The Daily Dose

He’s still the same Lord                  

And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately.  Acts 9:32

 When I was young, I remember hearing someone say that healing and miracles had passed away with the apostles.  That the twelve that walked with Jesus in this world were the only ones that did signs and wonders after Jesus ascended into heaven.  Because I had not read all the Bible, I believe what I heard.  As I got older, I had faith for things in life, but because I believed there were no miracles anymore, I never prayed for something beyond what I could imagine happening.  When someone I knew became sick or contracted a deadly disease, all I knew to do was to believe that it was “God’s will” and pray that souls would be saved through their life. Certainly it is good for souls to be saved, but God doesn’t want people to suffer. Especially His own children.

I will never forget the first time I heard about someone being healed, even supernaturally from a terminal diagnosis.  My entire belief system shifted.  Maybe God still does do miracles?  At that point, I began to believe that God can do miracles, but you cannot know for sure if He will.  It was totally up to Him if He wanted to or if an individual was worthy of miracle.  The only problem with that theory is that God’s Word says that it is not by good works that we receive anything, only by the grace of God through faith.

In today’s reading, we find the truth of our miracle working God.  Peter said to a man that had been paralyzed “Jesus the Christ heals you.”  It was not Peter, John, Paul or any of the apostles that did miracles.  It was always by the name of Jesus that great works were accomplished.  They also never assessed if a person was worthy of receiving, they only proclaimed the name and believed in His power to accomplish each miracle.

Of course, this is not the only place where a miracle was done in the name of Jesus.  The New Testament is full of miracles that the new testament church saints witnessed and performed.  We read just a few days ago about Ananias laying hands on Paul to restore his vision.  Back in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit was poured into the upper room and fell on everyone that was there, not just the apostles.  As you read through the scriptures, you will begin to notice that it is not about who the person is that the signs and miracles flowed through, it was all about the power of God and the name of Jesus. 

That power is still the same today and that name is as powerful today, but it is only released into our circumstances and lives through our faith.  We must believe that He is the same and that His power will work for all who call on that name.  Think about it.  Salvation in Jesus is available to all who will receive it, but the choice is up to each individual.  There is no miracle greater than the supernatural work that is done in a life when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  This is the same way we receive anything from God, through our faith, we believe, and we receive.

Today I want to encourage you to allow yourself to believe in miracles.  Take a look at your life and remember the great things God has done to save you in the past.  Then believe He can do whatever it is that you need today.  Take your stand on His Word, His promises and with the name of Jesus declare your faith and trust in Him to do, yet again, one of His great works and wonders.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 9:32-43

32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 

33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 

34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 

35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 

37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 

38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 

39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 

40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 

41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 

42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 

43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

Expect multiplication

_{Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.  Acts 9:31}

 I’ve been in some church services where there was a lot of talk about revival.  People hoping and praying for God to send people in to grow the body of believers.  They were praying for growth and the energy level of God’s people to increase and there be a newfound strength in all believer’s faith walk.  Some churches hold revival meetings or weeks of increase services in hopes that their congregation would be multiplied.  I’m not saying there is anything wrong with these things. Certainly, seeing people come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus and growing in His grace are good things, but holding additional meetings and services are not a guarantee that will be the results.

The real key to revival and increase is found in the scripture passage today.  In verse 31 of Acts 9, there are four things that God’s people did to multiply the kingdom of heaven in the first church.  They are:

1. Have peace
2. Be edified – built up and encouraged
3. Walk in the fear of the Lord
4. Walk in the comfort of the Holy Spirit

As the New Testament church did these 4 things, they were multiplied in numbers.  We can see the same results today as we live within these parameters.

Let’s take a look at each one of these in a practical way to help identify if we are living life by these principles.  First, have peace!   There are a couple of ways that you can discern if you are living in God’s peace.  Colossians 3:15 says: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  God’s peace will be at work in your life when you know your calling to be in agreement with the body of Christ and have a thankful heart.  Isaiah 26:3 says: You will have perfect peace as you keep your mind focused on God and and His plan for your life. God’s perfect peace is found in maintaining your focus and priorities on Him.

Next, edify and encourage one another.  The way to do this is to speak life and encouraging words to all the people around you.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 says: Encourage each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.  And then we are told in Jude 1:20 that praying in the Spirit builds up our most holy faith.

Walking in the fear of the Lord should also be a part of our faith life.  Not being afraid of God in your relationship with Him as your heavenly Father, but in reverence and awe of His power and the knowledge of all He has done for you in your life.  Most of all saving you from sin.  Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  If we don’t allow our Father in heaven to have first place in our life we will not be able to make our life choices from a place of His wisdom.  The fear of the Lord is evident by the priority we give Him over all things. The fear of the Lord is being afraid to live life without His love and direction.

