Acts 14 Paul and Barnabas go to Iconium and preach the good news there. Again, some believe and some reject the truth. Even after Paul heals a man crippled from birth, there is a problem because the people there think they are Zeus and Hermes. The unbelieving Jews come and cause many to turn against Paul and they try to stone him.
Our enemy is working in many ways to bring confusion.. to "poison" the minds of people so that they turn against the Lord and His people. Satan even uses "religious" people. He uses good people and bad people... he uses false religions and he even uses so-called christians to confuse and keep people from believing the Truth. It is vital that we keep speaking up... keep speaking the Good News about Jesus!
Paul confronts the false beliefs with the truth of Who God is.. " We are announcing Good News to you - turn from these worthless things to the living God who made heaven and earth and the sea and everything in them." ( v15)
Paul encourages those who believed to continue to be "true to the faith" and that "it is through many hardships that we must enter the Kingdom of God." ( v22) He them commits them into the Lord's hands.
This brings to mind Ephesians 6:10 -13 "Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with His mighty strength! Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary. For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing."
Father in heaven, we come to You in union with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, asking once again for His mighty strength, so that we might stand firm and true in faith, even through many hardships.
We thank You for the Truth- Jesus Christ, who holds us together, who girds us about with Himself. We put on His righteousness, for He is our Redeemer. We wear the shoes of peace - ready to share the Good News with others. Thank You. We are taking up our shields of faith, trusting You "to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One". We are taking up our helmets of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.. and we are praying. Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, deliver us from the evil one and keep us walking in the Light. May Your Name be glorified and honored. And, may Your Kingdom come! Amen.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Friday, April 17, 2020
Acts 13 Saul and Barnabas were "set apart" by the Holy Spirit to go and preach the Good News. After a stop in Cyprus, they went to Pisidian Antioch. There, Paul is given an opportunity to speak in the synagogue and many come to believe in Jesus. The next week, most of the town shows up to hear about Jesus.
Paul makes the gospel message clear to both Jews and Gentiles. "God-fearers! It is to us that the message of this deliverance has been sent!" ( v26)
The good news is that Jesus is risen from the dead; he has fulfilled all the promises and prophecies written about Him. "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, through this man is proclaimed the forgiveness of sins! That is, God clears everyone who puts his trust in this man, even in regard to all the things concerning which you could not be cleared by the Torah of Moses." ( 38 - 39)
This is the Gospel and it thrills our souls! Yet, the jealous Jews rejected it. Paul said the them, "It was necessary that God's word be spoken first to you. But since you are rejecting it and are judging yourselves unworthy of eternal life - why we're turning to the Gentiles!" (v46)
To reject the truth about Jesus is to "judge yourself unworthy of eternal life".
I have to stop and reread that verse. It strikes me.. deeply. Too many of my loved ones have done just that. They have rejected Jesus. They have judged themselves unworthy of eternal life. Oh, God of mercy... forgive them and bring them to the Truth.
Like Paul and Barnabas, we are to be "as a light for the nations, to be for deliverance to the ends of the earth." Verse 48 "The Gentiles were very happy to hear this. They honored the message about the Lord and as many as had been appointed to eternal life came to trust."
We are reminded here that it is our job to be a light and to share the Good News about Jesus, but it is God's Hands to appoint people for eternal life.
Father, You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. You have given us life through Jesus Christ the Lord. We have put our trust in Him. Thank You for appointing us to eternal life. Father, we pray for those who have rejected the Lord Jesus. We pray for their eyes to be opened and their hearts to receive the Word, the Good News, and to trust in Him. We entreat You on their behalf, Father. Asking this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
Paul makes the gospel message clear to both Jews and Gentiles. "God-fearers! It is to us that the message of this deliverance has been sent!" ( v26)
The good news is that Jesus is risen from the dead; he has fulfilled all the promises and prophecies written about Him. "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, through this man is proclaimed the forgiveness of sins! That is, God clears everyone who puts his trust in this man, even in regard to all the things concerning which you could not be cleared by the Torah of Moses." ( 38 - 39)
This is the Gospel and it thrills our souls! Yet, the jealous Jews rejected it. Paul said the them, "It was necessary that God's word be spoken first to you. But since you are rejecting it and are judging yourselves unworthy of eternal life - why we're turning to the Gentiles!" (v46)
To reject the truth about Jesus is to "judge yourself unworthy of eternal life".
