Romans 3:10"The Unrelenting Gift of Grace" (July 31)

The Jews provided Light to the World.  They knew the truth and rebelled and God had two things against them.  They didn't rebel in ignorance.  God held the nation accountable.

Did the Jews think they were superior over the  Gentiles?  God was their Author.  But He chose the Jews just like He chose the Gentiles because of His Love set on them not because they were so great or so many.

Rom 3:10-11   "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God."  Wonder why I think other people are better than I when we are all wandering pilgrims. 

We are justified by His Grace as a gift.  Undeserved.  Unbelievable.  Unrelenting.

Romans 2:4 "Kindness of God Leads to Repentance" (July 30)

Romans 2:4  Our Good God does not give us what we deserve.  We should have perished even today for what we did to Him, to others.  But no, it's His Goodness that leads us to repentance.  Goodness closely related to kindness.  He is way more Kinder than we think!  You practice evil and repent either in ignorance or in full knowing.  He is always doing us good even when we don't see it.

      “There is in every willful sin a contempt of the Goodness of God.”                      
                                                           Matthew Henry

  

Romans 1:6 "ALL IN" (July 29)

Romans 1:6 - Paul, a servant of Christ...servant in the Greek is "doulos," a strong word to describe a bondslave committed to his Master.  Any disgrace to Paul would fall on his Master.  Paul left no doubt in conscience and character Who he was committed to.  What about where I stand this day?  Am I more resolved to be right or to be holy?  Is my commitment to my husband, my children, my world, to move in love no matter how life washes over me?  ALL IN.  Bondslave of the Master.  Called to belong.  Not in this world.  But to a world hereafter.  Called to belong to Christ.  This doesn't just mean that I hear the invitation of a Calling Christ but that I live in the Company of the Committed----those Who obey their Master out of hearts of love.

        "Two things fill me with awe:
          the starry heavens,
          and the sense of moral responsibility in man." 
                         Emmanuel Kant

Acts 28:15 "Six Biblical Metaphors" (July 28)

Acts 28:2 The native people showed unusual kindness to the shipwrecked sailors.  They put on board whatever they needed.  I want to live like that.  Hospitable because of His Sobering Kindness. 

In The Sacred Romance, John Eldridge writes about the six biblical metaphors that describe our relationship with God in ascending order: Potter/Clay ... Shepherd/Sheep ... Master/Servant ... Father/Child ... Befriender/Beloved.  We should be ascending the scale but often get stuck in one relationship and miss our Waiting God.

Acts 28:15 ~ From Jerusalem to Rome in a multitude of months and monstrous storms...all the way!  Paul fought the good fight of faith and moved in love not allowing the responses of people or circumstances to control him. He was constrained by the Love of his God.  Paul's Potter, Shepherd, Master, Father, Friend, Lover was beside him working through centurions and sailors and island governors and local leaders.   Do I know Him as my Ecstatic Friend and Waiting Lover this day?

Acts 27:33 "A Deepening of Moral Strength" (July 27)

They have already lost all hope of survival.  But now, these 276 sailors & prisoners are being driven across the Adriatic Sea!  Paul says in Acts 27:33 "Today is the 14th day that you have continued in suspense & without food!   I urge you to take food today."  Paul broke bread and gave thanks to God in the Presence of all.  The sailors were encouraged! Whoa.  Wonder what Paul thought about God leaving them for dead?  Then, what happens next, are they delivered?  No, they strike a reef and shipwreck!  Didn't Paul believe He was God's mouthpiece?  He didn't waver like Jonah did.  Paul's intentions were to find his Christ and honor Him in shipwreck of heart and hearth.  There must be a deepening of moral strength in all our troubles.  What is the purpose of repentance----so that we feel better about ourselves and the situation OR is is to find Christ?  Paul found Christ in the midst of oppostion from 275 shipmates fighting for their lives.  Sailors who thought they knew the sea.  No formulas for Paul.  Just a Beautiful God stirring him up.  No place for Rulekeeping aboard this heart.  Expose us for what makes us lose hope.  Cause us to hear Your Love, this morning.  Cause us to know the way to walk, this day ~ Psalm 143:8.  No Formulas.  No Rules.  A Stirring of the Seas where we live.

