The Daily Dose

No more excuses

_{But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10}

I think we as believers get the wrong impression sometimes of the apostle Paul.  It is often said that he was the one who wrote 2/3rds of the New Testament.  He was the one that preached the good news to the known world at that time.  The Holy Spirit did signs and wonders through the hands of the Apostle Paul. He pushed through an innumerable number of afflictions, trials and setbacks.  Acts 19:12 even says that people brought handkerchiefs and aprons for Paul to touch to take to their sick, diseased and people with evil spirits to heal and deliver them.

Yes, we have a pretty high opinion of him and rightly so, but our thoughts about the apostle Paul should not be compared to the ministry we are called to today.  Sure, we will probably never be called to the extents that he was. To be arrested and taken to the leader of the world for trial, but we have the same Holy Spirit that Paul had and the same grace of God.

Take a look at what Paul said about himself in today’s text.

1. Someone born at the wrong time
2. The least of the apostles
3. Not worthy to be called an apostle because of his past
4. I am what I am (it is what it is)
5. Worked harder than anyone and suffered more

These objections sound like many of the excuses that you can hear today from people who are unwilling to pursue the call of God on their life.  They say things like: “I shouldn’t be here, I’m at the wrong place at the wrong time.” Or “I am just one person, what can I do.  God can’t use me because of too much baggage in my past.”  Even, “This is as good as it gets and there is nothing more.  I would have to work harder than anyone to get God’s blessing on my life.”

The truth is, it doesn’t matter when or where you were born or how small or great in importance you think you are.  It’s not about being worthy of a title or even the sin in your past.  You are not limited by what your surroundings and circumstances are today or how hard you are working or not.  It is all about God’s grace on you to get His mission accomplished.  God’s grace is big enough to overcome any objection and when you yield to the Holy Spirit’s leading and direction, you have the power to make a difference in your home, neighborhood, community and the world around you.

Today I want to encourage you to stop making excuses.  Don’t let your thoughts lie to you about who you are now that you have met the Savior and have a loving heavenly Father.  Take authority over the lies of your enemy and tell those lies who you are now that you are in Christ Jesus.  You are redeemed, you are righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and you are a witness of the goodness and grace of God to others!  Don’t let that list of un-qualifications slow you down, there is something greater than those limiting qualities and that is the grace of God that you received in His salvation! God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies those He calls.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,

2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.

6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.

7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.

8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

It all works together

Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: Acts 13:16

 Sometimes it seems like the Old Testament and the New Testament are two different stories.  Many times, I only look to the New Testament scriptures for encouragement and reinforcements.  However, the truth is, without the Old Testament there would be no foundation for the New.  Without the Old Testament saints starting with the beginning of creation, there would be no New Testament Church or Salvation in Christ Jesus.

In today’s scripture reading, Paul and Barnabas show up at Antioch, and on the Sabbath, they went into the synagogue.  It was what they did, much like we go to church now on Sundays.  On this particular Sabbath, they were invited to share a word of exhortation to build up the people there.  Paul started his message all the way back to the beginning of Israel.  He taught them how God raised up the Savior, Jesus for the nation of Israel and the world, and how His coming was prophesied throughout the history of Israel.

It is easy for us who believe now, to look back at the hundreds of passages that predicted Jesus’ birth, ministry, death on the cross and resurrection, but when Paul laid it out on that Sabbath, this was all new revelation.  The message created such a hunger and energy in that city that on the next Sabbath, almost the whole city came out to hear the word of God.

So, what was the secret to the draw of God’s message back then and why don’t we see whole cities coming together today to hear more about the message of salvation?  I could say it is because America has been saturated in the message and all have already heard, but that would not be quite accurate.  In fact, over 40% of people in our country have not heard this message.  In the world we live in today and the ability we have to spread news, this is a staggering number.  However, this explains much of the troubles we see in our nation.