Lastly, yield to the comfort and help of the God’s Spirit that lives inside each one of us.  The practical way to do this is to submit every thought and feeling to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to speak life and comfort into every situation we face.  Jesus told His disciples in John 14:16 that He was sending them a Comforter to live with them forever.  He wanted them to turn to the Spirit of God for comfort and wisdom in whatever came against them.

Today I want to encourage you to expect multiplication in the body of Christ, but not by going to extra services or special meeting.  Start doing your part of revival by walking out the example of the first church and getting the same results.  Live your life in the peace of God which passes all understanding by keeping your mind fixed on God and His word.  Edify and encourage all those around you each day and build each other up.  Look for ways to bring life and peace into every situation each day. Walk in the fear of the Lord by giving Him priority of your day and every aspect of it and surrender your entire life to the comfort and direction of the Holy Spirit by submitting all to Him.  You will begin to see a change in the world around you and His Church will then be multiplied.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 9:26-31

26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 

27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 

28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 

29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 

30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

People want to hear

Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”  Acts 9:21

You have a testimony. You have a story to tell.  It may not seem very glamorous to you and you may not have a great conversion by being knocked off a horse, but you have a message about the way you came to salvation.  Whatever that story is, others are interested in it.  People are looking for the peace of mind that you have and the joy that fills your life is a hidden treasure.  Maybe it doesn’t feel that way to you, but by faith you can share the love of God with others and how that has changed your life and I promise when you do, lives will be changed.  It may not happen immediately, and it may not happen in the masses.  But it will happen as the Holy Spirit grows the seed of your testimony in the hearts of those you share with.  All you have to do is tell others and then water those seeds with your prayers of thanksgiving and praise.  Thank Him that the words you shared are growing long after the conversation is over, and it won’t take long at all for you to see the impact you are making.

In today’s reading, Saul began immediately to share his story with everyone around him.  Most people knew who he was and that he was arresting Christians and taking them to prison.  They knew the reason he was in their town was to find the ones who were sharing the message of salvation in the name of Jesus.  It was quite an attraction when Saul began to preach the good news and tell the story of his encounter on the road.   Some believed immediately and some took time to consider what they had heard.  But through his life account the gospel was being spread and talked about among people wherever they were.

That is all we need to do too.  Maybe your story is not so big and dramatic, but if you have had a personal experience with our Savior Jesus, then you have an impartant message to share.  Not only the message of the cross, but also the story of how He has touched your life personally.  People are more interested in what God is doing today and when they hear a current scenario of what He has done in the life of someone they actually know, it is a message worth talking about.

Today I want to encourage you to tell your story. Talk about the way you came to know your heavenly Father personally and how He changed your life forever.  Tell others how great His love is for the world today.  Plant seeds of salvation in the hearts of every person you encounter each day.  You may not have immediate results, but when you share the message in love and pray for your words to grow in each person’s heart, there will be a harvest of souls that you will take with you into eternity.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 9:20-25

20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 

24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 

25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

You are a disciple

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”  Acts 9:10

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be one of Jesus apostles in today’s world?  How cool would it be to do the signs and miracles that Peter, John and the others did?  Maybe you have never considered this at all because you think those great works were only done through those who walked with Jesus in the flesh?  However, today I want to ask you to consider the possibility of being a vessel that the Holy Spirit can move through to reach the world around you.

In today’s reading, we see a man name Ananias that was moved by the direction of God’s Spirit.  Ananias was not an apostle and he never walked directly with Jesus when He was doing His earthly ministering.  At least it was not written in any of the gospels.  However, this was quite an awesome thing that God asked Ananias to do.  First of all, the Spirit of God gave Ananias very specific directions that were actually an address of a place that he had never been before.  Then the Spirit told Ananias to go there and find Saul that had been blinded by an encounter with Jesus on the way to arrest believers.

Here is the part that really gets my attention, Ananias actually has a conversation with the Spirit of God about the man and his concerns about what Saul’s original intention was for coming to that city.  True to the character of God, the Holy Spirit comforted Ananias by filling him in on the plan for Saul’s life now that he had been converted.  After that conversation, Ananias went to Saul and laid his hands on him then Saul was able to see again.  Amazing!

Ananias was not a leader of the people; he was not one of the 12 and he wasn’t even one of the deacons that were chosen in Acts chapter 6.  He was simply a follower of God’s way and born again into the kingdom of heaven.  A disciple just like we are today.  Ananias was able to accomplish this great assignment simply by listening to and following the direction that the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart.