Acts 27:7 "A Violent Northeaster~~~Take Heart. What is True?" (July 26)

Acts 27:7 Paul was a prisoner on both land and sea.  Acts 27:7 Forced to sail slowly against tempestuous winds with great difficulty under the lees of ancient cities.  No suitable harbors for refuge.  The ship's centurion gave Paul no voice aboard ship.  A Northeaster violently storm-tossed the ship.  They jettisoned cargo and tackle.  Neither sun nor stars appeared for many days.  All hope was at last abandoned.  Paul stands to say to them in even his own immense hunger: 
"Now, I urge you, to Take Heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.  For this very night, an angel of the God to Whom I Belong and Whom I Worship, there stood before me. 

Do I know the Glimpse of a Good God in the midst of my own tumultuous circumstances?  Whatever Northeaster has hit you hard and you feel the darkness of neither sun nor stars, there is hope for you this day.  Hope for the taking.  All it requires is a strict regard for what is true, what is real.  I am deceived way-too-easily.  Am I willing this day to move toward a rigorous honesty or will I clamor and cower for the comfortable life where things just must work out.  Struggle and shame are my allies.  I see Glimpses of His Face that I never ever thought would be possible for it's not where I lived for way-too-many decades.  I see His Beautiful Friendship and Sobering Kindness that so unnerves me in my own dilemmas where I thought that searching for God and understanding what was happening to me would move me forward---but, that's academic.  He is real!  The God To Whom You Belong and Whom You Worship is standing in your way.

Acts 26:6 "Rise and Stand Up" (July 25)

26:6 ~ Paul was on trial for his hope in the promise made to his fathers.  A Pharisee who figured out what God was saying to him.  Unbelievable.  Convinced of one thing.  Now convinced of another.  I too was convinced as a child and young adult of the religion I practiced until my eyes were opened...and I'm convinced of something completely different.  Even in the past 6 years, I'm further convinced of Truth that has so set me free like I never imagined I could be!

Acts 26:16 _ Rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appointed you as a servant to open eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

It's the hope of the Gospel (Col 1:25) not the hope of this world here working out for you.  No, it's a hope laid up in heaven.  Therefore, by faith we love well and await in hope what lies ahead for each of us.  Faith Hope Love. 

Acts 25:18 "God's Energy So Powerfully At Work in Paul" (July 24)

Acts 25:18 ~ Paul's accusers brought no charges of evil acts that Paul had done.  Their charges were disputes over religion.  Why argue religion?  Why not go after people who really are evil.  Maybe, it's because these principal men held evil in their own hearts.  And who is their problem with?  Paul---not really.  Their problem is bending their knee to the same God that Paul serves.  They wanted things their way.  They thought they were right----why did they hold on to destroying Paul's life?

I marvel at Paul's dependence on the Spirit of God.  Col 1:29 - His Energy so powerfully at work in this guy. That Spirit who kept him locked in a prison.  But really Paul was a free man, wasn't he?  He is not fretting that he doesn't have opportunity for a ministry.  Just this day, I was so distraught, disturbed, disheartened over circumstances that God has left us in.  As I called out to Him, as I looked into this story, as I ask/seek/knock to find not a better life but a better place, there is a Rest, a Peace, that comes with being right in the midst of God's Will.  May His Will be done unto me even in this!  And His Will to you, in whatever you face this day!

  

Acts 24:15 "Take Pains for a Clear Conscience" (July 23)

Acts 24 ~ Tertullus, the prosecutor, presents his case to Governor Felix.  Tertullus' attitude is condescending, arrogant, and subservient to man.  I wonder why he doesn't listen to the words he speaks and how they are delivered.  Do you take time to really listen to what you are communicating?  Is it sarcasm?  Is it demeaning?  Tertullus calls Paul 24:5 "a plague" profaning the temple.  Really Tertullus?  Paul isn't religious enough? 

