The Daily Dose

The gift of faith

To another faith by the same Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:9

As believers and children of God, we walk by faith and not by sight each day.  The Christian life is defined by the faith we have that our Father in heaven will watch over, care and provide for us as we trust Him with our needs from day to day. Romans 12:3 tells us that God has given each one of us the measure of faith. All of God’s people have been given the same amount of faith and it is up to each individual to use and exercise it to grow in life.

The gift of faith mentioned in today’s verse is something different than our day-to-day faith.  When we are born again, we are saved by grace through our faith.  The gift of faith is a supernatural impartation of God’s faith for confidence in a specific situation.  It is a knowing or an unwavering belief that God is going to intervene in a situation, and everything is going to work out ok.

The gift of faith can show up in situations such as when given a bad report from the doctor.  Even though a person hears what the doctor says, they have a supernatural peace and knowing that God is going to bring them through the situation to victory. 

This happened recently in my own family.  At the beginning of 2021, my husband, Jack began to worry about his job and how long he was going to have it.  He is working on a construction site that was slated to be a 2-year project when he stepped into the position.  At the beginning of the second year, he began to be focused on what was going to happen next.  It actually seemed to be the responsible thing to think about, but then it turned into a preoccupation and worry that began consuming his thought life.  He needed supernatural intervention.  We began to pray and take hold of the situation with God’s help and leading.  We believed that God had led us to this place and that when it was time to move on, He would open the next door.  Still, there was that nagging of what if it doesn’t happen or we miss that opportunity?  Finally, after a time of stepping aside for prayer and fasting, a supernatural peace came on Jack.  He no longer talked about it or even thought about it.  He just continued to do his job and he had the assurance on the inside that God was taking care of it just as He has always taken care of us all our lives.  Even when the end of the job came, he was able to take three stress free months off to get caught up on some things that he wasn’t able to while working long hours.  Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a call came with a new opportunity.  He wasn’t even looking yet, and God brought in the perfect fit for him for the next season of our lives.  Many times, this has happened in my own life when God has given me a scripture or phrase to hold on to, but this time He just gave us His peace!  What a precious gift!

The gift of faith was given to Paul when he was arrested and to be taken before Caesar.  He didn’t know if he was going to make it there or be killed along the way.  However, God assured him that his mission was to stand before kings and proclaim the good news of salvation.  That was all Paul needed to trust that he would safely arrive at his destination.

Today, I want to encourage you to consider any area in your life that you may need the gift of faith for a specific concern.  Ask the Holy Spirit to intervene in that situation and to give you the gift of faith for the peace of mind to know God is taking care of it and everything is going to be ok.  You may not see the solution for days or even months, but step into that place of peace and knowing that God is willing and able to take care of all your troubles.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Acts 23:11-22

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.

3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,

9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,

10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Acts 23:11-22

11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”

12 And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

13 Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. 14 They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul.

15 Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

16 So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.”

18 So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.”

19 Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him.

21 But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.”

22 So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.” 

Something New

And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”  Acts 5:38-39

This scenario has shown up a lot in history and obviously it happened many times in the days of the first church.  A dynamic speaker or charismatic evangelist comes on the scene suddenly and draws a large number of people to them.  Most times, it only lasted for a short while, then they were never heard of again.  When something like this does happen, there is often a lot of talk and even concerns from those looking on, but rarely if ever is there an arrest that takes place.  Unless of course there is embezzling or stealing going on.  Still, when these individuals rise up, there seems to be the same outcome and then life just goes on.

The situation in today’s reading was a little bit different because the Holy Spirit’s power was at work.  God was expediting the growth of the church and filling them with His power so that the message of the gospel could spread quickly throughout the whole earth.  No matter what the religious leaders of that day did to try to hinder that work, it just seemed to flourish and grow. There were arrests, threats, beatings and warnings, but nothing could stop them. Finally, someone spoke up with wisdom.  A Pharisee named Gamaliel who was a teacher of the law and highly respected by all the council, asked for a private meeting with out the apostles in the room.  What he suggested made perfect sense and allowed peace to come into the situation instead of stress and tension.

In short, Gamaliel said that there had been many that tried in the past to be great leaders and rebels, but after they were gone, their following just dispersed and the sect was never heard of again.  Then Gamaliel gave a warning to leave the Christians alone because if the church was not of God it would come to nothing like the rest, but if God was behind it, there would be no success in trying to overthrow them because they would actually be fighting against God.

This makes perfect sense and should be our response in today’s world.  When we see someone gaining fame in the church that doesn’t seem quite right to us, we should turn that over to God and let Him handle the situation.  If God is behind it, it would not be right to fight against Him anyway.  But if God is not there, the ministry will dissolve and those that are following will disperse, just like they have throughout the ages.

