The Daily Dose

Check your heart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great Blessing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 4:33

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray for boldness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They had been with Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arm yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus is Lord

Therefore, I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:3

I am thrilled to go through chapters 12 – 14 of 1 Corinthians.  These chapters are so very powerful and enlightening.  These words stir the energy of God’s Spirit that lives on the inside of me and I love learning more about spiritual giftings every time I read them.  Sadly, these chapters get passed over by many believers for several reasons.  One reason is because people think they are hard to understand.  Second, many believe these gifts are not for today and thirdly, the gifts of the Holy Spirit make many believers uncomfortable. Lastly, the enemy of your soul does not want you to believe that you have supernatural power available to you as you yield to the Holy Spirit inside of you.

The verse I want to talk about today is verse 3.  It is not talking about gifts, but it is talking about the name of Jesus.  It is actually an identifier and locator of the heart of whom the Holy Spirit releases His gifts through.  Anyone operating in spiritual gifts that speaks against Jesus or uses His name in vain is not working with the Holy Spirit of God.  Likewise, when the Holy Spirit is at work, it will be made clear that Jesus is Lord and all gifts point to Him.  Anything from the Holy Spirit is not possible without glorifying the name of Jesus.

Jesus talked about the Holy Spirit coming while He was ministering in this world.  In John 15:26 He said that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will testify or bear witness with Me (Jesus).  He also said in the next chapter of John that when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide God’s people to the truth and He doesn’t do it through His own authority but God’s.  The Holy Spirit of God points to Jesus, that is why those being led by the Spirit of God can be identified by saying and living to display that Jesus is Lord!

As we go through the following verses about the work of the Holy Spirit through God’s people, keep in mind that operating in these gifting will always point back to Jesus.  They are not for bringing glory to the individual that He is working through.  If you see those that are trying or saying they are using these gifts, but they want to be recognized for the miracles that come through them, you can discern the wrong spirit behind their actions.  Also keep in mind that the Holy Spirit is the one who decides when, where and what gift is best for each situation. Our job is only to surrender to His power and follow the prompting that He may give to you at the time the gift is needed.  That is one of the many reasons it is so important to walk closely with Him and know His voice when you hear it in your heart.

Today I want to encourage you as we go through the gifts of the Spirit of God, to open your heart to whatever the Holy Spirit wants to show you or teach you about the gifts.  Allow God’s supernatural work to be done in your heart through this study and passage.  Put away all pre-conceived ideas about spiritual giftings and let the Holy Spirit proclaim Jesus is Lord as you give your heart and life to becoming His vessel for His gifts to flow.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-3

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

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

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

Despite the circumstances

However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.  Acts 4:4

 Sometime the circumstances of my life do not seem ideal.  There are times when I feel disappointed in the things going on around me.  In those moments, I rarely “feel” like encouraging other people.  In fact, what I do consider is that I am in no position to bless or inspire someone.  Mostly, when the outward conditions are against me, I feel deflated and drained of energy.  I find myself thinking: I don’t have the capacity to offer someone some of God’s goodness or why would that person want any help from me.  I am the one that needs encouragement right now.  Ironically, in those instances, if I take the step of faith to help or reach out to someone in need, I actually feel refreshed and better about what I am going through.  Suddenly I see possibilities and hope for the situations surrounding me.

In today’s reading, Peter and John were ministering to a large group of people, but it didn’t go so well for them.  They were arrested and put into custody.  However, despite the circumstances of their arrest, many came to believe.  In fact there were 5000 added to the church that day.  If Peter and John had kept quiet because they did not want to be harassed by the authorities, there would not have been that growth in the kingdom.  Even in the middle of the interrogation with the high priest, Peter spoke in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The truth is, it doesn’t matter what the circumstances of life are each moment of the day.  Life is going to happen, but we must remain strong and steadfast in our faith in order to become an effective witness and accomplish God’s plan.  Each day there may be new obstacles to encounter, but the mission is to stay focused and keep your aim set on the purpose you are given breath today.  Let the winds of the storms around you blow as you stay steady on your course.

