I love Mondays. After Sunday's rest, I'm ready to hit the ground running. But, I enjoy taking a moment to reflect on what we talked about on Sunday.
BOLDNESS has been our theme over the last two weeks. BOLDNESS requires us to stand even though we may be ridiculed, rejected, or even stoned to death.
Stephen was such a man. The Book of Acts tells us that Stephen was of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom. He was also full of grace and power and performed great wonders and signs among the people. Stephen was Greek and chosen to be a deacon in order to serve the Hellenized Jews who had become obedient to faith in Christ. Many were continuing to turn to Jesus and trust in Him because of the teaching of the apostles. Acts 6:7 says even priests were responding to their message!
So what's the problem...
The problem is when the people followed Jesus the Messiah, the Jewish Council and Priests no longer had control of the people. Getting rid of Jesus was their solution to silence Him. But, that caused an explosion of faith. When the Holy Spirit filled the believers, grace and power moved throughout the city. They no longer had control. Threats, prison, and beatings could not stop these Spirit filled followers of Jesus. Being BOLD in the face of intimidation and lies was their response.
The same lie that the Jews used to crucify Jesus, destroy the Temple and in 3 days I will rebuild it, was the lie that they used against Stephen. And dragging him in front of the Council, the Sanhedrin, the High Priest asked Stephen, "Are these things so?" Stephen begins to give a chronological history of the Jewish nation and religion. He leaves nothing out and confirms, although he is Greek, that our Father is Abraham and Moses delivered the nation. When he finished speaking, he referred to the men as stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart. The men were outraged, gnashing their teeth, shouting, and covering their ears!!! Stephen was then stoned in the street.
BOLDNESS is what makes a person speak truth into a situation. The enemy is a liar; but, we have the WORDS of LIFE! I am fairly certain that we will not face death for our faith in Jesus Christ. But we most certainly will face the lies of the enemy. Lies that accuse or threaten. There are also times when an unbeliever will ask or say "Is Jesus real?" or "There's more than one way." How will you respond? Will you ask for the BOLDNESS that comes from the Spirit? Speaking the truth in love should always be our response when we are asked to give an account for what we believe. Defending our faith or confronting lies of the enemy will require us to put on the Full Armour of God and stand firm against his schemes.
I challenge you to strengthen your heart, mind, and soul in the Spirit and be BOLD!!
Monday, September 30, 2024
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Thursday, September 26, 2024
September 29, 2024
Looking back on our Bible Reading for last week, we read of Peter as he continued to preach and heal in the Name of Jesus. After being imprisoned and beaten, the apostles were let go and warned again to not speak of Jesus.
When released, they rejoiced that they were counted as worthy to suffer shame for His Name Acts 5:41. What an unbelievable statement! Why do we not see the joy in suffering? Because we are more concerned with comfort than the Great Commission.
This week we will be introduced to Stephen, a BOLD deacon who suffered. James says "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." He faced being stoned to death, yet remained faithful. In Acts 6 and 7 you can read about Stephen and his suffering for the Name of Jesus.
Monday, September 23, 2024
September 22, 2024 Recap
Happy Monday!! Fall is here but the weekend felt like summer, for sure!
Yesterday's scripture contained many nuggets. One that stood out was the BOLDNESS of Peter.
He was filled with the Holy Spirit and saw thousands respond to the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He healed a man at the Temple in the Name of Jesus and he was thrown in prison and then released; yet, he prayed in Acts 4:29 that they would be filled with BOLDNESS to speak the Word. He already sounds pretty BOLD to me. However, the Church and her servants would need BOLDNESS from the Holy Spirit in order to continue with the ministry of Jesus.
The Pharisees, High Priest, Sanhedrin, and the Sadducees had given strict orders to Peter, and those with him, that they could not preach or heal in the Name of Jesus. However, in Acts 5:12-16, we see the result of their disobedience. Many signs and wonders were taking place, believers were being added to the LORD, and the sick and demon possessed were being healed by just the shadow of Peter. That's the result of speaking and acting in Jesus' Name. He is the power and we know that BOLDNESS in His Name can change a situation. Sometimes speaking the truth can have consequences. Why is it that we know that Jesus can change a situation and yet we do not speak with BOLDNESS? We are afraid of the consequences!
Peter and the apostles were thrown in prison. But, because they obeyed God rather than men, an angel came and released them and commanded them to go to the Temple and speak the Words of Life. Continually standing up to the Priests and the Council most assuredly required BOLDNESS. Peter said, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Given the opportunity to stand before the religious leaders and priests that crucified Jesus, Peter did not back down or change the message. He spoke the Words of this Life!