Paul's defense:  I make these statements cheerfully...you can verify that I didn't dispute anyone.  I think maybe Paul disrupted not disputed.    Paul said that they couldn't prove the charges to Felix.  BUT, as far as The Way, I believe what has been laid down by the Law and I have a hope in God.  Don't the Pharisees have a hope in God.

Acts 24:16 "I always take pains to have a clear conscience before God and man." How do you do that Paul? The more I try to work on my sin, the more I end up doing penance for the finished work of Christ. 

Felix was alarmed by Paul's testimony. So what would be a step of faith for Felix?  For over two years, Felix summoned Paul frequently and secretly hoped that Paul would slip him some bribe money.  2,000 years later and we are still using people, still trying to figure out what's in it for me. LORD have mercy on us all.  And where we are not on the right track of honoring you, grant us a clear conscience. 

Acts 23:29 "False Religious Principles" (July 22)

Acts 23:29 ~ Paul was accused because of questions about the law.  You don't expect within the four walls of the church to be ridiculed and hated and beaten and judged severely for following Christ. The Saducees followed false religious principles.  Hard to believe how hateful they could be holding on to ideas guarded by men.  Never dreamed that your opposition would come from church members but it did, it still does.  What will we do with it for there are no churches or church people who do it right.  May we be more concerned about what is going on inside of our own hearts than what is going on inside of the church walls.  When we stand before Him at the last judgment, we will be asked about what we did----not what our parents, our children, our ministers, our friends did.  We may be a product of our home life but what stirs in your heart this day either leads you into the direction of holiness or destruction. 

Acts 23:11 "The LORD Stood By Him" (July 21)

Acts 23:1 ~ Paul says that he has lived his life before God in all good conscience up to this day---the day that he speaks to the council of Pharisees who knew him very well as one of their own.  How can a follower of Christ deal with what is in his own heart and have a good conscience?  Paul would soon write in I Tim 1:16 that he was the chiefest of sinners.  Paul knew what it meant to live forgiven every single day, even to his gray hairs. 

A great clamor arises.  A violent conspiracy of 40 planning to kill Paul.  All for the sake of religion.  Who was right?

Acts 23:11 ~ The LORD stood by Paul and said:  "Take Courage."  How can you take courage this day? It's yours for the asking and seeking and knocking.  May you find this day your Good God standing by you.  Take that courage!

Acts 22:7 "Framed by an Act of God" (July 20)

Acts 22:7 Saul tells his story.  "Who are you, LORD?"  I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting. Saul thought he was doing the right things for the sake of religion.  A prideful, pharasaical, preacher of not-so-good news. Persecution. Darkness. Horror. Now, Paul was the one on the ground, laid low.  Framed by God for the purpose of obedience.  Wonder how we are being framed by God through the "shame of exposure and appeal of wisdom" as it says in 66 LL.  Once high and mighty, head above the crowd, now Paul is visually brought down so he could hear Christ's Voice.  He would have never verbally despised God nor refused any vision from a holy God. But he was really messed up in prideful pursuits building his own kingdom, not God's.  When we do anything to our loved ones, we are stepping on the toes of God.  Against you and You only, have I sinned, wrote David.  Struck blind not by darkness but by light, Paul sees for the first time that he is a sinner.  Delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of light.  An act of God!  Framed to see his dark heart.  Willingly surrendered...what must I do?  Wonder how God is framing our lives for His Glory?

Acts 21:19 "Relate What God is Doing" (July 19)

Acts 21:18 Paul went to James. And, what does their conversation look like?  Is it Paul expounding on how he may be persecuted in Jerusalem?   This is how I am going to be treated because I am a follower of The Way, a servant of The Living Word, a lover of Providence!  They could kill me there in Jerusalem.  No, that's not what is on Paul's mind.  Acts 21:19 "After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry."  Oh, I must repent of drawing attention to my problems.  I miss the main point---what God is doing!   "On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

Uproar. Revolt. Mobbings. Turmoil. Confusion. Paul is dragged out of the temple in Jerusalem.  Well, that's the last place that you would expect to find your opposition.  You think that the enemies of Christ---the worldly--- are the ones who will give you trouble.  But, it was his cohorts, his co-workers seeking to kill him. A city in confusion.  Paul's response:  May I say something in Hebrew?  May I speak to the people?  The ones who are planning to kill me!  You know what's coming.  Paul surely will not speak about himself and his suffering.  He will honor his Christ.  The opposition he found was from those inside the temple not outside. 

to be continued ...
 