Today I want to encourage you to stay on mission no matter what circumstances of life you are going through right now.  Life is full of twists and turns, ups and downs, ins and outs but those cannot take our attention from what is important at this time.  As God’s people and ambassadors in this world, we have to keep moving forward and taking new ground for the kingdom of heaven.  Just as the beginning church in the book of Acts stood up and moved forward each day amid extreme pressure to be silent, we too must let the world around us know there is hope and there is a future of blessing and God’s goodness available to step into.  Pray for God’s grace today to step into His strength and let all people know that God loves them and wants to include them in His great plan of redemption despite all circumstances they are up against!

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 4:1-12

1 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 

2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 

3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 

4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 

6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 

7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 

9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 

10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 

11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 

12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Take the Opportunity

Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “People of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness?  Acts 3:12

Have you ever missed out on an opportunity?  Maybe it was on a job or promotion at work?  Maybe you missed a big sale or lost out on a large purchase. How about in a relationship or with a close friend?  We all have missed opportunities in life, some by choice and some we have no say in at all.  My most disappointing missed opportunities are when I pass up on a leading from the holy spirit.  It has happened like when He gives me an unction to pray with some one and I debate that the person probably has many people praying for them already or if I see someone needing money, but I don’t’ want to take the time to give.  I always regret it when the time is passed but then I can do nothing about it.  The good news is those random occasions always come back around and hopefully I get it right the next time.

In today’s reading, Peter seized the opportunity he had that day at the gate beautiful.  After the lame man was healed by the name of Jesus, Peter taught the crowd of on-lookers about the power that Jesus had left after He ascended into heaven.  We know Peter missed opportunities before then because many were recorded for us in the gospels, but thank goodness, the opportunities kept coming and the Holy Spirit didn’t give up on Peter when he missed it.

The truth is, the Holy Spirit is always presenting us with moments to reach people.  You cannot turn Him off if you are a believer, but you must take time to listen.  You have to first learn what those promptings and nudges sound like in your heart and in your thoughts.  Mostly, you will recognize His leading by just doing the right thing or taking time to love and encourage people.  Let me put it this way . . . The Holy Spirit of God is never calling you to ignore people.  He is never telling you, do not pray with someone.  He is never saying don’t share or give to others and He never tells you to give some one a piece of your mind.  What He does do is show us examples in the scriptures and that is the same way He sounds today in your heart.

So, the next time you are face with the option to give someone a helping hand or make up an excuse why you are not available, the next time you are faced with speaking a kind and encouraging word or walking quickly by to complete your next task, consider the prompting you sense inside from Him.  Don’t miss the opportunities God is putting before you today, when you choose the people option, you are following His plan.  You are in this world to rescue people and you can be sure that when you choose the people, you will never have regrets.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 3:11-26

11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. 

12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 

13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 

14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 

15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 

16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

17 “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 

18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 

19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 

20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 

21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. 

22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 

23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 

24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. 

25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 

26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”

Your Marching Orders

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Acts 3:6

You are probably familiar with the scripture passage we are looking at today.  It is the account of the Apostles Peter and John going up to the temple for prayer and meeting a lame man at the gate, Beautiful.  The guy was put there daily to receive anything that the people passing by would give him.  That was his entire reason for existence, to wake up each day to be laid at the gate to receive a handout.  Enough to get by until the next day.  I’m sure there were days he was taken advantage of and certainly many days that he was discouraged.  However, the passage says that He was there every day, and the reason was because someone brought him there.  He had no choice in the matter but to do exactly what someone else decided for him.  He was paralyzed and depended completely on others to take care of him.

On the day Peter and John showed up, things drastically changed for the lame man.  This day, he didn’t receive alms, he received his walking orders, literally.  Peter told him, “I don’t have any money, but what I do have will change your life and that is the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Peter told the man to get up and walk.  Then he helped the man get up and sent him out to tell the good news of his healing and salvation.  This man had been held down his entire life because of a condition that he was born with.  He was born lame and unable to be free from this circumstance because there was no cure.  But God had an answer and God had a purpose for this man to be called to a new life and get out from under the constraints that he was born with.  He was now released from what held him back his entire life.

