SCRIPTURE
"Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. The LORD said to Moses, "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink." So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." (Numbers 20:6-12)
OBSERVATION
In the world, it's often seen as a good thing to be individualistic and rebellious in our actions, thoughts and life. Moses learned (the hard way) a critical lesson. Even in the little things, obedience to God matters. It seems Moses had an attitude against the complaining Israelites. God was clear with His instruction (which He always is), and Moses did 95% of what God had commanded. But 95% obedience is still 5% short...and we call that disobedience. God answered Moses and directed him to take his staff and speak to the rock to pour forth water. God was faithful in causing the water to pour forth, however, Moses paid the price of not being God's chosen leader to lead the Israelites into the promise land. Disobedience is expensive.
APPLICATION
How often do I do things my own way? How often do I only put 95% into my obedience of God? And closely tied to that disobedience, I'm wondering which challenges and obstacles in my life are connected to my disobedience? It is so easy to let external matters with people, situations and my own selfishness cause me to do things my way, often regretting my actions and words. When reading the scripture the first time, I missed the fact that God said, "speak" and Moses instead "struck" the rock, using excessive force. Am I at times excessive in my ways because of external influences, people and situations, or do I use the appropriate approach and attitude? God is speaking to me through these scriptures to be careful to listen to His still voice and to be discerning so that I am living and acting by His will prompted by the Holy Spirit rather then my selfish quick-to-react ways. Especially as a leader, I need to know how my words and actions can influence people.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, may I be a man after your heart that is 100% obedient, following your direction in spite of my self-centered character. Guide my mind, heart, speech and actions to follow You in all Your ways. Search me and know my heart. Thank You for Your grace for the times I am disobedient. I want to honor You in all I say and do.
Thursday, February 26
Tuesday, February 24
Redefining Family
SCRIPTURE
Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you." "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:31-35)
OBSERVATION
I notice, in this scene, that Jesus redefines His family makeup. He broadens the definition of His family from blood by birth to those who "follow" Him. Those who have been adopted, if you will, into the family of God, because of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. That's where the saying "You are my brother/sister from another mother" comes. Once I became a follower of Jesus, I was adopted into that same family. My family expanded.
APPLICATION
I know a lot of people who grew up in very dysfunctional families. They still are deeply affected and influenced by those same messed up families. Some of those friends of mine are Jesus followers. They are now apart of a much more healthy family that loves, forgives and serves each other. This new family is characterized by joy, generosity, patience, grace, hope and peace. When your own flesh and blood family turns on you, hurts you, abandons you...start a new family. Join the family of God. Not that the family of God is filled with perfect people...just people who've experienced grace and love and therefore able to offer grace and love.
PRAYER
Father, I am grateful to be a vital member of Your family. I am grateful for my brothers and sisters. I ask that You embed a healthy family dynamic into the fabric of our church. A grace-filled, joy-filled, loving dynamic that's contagious and captivating. In Jesus name, amen.
Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you." "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:31-35)
OBSERVATION
I notice, in this scene, that Jesus redefines His family makeup. He broadens the definition of His family from blood by birth to those who "follow" Him. Those who have been adopted, if you will, into the family of God, because of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. That's where the saying "You are my brother/sister from another mother" comes. Once I became a follower of Jesus, I was adopted into that same family. My family expanded.
APPLICATION
I know a lot of people who grew up in very dysfunctional families. They still are deeply affected and influenced by those same messed up families. Some of those friends of mine are Jesus followers. They are now apart of a much more healthy family that loves, forgives and serves each other. This new family is characterized by joy, generosity, patience, grace, hope and peace. When your own flesh and blood family turns on you, hurts you, abandons you...start a new family. Join the family of God. Not that the family of God is filled with perfect people...just people who've experienced grace and love and therefore able to offer grace and love.
PRAYER
Father, I am grateful to be a vital member of Your family. I am grateful for my brothers and sisters. I ask that You embed a healthy family dynamic into the fabric of our church. A grace-filled, joy-filled, loving dynamic that's contagious and captivating. In Jesus name, amen.
Saturday, February 21
Boldly and Without Hindrance
SCRIPTURE
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:20-21)
OBSERVATION
The book of Acts ends with Paul hangin out in a rented house...inviting people to come visit with him there. Paul BOLDLY and WITHOUT HINDRANCE he preached the Kingdom of God and taught about Jesus.