The solution?  First of all, start filling up your own heart with God’s Word and His love. Become so filled up with His Spirit and the good news of salvation that you minister to others from that overflow. Then start sharing.  Seek God for direction and prepare a plan for the message of His love that you can share when you have the opportunity.  Ask for Him to bring people to you that are searching for answers in this life and looking for purpose for their existence.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to remind you of the words and actions that you prepared ahead of time to say and do when those opportunities come.  America needs the salvation message as much as the rest of the world does.  Start today to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers.

Today I want to encourage you to once again pray for boldness.  Equip yourself with the words of God’s love and provision ready to share every time you have an opportunity. You may have to get up earlier in the morning to press into Him or put away some things that may be distracting you from what is most important, but when you do, life will become much clearer. look for opportunities to pray with others who are struggling in life and invite people to small groups and weekend services where they can learn about the love of God that will change their life forever.  We only get a few short breaths here in this world to make an impact.  Begin today to touch the world around you and make a difference that will count toward eternity.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 13:13 – 52

13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. 

14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. 

15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”

16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: 

17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. 

18 Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. 

19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.

20 “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 

21 And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 

22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ 

23 From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus— 

24 after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 

25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’

26 “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. 

27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 

28 And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. 

29 Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. 

30 But God raised Him from the dead. 

31 He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 

32 And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. 

33 God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’

34 And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’

35 Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’

36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; 

37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. 

38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 

39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 

40 Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you:

41 ‘Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.’ ”

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 

43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. 

46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 

47 For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. 

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 

51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 

52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Every Step of the Way

Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him. Acts 13:9    

  Have you ever stepped out in faith toward something or someone you knew the Holy Spirit was leading you to and then, just when you were about to get there you suddenly faced opposition?  It is not an uncommon occurrence and in fact, you should expect it to happen.  The enemy is always up to no good and when he can throw a monkey wrench in things you can be sure he will.  It can be frustrating to the point that you want to give up and go home, but I assure you if you press on through by following the leading of the Holy Spirit, He will make sure you succeed on your mission.

In today’s reading, Paul and Barnabas were on their first mission trip and sure enough right away, they were faced with trouble.  It really isn’t a surprise to us reading it now because we have seen that everywhere they went there was always something or someone trying to stop their ministry.  We all know that when you step out in faith it can be a scary thing and I am sure that even though these men had been through their share of struggles, they still had some of those anxious feelings.  But they didn’t let that stop the mission.  The passage actually says that Paul, because he was full of God’s Spirit rebuked and called blindness to come on the man trying to stop them from ministering the good news in that area.  They were well prepared because they had taken the time to press in and fill up before they even arrived at the place.

The cool part about this account is that Paul and Barnabas didn’t want to hurt anyone. Instead, they wanted to bring the message of hope and the love of God to others. When the people saw what happened to the man standing in their way, they were amazed and believed in the power and salvation of the Lord.

So, here’s the encouraging part: just like Paul and Barnabas, you might face challenges in life, and there might be people who try to stop you from doing good things. But remember, with faith in God and the fullness of His Spirit, you can overcome those challenges and keep doing what’s right.  Keep pressing in, keep filling up and keep sharing the love of God and His salvation with others, just like Paul and Barnabas did. God is with you every step of the way, just like He was with Paul and Barnabas.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 13:4-12

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 

5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.

6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 

7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 

8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 

9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 

10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 

11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 

12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Prayer and fasting

Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.  Acts 13:3

Prayer and fasting.  You don’t hear much about it today.  We have a national day of prayer and occasionally there may be a national “call” to prayer.  In Jesus’ day, it was a common practice, so common that religious leaders of the day were fasting so those around would think they were “super spiritual.”  Jesus said, “when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”  (Matthew 6:16)  Notice Jesus said, “When you fast”, not if you fast.  He was teaching them the right way because it was the right thing to do.  