Today I want to encourage you not to get distracted with seemingly popular preachers and those drawing great crowds.  Instead, just keep away and leave them alone.  If the plan or work is of man, it will fall, but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it and you will even be fighting against God.  Certainly, not a position that anyone wants to be in.  Pray for those you know who seem to be sucked into the crowd and also for the speakers themselves.  God will sort it all out and, in the end, you do not have to look foolish or even say I told you so.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 5:22-42

22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 

23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 

24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. 

25 So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”

26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 

28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. 

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 

31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 

32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. 

34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 

35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 

36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 

37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 

38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 

39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 

41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 

42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Word of knowledge

For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:8

Yesterday I wrote about the first part of 1 Corinthians 12:8 and today I want to move on to the second part.  It is the second in the list of Holy Spirit gifts and it is the word of knowledge.  The word of knowledge gift is simply defined as knowing something specific without having learned it by natural means.

Again, Jesus operated in this gift when He talked to the women at the well in John chapter 4.  He told her some specific things about her life that he would have no natural knowledge about without the Holy Spirit’s help.  I would like to make a side note here that if Jesus needed to rely on the Holy Spirit, how much more do we need His help to reach the world.  I know many would argue that He was God in the flesh and of course He knows everything, but Philippians 2:7 tell us that He emptied Himself to take on the form of a servant and the likeness of men.  He walked this world as a person just like you and me, only He did it perfectly, with the Holy Spirit’s help.

Another example of the use of the word of wisdom is in Acts 9, when the Holy Spirit gave the disciple Ananias the address to the house where Saul was staying.  He said go to the street called Straight to the house of Judas to find Saul of Tarsus there.  The GPS doesn’t even get that detailed.  Ananias was given a word of knowledge so He could go minister to Saul before he was called Paul.  Ananias was not a pastor or a teacher, but he was a Christian.

The importance of the word of knowledge is to minister to someone about something God is doing in their life.  It is a confirmation to the unbeliever or new believer that God does actually know who they are and He wants them to turn to Him and trust Him.  God wants His people to be able to operate in these gifts by the Holy Spirit’s direction to talk to people that He is drawing unto Himself.

Today I want to encourage you again to talk to your Heavenly Father about the Holy Spirit’s empowerment in your life.  Read the scripture and pray for revelation concerning the gifts.  Open your heart to receive anything the Spirit of God wants to show you and trust that He will lead you in the path of rightness.

Pray a prayer something like this:  Heavenly Father, I want to be an effective witness for You in this world and I want to be a vessel that You can move through to reach people far from You.  Empower me through Your Spirit to hear and know the way to touch lives and let people know You love them, and You know who they are and what they need right now.  I put away my fear and preconceived ideas and I open up my heart now to anything You want to teach me.  Help me to be ready to receive Your direction and move as the Your Spirit leads.  I ask this in Jesus Holy name, Amen.

Today’s scripture reading: John 4:1-26

1 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John

2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples),

3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee.

4 But He needed to go through Samaria.

5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”

8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water?

12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?”

13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,

14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”

17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.”

Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’

18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”

19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”

21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.

22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.

23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.”

26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

Word of Wisdom

For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:8

The gift of a word of wisdom is a message that someone gives to another person of a future event or a solution to a current situation in their life.  The word of wisdom is a specific gift and not to be confused with the wisdom of God that He gives to all those who ask that is written in the book of James. (See James 1:5)  It is a sharing of what will take place soon or can be a solution to a dilemma that someone needs the answer to.

Jesus used the gift of the word of wisdom when He gave the great commission.  He said in Luke 24:49 – “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”  Jesus knew that the Holy Spirit was coming.  The disciples obeyed the words of Jesus, but they had no idea what was really about to happen or even if anything would happen.  Jesus spoke in the wisdom of something that would happen not far off in the future.

There are many examples throughout the New Testament of the Holy Spirit using the gift of a word of wisdom through His people.  It actually comes in the form of a phrase or couple of sentences.  In Acts 4, Peter used a word of wisdom when Ananias and Sapphira lied to him about their giving.  In Acts 27, Paul used a word of wisdom to encourage the crew in the middle of a storm on a ship.  John brought a word of wisdom in the letters to the churches in the book of Revelation.

You can ask for these gifts and the Holy Spirit knows the exact thing that you need for the place you are needing it.  Verse 31 of this chapter encourages each believer to desire or ask for the gifts to flow in our lives and the Holy Spirit will show the way.

