Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Empowered by the Holy Spirit for Mission

Isaiah 61:1-4
 

“V1a - "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor"

In Isaiah 61:1-4, we see the prophet Isaiah describing the mission of the Messiah. He is anointed by the Spirit of the Lord for the mission of proclaiming the Gospel and bringing hope to those in need. In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of this prophecy in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, upon beginning His earthly ministry, quoted these very words in the synagogue, declaring that He is the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (Luke 4:16-21). As followers of Christ, we are also recipients of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us for the mission of God. We are called to be His hands and feet, reaching out to those who are hurting, oppressed, and under-represented. As members of the Mar Thoma Church, we recognize the significance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in fulfilling the great commission. This divine mission is not accomplished by our own strength or abilities but through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send as our Helper and Advocate, dwells within us, empowering us for every task and challenge that comes our way. This means relying on the guidance, strength, and wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit to engage in a meaningful and transformative way.
The Gospel message of salvation is for everyone, especially those who are spiritually poor and broken, offering them the riches of God's grace. Each of us has a part to play in building God's kingdom and making a difference in the lives of others bringing good news which brings hope, encouragement, and positivity to the lives of those whom we come across. This requires spending time in prayer, seeking God's presence, and aligning our hearts with His purposes. When we are filled with the Spirit, our lives become a living testimony of God's love and grace, drawing others to encounter the hope and transformation that only Christ can bring. 
As members of the Mar Thoma church community, we are guided by the teachings and practices of our faith. We hold dear the values of compassion, and humility, which are deeply rooted in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. These values are magnified and demonstrated through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit working within us. Through the Holy Spirit's empowerment, we can be true ambassadors of Christ, fulfilling His mission on earth until the day of His glorious return.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to carry out the mission of Christ. As a MarThoma church that believes in the motto “Lighted to Lighten,” we recognize that we are recipients of your grace, called to share that grace with others. May Your Spirit continue to lead and use us as instruments of Your love and grace as we proclaim Your good news and work for the transformation of lives. May we be faithful stewards of the gifts You have bestowed upon us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!


Thought for the Day

"Let the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit lead you to be a beacon of hope and love in a world seeking light."

Kezia Cherian and Ivin Mathew
St.Paul’s MTC Dallas and MTC of Dallas, Farmers Branch, Texas

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