So, what is fasting all about?  Fasting is a time of separating from the things of the world to “tune in” to the things of God.  It doesn’t have to be food, though it certainly can be.  It could be things such as social media, scrolling, news, or gaming, anything that takes time that you can turn your attention to God instead.  The things you fast aren’t necessarily bad things, it’s just a time you purpose in your heart to spend with God in the place you usually spend with those other activities.  Fasting can also be a time when you decide to reach out to others more or in a different way than you usually do, a time of giving of yourself.  When fasting foods, it can be for a time of cleansing in your body for more healthy living.  The timing is also flexible.  It can be one day as the Israelites did weekly on the sabbath or three days as Esther did to seek God’s wisdom.  Daniel fasted twenty-one days, he still ate food, he just fasted “pleasant foods” and Jesus and Moses fasted forty days.  Fasting is not a ritual practice; it is a spiritual discipline.  In fasting, your physical body is forced to submit to your spirit so it must obey what you tell it to do instead of you obeying what your flesh demands to be comfortable.  It is not something you do to try to get God to move closer to you or in your behalf.  It actually produces the opposite effect for you to move closer to God and to act on His behalf.  

In today’s reading, members of the church in Antioch set aside a time of prayer and fasting.  In fact, the passage says when they fasted, they were ministering to the LORD, which in my opinion is amazing.  During that time of fasting they were impressed by the Holy Spirit to separate to the LORD Paul and Barnabas for the work God was calling them to.  Their sensitivity to God’s spirit was heightened because the were setting aside the things of the physical realm to press into the spiritual.

I know this is not so interesting to some, but it is truly a powerful practice.  By putting your flesh in subjection to your spirit and submitting to the Holy Spirit, your spirit becomes stronger and more discerning to the things God is speaking to your heart.  Today I would ask that you consider a time of prayer and fasting.  Read about it in the Word and listen to what God has to say about it.  It is not a bad thing, for sure, and it is not obsolete.  Start small, maybe just a morning to evening fast?  The same results can be had today that were given all through Bible times.  If nothing else, in fasting you show yourself just how serious you are about the things of God.  In establishing this discipline today, your body will be ready to submit every time you need to press into the Holy Spirit for answers to storms you may be facing and the best part is that it is actually a gift you can minister to the LORD that blesses Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 13:1-3

1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 

2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 

3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

God’s Word Continues

But the word of God grew and multiplied.  Acts 12:24

  If you were to ask most people today if they followed current events or world and local news, chances are they would say “yes!”  Some people even consider it irresponsible if you are not caught up on the latest headlines.  Most of the time if you don’t look at the news, you won’t even have anything to talk about with others because many idle conversations are all about what is going on in the world.

If today’s reading was made into a headline or media post, it would probably read something like this: KING ENGAGED IN A VIOLENT DISPUTE WITH TYRE AND SIDON.  Maybe: CITIZENS OF TYRE AND SIDON WORSHIP THE KING FOR RELEASING SUPPLIES AND AID DURING FAMINE. Or: KING DIES BY AN INFESTATION OF WORMS.  I don’t know what the media of the day was, but I am sure there were ways to spread news of the current happenings.

The point is that even though the headlines change in content, they are mostly disturbing and graphic. The reason is simply to get the attention of the hearer. However, there is good news, and that news will go on forever!  The key verse today says even though the headlines may be distressing and bleak, God’s Word word continued to grow and multiply the growth of the church.  Isaiah 40:8 says: The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.   No matter what is happening in the world around us, God’s Word is the only news that is eternal, and God’s Word is the only Word that makes a difference in our world today until forever.  So, the next time you read the headlines or listen to a news broadcast, make sure you also give that same amount of time or even more attention to the good news of God’s word.  Instead of filling up with the bad news of the world and letting it spill out into every conversation, fill up with God’s word and watch it growth and multiply His kingdom.

Today I want to encourage you to spend time in God’s word.  Let Colossians 3:16 be the template and motto of your life that says: Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  Encourage others with the God news of God’s love and hope for tomorrow.  Put away the fears and anxiety of coming possibilities and sing songs of praise with grace in your heart to the Lord.  Headlines and news items are always going to change but the Word of the Lord will stand forever!