Today I want to encourage you to talk to your Heavenly Father about the Holy Spirit’s empowerment in your life.  You don’t have to be a pastor or a teacher to operate in His gifts, just a witness to those that need to know the good news of salvation.  Jesus promised that signs and wonders would follow those who believe not those who are trained. (See Mark 17:17-18) If you are unsure that the Holy Spirit wants to flow through you, ask Him to make it plain and clear either way.  He will lead you into all truth, you can count on it.  In fact, Jesus promised He would. (See John 16:13)

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:8-11

8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,

9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,

10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

In one accord

And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.  Acts 5:12

I have heard people talking about why they didn’t need to come together with other believers in a formal setting such as a weekend services or small groups.  They often say things like: “I like to worship God in my own way” or “I feel God’s presence most when I am out in nature by myself.”  Sometimes the reason is because they do not feel comfortable with other people or do not like to be in crowds.  While it is okay to worship God when you are alone or in the middle of nature, there is a reason for coming together regularly with believers and being in agreement.

In today’s reading, there is some insight into why coming together is so important and that reason is because of the power of agreement.  The passage starts out by saying that they were all in one accord or in agreement as they came together.  This is one of the key components to why the Holy Spirit was able to move so powerfully at that time.  Because the church was brand new, there were no divisions or denominations to cause disagreements among God’s people.  All the believers were eager to meet together, learn more about their new salvation and be vessels for the Holy Spirit to flow through.

The power of the Holy Spirit is still flowing today and as we come together in agreement, we will continue to see more of His power poured out.  We don’t come together in weekly meetings to see if we are going to get anything out of the message or not.  You will get out of it what you put into it.  We must come together with a surrendered heart, eager to encourage others and ready to hear the message that God has for each individual through whomever is speaking that day.  Then, when the time comes to invite people coming into God’s kingdom, we pray out those things while the invitation is being given. 

Today I want to encourage you to get together as often as possible with other believers. Come together in one accord ready to see the Holy Spirit move.  Recognize your part not as a spectator, but at minimum as a prayer participant.  Continue to grow by encouraging those who are there and also those who were not there.  Look for opportunities to serve in some way in your weekend service and then find a small group or bible study to connect with during the week.  The more you come together with God’s people, the more place you are giving the Holy Spirit in your life.  Start this weekend to do your part as you gather together with other believers and watch the Holy Spirits presence increase as you do.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 5:12:21

12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the pe0ople. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. 

13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. 

14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 

15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 

16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, 

18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 

19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 

20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Check your heart

While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Acts 5:4

Today we are reading about Ananias and Sapphira.  They were a husband and wife that sold some property and then took some of the proceeds and laid them at the apostles’ feet.  They made a plan together to keep some of the money for themselves and give some to the church.  That act in itself is not a bad thing, but what they did was tell the apostles that the amount they gave was the whole amount that they got for the property. 

Why would anyone do that?  Well, at the end of chapter 4, Barnabas came and gave funds that he received from selling property and obviously, it was a big deal or else it would not have made it into the scripture.  It looks like Ananias and Sapphira wanted the attention and the glory for selflessly giving, so they lied about how much they received.  Peter knew by the Spirit of God that they were lying, and he also told Ananias that what they did with the money didn’t really matter but what did matter was their heart was in the wrong place.  Then He told him that he wasn’t lying to the apostles but to God.  I know that the couple didn’t consider who they were sinning against or else they would not have done it.  They imagined that no one would know the truth and that they could look like heroes despite what actually was happening.  The rest of the story is that after Peter called them out, they fell down and died.

This has always been a hard account for me to grasp. Certainly, there have been others since then and before that have held back the truth in a situation.  Yet this is the only place where we see the drastic consequences of a heart posture.  There is an account in Exodus 16 where the people of Israel were complaining against Moses and Aaron.  When Moses addressed the people about it, he said their complaints were against God not them.

God is actively involved in this world and especially with His leadership team.  He takes it very personally when they are complained about, spoken against or lied to.  God knows the heart of every person and He is aware of what is going on behind closed doors.  This is a truth that we should be taking very seriously and even though we may not drop dead instantly like Ananias and Sapphira did, the consequences will be extremely high.