I have to stop and reread that verse. It strikes me.. deeply. Too many of my loved ones have done just that. They have rejected Jesus. They have judged themselves unworthy of eternal life. Oh, God of mercy... forgive them and bring them to the Truth.
Like Paul and Barnabas, we are to be "as a light for the nations, to be for deliverance to the ends of the earth." Verse 48 "The Gentiles were very happy to hear this. They honored the message about the Lord and as many as had been appointed to eternal life came to trust."
We are reminded here that it is our job to be a light and to share the Good News about Jesus, but it is God's Hands to appoint people for eternal life.
Father, You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. You have given us life through Jesus Christ the Lord. We have put our trust in Him. Thank You for appointing us to eternal life. Father, we pray for those who have rejected the Lord Jesus. We pray for their eyes to be opened and their hearts to receive the Word, the Good News, and to trust in Him. We entreat You on their behalf, Father. Asking this in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Acts 12 James, the brother of John, is arrested and put to death by Herod. Peter is arrested and put into prison. On the night before he was to be brought to trial, an angel was sent to Peter in answer to the prayers of the Christians.
His chains fell off.
He was told to dress.
He was led through a gate that opened by itself.
And, he was led through the street.
It was only then that Peter realized that this was not a dream!
When Herod finds out that Peter is gone.. his anger is unleashed.
He has the guards killed.
He leaves the area.
And, he brings about his own doom by receiving glory that only belongs to God.
Two men.. Peter and Herod.
One is delivered in a miraculous way that gives glory to God.
One is destroyed because of he would not give glory to God.
The constant message of the Scriptures is once again delivered to us - choose life or choose death.
Life is in Christ alone.
Death is in everything else.
Psalm 145:20 "Adonai protects all who love him, but all the wicked he destroys."
Father in heaven, You are great and greatly to be praised. Your greatness is beyond "all searching out". We praise Your mighty works and proclaim your mighty acts. We meditate on Your "glorious splendor.". ..your majesty.. your kingship.. your glory! You are good to all. You are gracious and merciful. You are righteous in all Your ways, and full of grace and kindness in all You do. Lord God, we call on You and You hear us. Thank You. We pray that people everywhere will bless Your holy name and praise You with all their hearts. Amen.
His chains fell off.
He was told to dress.
He was led through a gate that opened by itself.
And, he was led through the street.
It was only then that Peter realized that this was not a dream!
When Herod finds out that Peter is gone.. his anger is unleashed.
He has the guards killed.
He leaves the area.
And, he brings about his own doom by receiving glory that only belongs to God.
Two men.. Peter and Herod.
One is delivered in a miraculous way that gives glory to God.
One is destroyed because of he would not give glory to God.
The constant message of the Scriptures is once again delivered to us - choose life or choose death.
Life is in Christ alone.
Death is in everything else.
Psalm 145:20 "Adonai protects all who love him, but all the wicked he destroys."
Father in heaven, You are great and greatly to be praised. Your greatness is beyond "all searching out". We praise Your mighty works and proclaim your mighty acts. We meditate on Your "glorious splendor.". ..your majesty.. your kingship.. your glory! You are good to all. You are gracious and merciful. You are righteous in all Your ways, and full of grace and kindness in all You do. Lord God, we call on You and You hear us. Thank You. We pray that people everywhere will bless Your holy name and praise You with all their hearts. Amen.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Acts 11 When Peter returned to Jerusalem, he was criticized for going into the home of a Gentile. He patiently explains exactly what happened and they all rejoiced and praised God together for "God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life." v18 NASB. The Jewish Bible records that verse this way... " this means that God has enabled the Gentiles as well to do t'shuvah and have life!"
"T'shuvah" means turning. Turning from sin to God. In Greek the word is "metanoia" - to think differently, to reconsider , to feel guilt or compunction.. reversal. Compunction, a word we don't use often, is defined as - "a pricking.. of the conscience.. a sharp feeling of uneasiness brought on by a sense of guilt; a twinge of conscience; remorse;"
There were people turning to the Lord Jesus everywhere the Good News was being preached. In Antioch a church was established. Barnabas and Saul led the church that first year. The church was growing, they were seeing "the grace of God at work". Yet, persecution and famine were about to explode in the whole region. How did the church handle that news? They prepared to help.