Acts 21:24 "Let the Will of the LORD Be Done in my Troubles" (July 18)

Acts 21:2 They just happened to find a ship crossing to Phoenicia.  That's the Providence of God! And they capture another moment in time...another photograph. The faithful kneeling on the beach to pray and say farewell to Paul.

They didn't want Paul to go to Jerusalem.  They were concerned for his safety.  Agabus prophesied that the man who owns the belt will be bound hand/foot and delivered over into the hands of the Gentiles.  Again, they begged Paul not to go.  His response:  "You're weeping and breaking my heart for I'm ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for The Name!  Paul knew he was facing suffering and he didn't flinch.  So the church all in one voice said in Acts 21:14:  "Let the Will of the LORD be done!"  There is no other remedy.  HE doeth all things well. 

       When troubles come, "This must allay our grief, that the Will of the LORD is done. 
       When we see it coming, this must silence our fears, that the Will of the LORD is done" 
                                                                                                                 Matthew Henry

Acts 20:24 "Arranging A Comfortable Life"(July 17)

A photograph of Paul kneeling and praying for the church elders at Ephesus. 

The elders lived in reality:  Acts 20:19 Serving the LORD with humility and tears and trials...  Afflictions and imprisonment await me...

The elders longed for ministry: Acts 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 

The elders depended on God's Grace: Acts 20:32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up...

       American Christianity arranges life to be as comfortable as you can---and your family's comfort.  It's poison to our soul.  God doesn't always arrange things for our comfort.  Why do we?  God has left us in uncomfortable situations.  in that sense, you are blessed if it drives you to Him.  It purifies your dross.  You don't become bitter because you repent of your managing of your life and your comfort.  Bruce Edstrom

 

Acts 20:9 "Find Comfort in the Hand of Providence" (July 16)

It took Paul 5 days to sail to Troas and he only stayed 7 days. It was worth the week for Paul. He crammed spiritual insight into late nights, even speaking to daybreak.  Easy to stay awake for entertainment but will we do it for Truth? Acts 20:9 One of the youth, sitting in an open window that probably looked more like an open door, succumbed to an overpowering sleep at midnight. Wonder where that kind of sleep came from? It was the Enemy of God disturbing and disrupting the societies as Paul delivered the Word of God.  Eutychus fell to his death...lifeless on the ground.  Paul's sermon came to life. It was the Living Word that healed this young son and the crowd was in awe, comforted by Providence. Paul was drawn by duty and desire to the will of God.  What draws me this day?  We don't know what will happen this day or next.  It is Enough to know that His Strength shall be equal to this day.  We are driven to duty only under the influence of His Spirit.  What controls or constrains you more than the Love of your God? 

Acts 19:35 "Still My Raging Storm" (July 15)

Acts 19:23 About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning The Way and its followers led by Paul who had just disrupted almost all of Asia. The riot in Ephesus became a boisterous contradictory affair dealing with deep pockets and disloyal hearts.  You see, the silversmiths scooped in scores of silver making shrines and their souvenirs.  Their livelihood was on the front burner.

Acts 19:35 The Town Clerk takes over the treacherous tumultuous crowd and stills the noise.  One man hushed the crowd who had been screaming for two hours straight.  Don't be hasty.  Don't be rash.  Let's keep our passions in check.  The crazy crowd listened to a clerk, an opinion leader with a voice.  We ought to keep quiet and do nothing rash. Sounds good.  But what's your motive there?  Most people stand more in awe at the judgment of our city officials than they do at the judgment of God.  What quiets my soul?  The LORD on high is Mightier in your life than the noise of all the turbulent waters surrounding you.  He can still your raging storm.  Better to fear God than man. 

