to give us places to walk if we will walk in his ways and keep his commands.  

So my word of encouragement for us this morning, my brothers and sisters is as we wait and expect the power and the fresh filling, the full filling of the Holy Spirit, as signified on Pentecost.  

Expect the opposition. Expect it, but don't fear it. Recognize it and as the angel of the Lord said to Satan, the Lord rebuke you, and this we have to remember. It's not what we do. We don't have to fight in our own strength.  

When Satan comes up against us, we trust the Lord to do his part and to not let ourselves be distracted when the opposition comes, when the mockery come. We say the Lord, we give that give those people over to the Lord these situations.  

And believe me if anybody has been like me and my husband and everything and everybody else as we're preparing and getting ready, our hearts ready to see a move of the Lord, our on this coming Pentecost,  

We have been Oh my goodness, the enemy has been pouring out all the stops. And why do you think that's happening? Because the enemy recognizes the children of God, and the enemy has made it his mission to oppose us.  

But we have been clothed in new garments And as long as we walk in God's ways and we keep his commandments, he will give us places to walk among the nations and all nations. Wherever God sends us, we will be understood.  

So let's get ready. Let's get ready and let's pray for the Heavenly Father to let us not be distracted or dismayed or discouraged by the mockery. By the opposition of the enemy expected, but don't let it crush you.  

It cannot crush you because the spirit of the most high God lives in you. And God has closed you. He has cleaned us, cleansed us of all our sin and iniquity. And if we will hold fast to him and keep our eyes on him, even in the midst of the opposition.  

Keep our eyes on God and say God, you know what's going on. I'm turning this over to you. I'm not going to fret about it. I'm not, I refuse and help him. Father, forgive me. Forgive me for when I'm tempted to be anxious. Forgive me when I'm tempted to be resentful.  

Forgive me for when I'm tempted to be bitter. Forgiving for when I'm tempted to lash out and Lord, I mean I'm telling you, I've got a bit of a fiery nature. My husband has to remind me of this weekend, you know?  

Hey, you can't fight. You can't fight these people like that. That's not what you're called to do, you know? So, hey, we have our flare ups and I had to be quick to repent to the Lord forgive me.  

I was tempted to look in the mirror and see myself in those filthy roles and I know I don't want to do that anymore. That's not me, that is not me. You have told me in the robes of righteousness and I cling to that and I want to keep those righteous robes on.  

So my brothers and sisters, keep your righteous robe on. Be confident in it. Know that you've got a turban on your head which is Christ the most high as our head. And the Holy Spirit living within us, and let's wait with expectation.  

If we fall short today, be quick to repent. If you say something, if you do something. If you think. Something that you know is not right or pleasing and against God's ways and God's commands. Be quick to repent. Be quick to repent and mean it and Satan will be rebuked by the Lord.  

So we’re praying Father that he will create that, create a clean heart in all of us and renew our steadfast spirit in us. I thank you for listening to these words of the current encouragement. Pastor Zee is going to say a word and also closes out in prayer. 

Thank you sis. You know, in the passage that Veronica just read. There's always going to be 3 groups of people opposition, amazement and mockers.

Now all these three groups of people have one thing in common. Even those who are amazed. Even those who are opposing and those who are mocking, they all have one thing in common.  

They are not participating. So whatever you do, don't be a by stander. Don't be amazed and be a bystander. Don't oppose and don't mock. In other words this Kingdom is about participation. 

You cannot be in amazement and not participate. Because amazement sometimes getting look like yeah a positive thing but it is not. Participation is what the Lord wants us to do. There’s always going to be 3 people.  

Remember when the man was in a ditch? The three people that were that were observed where the Levites? The Samaritan and the priest. One of them participated. The other two, even though they were he was a priest and the Levite, the Levitical priesthood order were people who were supposed to serve in the temple.  

This was their job description. So the Levite and the priests, all incredible people in their own right did not participate. It took the Samaritan to participate.

In order for God to recognize that so you cannot be a bystander and sometimes it's as simple as saying hey Lord, I too I want to be part of the number.  

So don't be for us, don't be amazed, participate and none, none amongst us oppose and you know that none amongst us will go against what the Lord is doing, but we could be amazed and not participate. Participation demands that your heart desires.  