Today I want to encourage you to be honest with yourself and with God.  He already knows what is in your heart, so why try to hide or cover it up.  The best way to handle it is to repent as soon as you notice those jealous and deceptive feelings trying to get in.  When this happens to me, I try to always quickly tell the Lord that I know these thoughts and feelings are not the right way to handle the situation or the direction that I want to go.  Then I ask Him to empower me to overcome and get rid of the lies that are trying to get in.  He is so faithful to help me to continue to resist until His peace comes.  Take steps to be aware today of when your heart may be getting off track and go ahead and get help from Him ahead of time.  Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you when you are starting in a complaining or deceptive direction and then ask Him to empower you not to fall into that trap ever again.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 5:1-11

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 

2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 

3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 

4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 

6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 

8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”

9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 

10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 

11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Great Blessing

The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.  Acts 4:33

I have a blessed life!  It is very evident to me.  Not everyone can see it on me, but I know it is there and I continue to see God’s blessings all around me each day.  It is not necessarily in material things, God’s blessing shows up as peace in my everyday life.  In the book of Proverbs there is one definition of blessing.  In Proverbs 10:22 is says: The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.  Again, God’s blessing is not worldly wealth, but simply richness in all aspects of life.  From relationships to everything you put your hand on brings success and abundance in all areas.  God not only blesses with His goodness, He also keeps sorrow from you.  Even though storms may rage around you, when you live your life in God’s blessing, His perfect peace covers you.

Today’s key verse talks about God’s blessing on the first New Testament church.  In fact, it says that they were greatly blessed.  As wonderful as God’s blessing is, apparently there can be a greater amount of it.  Everything that the first church had to go through with persecutions, imprisonment and even martyrdom, it is safe to say they needed that added grace for the harsh times they lived in.  Even while facing the constant tension of wondering who may be the next one arrested, with the help of the Holy Spirit and God’s great blessing, they were able to hold on to the peace of God and maintain the growth of the church throughout all the world.

The passage goes on to talk about where their focus was, and I believe this is crucial to walking in the blessing of God’s peace.  These new believers were focused on taking care of each other and making sure there were no needy people among them.  They all came together and supported one another and encouraged each other every day.  Even amid all the turmoil of the times, they were focused on loving and caring for the church people more than what could possibly happen to them if they were detained.

I can’t help feeling that this could be the reason we do not see and feel more of God’s great blessing on us today.  If we begin to get our eyes on others and off of self, our focus will shift to allow God’s great blessing and peace to enter everyday life.

Today I want to encourage you to open up your life and heart to God’s blessing flow and let the peace of God rule in your heart that adds no sorrow to your life.  Change your focus today from what seems important to you and take on God’s agenda instead.  Begin to notice those hurting around you and discover the many ways you can help.  Then you will open up the way for God’s great blessing to fill your life and your home.  Nothing will be able to distract you or knock you off course and the peace of God will guide your every move.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 4:33

32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 

33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 

34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 

35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 

37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

Pray for boldness

Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word. Acts 4:29

  A few years back, I was struggling with fatigue and a great deal with the pain in my body.  I was working with someone who had just been giving a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.  The main symptoms she had were fatigue and pain in her body.  So, of course when I began to hurt, immediately I began to think about her diagnosis and wonder if maybe I was experiencing the same thing.  Thankfully, I knew enough about how the enemy works to not give voice or validation to the concerns I was having.  I prayed about it every day as I continued to experience the suffering of the pain.  Finally, one morning after I got to work and was walking from my car to the front door, I asked the Lord, “What is wrong with me?” Up until that point, I had been asking Him to take the pain away so it would not be so hard to get up and go in the mornings.  I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit speak up inside me and say: “You are asking the wrong question.”  Wow! I hadn’t even considered that.  So, I asked “What should I be asking?”  I knew in that moment He was showing me to pray about getting through whatever it was that I was going through instead of Him removing it.  I realized that He had gotten me through every obstacle and predicament that I had gotten myself into in the past, so it didn’t matter this time what was causing the problem, I still just need Him to get me through this to the other side to my victory.

Today’s reading is a little different in that the disciples were being persecuted as followers of Jesus to the point of being punished.  However, when they were released from the detainment, they did not pray for God to remove the persecution or even to protect them from those who were accusing them.  Their prayer was what they were focused on, being bolder to spread the good news of salvation.  The disciples knew that it was the only thing that mattered in life, and it was the only hope for the world.  This is the prayer that the Holy Spirit answered and as their boldness grew they were able to turn the known world at that time upside down. (See Acts 17:6)

What about you?  Do you find yourself asking God to remove situations and dilemmas in your life?  Do you ever ask Him what did I do to cause this discomfort?  Have you asked Him before to protect or keep attacks far from you?  I certainly have and still do, but then I remember that mostly, I need to be praying for Him to see me through whatever condition I am up against.  He is the faithful One, and He will always get us through to victory as we trust Him.