Acts 19:8 "All Asia Heard" (July 14)

Acts 19:8 For 3 months, Paul reasoned and persuaded his peers in the Synagogue about the Kingdom of God.  When some became stubborn and continued in unbelief---speaking evil of The Way---Paul withdrew and took his disciples with him to a different place.  For Two More Years! And all of the residents of Asia heard the bold word of the LORD.  Paul's goal was for all to hear the word of the LORD and make their own decisions.  What was success for Paul?  God did extraordinary miracles through him. But, it wasn't about Paul! It certainly wasn't about the numbers.  Paul even withdrew in the face of rejection of the Truth.  He labored all that he could that "Christ be formed" in those who heard.  Galatians 4:19.  Father, the prayer of our heart:  Use each of us this day that You might be formed in the hearts of those we love.

   

Acts 18:26 "Explain the Way of God More Accurately" (July 13)

Why can we not explain the Way of God more accurately to our friends and families?  Is it proper in our culture?  Will someone, anyone, allow us to do so?  I'm mystified by this scenario.

Priscilla & Aquila are First Century missionaries. Tentmakers with the apostle Paul. They knew Paul's bold heart. They are mentioned as two of the known Seventy Disciples. Mentioned 7 times in the Word, usually Priscilla is named first. Accomplished in the church and in character. 

Apollos~ an eloquent Jew, competent in the Scriptures, instructed in the way of the LORD, fervent in his spirit, teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus.  However, all Apollos knew about was the baptism of John.  Enter Priscilla & Aquila.

The couple says to Apollos:  Come home with us.  It was in private that they explained to Apollos the way of God more accurately ~ Acts 18:26.  P&A had so much more "light" and "knowledge" from the apostle Paul, their friend and co-worker.  Apollos condescended, he acquiesced to be taught by a woman in his society.  A woman of grace and testimony and experience. For the sake of the Gospel. A bold preacher learned from a very bold couple.  This seems like uncommon practice today.  Wondering if we can really explain the way of God more accurately in our society?

Acts 17:27 "Feel Your Way toward Him & Find Him" (July 12)

Acts 17:20 The Areopagus said to Paul: You bring some strange things to our ears. 

Five years ago, when God awakened my heart, it was as though scales fell off my eyes and ears.  Things that were once solid became strange to me.  No more!  God's Word on suffering and sovereignty is no longer strange to me.

  

Paul told the men of Athens that they looked religious in every way.  Wonder what Paul would say to our churches today? But the God you worship is not served by human hands.  He gave you life and breath and everything.  Acts 17:27 ~ He determined the boundaries of where you would live and that you should seek God in the hope that you feel your way toward Him and find Him. He is not far from you.

So, how can we feel our way toward Him this day? I'm groping in the dark and not letting go of what I feel coming from good places in my heart.

 

Acts 17:11 "Receive The Word With Eagerness" (July 11)

These men turned the world upside down and created quite a stir. How were they so bold? They used to run from questions and jump into boats to go fishing to avoid the crowds. But, no more.  Kicked out of Thessalonica, they went to Berea looking for good men.  And, Acts 17: 11 ~ "The Jews in Berea were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."  What integrity that they could honestly examine the words before them.  Something inside of me thinks that in order to believe, you cannot question or wrestle with the text.  That's not right.  Noble men with questioning minds surrendered to the Spirit of God to do His Will!  It's okay to ask questions.  It's all right to wrestle with such weighty words. Search me, O God, and see what's in my heart that I may receive Your Word with all ~eagerness~ !!!