APPLICATION
Paul sets a good example for us today. We ought to open our homes more often. Invite people over. I want to be BOLD, like Paul. I want to share Jesus without Hindrance. I know I get lots of opportunities...I don't take them all, though...because I'm not always bold like I want to be.
PRAYER
God. Help me to be bold. To share the pearl I have found in You...boldly.
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:20-21)
OBSERVATION
The book of Acts ends with Paul hangin out in a rented house...inviting people to come visit with him there. Paul BOLDLY and WITHOUT HINDRANCE he preached the Kingdom of God and taught about Jesus.
APPLICATION
Paul sets a good example for us today. We ought to open our homes more often. Invite people over. I want to be BOLD, like Paul. I want to share Jesus without Hindrance. I know I get lots of opportunities...I don't take them all, though...because I'm not always bold like I want to be.
PRAYER
God. Help me to be bold. To share the pearl I have found in You...boldly.
Thursday, February 19
Priestly Blessing
SCRIPTURE
The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: " ' "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' (Numbers 6:22-26)
OBSERVATION
Aaron and his sons were the first of the priestly line among the Israelite people. God was instructing them as to how to offer a blessing to His people. Later, in the New Testament, we are all called to be priests to each other. So, in essence, we all ought to be offering some sort of similar blessing to each other. Do the people in my family know I want to bless them? What about the people in my church. What about my co-workers? What about my neighbors? How will they know?
APPLICATION
"Say to them..."
I need to use my words and my actions to make sure I am taking opportunities to bless those around me. I am called to be a priest...and so are you.
PRAYER
God, may You bless and keep my family and neighbors. May You shine Your face on them and show Your graciousness to them. May You, God, turn Your face toward them and give them peace/shalom. In Jesus name, Amen
The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: " ' "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' (Numbers 6:22-26)
OBSERVATION
Aaron and his sons were the first of the priestly line among the Israelite people. God was instructing them as to how to offer a blessing to His people. Later, in the New Testament, we are all called to be priests to each other. So, in essence, we all ought to be offering some sort of similar blessing to each other. Do the people in my family know I want to bless them? What about the people in my church. What about my co-workers? What about my neighbors? How will they know?
APPLICATION
"Say to them..."
I need to use my words and my actions to make sure I am taking opportunities to bless those around me. I am called to be a priest...and so are you.
PRAYER
God, may You bless and keep my family and neighbors. May You shine Your face on them and show Your graciousness to them. May You, God, turn Your face toward them and give them peace/shalom. In Jesus name, Amen
Monday, February 16
I am the Lord Your God, who...
SCRIPTURE
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high. (Leviticus 26:13)
OBSERVATION
This comes as a regular phrase from the Lord to His people to always remind them of where they came from and who rescued them. At one time, God's people were slaves. God heard their caries and rescued them and gave them life and dignity and freedom.
APPLICATION
I need regular reminders of where I've come from. I am free only because Jesus offered me freedom through His sacrifice. I am no longer in bondage to my sin and guilt. God has given me life. Now I have the chance to partner with God in offering God's freedom and life to others who are still in slaved to sin and guilt and destructive patterns.
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you for rescuing me. Never let me forget how much my sin cost You. Help me to bring life and grace and renewal to those who are still caught in slavery to destructive patterns. In Jesus name, Amen
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high. (Leviticus 26:13)
OBSERVATION
This comes as a regular phrase from the Lord to His people to always remind them of where they came from and who rescued them. At one time, God's people were slaves. God heard their caries and rescued them and gave them life and dignity and freedom.
APPLICATION
I need regular reminders of where I've come from. I am free only because Jesus offered me freedom through His sacrifice. I am no longer in bondage to my sin and guilt. God has given me life. Now I have the chance to partner with God in offering God's freedom and life to others who are still in slaved to sin and guilt and destructive patterns.
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you for rescuing me. Never let me forget how much my sin cost You. Help me to bring life and grace and renewal to those who are still caught in slavery to destructive patterns. In Jesus name, Amen
Friday, February 13
Jesus I know. Paul I know...but who are you?
SCRIPTURE
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." 14Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15(One day) the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" 16Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. (Acts 19:13-16)
OBSERVATION
What a freaky story. Paul and some other Jesus followers were in a place called Ephesus telling people about Jesus. They stayed in one town for 2 years telling everyone about Jesus and His birth, life, teaching, death and resurrection until everyone in the region heard and has a chance to respond. During that time, God did extraordinary miracles through Paul. People were even taking pieces of cloth that touched Paul and healing the sick with it.