Today, I want to encourage you through whatever you are up against.  Invite the Holy Spirit along to give you strength and wisdom to get through it to your victory.  Know that He has a plan to get you through all your problems and all your struggles and as you trust Him, He will lead and guide you.  Then start to pray for boldness and strength in the mission He has called you to.  Listen to the prompts and nudges He gives when you do have the opportunity to share His love with others.  Begin to change your focus from being comfortable in this life to stepping out to reach the world around you.  When you focus in on the plan and assignments you have been given, you will no longer be distracted by the aches and pains that this life gives.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 4:23-31

23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 

24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 

25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, and the people plot vain things?

26 The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.’

27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 

28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 

29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 

30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

They had been with Jesus

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.  Acts 4:13

This is an encouraging passage, especially if you haven’t had the privilege of a college education in this life.  Maybe you have felt unqualified in the past to do God’s work because of a lack of training or credentials.  If you have ever felt that way, I have good news for you. According to today’s scripture, the people that were listening to Peter and John could tell that they had been with Jesus. Even though it was clear that they were not the smartest and most qualified people to teach. The leaders could see something was different about them because of their boldness and their confidence to not only speak, but also to operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The reason I find this passage particularly inspiring is because I have had no formal training beyond high school except for some classes that were required for various jobs that I have held in the past.  What I am talking about is having a degree in bible school or missions.  Mostly, the reason that I write, and lead groups is because I spend time with Jesus.  In His presence is where I learn and gain revelation and it is where I love to be every time I have the opportunity to be there.  I am hopeful that those around me will at some point realize that I have been with Him.  Sometimes I do feel like I am unqualified for all that I have been called to, but I keep my focus on Him and the assignments He puts in front of me each day.

What about you?  Have you had some formal training in the ministry of reaching people for the kingdom of heaven?  If not, don’t feel like you have nothing to offer the world around you.  Spend some time hanging out with the Word of God, Jesus, and let His influence rub off on you.  You don’t have to be a scholar and know the answer to every hard question, all you need to do is spend time with Him each day and fill up your heart with His goodness and love.  Then when people get around you, they will take note and realize that you have been with Him even if you don’t have the degree that people think you need.

Today I want to encourage you to start making spending time with the Word a priority in your day.  Press into knowing and loving Him more and let His goodness and grace fill up your heart and life.  Then be bold to share that love with others.  The world is full of hurting people with no hope.  Be the hope in the message that God has a way to all those He would bring into your life and it will be no time at all before others will realize that you have been with Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 4:13-22

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 

14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 

16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 

17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”

18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 

19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 

20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 

21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 

22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

Arm yourself

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1 Corinthians 12:7

This chapter start out with the phrase: “I do not want you to be ignorant/uneducated about spiritual gift.”  As a believer and child of God, I do not want to be ignorant, and I don’t want to set aside any gifts that my Heavenly Father has given me.  Earlier I wrote about God giving Adam his wife as a gift.  When the New Testament church was born, God gave the Holy Spirit as a gift and to give gifts to empower His people to bring the world back to Him.  Jesus paid the price, and now God wants everything He paid for . . . all people in the world.  He knew we would need help to rescue people, so He sent us the Holy Spirit to comfort and empower us. 

Right before Jesus ascended into heaven after He was resurrected from the dead, He told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were fill with power from the Holy Spirit. (See Luke 24:49) God gave us the upper hand so we could reach people that were far from Him and bring them into His kingdom.  This power came on the day of Pentecost, the power of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given for the profit of all people.  These gifts are given for unbelievers to be reached and turned to God in heaven by the signs and miracles that can only come from Heaven.  These gifts are for believers to carry and be ready to be the vessel that the Holy Spirit moves through to reach this lost and dying world.  They are not to be afraid of and they are not for personal gain.  They are to show the lost people of the world that God loves them and wants to rescue them.

As you read through each of the gifts listed in this passage, commit to carrying the Holy Spirit where He needs to go to reach whom He needs to reach.  Learn, meditate and begin to understand all of these gifts and open up your heart to let them flow through your life.  You don’t have to explain them, and you don’t have to figure out what one is right to use at the time.  The Spirit of God actually knows what He is doing and when you yield to Him, He will lead you to what is needed that will impact lives.  Purpose to obey what He puts on your heart to say or do and let His signs and wonders flow through you.

Today I want to encourage you to open up your heart to receive the Spirit of God’s revelation and God’s empowerment for you to be successful in your mission here in this world.  We have been deployed from heaven to rescue people that are trapped in the clutches of sin and God has given us the armory and weapons that we need to carry out this assignment.  Receive His full equipping today and don’t let the enemy steal your ammunition instead, fill up with all God has for you to arm yourself with.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-7

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.

3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: