The Daily Dose

On the same page

They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.  Acts 15:23

This is amazing!!  In the passage today, it is the continuation of the meeting of the apostles to talk about the dispute about the old covenant.  The apostles got together, discussed how the issue should be handled with the new converts of other nations.  circumcision was no longer a sign or a requirement of the new covenant with God. The new covenant was only able to enter into through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus.  When they came to an agreement, they wrote a letter to be sent out to all the churches that were established at that time.  The amazing part is that they were all in agreement and when the churches received the message, verse 31 says: When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. There was no more disputing and there was no more discussion.  The debate was ended and the matter was closed.

Sounds pretty simple and of course it makes sense, but what I am truly in awe of is how the apostles were managing to keep all the new Christians of every nation in agreement without splitting into denominations and disputing doctrine.  Because it was new to the whole world at that time, the apostles had an advantage of being with Jesus through His ministry and that gave them the credibility with the church to determine the direction going forward.  What was to their disadvantage was the speed of the communications.  It was probably weeks if not months for this message to be spread throughout the entire church body.  The church stay in tact while they waited to hear back on the subject and a letter was sent out with the mission team with the results. These men took it to all of the people to read it and the message brought with it great joy to all who heard it and .

Thankfully that message and many more of the letters that were written to the first church have been preserved and we still have them today in the Holy scriptures.  So why can’t the church function as one body instead of being divided into denominations?  Why can’t our disputes and differences be settled today by those same scriptures.  The truth is they can be.  However, all pride and religious mentality would have to be eliminated.  We all, the entire body of believers, would have to come together in the love of God, stand on the blood of Jesus and the salvation that was freely given to each one of us through that blood.  We would have to praise and worship the one true God that we love and adore together in unity.

That doesn’t seem too hard and in fact should not be.  It seems that if our focus as today’s church would be on God and not on correcting one another, we could come into agreement and become a force in this world that would be unstoppable.  No enemy in the heavens or earth will be able to the stop the church when it steps into a place of agreement and love for the world.  I believe we will get there one day soon and have the kind of love that Jesus had, a sacrificial love that is unconditional on behavior or choices.  When we learn to see each other the way God sees each one of us, we can come together regardless of what denomination you are in.

So, how do we start?  First of all, there must be a desire.  Start with talking to our heavenly Father and asking His Spirit to show each heart what He desires for His family and His people.  It is clear in scripture that God planned for His people to be a family.  With family there are always going to be differences, but we work through those to come back into a place of a right relationship. (much like they did in Acts 15)  The good news is we are not in this alone.  We have His help and the power of His Spirit backing us.  God gave us His grace to empower us to walk together as a people united and strong.  We can do this as we keep our Father in heaven the focus in this life and not be distracting with the craziness of the world around us.

Today I want to encourage you to start taking steps toward becoming a stronger family of God.  Step away from pride and the need to be right and instead step into His righteousness in Christ Jesus your Lord and Savior.  Search out the scriptures for the things that all believers agree with instead of looking for differences.  Start where you are and your Father in heaven will multiply your love to impact others around you.  Soon you will be on the same page with the rest of the church and then we will see the sleeping giant rising up to be a dominating power in this dying world that we live in.  He is the only hope for the world we live in today.  Not a political leader and not a world government.  But the only way the world will ever see Him will be when His people begin to be His love and have compassion for all that need a Savior in the world today.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 15:22-35

22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

23 They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law” —to whom we gave no such commandment— 

25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 

26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 

29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 

31When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. 

32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. 

33 And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.

34 However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there. 

35 Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Be a sharpener

_{Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15: 33 & 34}

Have you ever heard the saying “One bad apple will spoil the whole bunch”?  It’s saying that if you have a basket of good apples and one goes bad, it quickly spreads to all that are closely associated.  How about when you were younger, did your mom ever tell you not to hang out with certain friends because she didn’t want you to pick up some of their bad habits?

In today’s reading, Paul gives a similar warning and says that evil associations can weaken and destroy your good habits.  Who you connect with actually impacts your habits whether good or bad.  Proverbs put a positive spin on this saying.  It says: Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (see Proverbs 27:17)  It gives us the impression of one person’s habits rubbing off onto another, but in this scripture it is a good thing. 

Here is the lesson to learn from that.  If you want to improve your life, look for someone who is living successfully in the areas of life that you want to be successful in and then go hang out with them.  Maybe that isn’t possible if the person is a high-profile individual or an admired prominent figure, but people like that may have books or podcasts you can learn from or even by studying them from a distance.  The idea is to become better at doing life by learning and imitating those who have already been through experiences that you are currently going through or even getting into things you don’t want to go through.

Next, wake up to what is right and quit doing what is wrong.  These are not commandments to attain salvation through, these are helps to empower you to live life as a believer and overcomer.  They will empower you to be more productive for God’s kingdom and to enjoy the life that He has blessed you with.  Take it from someone who has lived life the wrong way and God’s way, God’s way is so much better!!!!!!!!  He knows everything you need and He has made every provision for you.  You don’t have to figure things out for yourself, He has a plan and a way to bring you through this life to live it to the fullest joy.  Many people receive salvation, and then they try to drag God down to help them continue on the path they were on before receiving salvation.  God has a better road for you to travel, so take a step up to get on His plan.  Trust me, His way is not any harder than doing it your own way, in fact, it is way easier!  There is no worry, no anxiety, no fear, no struggling, only trusting and following with His peace. The only laboring is to enter His rest, while He brings the resolution to every predicament.  Trust Him to lead and follow what He says.  He will keep you from falling into the pit of life every time you listen and follow.

Today I want to encourage you to step away from evil companions and wake up to God’s way of living right.  Put sinful habits far from your life and press into the love and relationship of your heavenly Father through His provision in Christ Jesus.  You don’t have to look for someone famous or rich to imitate, you can look to the Word of God and find all the instruction you need to make the most out of your life.  Start by surrendering all to Him and then start following His way and leave your wicked ways in the dust!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:29-34

29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?

30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour?

31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

Firstfruit

But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:20

The firstfruits.  It is the first produce of a crop each harvest season.  Proverbs instructs us that we are to honor God with the firstfruit of all our increase.  It means we give our first and best to God.

I imagine what it was like when people actually gave their produce from an agricultural harvest.  It would be the beginning of each harvest season, when the first of the crop is ready to be gathered in.  The people would watch and eagerly wait for the firstfruits to be ready to bring in and then, after it was collected, it would be offered to God as an offering.  The first and best offering of the season.  Of course, they tithed on everything that came in after that, but the first fruit was the most anticipated because they were ready and watching for that crop to be ready for the first pickings.  Not for themselves, but for God!

I can relate to this on a small level, having a small garden of my own.  After it is planted each spring, we carefully watch over and tend to the needs of the vegetation.  Then we watch as it begins to grow and ripen until completion.  It is quite a process.  By the time it is finally ready, we are too.  We are excited when the first is ready to be picked and look forward to when we can actually eat from our garden and enjoy it for the rest of the season.

Today we are talking about Jesus being the firstfruit raised up from the dead.  If you imagine that He was placed in the ground and raised up, like a harvest growing to full maturity until God His Father brought Him out of the grave.  He was the first “seed” that produced an entire crop of people who would be raised up with Him in salvation.  His sacrifice was an offering to God, but His resurrection became the produce that brought in the greatest harvest of all time, the family that God so much desired to have!  Not to be consumed, but to be an offering to the world. 

Jesus’ sacrifice was the greatest offering to God for our sin, but His resurrection was the greatest gift to us from God of new life.  Now we are God’s greatest gift to the world to gather in the family He sent Jesus to rescue from the clutches of hell.

Today I want to encourage you to reap your harvest of salvation.  If you have never received God’s first and best for you, receive it today in His salvation through Christ Jesus.  Pray this prayer or one like it and invite Jesus into your life:

Pray:  God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive me for my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  Thank you, Jesus for Your grace that has saved me from my sin and has given me eternal life.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father. I also ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.

24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.

26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.

28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Submitted to

And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.  Acts 15:4

 Today I want to talk about faithfulness in submitting to the authority that you are under.  We all have some kind of authority that we are to be submitted to.  If you are married, then you and your spouse submit to one another. If you still live at home with your parents, then you submit to them and their rules. If you are in school, you submit to the authority of teachers, counselors and principals.  If you have a job, you submit to the authority of your boss.  In your church, you submit to the authority of the pastor and elders and the mission that they are on.  A true example of submitting is shown in faithfulness.  You are faithful to show up.  In your marriage you love and support one another and hopefully are faithful to the mission of raising your family and taking care of your home.  At school faithfulness shows up in submitting to the teachers and following the rules there.  In your church, you are faithful and submit to the mission of the church and the vision of the pastor.