We see this happening today. We are facing this pandemic. The economy is in trouble. Politicians are fighting. The media is intent on anything negative ( or so it seems to me). But, there are people who are turning to the Lord. God has granted "repentance that leads to life". The church is reaching out to help those in need.
The grace of God IS at work.
Father in Heaven, we praise Your Name. Your plan is always perfect and good. You use all things according to Your purposes. We are thankful to You for granting us salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We thank You that Your grace is at work.. calling people to Yourself. We pray " Your Kingdom come"... asking for a great harvest of souls, here in our country and around the world. Strengthen Your people for the tasks ahead. May we see hearts changed as You grant "repentance that leads to life. " We ask this in the Name of Jesus, Lord of all, amen.
"T'shuvah" means turning. Turning from sin to God. In Greek the word is "metanoia" - to think differently, to reconsider , to feel guilt or compunction.. reversal. Compunction, a word we don't use often, is defined as - "a pricking.. of the conscience.. a sharp feeling of uneasiness brought on by a sense of guilt; a twinge of conscience; remorse;"
There were people turning to the Lord Jesus everywhere the Good News was being preached. In Antioch a church was established. Barnabas and Saul led the church that first year. The church was growing, they were seeing "the grace of God at work". Yet, persecution and famine were about to explode in the whole region. How did the church handle that news? They prepared to help.
We see this happening today. We are facing this pandemic. The economy is in trouble. Politicians are fighting. The media is intent on anything negative ( or so it seems to me). But, there are people who are turning to the Lord. God has granted "repentance that leads to life". The church is reaching out to help those in need.
The grace of God IS at work.
Father in Heaven, we praise Your Name. Your plan is always perfect and good. You use all things according to Your purposes. We are thankful to You for granting us salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We thank You that Your grace is at work.. calling people to Yourself. We pray " Your Kingdom come"... asking for a great harvest of souls, here in our country and around the world. Strengthen Your people for the tasks ahead. May we see hearts changed as You grant "repentance that leads to life. " We ask this in the Name of Jesus, Lord of all, amen.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Acts 9:32-10:48
Peter began to travel through the land and came to Lydda where he heals a paralyzed man. He is then called to Joppa on behalf of Tabitha, a godly woman who had died. Peter went and prayed for her and she was revived and restored to her community. These miracles brought many more people to believe in Jesus. Peter stayed in Joppa. And, again we see that God had a wonderful plan.
Peter had a vision that prepared him to do something that he would never have done on his own initiative. In the vision there are unclean animals presented and Peter is told to kill them and eat. After three times, Peter gets the point.. ".. God has shown me not to call any person common or unclean;" He goes willingly to meet with Cornelius, the Roman officer. As Peter presents the gospel, the believers are filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter and his Jewish friends are amazed and thrilled at what God is doing!
It is always a joy to read the message of the Gospel..
Peter says it this way:
"... God does not play favorites, but .. whoever fears Him and does what is right - is acceptable
( welcome) to Him, no matter what people he belongs to.." ( v34)
" The word - the message which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus the Messiah, who is Lord of everything...." ( v36)
It started in Galilee after the baptism of John. Jesus was anointed" by the Holy Spirit and with power.
He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil for God was with HIm."
"And they put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross." v39
"God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He should become visible, not to all the people but to the witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is to us, who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead." ( v41)
"And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him ( puts his trust in Him) receives forgiveness of sins. "( v 42-43)
Praise to our God and Father and to the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who does not play favorites! Praise to our God who sent His One and only Son to bring Good News.. to die on a cross and to rise again from the dead.. that we can believe in Him, trust in Him and receive forgiveness of our sins in His Name. Amazing grace.. wonderful truth. Father, let this good news fill our land that many more will come to trust in Jesus only, receive Your Holy Spirit, and live with You forever more. Give us boldness to speak up! We pray this in the name of Jesus, who is Lord of everything. Amen.
Peter began to travel through the land and came to Lydda where he heals a paralyzed man. He is then called to Joppa on behalf of Tabitha, a godly woman who had died. Peter went and prayed for her and she was revived and restored to her community. These miracles brought many more people to believe in Jesus. Peter stayed in Joppa. And, again we see that God had a wonderful plan.