You were born with a condition also; we all were.  It is the condition of being under sin and being held down by the enemy of our soul.  We were born into the bondage of the old nature and until we are rescued by the Savior, we remain in that condition without a possibility of getting up from it.  But praise God you have called on the name of the Lord Jesus for help and He has saved you and given you a orders to get up and walk.  Walk out your mission in the world.  You have your marching orders to tell others the wonderful works of God in your life.  You are part of God’s army now, deployed to be on a rescue assignment.  You are called to get up from what had been holding you down and go!  Go tell the world around you about the good news of salvation and help rescue those who are still caught in the curse and lost in this life.

We all are on the same mission. We have been chosen and called to reach those far from God and bring them close to Him so they can receive His love and provision to have a relationship with Him.  This is an all hands on deck call and it is time to get up from what is holding us down and walk out our mission each day.  We can do this in the same way the lame man did back on the day he was rescued.  He went out walking and leaping and praising God.  He proclaimed the wonderful works of God in his life and you can tell others about the great things God has rescued you from also.  Your story is your greatest witness.

Today I want to encourage you to get up and walk!  Walk out the plan of God for your life to rescue others.  Walk out the purpose you were born for by praising God and walk out the mission your have been called to by proclaiming the love of God to the world around you.  Your marching orders are the same as the man’s at the gate Beautiful.  Get up from under the things that are holding you down and walk out your days in the freedom of the salvation that Jesus died to get you.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 3:1-10

1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 

2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 

3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 

4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 

5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 

6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 

7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 

8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 

10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Continue Daily

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,  Acts 2:46

This is quite a picture of how the New Testament Church started.  On the day of Pentecost, three thousand people were added to those that were in the upper room.  Then, they all continued together going to the temple each day, fellowshipping with one another and having meals together as people were being added to the church every day.

I realize this is a bit unrealistic today to expect the church to go to the church building every day, and then spend all our days fellowshipping with each other.  The biggest obstacle with that is the size of the church in the world today, not to mention that we are spread across the entire globe.  However, we can spend time with God each day on a personal level.  Now that we are the temple of God’s Spirit that lives in us, we can spend time each morning offering up our temple as a living sacrifice and committing to fellowshipping with other and encouraging others to be part of the body of believers wherever we are.

This is not an impossible thing to do.  In fact, many, and I dare say most believers already have that special time set aside each day to spend with their heavenly Father.  Praising and worshiping, talking with and learning about Who He is and how He loves each one of His people.

If you feel it would be a hard meeting to fit into your schedule, especially first thing in the morning, below is a list of ideas for you to consider to help make it happen.

1. Set your alarm for ½ – 1 hour earlier than you would normally get up in the morning.
2. Set an appointment on your calendar and prioritize it as you would an appointment with your employer or business associate.
3. Go to bed ½ – 1 hour earlier than you usually would.
4. Ask for supernatural empowerment from the Holy Spirit to make time with Him a priority.

Your time spent in the presence of God is the most important time of the day.  He will energize and motivate you for the things you have to accomplish each day.  He will remind you and show you the things you need to remember and to be ready for all that is coming up in your day.  He will also go with you through the day and call “audibles” (inside your heart) when you need to make an adjustment to your plan.  He will be working all things together for the good of your calling and purpose as you commit each day to Him.

Today I want to encourage you to come together every chance you have with other believers.  Whether that is in weekend service or small groups, realize how important that time is for you to stay close and be connected with other parts of the body of Christ.  Next, I want to encourage you in your daily time spent with your Father in heaven.  Make it a priority each day because His requirement is always to be first not last.  He is not a selfish Father.  The reason He has to be first is so that you open the door for His involvement in your day and direction.  He has your best interests in mind always, but it is up to you to give Him that first place.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Acts 2:40-47

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 

44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 

45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.