This is where the story gets freaky. Some people authentically become Jesus lovers and Jesus followers. Others get caught up in "what Jesus can do for me" syndrome. Their more connected to the miracles than to the miracle maker - Jesus. They are more in love with what Jesus can do, that with Jesus.
These people get a rude wake-up-call. And it's demons who end up calling their bluff.
APPLICATION
If I were faced with this same scenario, I would hope that even the demons know who I am because of who I love and live my life for - Jesus.
PRAYER
Jesus, I want to know You more.
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." 14Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15(One day) the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" 16Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. (Acts 19:13-16)
OBSERVATION
What a freaky story. Paul and some other Jesus followers were in a place called Ephesus telling people about Jesus. They stayed in one town for 2 years telling everyone about Jesus and His birth, life, teaching, death and resurrection until everyone in the region heard and has a chance to respond. During that time, God did extraordinary miracles through Paul. People were even taking pieces of cloth that touched Paul and healing the sick with it.
This is where the story gets freaky. Some people authentically become Jesus lovers and Jesus followers. Others get caught up in "what Jesus can do for me" syndrome. Their more connected to the miracles than to the miracle maker - Jesus. They are more in love with what Jesus can do, that with Jesus.
These people get a rude wake-up-call. And it's demons who end up calling their bluff.
APPLICATION
If I were faced with this same scenario, I would hope that even the demons know who I am because of who I love and live my life for - Jesus.
PRAYER
Jesus, I want to know You more.
Wednesday, February 11
The Scapegoat
SCRIPTURE
"He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the LORD and sacrifice it for a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat." (Leviticus 16:8-10)
OBSERVATION
We all have them, don't we - "scapegoats" that we allow to run wild in our pastures. While the sacrificing of goats may be a thing of the past (thank goodness - I'm sure the goats and sheep are happy about that), "scapegoats" are alive and well in today's world, aren't they? They respond to a variety of names: "Not Me;" "It's not my fault;" "They;" "I don't know." We'll even give 'them' the devil's name claiming "the devil made me do it."
Our scapegoats may resemble our parents who we claim as the source of "generational sins" that have shaped us to be who we are today. Scapegoats have even taken the shape of our co-workers and our boss for our failures in the workplace, or our spouse and kids for our failures in home. But, the funny thing is that whenever our 'scapegoats' are present, they tend to hide, cloud and obscure the real reason for failures - ourselves.
We play the blame game with our scapegoats and never realize the responsibility we carry for our own shortfalls. We point our finger away from ourselves and directly at others or at the pace of life, but fail to see our own three other fingers pointing straight back at us.
APPLICATION
Responsibility can't be pinned to a scapegoat if I am ever to succeed in life - with my family, as a husband and father, and even with my ministry call. Will I fail? Absolutely; we all fall short. But, will I be mature enough, will I have the level of integrity and degree of character to take responsibility for my failures, rather than toss my ring in the blame game? Will I learn the lessons that I must learn through my mistakes, even if it means accepting the consequences and discipline that flow from it? Prov. 24:16 reminds me that "a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again." How am I to gain righteousness, to understand what it means to stand righteously before my God? I must be willing pick myself up off the ground when I fall; to avoid playing the blame game, to rid my life of scapegoats, and to accept responsibility for my actions. My application is for me to take responsibility for what I own in the problem.
PRAYER
Father, it's always easier to stick blame on others, than to accept full responsibilities for my own shortfalls. But, like the righteous man in Proverbs, may I never quit getting up, even after I fall and so that I might learn the lessons through my failures and be better because of it.
"He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat. Aaron shall bring the goat whose lot falls to the LORD and sacrifice it for a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat." (Leviticus 16:8-10)
OBSERVATION
We all have them, don't we - "scapegoats" that we allow to run wild in our pastures. While the sacrificing of goats may be a thing of the past (thank goodness - I'm sure the goats and sheep are happy about that), "scapegoats" are alive and well in today's world, aren't they? They respond to a variety of names: "Not Me;" "It's not my fault;" "They;" "I don't know." We'll even give 'them' the devil's name claiming "the devil made me do it."
Our scapegoats may resemble our parents who we claim as the source of "generational sins" that have shaped us to be who we are today. Scapegoats have even taken the shape of our co-workers and our boss for our failures in the workplace, or our spouse and kids for our failures in home. But, the funny thing is that whenever our 'scapegoats' are present, they tend to hide, cloud and obscure the real reason for failures - ourselves.