Peter had a vision that prepared him to do something that he would never have done on his own initiative. In the vision there are unclean animals presented and Peter is told to kill them and eat. After three times, Peter gets the point.. ".. God has shown me not to call any person common or unclean;" He goes willingly to meet with Cornelius, the Roman officer. As Peter presents the gospel, the believers are filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter and his Jewish friends are amazed and thrilled at what God is doing!
It is always a joy to read the message of the Gospel..
Peter says it this way:
"... God does not play favorites, but .. whoever fears Him and does what is right - is acceptable
( welcome) to Him, no matter what people he belongs to.." ( v34)
" The word - the message which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus the Messiah, who is Lord of everything...." ( v36)
It started in Galilee after the baptism of John. Jesus was anointed" by the Holy Spirit and with power.
He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil for God was with HIm."
"And they put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross." v39
"God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He should become visible, not to all the people but to the witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is to us, who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead." ( v41)
"And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him ( puts his trust in Him) receives forgiveness of sins. "( v 42-43)
Praise to our God and Father and to the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who does not play favorites! Praise to our God who sent His One and only Son to bring Good News.. to die on a cross and to rise again from the dead.. that we can believe in Him, trust in Him and receive forgiveness of our sins in His Name. Amazing grace.. wonderful truth. Father, let this good news fill our land that many more will come to trust in Jesus only, receive Your Holy Spirit, and live with You forever more. Give us boldness to speak up! We pray this in the name of Jesus, who is Lord of everything. Amen.
Monday, April 13, 2020
Acts 9:1-31 Saul," breathing murderous threats"... gets permission to go to Damascus to arrest Christians there and return them to Jerusalem for trial and judgement. His heart was filled with hatred, zealous "for[his] ancestral traditions" ( Gal. 1:14). In his testimony before Agrippa, Paul says, "So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazereth. And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities." ( Acts 26:9-11)
But... God had a plan! He tells Ananias, ".. this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name to the nations, even to the kings, and to the sons of Israel as well."
Jesus meets Saul on the road to Damascus. It is an incredible intervention in the life of a man filled with hate. " Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" Jesus says. And Saul doesn't even know who is talking to him until He reveals it.. " I am Jesus who you are persecuting." ( v4-5)
We know the story. Saul has met Jesus and his life is forever changed. He spends 3 days in prayer and fasting until the Lord sends Ananias to pray for him and to touch his eyes. From that point on, all Saul/ Paul can do is speak about Jesus. He is filled with the Holy Spirit and with power. He spoke to anyone and everyone "proving that this Jesus is the Christ." ( v22)
Recently, a friend and I talked about praying for Damascus road experiences for our lost loved one.
Does God have a plan to intervene in the life of_________? Who would you pray for this way?
I have a burden for the unbelievers in my family. And, I am praying that Jesus will stop them in their tracks and bring them to faith in Himself.. changing their lives forever. May God have mercy on them, unveiling their blind eyes and opening their ears to hear the truth.
Father in heaven, You hear our prayers. You are able to do this incredible work. We cannot change their minds, but You can intervene as we intercede. Praise God that You are full of mercy and grace!
Help us to be like Paul, proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ wherever we are, even if it causes an uproar! Thank You! All glory, honor, and praise we lift to Your Name. Amen.
But... God had a plan! He tells Ananias, ".. this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name to the nations, even to the kings, and to the sons of Israel as well."
Jesus meets Saul on the road to Damascus. It is an incredible intervention in the life of a man filled with hate. " Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" Jesus says. And Saul doesn't even know who is talking to him until He reveals it.. " I am Jesus who you are persecuting." ( v4-5)
We know the story. Saul has met Jesus and his life is forever changed. He spends 3 days in prayer and fasting until the Lord sends Ananias to pray for him and to touch his eyes. From that point on, all Saul/ Paul can do is speak about Jesus. He is filled with the Holy Spirit and with power. He spoke to anyone and everyone "proving that this Jesus is the Christ." ( v22)
Recently, a friend and I talked about praying for Damascus road experiences for our lost loved one.
Does God have a plan to intervene in the life of_________? Who would you pray for this way?