Faithfulness at your job does not mean exposing where things are being done wrong or stepping on others to make yourself look good.  It is showing up on time and doing your best work when you are scheduled the way you are instructed by your employer.  Even if you think you know a better way, you do it your bosses way or else come to an agreement with your boss to have the opportunity to try your way to see how it goes.  You don’t just go behind their back or sneak around.  That is not faithful and that is not submitted to the authority that you have placed yourself under.

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul and Barnabas were faced with Jewish leaders teaching that unless they followed the old covenant way of doing things, people could not be saved without the old works of the law.  Paul did not believe that and did not teach it to the gentiles either.  Certainly, he was not going against the ten commandments, but the leaders were telling the gentiles that they had to enter into a covenant with God the way that Abraham did.  They were failing to acknowledge the new covenant that Jesus established in His death, burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven.

This is when Paul and Barnabas went back to Jerusalem to submit this issue to the Apostles and leaders of the church.  They did not continue on their mission until this dispute was resolved to whom they submitted themselves to.  Paul was an apostle, but he recognized that his faithfulness to the mission God had called him to was in submission and agreement with the other leaders of the church.

They did come into agreement when the discussed the results they saw God doing despite the nationality of the people or the rituals they perform.  Paul submitted to Peter and James what he had seen the Holy Spirit working in people even though they were not Jewish people. Peter had experienced it too at Cornelius’ house when he first preached to the gentile people.

The point is that even though these men were apostles and the leaders of the New Testament church, they still submitted to one another.  This was the only way that they could come into agreement and the only way that they could be faithful in all that they were called to.

Today I want to encourage you to be faithful by submitting to the authorities that you are under.  Submit to your spouse, to your boss and even your government.  Be a faithful follower and employee by submitting your thoughts and ideas to those over you.  Get out and get active within the laws of the land to be faithful in making your country a better place and submit your feelings and thoughts to the God that loves and makes provision for you. It is required of God’s people to be faithful and the place faithfulness starts is in submitting to one another and authority.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 15:1-21

1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 

2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 

4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. 

5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 

7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 

8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 

9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 

10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 

11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 

13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: 

14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. 

15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

16 ‘After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up;

17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.’

18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works. 

19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 

20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 

21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

Get up and do it again

But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.  Acts 14:20

 Nobody really knows if Paul died when he was stoned that day in Lystra or if they just thought he was dead.  What we do know is that when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up.  The surprising part is that he went back into the city where the people just stoned him. I don’t think I would have done that.  However, Paul was determined to make sure that everyone knew that God was with him and would even raise him up if needed.  Even when he was beaten and thrown into prison in Philippi, he wouldn’t leave town until he got a public apology. (See Acts 16:40)

The point is that Paul and Barnabas pressed on through great oppression and persecution.  They did not let any circumstance deter them from their mission and neither should we.  Often times in our life’s journey, we face set back, storms and obstacles, but those are not what our purpose is about.  The problems that we come up against in life are merely winds that blow.  Some harder than others, but just like the breeze of everyday life, when we go out in the weather, we still get to our intended destination each day.  Our circumstances do not determine our mission, our Father in heaven does.

Today I want to encourage you in whatever you are facing or up against in life.  Press on through.  Adjust your focus to the purpose you were given for today.  If that is unclear to you, ask God’s Spirit to open up the eyes or your understanding to see your mission clearly.  Pray for His strength and grace to empower you to complete that mission, then get out there and press through the winds of life.  Don’t let the distractions and pains of this world hold you back.  Determine that with God’s help you will accomplish whatever it is He has for you to complete today.  Then when tomorrow comes, get back up and do it again.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 14:19-28

19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 

20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 

22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” 

23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 

24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 

25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 

26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.