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 12:20-25

20 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country.

21 So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. 

22 And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 

23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.

24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.

No Fear

_{And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.  Acts 12:6}

  For years, I have struggled with sleeping soundly.  When it comes time to go to bed each night, I often have difficulty going to sleep.  Part of the reason, I believe is because I spent many years working the overnight shift and my system has never really gotten back on track with sleeping through the night.  One of the other reasons is because I have a hard time shutting down when it is time to go to bed.  Many times when I lay down, I find that my thoughts are still going a million miles an hour.  Often time after an hour or so of tossing and turning, I will begin to repeat scripture in my thoughts or thank God for the rest and sleep that He gives those whom He loves (See Psalms 127:2).  That usually works, but if I wake up in the middle of the night, it often starts all over again.

This is not God’s plan.  He designed me to unplug and rest through the nighttime.  He created my body to sleep peacefully in the dark and I know that it is His will and plan for that to happen. So why do I wrestle with it even still today?

In Today’s reading, the apostle Peter is about to be executed.  It seems like if anyone had a excuse for not being able to sleep, it would be Peter on that night.  Yet, the passage says that even though Peter was chained up between two soldiers and locked in a prison with guards at all the doors, he was able to sleep without any fear or concern.  He was not trying to figure out a plan to escape or be released.  He was not scheming how to bargain his way out of the predicament.  He had perfect peace at that time because he set his mind on the One he knew was in control of the situation and had the power to rescue him.  Peter was not up all night worrying about what was going to happen the next morning.  He rested and trusted that God would bring him out or that he would be with his Father in heaven the next day.  Either way, he was not afraid.

What a great example this is for me and all of us who sometime feel stress about the coming events of life.  It comforts me to know that whatever I am up against, I do not have to worry or fear about the outcome.  I can rest assured that when I commit all things to my Father, He will see me through to victory and if for some reason things do not go as planned, I know my Father is working all these things together for good.  I keep my mind stayed on Him and have perfect peace.  I will leave you with this final thought that the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth:  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Today I want to encourage you to trust your Father in heaven.  Commit every thought and concern to Him and believe that He will carry you through every care and worry.  There are so many promises He has given in His word that you can remind yourself about when you are afraid.  Make yourself a list from His word and when you find yourself in doubt and unbelief, read over and meditate on the promises He has given you.  Then believe those promises above every other idea that comes to mind and never wrestle with getting a good night sleep again.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Acts 12:6-19

6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 

7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 

8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 

9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 

10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. 

13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. 

14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. 

15 But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”

16 Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 

17 But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.

18 Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. 

19 But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.

Invite Him in

Let all things be done for edification. 1 Corinthians 14:26

Here is the key to spiritual gifts.  They are to be used for edification and building others up.  They are not to draw attention to yourself, and they are not to make you famous or popular.  They are for reaching the world.

When Jesus was about to leave this world, He told His disciples to go into all the world and reach all people.  Essentially, He was saying:  I paid the price for all people for all time and now I want you to go out there in the world and rescue them all.  He didn’t stop there either.  He also said:  Before you do that, wait in Jerusalem until you receive the promise of the Father to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and His power.  He will be here in just a few days.  He went on to say: Then you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you to be my witnesses all over the entire world.  The Holy Spirit will be with you until the end of the age. (Not until the end of their lives. See Acts 1)

Here is the reason for the instruction about the Holy Spirits gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14.  How different would our world be if Christian people led others to the solutions to the problems we all face.  Yes, we invite people to church and hope they will experience God there, but isn’t there something we can do besides bring them to a service?

The answer is yes!  We can be a voice of encouragement.  Start looking around you and notice when there are hurting people around.  Let them know there is a hope, and it is salvation in Jesus.  Then let them know there is power to overcome through the Holy Spirit.  Power to stand in adversity, power over oppression, power against infliction and power to overcome every obstacle.