We play the blame game with our scapegoats and never realize the responsibility we carry for our own shortfalls. We point our finger away from ourselves and directly at others or at the pace of life, but fail to see our own three other fingers pointing straight back at us.
APPLICATION
Responsibility can't be pinned to a scapegoat if I am ever to succeed in life - with my family, as a husband and father, and even with my ministry call. Will I fail? Absolutely; we all fall short. But, will I be mature enough, will I have the level of integrity and degree of character to take responsibility for my failures, rather than toss my ring in the blame game? Will I learn the lessons that I must learn through my mistakes, even if it means accepting the consequences and discipline that flow from it? Prov. 24:16 reminds me that "a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again." How am I to gain righteousness, to understand what it means to stand righteously before my God? I must be willing pick myself up off the ground when I fall; to avoid playing the blame game, to rid my life of scapegoats, and to accept responsibility for my actions. My application is for me to take responsibility for what I own in the problem.
PRAYER
Father, it's always easier to stick blame on others, than to accept full responsibilities for my own shortfalls. But, like the righteous man in Proverbs, may I never quit getting up, even after I fall and so that I might learn the lessons through my failures and be better because of it.
Monday, February 9
Adding more Jesus Followers
SCRIPTURE
The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family. (Acts 16:34)
OBSERVATION
This is kind of a humorous story. It might not have been too funny for Paul and his cohorts at the time. Apparently when they came into a certain town, a possessed woman who made lots of money for her owner started following Paul and his peeps around town shouting;
17"...These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." 18She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her. 19When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities."
So Paul and his cohorts end up in prison after being stripped and beaten by the authorities. They end up using this as an opportunity to share the love and peace of Jesus with the other prisoners as well as the prison guard. The guard was compelled to become a Jesus follower. He and his whole family.
APPLICATION
How do I reflect Jesus in difficult circumstances? Would my behavior, attitude, life reflect Jesus in such a way that would compel someone to become a Jesus follower? I need to be aware of the opportunities (big and small) God is giving me to share Jesus with others and invite them to become Jesus followers.
PRAYER
God, I realize how much I depend on You. In and of myself, I am not anything. There is nothing in me (without You) that would compel anyone to follow You. You are what makes me attractive. I want You to shine through more than I have allowed You to in the past. Thank You for cleaning me up. I now want to be used by You to bring joy where there is no joy. peace where there is no peace. love where there is no love. In Jesus name, Amen.
The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family. (Acts 16:34)
OBSERVATION
This is kind of a humorous story. It might not have been too funny for Paul and his cohorts at the time. Apparently when they came into a certain town, a possessed woman who made lots of money for her owner started following Paul and his peeps around town shouting;
17"...These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." 18She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her. 19When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities."
So Paul and his cohorts end up in prison after being stripped and beaten by the authorities. They end up using this as an opportunity to share the love and peace of Jesus with the other prisoners as well as the prison guard. The guard was compelled to become a Jesus follower. He and his whole family.
APPLICATION
How do I reflect Jesus in difficult circumstances? Would my behavior, attitude, life reflect Jesus in such a way that would compel someone to become a Jesus follower? I need to be aware of the opportunities (big and small) God is giving me to share Jesus with others and invite them to become Jesus followers.
PRAYER
God, I realize how much I depend on You. In and of myself, I am not anything. There is nothing in me (without You) that would compel anyone to follow You. You are what makes me attractive. I want You to shine through more than I have allowed You to in the past. Thank You for cleaning me up. I now want to be used by You to bring joy where there is no joy. peace where there is no peace. love where there is no love. In Jesus name, Amen.
Tuesday, February 3
God Wants My Heart
SCRIPTURE
"All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments." (Exodus 35:21)
OBSERVATION
It seems to me, in this verse, that God is more interested in our hearts than He is in our offerings. If I give my offering to God out of some cold ritual, and my heart is not in it...then I might as well keep my money. God wants my heart. It's like if I buy flowers for my wife, Jenny, and then tell her that I felt like I did it because I was supposed to as her husband. It was my duty. That kind of approach kind of has a way of killing the moment. Something huge gets lost. My heart love for her. It's the same with our God. He wants our heart to be fully captivated by Him alone.
APPLICATION
God doesn't want my money, fortune, or materials that I give because He already owns it all. God wants my heart. With out our hearts our gifts we give won't be worth much. When we serve God with all our hearts God calls it sacred, and delights to be among His children with this kind of heart. I never want to fall into thinking that God is here to serve me, or the church is here to serve me, or people owe me something. I want to remain a JOYFUL giver.