27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 

28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Same Mission

This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed.  Acts 14:9

 As we read through the book of Acts, there seems to be a recurring theme of: opportunity, obstacles, overcoming and growth.  Today’s reading is no different.  Paul and Barnabas were in the town of Lystra, preaching the gospel again.  People are there to listen and receive the message, but when Paul saw a man that was never able to walk, he noticed that the man was listening intently, and Paul could even see that faith was rising up in the man to be healed.  The passage makes it sound like Paul stopped preaching and told the man to get up, so the man did.  Now there was an obstacle. The people that saw it happen immediately jumped to the conclusion that Paul and Barnabas were mythical gods that they had been worshipping up to this point.

There is another person in this passage that was facing opportunity, obstacle, overcoming and growth and that is the man that was healed.  This is where I want to set my focus today.  What happened to this man long ago can still happen today and does in many cases.  When we need miracles in life, we can follow this man’s example and we will see our answers to prayer. 

First off, the man was at the meeting hearing the Word of God.  This is a critical step in building your mountain moving faith.  Romans 10:17 says that faith come from hearing and hearing the Word of God.  Paul could see that the man had faith because that man was in the place to hear God’s Word and it was growing inside of him.  The man believed what he was hearing and allowed it to build up his faith for his healing. If you are in need of answers in you life today, this is the first place you should start too.  Get into God’s word and get to know Him on a personal level.  Spend quiet time with Him each day in prayer and reading His promises to you in the scriptures.  Go to weekend service where you can hear a message of faith directly from God’s word and also be encouraged by other believers.  When you begin here, you are building a foundation for your faith to grow on.

Next, the man believed.  He believed what he was hearing from the apostle Paul.  He believed that God sent Jesus to save and heal him.  He believed that if he continued to listen, his faith would grow, and he too could have the gift of salvation and all the benefits that come with it.  You must believe it also.  No matter what you are up against or what obstacles are coming your way, believe that God has a solution and answer for you, and it is a supernatural one.  Believe that He not only wants to save you, but He wants you to walk out all of your days in His grace and blessings.  He has healing for you, and He has strength for you to walk out your mission in victory.  He will restore your life and any relationships that may have been broken.

Lastly, the man acted.  When he heard Paul’s command to get up, he didn’t even hesitate or make excuses.  He could have said: “No, I have never stood on my feet so there is no strength in them to stand.” Or “I have never walked since the day I was born.”  Instead, he acted on the word he was given because his faith had grown, and he believed that God would give life to his legs.  You must also act if you want to see your miracle. If you are not sure what action you need to take, begin to ask the Holy Spirit for your part in the answer.  It may be obscure and not make sense to you, but one thing you can know for sure is that it will be different than what you think the answer is.  It will line up with the Holy Spirit’s character (fruit) and His Word and it will never be manipulative or deceitful.  But sometimes you have to step back before you step up.  Ask the Lord what was the last thing He asked you to do and if you have not done that yet, it is a good place to start.  Your obedient action is key.  Not so He can control you but so He can get you to the place where your miracle is waiting for you.

Today I want to encourage you to follow the pattern of Acts when opportunity and obstacles comes.  Remember that when you see an opportunity, obstacles are not far behind.  This doesn’t have to be a bad thing; it is just another opportunity to trust God’s direction to get you through the obstacle and eliminate the objections.  Be determined to overcome the obstacles and take hold of your victory.  Follow the example of the lame man at Lystra and get yourself in the secret place with God each day and keep Him with you all day long.  Commit to weekend service at your local church and come together with others to reinforce your faith in His Word.  Know that His Word and promises are also His will for what you are going through.  Believe that God is for you not against you and with God on your side nothing will be impossible.  Lastly, act on His Word and follow the direction the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart.  He will not lead you astray, but His instruction will line up with His Word.  You can even ask for a scripture to stand on as you walk out the things He puts in your heart.  Take hold of your miracle and answers to prayer today by stepping your faith walk up as you press into the love of your heavenly Father.  He has miracles for you, but you have a part in them too.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 14:8-18

8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 

9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 

10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. 

11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 

12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 

13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 

15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 

16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 

17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 

18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.

Stepping Stones

Therefore, they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.  Acts 14:3

 I never understood perseverance when I was a young person.  I thought that if there was an open door to go through, I would just make the decision about going through that door when the time came.  I often let the circumstances determine my decision.  How was I feeling at the time?  Did the open door look like it was going to make my life better or be more work for me?  Were there going to be any obstacles to overcome as I stepped into that decision and mostly was it going to be to my advantage to take that step instead of staying right where I was?