Start by praying for others.  Pray for opportunities, pray for boldness to love others and pray for wisdom to reach them.  Also, pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to be evident in your life to draw people into the Kingdom of heaven and to our loving heavenly Father. 

Lastly, walk with people.  After you bring them into a personal relationship with God through salvation in the blood of Jesus, bring them into community.  Connect them with others that can show them how to walk closely to their Savior in faith and don’t let them slip back into a world that wants to devour them the first chance it gets.

Today I want to encourage you to let all things be done for edification.  If you have never walked in the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, do it today.  You can do this the same way you received your salvation, by faith.  Just invite the Holy Spirit to take the lead in your life and ask Him to instruct and comfort you in every area.  Let Him know you are available for Him to move through to reach the world around you and ask for Him to give you the boldness to be His vessel.  The Holy Spirit will not possess you like a demon does, He will only act as you surrendered and yield to Him. Be watching and listening when the Holy Spirit points you in someone’s direction and then walk out every direction and step He gives.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?

7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?

8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?

9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance.

11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.

12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?

17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;

19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.

21 In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord.

22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.

23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?

24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.

25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

The God kind of love

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1

1 Corinthians 12-14 are three chapters all about the Holy Spirit and His gifts.  Chapter 13 is known as the great love chapter, but it is really about operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit with the love of God.  The Apostle Paul said, even if you can speak in the languages of people and of angels but you do it without love, you just sound like a bunch of noise.  He goes on to say that even if you have the gifts of prophecy, knowledge, faith, but not love, you have nothing.  Those gifts are worth nothing in eternity without the love of God attached to them.

Love is the key to operating by the power of the Holy Spirit.  This goes along with what was mentioned in chapter 12 that you can desire the best gift, but truly operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit only matters if it is done with love.  It makes sense too.  Since God is love, surly everything He does is motivated by love.  Not a human temporal love, it is by God’s eternal perfect love.  If God’s love is our motivation in all things, toward all people, then we can know that the Holy Spirit of God/Love will flow through us.

So, just to take one small look at what the love of God looks like, we can look at  1 Corinthians 13:4-8.  As you read through the list below, I have added an equal part to each quality to help you understand the character of God more.

Love suffers long  =  God suffers long

Love is kind  =  God is kind

Love does not envy  =  God does not envy

Love does not parade itself  = God does not parade Himself

Love is not puffed up  =  God is not puffed up

Love does not behave rudely =  God does not behave rudely

Love seeks not its own glory = God seeks not His own glory

Love is not provoked to anger = God is not provoked to anger

Love thinks no evil = God things no evil

Love rejoices not in iniquity = God rejoices not in iniquity

Love rejoices in the truth = God rejoices in the truth

Love bears all things = God bears all things

Love believes all things = God believes all things

Love hopes all things = God hopes all things

Love endures all things = God endures all things

Love never fails = God never fails

Wow!  That truly is perfect love and demonstrates our perfect Father.

Today I want to encourage you to study this list of things that will improve your love walk.  Don’t hold back giving love to only those deserving.  The truth is none are deserving, we only hold a higher standard of love for those closest to us.  Drop your guard and decide that you are going to love all people with the God kind of love.  The only thing you have to lose is pride, and that’s a good thing.  Of course, you will not get it perfectly, but that’s ok.  Just get back out there and do it again.  It takes practice and as you practice loving all people, your daily practice will make impactful progress.  So go ahead and get rid of your pride, humble yourself to give the gift of love to all people like God does.  It will not only make a difference in the lives of those around you, but it will also change your life too!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;

7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Constant Prayer

Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.  Acts 12:5

Have you ever been involved in an all-night prayer meeting?  How about a prayer meeting that went on for days?  I can honestly say I have not, though we do have twenty-one days of prayer twice a year and other opportunities to gather for pray each week, at church.  But nothing where we come together in constant prayer for a specific situation until it is resolved no matter how long it takes.  However, the fact remains that prayer is how we open the door for God to come in and intervene in our circumstances.  I would go as far to say that most of us have not been in a prayer meeting that went on for days because we never had a loved one that was scheduled to be executed the next day.  A life-or-death perspective can change our prayer stance completely. 