The Bible says in Acts 5:33 that the leaders were cut to the heart, and took council to slay them! When we exercise BOLDNESS and speak the Words of Life, there can be consequences. We may step into a situation where we are ridiculed or mocked. Someone may challenge or disagree with the message. There may be the chance that we will be shunned or ostracized. But, we need to pray to be filled with the BOLDNESS of the Spirit because we have the Words of Life. BOLDNESS to pray for the sick, BOLDNESS to share the Gospel with an unbeliever, BOLDNESS to reconcile and heal hurts, BOLDNESS to confront sin.
May you all be blessed!
Yesterday's scripture contained many nuggets. One that stood out was the BOLDNESS of Peter.
He was filled with the Holy Spirit and saw thousands respond to the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He healed a man at the Temple in the Name of Jesus and he was thrown in prison and then released; yet, he prayed in Acts 4:29 that they would be filled with BOLDNESS to speak the Word. He already sounds pretty BOLD to me. However, the Church and her servants would need BOLDNESS from the Holy Spirit in order to continue with the ministry of Jesus.
The Pharisees, High Priest, Sanhedrin, and the Sadducees had given strict orders to Peter, and those with him, that they could not preach or heal in the Name of Jesus. However, in Acts 5:12-16, we see the result of their disobedience. Many signs and wonders were taking place, believers were being added to the LORD, and the sick and demon possessed were being healed by just the shadow of Peter. That's the result of speaking and acting in Jesus' Name. He is the power and we know that BOLDNESS in His Name can change a situation. Sometimes speaking the truth can have consequences. Why is it that we know that Jesus can change a situation and yet we do not speak with BOLDNESS? We are afraid of the consequences!
Peter and the apostles were thrown in prison. But, because they obeyed God rather than men, an angel came and released them and commanded them to go to the Temple and speak the Words of Life. Continually standing up to the Priests and the Council most assuredly required BOLDNESS. Peter said, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Given the opportunity to stand before the religious leaders and priests that crucified Jesus, Peter did not back down or change the message. He spoke the Words of this Life!
The Bible says in Acts 5:33 that the leaders were cut to the heart, and took council to slay them! When we exercise BOLDNESS and speak the Words of Life, there can be consequences. We may step into a situation where we are ridiculed or mocked. Someone may challenge or disagree with the message. There may be the chance that we will be shunned or ostracized. But, we need to pray to be filled with the BOLDNESS of the Spirit because we have the Words of Life. BOLDNESS to pray for the sick, BOLDNESS to share the Gospel with an unbeliever, BOLDNESS to reconcile and heal hurts, BOLDNESS to confront sin.
May you all be blessed!
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
September 22, 2024
Happy Wednesday! This weekend is the first day of Fall! Don't you just love the cooler temps and the leaves changing colors?
The scripture this week has me focused on one word: BOLDNESS
Reading in Acts and after the Holy Spirit's filling, Peter prayed in Acts 4:24-30 is a prayer for BOLDNESS. This word is often translated as plain, open, free, confident.
I find it ironic that Peter, who denied even knowing Jesus in Matt 26:58-72, is now asking to be filled with BOLDNESS.
This week we will read Acts 5:12-42. As you read, notice Peter's change. The Holy Spirit has filled him and given him confidence to speak "truth to power".
Father helps to be BOLD!
Monday, September 16, 2024
September 15, 2024 Recap
Our scripture last week was from John 7-8:11. There are so many nuggets in these verses and it is hard sometimes to narrow it down to one point. But, 7:24 really stuck out to me:
JUDGE NOT ACCORDING TO APPEARANCE, BUT JUDGE WITH A RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT.
Jesus has an encounter with a woman and teaches us how to do that!
He was approached by the Pharisees and they tested Him in order to accuse Him. She was guilty of breaking the Law, and so were they according to John 7:22. The Pharisees set her in the midst and they wanted her stoned for her sinfulness. Leviticus 20:10 tells us that is the rightful punishment. Jesus, however, used righteous judgement. Which would be better, death or restoration? In Romans 2:2-4 we read that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The law had two objectives: To reveal the Holiness of God and to reveal the sinfulness of man. The law is not able to heal or restore. A friend of mine said once, "The law is an x-ray, it's not the cure."