I didn’t realize that I could take each step in faith.  Not blind faith but knowing God’s plan and then going through the doors that He opened for me, step by step to walk out that plan.  I never recognized that struggles and obstacles were just a part of growing into that new position and I didn’t know that I was passing up many of the opportunities and missions God was opening up in front of me.

Then I started learning how to hear and know when the Holy Spirit was putting something in my heart and path.  I learned to tune in, get the plan, recognize the next steps, ask for the strength and faith to take that step and then hold on to Him and what He had shown me while going through the storms that may blow as I took the step.

This is how the apostles operated.  In today’s reading, Paul and Barnabas continued to preach boldly even though they were facing challenges every step of the way.  At first, their message was heard, believed and received, but then unbelieving Jews began to stir up the crowds and poison the thoughts of the people there to make trouble for Paul and Barnabas.  Verse 3 is simply staggering that says that even though they were facing a lot of kick back and multitudes against their message of faith, Paul and Barnabas stayed even longer.  (I would have taken that as a sign that it was time to leave and God must be done here because we are no longer welcome.)  However, because Paul and Barnabas knew what their mission was and that the Holy Spirit was going to be successful as they persevered, so they stayed until the power of God’s Word produced a victory.

Each phase of life we go through is a crucial stage and the choices we make now will shape our future.  The sooner you begin to press in and hear where God’s Spirit is leading you, the sooner you will have an anchor to hold on to when the storms come.  Begin to set time aside each day to listen, talk with and praise your Father in heaven and start asking Him to make His plan for your day to be plain and clear each step of the way.  Position yourself to regularly connect with godly people who will inspire you and empower you to fill up with the wisdom of God.  Get counsel from those who have gone through similar experience and who know how to live out the assignments from God on their life.

Today I want to encourage you to release the power of God in your life by approaching each day with a purpose mindset.  Know that His strength and empowerment to overcome any challenge is for you when you walk with the Spirit of God step by step.  Even when your journey seems to take a lot of twists and turns, make the determination to walk by faith in what your Father has led you to and the directions He softly speaks to your heart.  When you do, He will give you the boldness to embrace each circumstance as an opportunity for growth and it will be a steppingstone to success for you and the Kingdom of heaven.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 14:1-7

1 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 

2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. 

3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 

5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 

6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 

7 And they were preaching the gospel there.

The Resurrection

_{If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 1 Corinthians 15:19}

Do you believe in the resurrection?  This is a pretty easy question to answer if you are a believer in Christ Jesus, but I am asking you to consider your resurrection?  Yes, we believe that Jesus died on the cross, was buried in a tomb and resurrected from the dead after 3 days, but do you believe you and all others will be resurrected after you die?

I think about movies where someone comes back from the dead.  It always seems to surprise me, which is why I am asking myself this question.  Yes, I know the movie isn’t real, just some fictitious story that Hollywood made up, but if I find it so surprising in the world of make believe, how can I be sure that I really believe in my heart that we will be resurrected when Jesus comes?

Today’s reading is about the resurrection.  Not only the resurrection of Jesus, but the resurrection of the saints.  Paul said if we don’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus, then our life is meaningless beyond this world when we die and those who have already passed have just perished or faded away.  Paul concludes that if we don’t believe that we will be resurrected, we are like all who do not believe that are most pitiable.  Which means should be pitied or pathetic.

My conclusion is that I will now believe and not be surprised or skeptical when it happens.  God raised Jesus up and He is able to raise up the entire body of believers on that day.  I actually look forward to that day, now.  My hope is that I will not have to be resurrected, but I will be changed in the twinkling of an eye. (see vs. 52)  but until that day comes, I will believe that I will live out the full number of my days, the days He numbered for me and then when He raises up the believers that have gone on ahead, I will be raised up and glorified with them.

Today I want to encourage you to consider the resurrection of the saints who have gone on before us.  No doubt, we all know some that have already passed.  Will we see the day that they will be resurrected and receive their glorified body and are we looking forward to that day to come.  Decide that you will not be like those who are most pitiable.  Solidify your faith in the resurrection and that you are living today for the benefits of tomorrow.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise.

16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.

17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!

18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

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.