I am so thankful that I have never been in a situation that was so crucial that a person’s life depended on the amount of time I spend in prayer. I know I would pray, but I don’t know for how long I could stay there.  In today’s reading, the Apostle James had been publicly killed and after that, Peter was arrested to be executed the next day.  He was so heavily guarded that that situation looked hopeless.  But the people of God gathered together and earnestly and intently prayed and the impossible became possible with God.  Prayer changes things and constant prayer will bring a miracle.

I have seen the power of prayer at work in many instances throughout my entire life.  Ideally, we walk out each day in constant prayer with Him so that we are able to make decisions that keep us in line with His planned path.  Checking in at every opportunity to keep the course of provision and protection and ensuring that we are not making decision based on how we feel or to please people.  Continually submitting our will to His and being in the right place at the right time to impact the world around us.  Praying with individuals that He brings our way to open the door into their circumstances so that they too can experience an encounter with the loving Father of heaven.

This is what we are called to.  We open the door between heaven and earth as we lift up our world to Him.  We make the impossible possible when we acknowledge Him in all our ways.  The world around us can know what it is like to experience His presence when we take them to that open door of calling on the LORD and watching Him turn the evil things of the world into good by committing everything to Him.

Today I want to encourage you to pray.  Set some time aside each day to get alone with Him.  Press into Him with issues and concerns you are facing in your life and for those you love.  Purpose to hear inside your heart the direction and assignment He has for you each day.  Then begin to pray with others.  Meet together with other believers to pray about community and global concerns.  Pray with people one on one when they tell you the things they are going through personally.  Walk others into the presence of God by leading them to commit their cares to Him.  Lastly, walk out your day in a continual conversation with Him to keep you on the purpose you have been given life.  Make the most of each day that you live in this world by bringing together the realm of heaven and earth through prayer. God’s will be done in earth as it is in heaven.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 12:1-5

1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 

2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 

3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 

4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.

5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 

Help

Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.  Acts 11:29

This is a great example of how the church should respond when unexpected circumstances happen.  In the reading today, a great famine throughout the world was happening.  The disciples in Antioch obviously had resources to share, so they sent provisions to other Christians in a neighboring area. 

This reminds me of how many churches and organizations responded when the covid pandemic hit in 2020.  Even though most of the country was shut down, many churches set up food banks, distributed groceries, had prayer hotlines and responders and even meal deliveries for elderly or sick people.  Large organizations like Wal-mart, Costco and Sysco sent out truck loads of food and paper products to help feed those who were laid off from their jobs and home with their families teaching school and hanging on for the “two week” quarantine.  Many churches are still involved in disaster relief efforts and dispatch teams to go when needs arise.  It is truly the way God intended people to care for one another when world pandemic and famines happen.

Thankfully, the church overall recognizes these times as opportunity to care for one another.  Ideally, you and I are preparing now for what may happen tomorrow.  Either by donating regularly to disaster relief organizations or if your home church has funds or programs designated for these kinds of emergencies, you can participate by contributing there.

On a personal level, you can start a neighborhood or community cooperative to be prepared for unexpected events.  If there is already something like this in the town you live in, look for opportunities to volunteer or make regular donations.

Today I want to encourage you to be prepared.  Begin by praying and tuning in to what God’s Spirit is speaking to you on the inside of your heart.  Ask Him to show you things that are coming up (See John 14:26).  Pray for discernment to know what you will need for times of distress and how you can help right now.  Be aware of places you can send help and begin to make a monthly or quarterly contribution.  Get involved in your church to put a plan together if you do not already have something in place.  Lastly, get in touch with national organizations such as the American Red Cross, Team Rubicon or Convoy of Hope to get training or to make donation.  Let’s all get ready to be distributors and helpers for the trying times we live in.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 11:27-30

27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 

28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. 

29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 

30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.