The compassion that Jesus had for all those He touched demonstrates that He chose restoration and healing over death. Sin can never be overlooked, dismissed, excused, or accepted. There is a penalty for sin. Jesus' love for us is deep and He demonstrated that love in that while we were sinners He died for us and offers us life and forgiveness and not punishment and death.
So, how then shall we live? When we are confronted with someone who is caught in sin, in a cycle of sin, or a sinful lifestyle, we should use that same righteous judgement. Not condemnation but compassion. We as followers of Jesus should seek to restore those with the truth of who Jesus is and His love for them. Let's judge righteously not according to appearance.
JUDGE NOT ACCORDING TO APPEARANCE, BUT JUDGE WITH A RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT.
Jesus has an encounter with a woman and teaches us how to do that!
He was approached by the Pharisees and they tested Him in order to accuse Him. She was guilty of breaking the Law, and so were they according to John 7:22. The Pharisees set her in the midst and they wanted her stoned for her sinfulness. Leviticus 20:10 tells us that is the rightful punishment. Jesus, however, used righteous judgement. Which would be better, death or restoration? In Romans 2:2-4 we read that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The law had two objectives: To reveal the Holiness of God and to reveal the sinfulness of man. The law is not able to heal or restore. A friend of mine said once, "The law is an x-ray, it's not the cure."
The compassion that Jesus had for all those He touched demonstrates that He chose restoration and healing over death. Sin can never be overlooked, dismissed, excused, or accepted. There is a penalty for sin. Jesus' love for us is deep and He demonstrated that love in that while we were sinners He died for us and offers us life and forgiveness and not punishment and death.
So, how then shall we live? When we are confronted with someone who is caught in sin, in a cycle of sin, or a sinful lifestyle, we should use that same righteous judgement. Not condemnation but compassion. We as followers of Jesus should seek to restore those with the truth of who Jesus is and His love for them. Let's judge righteously not according to appearance.
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Thursday, September 12, 2024
September 15, 2024
Monday, September 9, 2024
September 8, 2024 Recap
Yesterday's Word about forgiveness made me stop and think...am I holding unforgiveness in my heart?
Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant taught us we can expect to be forgiven yet hold on to offenses. We are the unmerciful servant that owed a debt we could not pay; BUT Jesus wiped our account clean. Are we releasing others who owe us?
Jesus teaches in the sermon on the mount... UNFORGIVENESS IS UNFORGIVABLE
We discussed some of the reasons we do not forgive. I thought I'd list them out for you: Forgiveness means what happened was ok and we give them a pass. The offense was too painful to let go of and we replay it in our mind. Unforgiveness can sometimes be a generational curse. Unforgiveness, at its core, is PRIDE! I decide who deserves it. I determine if it's a forgiveable offense. God is unjust or unable. Walking in forgiveness is a burden that you do not have to carry. Let go of the rope and the bell will stop ringing!
Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant taught us we can expect to be forgiven yet hold on to offenses. We are the unmerciful servant that owed a debt we could not pay; BUT Jesus wiped our account clean. Are we releasing others who owe us?
Jesus teaches in the sermon on the mount... UNFORGIVENESS IS UNFORGIVABLE
We discussed some of the reasons we do not forgive. I thought I'd list them out for you: Forgiveness means what happened was ok and we give them a pass. The offense was too painful to let go of and we replay it in our mind. Unforgiveness can sometimes be a generational curse. Unforgiveness, at its core, is PRIDE! I decide who deserves it. I determine if it's a forgiveable offense. God is unjust or unable. Walking in forgiveness is a burden that you do not have to carry. Let go of the rope and the bell will stop ringing!
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
September 8, 2024
Monday, September 2, 2024
Sunday September 1 Recap
Jesus is faithful and compassionate! We have observed many times how He is moved to heal, deliver, feed, or forgive based on His love for us. Our Scripture yesterday resonated with so many of us. But, we rest in the truth that our faith in Him, even a little faith, can move mountains. Praying, in faith, for the children around us will bring healing and freedom to many. How do I know? Because Jesus said so, Mark 9:29.
Jesus teaches that when we receive a child in His Name, we receive Him and receive the One who sent Him. Luke 9:48 Conversely, whoever offends a child it would be better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6
Jesus teaches that when we receive a child in His Name, we receive Him and receive the One who sent Him. Luke 9:48 Conversely, whoever offends a child it would be better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6
Sunday, September 1, 2024
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Sunday we flipped over to Acts and met up with Barnabas and Saul. It's been 12 years since Jesus ascended to the Throne and word of His...