I have a burden for the unbelievers in my family. And, I am praying that Jesus will stop them in their tracks and bring them to faith in Himself.. changing their lives forever. May God have mercy on them, unveiling their blind eyes and opening their ears to hear the truth.
Father in heaven, You hear our prayers. You are able to do this incredible work. We cannot change their minds, but You can intervene as we intercede. Praise God that You are full of mercy and grace!
Help us to be like Paul, proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ wherever we are, even if it causes an uproar! Thank You! All glory, honor, and praise we lift to Your Name. Amen.
Friday, April 10, 2020
Acts 8 This chapter introduces us to Saul and his role as persecutor of the church. The believers are scattered as Saul and others began to drag believers into prison. Yet, God had a plan! These believers went with their most valuable possession.. the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The rest of this chapter deals with Philip, one of the 7 chosen to serve the church. Philip went to Samaria, proclaiming Jesus, and many came to believe. This news traveled back to Jerusalem and Peter and John came down to see what was happening. The new believers did not automatically receive the Holy Spirit, but when Peter and John laid their hands on them and prayed, they received Him.
Philip was then sent south, where he met the Ethiopian eunuch, and proclaimed the good news to him.
Samaritans, Ethiopians, and even magicians... the Gospel was proclaimed and received and many were saved.
I am reminded again that NO MATTER WHAT... God has a plan.. and that plan is that the Good News of Jesus Christ will be proclaimed... and people of every tongue and tribe and nation need to hear it and receive it so that they may be saved.
God used Saul, even when he was a persecutor of the church, to spread the Gospel!
God used Philip on a lonely road to share the Gospel with an Ethiopian eunuch!
God can use anyone to share the Gospel... even me.. or you.
And.. He can bring anyone into His Kingdom.. even the most unlikely of characters.
It doesn't matter to God if we are quarantined in our homes.. if we are in a lonely place.. or if we are in the midst of the trial of our lives... He has a plan and He will use us to proclaim the Good News about Jesus Christ so that others may come to believe. May we be like Philip... willing to go wherever the Lord sends us.. whether that is physically or via the internet!
Father in heaven, we give thanks to You .. "who always leads us in His triumph in Christ and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved.. " ( II Cor. 2:14-15a) We pray for those who do not yet know You, asking in the Name of Jesus, that You will unveil their blinded eyes and open their deaf ears, so that they will hear the Good News and believe. You are great and mighty and Your love is unfailing Father. We give You all our praise and worship You alone! Be glorified in Your church this day we pray.. in Jesus' name. Amen.
The rest of this chapter deals with Philip, one of the 7 chosen to serve the church. Philip went to Samaria, proclaiming Jesus, and many came to believe. This news traveled back to Jerusalem and Peter and John came down to see what was happening. The new believers did not automatically receive the Holy Spirit, but when Peter and John laid their hands on them and prayed, they received Him.
Philip was then sent south, where he met the Ethiopian eunuch, and proclaimed the good news to him.
Samaritans, Ethiopians, and even magicians... the Gospel was proclaimed and received and many were saved.
I am reminded again that NO MATTER WHAT... God has a plan.. and that plan is that the Good News of Jesus Christ will be proclaimed... and people of every tongue and tribe and nation need to hear it and receive it so that they may be saved.
God used Saul, even when he was a persecutor of the church, to spread the Gospel!
God used Philip on a lonely road to share the Gospel with an Ethiopian eunuch!
God can use anyone to share the Gospel... even me.. or you.
And.. He can bring anyone into His Kingdom.. even the most unlikely of characters.
It doesn't matter to God if we are quarantined in our homes.. if we are in a lonely place.. or if we are in the midst of the trial of our lives... He has a plan and He will use us to proclaim the Good News about Jesus Christ so that others may come to believe. May we be like Philip... willing to go wherever the Lord sends us.. whether that is physically or via the internet!
Father in heaven, we give thanks to You .. "who always leads us in His triumph in Christ and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved.. " ( II Cor. 2:14-15a) We pray for those who do not yet know You, asking in the Name of Jesus, that You will unveil their blinded eyes and open their deaf ears, so that they will hear the Good News and believe. You are great and mighty and Your love is unfailing Father. We give You all our praise and worship You alone! Be glorified in Your church this day we pray.. in Jesus' name. Amen.
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