Acts 16:23 "The Wounded Are Praying & Singing" (July 10)

Acts 16:23 They tore off their garments and severely beat Paul and Silas with rods, then violently threw them in prison.  No clothes to soak up the blood.  Naked and wounded at Midnight, Paul and Silas are praying and singing hymns.  Their roommates hear every note, every sacred word.  The physical pain had to grow greater as the night wore on.  Oh! to be found in worship in the midst of battle and betrayal.  Suddenly, an earthquake that shook their very foundation, unlocked every prison door and every constraint.  And the prisoners did not move---no small miracle there.  I wonder why.  It's a transformation of lives.  One second, it's a suicidal attempt. The next second it's a salvation encounter. Deliverance of an entire family.  Deliverance of a jail full of messed up people. And the jailer washes the wounds of his wounded prisoners.  I read today how our fears, loneliness, wounds can be a gift to others once we stop bleeding and heal.  BUT, these guys never even stopped bleeding...alongside each of them came The Deliverer. 

 

Acts 16:14 "We Are All Lydia's Who Need Help" (July 9)

Acts 16:14 Lydia was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. We try so hard to find the right words to help people and minister to their needs. We should weigh our words but it's not about our finding the answer for anyone.  Only God can open a heart. We must follow Providence.  We are all like Lydia and need help for our souls.  History calls her a worshiper of God but she still needed to know Him.  It is our responsibility, like Lydia,  to look for help and invite those like Paul and Timothy who can share the Word with us and help us in all our needs.  Lydia had a calling from God to worship Him---she was a worshiper.  But when she met Paul and Timothy, they brought her further up and further in to the One she worshiped.  Who can we invite this day to help us take advantage of all the good God is doing within us?  And who can we help move further into the Kingdom of God?

Acts 15:23 "Settle Truth into Minds" (July 8)

Acts 15:23 Paul and Barnabas, along with Barsabbas and Silas, took the Word to Antioch.  Others had come and unsettled minds with their words.  Oh that our words would settle Truth into the minds of those we love and meet. Sink the Truth into hearts.  Those in Antioch rejoiced because of the encouragement of the letter.  The Law of Moses that had been read in synagogues for generations, now for the Gentile as well as Jews.  Abstain from idols and from sexual immorality.  And Judas and Silas continued to encourage with many words. There are so many many hurting people this day.  Friends like Melana who just lost her son-in-law. Wish we could find the words to say.  May the Spirit of God settle our own minds and those we serve that Truth may flow. 

Acts 15:9 "Will the Great Searcher find faith?" (July 7)

Acts 15:9 ~ "Purified their hearts by faith."  Here are two gifts of God that cannot be separated. We are offered both:  justification and sanctification. 

Justification is by our faith.  May our Great Searcher find faith in our hearts of which He approves----there are so many, many opinions but only His counts. 

Sanctification is by the Spirit.  May our Great Advocate attest to our faith by His Seal of approval. 

Praise God that our consciences are purified from the guilt of our sin.  Past guilt.  Present guilt.  Future guilt.  No one can lay a burden on us like they are doing in these verses.  Our hearts and consciences can be purified from the guilt of any and every sin, and we can be free.  No small dissension here.  Paul & Barnabas show that the Gospel is pure gift to those called by His Name. 

Acts 14:9 "Witness to the Word of Grace" (July 6)

Iconium... In Acts 14:1, the disciples spoke boldly for the Lord, Who bore witness to the Word of His Grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.  I've got this backwards. I think I'm the one bearing witness to the Word of His Grace. It is the LORD Who makes His Grace come alive and grants signs & wonders to be done by our hands. Just like God enabled Paul to see that the man at Lystra had faith to be made well ~ Acts 14:9.  And our God empowers us to do Acts 14:22 ~Strengthen souls
Encourage them to continue in the faith
Say that it is through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God
Today's religion applauds those who strengthen and encourage others---but what about encouragement to embrace our tribulations. Are Christians reminding you that it is through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom.  Our flesh does not want to suffer nor does it want anyone else to suffer.  So we cajole and carry on with explanations.  We deny and dodge the issues.  Do we want God's will more than we want the comfortable life.  Enter the tribulations sent by God. 