PRAYER
Father, My heart is Yours, and only Yours. Thank you for the heart check this morning. I realize there may be times when I don't feel You, or see you as the children of Israel experienced. This is never a license to find security in my self, others, or temporal things. I serve You alone, I yearn for Your presence, that is all that matters! Amen!
"All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments." (Exodus 35:21)
OBSERVATION
It seems to me, in this verse, that God is more interested in our hearts than He is in our offerings. If I give my offering to God out of some cold ritual, and my heart is not in it...then I might as well keep my money. God wants my heart. It's like if I buy flowers for my wife, Jenny, and then tell her that I felt like I did it because I was supposed to as her husband. It was my duty. That kind of approach kind of has a way of killing the moment. Something huge gets lost. My heart love for her. It's the same with our God. He wants our heart to be fully captivated by Him alone.
APPLICATION
God doesn't want my money, fortune, or materials that I give because He already owns it all. God wants my heart. With out our hearts our gifts we give won't be worth much. When we serve God with all our hearts God calls it sacred, and delights to be among His children with this kind of heart. I never want to fall into thinking that God is here to serve me, or the church is here to serve me, or people owe me something. I want to remain a JOYFUL giver.
PRAYER
Father, My heart is Yours, and only Yours. Thank you for the heart check this morning. I realize there may be times when I don't feel You, or see you as the children of Israel experienced. This is never a license to find security in my self, others, or temporal things. I serve You alone, I yearn for Your presence, that is all that matters! Amen!
Sunday, February 1
The Courage of Philip
SCRIPTURE
"Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city." (Acts 8:5-8)
OBSERVATION
Here's what's happening in the story of the 1st Christians and the birth of the church. Persecution towards the Christians broke out following the stoning of Stephen. Followers of Jesus were being taken from their homes, thrown in prison, beaten. Saul's intent...destroy the church. But there were those like Philip, who wouldn't cave in to the surroundings of trouble and the possibilities of death. Christians were scattered - yet they preached the Word everywhere. They were bold, courageous, and persistent.
You can take the Christian out of their ‘church" (home or building), but you can't take the church out of their hearts! The church (not the self-serving institution we often run into) is known to be who we are as carriers of Jesus, filled with His Spirit.
APPLICATION
Beneath the surface of my heart is a longing to be used as a servant of Jesus to perform miracles. To do something huge for God's Kingdom. But would I be willing to count the cost and pay the price - whatever that means? I don't know what that would mean but I'm willing to be used. If it meant persecution, sleepless nights, the pressures that would come with being used in such a way: the prayer life, fasting, study and being a man of the Word...getting rid of my pride or self-centeredness... would I be willing???
I like how the verse ended with "so there was great joy in the city". When God uses regular people like you and me to carry and bring His peace, reconciliation, justice, grace, forgiveness, restoration and love to our world... JOY will come to this city.
PRAYER
God, I want to have Philip's courage, determination, focus and clarity. Will you consider blessing me with those characteristics and use me to build Your Kingdom.
"Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city." (Acts 8:5-8)
OBSERVATION
Here's what's happening in the story of the 1st Christians and the birth of the church. Persecution towards the Christians broke out following the stoning of Stephen. Followers of Jesus were being taken from their homes, thrown in prison, beaten. Saul's intent...destroy the church. But there were those like Philip, who wouldn't cave in to the surroundings of trouble and the possibilities of death. Christians were scattered - yet they preached the Word everywhere. They were bold, courageous, and persistent.
You can take the Christian out of their ‘church" (home or building), but you can't take the church out of their hearts! The church (not the self-serving institution we often run into) is known to be who we are as carriers of Jesus, filled with His Spirit.
APPLICATION
Beneath the surface of my heart is a longing to be used as a servant of Jesus to perform miracles. To do something huge for God's Kingdom. But would I be willing to count the cost and pay the price - whatever that means? I don't know what that would mean but I'm willing to be used. If it meant persecution, sleepless nights, the pressures that would come with being used in such a way: the prayer life, fasting, study and being a man of the Word...getting rid of my pride or self-centeredness... would I be willing???
I like how the verse ended with "so there was great joy in the city". When God uses regular people like you and me to carry and bring His peace, reconciliation, justice, grace, forgiveness, restoration and love to our world... JOY will come to this city.
PRAYER
God, I want to have Philip's courage, determination, focus and clarity. Will you consider blessing me with those characteristics and use me to build Your Kingdom.
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