In fact the scripture says God will give us the desires of our hearts. So whatever desire you have, if it's for the things of the Lord. It came from God. Now it's time to participate but I want you to imagine on the day of Pentecost when all this is happening.  

Where people are speaking in different languages, something that has never happened before. And those who are watching can see the impact this move of God has. I mean, they can see.  

They are right there watching and seeing it and choosing to not participate amazed but not participating. How can such a thing happens and be a bystander. My coach in high school used to say this.  

You don't want to be the guy that is sent to go get coffee when it's time to make the important decision. You want to be part of it. You want to be. You want to be in it. So when we gather on Sunday whenever the Lord starts doing what he is doing.  

Don't be a bystander. Don't watch, don't observe. When others are lifting hands, lift hands when others are praying, pray too when others are getting their miracle, their answer prayer.  

Get yours, ask for the Lord, he says that's why this scripture says in the time of rain, ask for rain. You can't observe, you can't be an amazement of oh it's raining hence, you always hear me say if you hear somebody saying, oh, the Lord answered my prayer, then you hear another person say oh there the Lord answered my prayer.  

They should automatically tell you we are in the season of answered prayer. Participate, put on your request. So we've been talking about Pentecost that this day is coming, and yesterday Vee sent me an e-mail and says, look what's going on around the world.  

That somehow this day of Pentecost everybody's talking about in different parts of the world and is falling in the year of Jubilee. So there's so much talk and so much things. There's people gathering this Sunday in Israel in different places to celebrate the day of Pentecost.  

And we are included in that number in our own little corner doing what we are doing. So when this day comes, you cannot be in, you cannot be caught in amazement, you cannot. You have to be participating.  

You've got to participate. You don't want to be Oh, my God what happened that day? No you have to say what happened to me that day. So amazement even though it looks great, it's not good. You've got to participate, got to participate.  

Whatever the Lord, I always say, Lord, whatever you are doing, don't do it without me. Whatever you are releasing in the earth, I want to be part of it and I want to be part of it, Amen so don't be caught in amazement.  

It's not a good thing. Participate, don't be the priest saved but unwilling. Don't be the Levi with a job description that you're supposed to serve but unwilling, Amen. So heavenly Father in our desire and in our efforts to know you.  

We plant things, we set agendas in motion through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We do all that we can do on this side of the stratosphere. That we know for a fact without your presence our efforts have no meaning.  

So we are doing what we can in the strength that you have given us, in the wisdom that you are guiding us through. We are inviting people. We are asking others to come and participate with us.  

Invitations have gone. Facebook Post have gone but you Lord. You know, all things you see all things. Nothing hidden, you know what needs to happen, you know what has to take place.  

So we are going to lean on you like we have always leaned on you because we know what to do. That our eyes are on you is the day of Pentecost, 50 years of Jubilee whatever that was taken is returning back.  

We know the enemy has been causing havoc in the world but it's time to pay up. So, Father, as we await on your spirit. Do something remarkable in us. Help us experience the very true essence of who you are. May our soul be joined to your spirit.  

So that we as your children become the participants of this Kingdom ethos. I pray, we pray in advance for what you are about to do and what you are going to do. Whatever is going to transpire on that day.  

May our hearts be entwined with the spirits and Father, I pray even now for those who might not be here due to scheduling and things that are happening. I pray that they are connected to this preparation, they are committed to us. 

And Father, I pray that n mere wisdom may they enjoy what we will enjoy on this particular day. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for salvation. We know there are many people in this world. We have heard the call to salvation but someone could not respond to it. And we find ourselves responding to it.  

Now we lift our hands to thank you for calling us. And we pray that may our good Lord with all your riches in glory. Now indulge us in our efforts as we lean to the gift of the Holy Spirit. Do what you can do Lord, we give you space, give you time.  

We recognize your authority and we are yielding to you as we March towards Sunday. We thank you that you have created expectations in our hearts and now, forevermore, we are grateful.  

Now lead us not into temptation, continue to deliver us from the evil one. For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, Amen. Brothers and sisters the word of the day is participate. Don't be a bystander, don't be caught in amazement.  

It's not a good thing. It sounds like it is, but it's not. Usually people who are amazed they put their hands on their head as they watch what is going on. Don't be caught in amazement, be a participant and may the Lord bless you. May you have an awesome day and we will see you tomorrow.