       Our culture says:  Woundedness is more serious than selfishness. 
       Live for relational comfort and you'll live shallow.
       Live to know the Truth and you'll be deeply unsettled...      66 LL

 

Acts 13:36 "God's Power is Left-Handed" July 5

Acts 13:36 - "David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep." It is appointed once for each of us to die. What will we have done with what has been given to us?  Let the Spousal Love of our Christ radically change the motivations and intentions of our heart.  Martin Luther said: "God's demonstration of power is left-handed." 66LL talks about this Luther quote: Since Pentecost, God's power appears to be weak to the natural eyes; but to eyes that have been opened by His Spirit, God's power is more evident in our desires for Him that no agony of soul or fall into sin can destroy.  So what are the purposes of God for our lives?  We know this, for sure, that our God is committed to change each one of us.  Not to change our circumstances but to change our hearts.

Acts 13:16 "Women of God, LISTEN" July 4

Acts 13:2 ~~~ While they were worshiping the LORD and fasting, the Holy Spirit said...

Acts 13:3 ~~~ Then after fasting and praying, they...were sent out by the Holy Spirit...

Acts 13:9 ~~~ Filled with the Holy Spirit, they spoke intently and encouraged the worshipers...

Acts 13:16 ~~~ Men of Israel, you who fear God, Listen!

These words are not just idle words, this Word of God is your very life. Deut 32:46-47.
If nothing matters more to us than following God and honoring Him, are we truly listening to the Word spoken?  The Written Word?  The Living Word?  In this passage lies the power in their present lives.  Petrified Peter.  Self-Righteous Saul.  No More!  They have received the Spirit of God and so have you.  So have I.  We have an Advocate, Another Counselor, an Ever-Present Power.  Women of God, you who fear Him so, Listen this Day!

Acts 12:2 "Yes on Earth~Yes in Heaven" July 3

Acts 12:2 Peter is rescued from the horrific hands of Herod but James wasn't.  God was right there with both men.  The prayers of the church for Peter were answered with a yes on earth.  The prayers of the church for James were answered with a yes in heaven.  Do we view circumstances as the determining factor of the Goodness of God?  If so, we'll live a roller coaster faith.  Faith is believing in the darkness, in death, in disturbance, in distress, in dilemma, in disaster, in devastation, that a Good God will take care of us according to His Plan A.  I'm looking at a t-shirt that a friend I'm with is wearing:  There's Always Plan B.  Not in God's economy.  Peter causes a magnificent disturbance.  He appears at the door of the disciples and his young friend who meets him is so ecstatic that Rhoda leaves Peter locked out.  A little laughter here. 

Herod's life glorifies himself not his God. And Herod is no longer taken care of by God Who allows Herod to breathe his last breath and is banished from His Presence, forever.  Acts 12:24 "The Word of God increased and multiplied."  Oh, that we would be a part of His Word increasing and multiplying in 2011. 
  

Acts 11:21 "Hand of the LORD Was With Them" July 2

Acts 11:21-25 "The Hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.  Barnabas saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose. And a great many people were added to the Lord."  Acts 11:21 is a verse that God has brought to mind countless times over the past decades.  Steadfast Purpose. Ask. Seek.  Knock.  Oh, that we not live a day without knowing that The Hand of The LORD is with us, with accompanying Eyes that see everything that is happening to us and in us, with listening Ears that hear our every whisper and every intention, with Mighty Power so powerfully at work in each of us every single day.  May the Hand of the LORD be with you this very day!  Can you see the Grace of God towards you?

Acts 10:44 "Level Ground @ The Cross" (July 1)

Acts 10:34 Peter opened his mouth. While Peter was saying things about the Word of God, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the Word. Acts 10:44.  Peter's word: No favorites in the Kingdom.  There are no big people and little people in God's Kingdom, like there are in this kingdom we live and work and play in.  May we move in love into the lives of all who cross our path this moment, this day, this always.  Or am I weighing how this person can benefit me?  May we be more concerned about reaching out to others regardless of stature, significance, success.  Come.  Holy Spirit.  Fall.

       "The ground is level at the foot of the Cross."   Anon