Creating Targets

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Acts 10:44 – While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

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All my life, I have enjoyed shooting sports of all kinds; rifles, shotguns, handguns, and even archery.  I especially enjoy a few hours at the range with my son and grandson.  What a treat to have my son and grandson out-shoot me there, and I’m a pretty good shot.  But then, I helped to teach (train) them.  So, I’m living my dream.  At the range, we have targets.  If you’re going to shoot, you need a target.  If you desire to hit something, you have to aim.  If you hit the target consistently, you’re good.  God NEVER misses.

Look at our Text for Today.  We read that “Holy Ghost fell on them which heard the word.”  Holy Ghost did not fall just anywhere.  He “fell” where there was an intended target.  I truly love to see Holy Ghost “fall” on people.  It is absolutely awesome.  When that happens, lives are changed, people are born again, bodies are healed, people are delivered, needs are met, and people are filled with Holy Ghost, as it was in our Text for Today.  My question today arises toward that end.  What can I do to create a target for God?

To answer that question, let’s look at what Peter was doing, all the while remembering that God never changes, and that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

1. Peter had come to a people who were desirous, deeply hungry, for a move of the Spirit, especially for the baptism in the Holy Ghost (being Spirit-filled).  When you find people who are truly hungry for such a move of God, Holy Ghost is ready.
2. Peter spoke simply to the people (a) the truth of God’s Word, and (b) the testimony of Who Jesus is.  It was not about self, for a fund raiser, ministry growth, or church membership drive.  It was all about Jesus.
3. The people listened to what the man of God had to say.  This is of absolute importance.  If the people to whom one speaks will not listen, they do not receive faith, and without faith there is no action of Holy Spirit on their behalf.
4. There was a unity in the spirit of the people.

So, while Peter yet “spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.”  If you want Holy Ghost result, look for Holy Ghost patterns.  Like Father and Son, He never changes.  He shows us patterns of how He has moved in the past; the requirements, the placements, the obedience on our part. And when we fulfill our roles, He always fulfills His.  We can set the stage on which He will perform.  Let’s get busy.  The closing curtain to this age is closer than you think.

Manna for Today – Acts10; Luke 11:13; John 14:15-17; Acts 1:8; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8