We have access to the same Holy Spirit today and when we yield to Him and listen for the mission, He wants us to accomplish each day, we can do the works of God toward others.  So the next time you feel impressed to reach out to some one or hear about a need, take some time to talk it over with God.  Don’t just tell Him what you know and why you are not the one to do something about it, ask Him for the plan and what the steps are to get there.  Ananias didn’t do everything as once; he simply followed the step-by-step plan and let the Holy Spirit do the hard part.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 9:10-19

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 

12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 

14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 

16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 

18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

We should pray        

_{Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.  Acts 9: 1-2}

Can you imagine if you had an enemy hunting you and with power to arrest and put you into prison because of your faith in Jesus?  What would it be like if you had to hide out and be on watch 24/7 wondering if a brigade of soldiers was coming for you because you told others about the love God?  It is beyond our comprehension and hopefully we will never have to experience such an atrocity of being the target of a leader that was breathing threats and murder against those who call on the name of the LORD.

This is what was happening to the Christian people in today’s passage.  Saul was actually out on the road rounding up Christians and going into their homes and dragging them off to jail.  It is a disturbing picture for sure and after his conversion, I don’t think the Christian people were lining up to receive Saul as their brother in the Lord.  They were skeptical to say the least, and with good reason.  It took a lot of faith for those who first brought Saul into the meetings and vouched for his conversion to Christianity.  Yet, the Christians of that day received Saul and eventually even recognized him as one of the twelve.  God completely changed his heart and Saul’s life changed so much that eventually the leaders of Israel were trying to not only arrest him but kill him.

When I read these accounts of the New Testament Church in Acts, it is so hard for me to imagine.  I cannot comprehend the feelings of fear and anxiety that the believers must have felt.  Not only the fear for their own lives but even more so for their families and those they loved.  I am so thankful for the time we live in and the freedom we have in our nation that God has prepared for us here.  Sadly, it is not the case all over the world.  Even now in the nation of Israel, they are being attacked and surrounded on every side.  We can watch from afar, and hopefully we are all praying for their peace and protection, but we will never understand what it is like to live each day not knowing when the next missile will be launched or bomb to be dropped.  All because they believe the promise of God to give them the land that they rightfully conquered so many millennia ago.

Thankfully, as we read through today’s reading, we will see how God intervened and gave some relief to the Christians that day on the Damascus Road.  He turned things around for the first believers and we are praying that He will do the same today in the nation of Israel.

Today I want to encourage you to thank your heavenly Father for His provision of salvation and protection for His people all over the world.  Thank Him for the safety you experience on a daily basis and that we would continue to live in this protected land.  Ask Him to watch over that land of Israel and to give them wisdom and strength over the enemies that are gathering against them.  Then pray for those who come against them, that even some of those would come to the love of God.  There will always be enemies, but it is up to God to save or avenge.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 9:1-9

1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 

2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 

4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 

8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Prophecy

To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy.  1 Corinthians 12:10

The Holy Spirit’s gift of prophecy is a message of encouragement through one person to another person.  The purpose of this gift is to minister and encourage others.  Many people think that the gift of prophecy is for being a prophet.  That you receive revelation about coming events or future occurrences and proclaim warnings to people whom the message affects like the Old Testament prophets did.

1 Corinthians 14:3 says that he who prophesies speaks edification, exhortation and comfort to people. Also, in 1 Corinthians 14:31 it says that everyone can prophesy so that all can learn and be encouraged.   This gift is for encouraging people.  We all have those moments when someone randomly comes to our thoughts, but what do we do when that happens.  In the past I have taken those opportunities to pray for that individual, but now I recognize that the Holy Spirit is “tapping me on the shoulder” so to speak, to not only pray for them, but to also encourage them.  In the times we live in, it is easier than ever to get a message to inspire and build up a friend.  We have email, text, phone calls, social media and various methods of reaching out.  Begin to recognize those times and pause for a minute to connect with someone that needs to hear some good news.  This is a gift that you don’t need to worry about getting wrong.  If you message someone some words of encouragement and it wasn’t the Holy Spirits direction?  All you did was speak good words over someone and that will not cause much damage, right?

Lastly, I want to talk about encouraging vs. discouraging.  Encouraging words are simply words that put courage into another person.  When you edify and build others up, you are actually putting courage into them.  They begin to believe their life has purpose and they can start to have faith to take steps in a direction that leads them into all God has planned for their lives.  In contrast, when you speak words of discouragement, you are taking courage out of someone.  Your words to others are so important that you can actually be paralyzing others from taking action to change their circumstances.  Consider this when you want to motivate people to grow in their walk with God.

Today I want to encourage you to prophesy over others.  Be a voice of encouragement to all those around you.  When you see others who are struggling to get things right in life, take some time to pray for them and ask the Holy Spirit for a word of encouragement to give that will propel them forward in life.  It can be easy to see other people’s problems and then criticize and complain that they brought the problems on themselves.  The most helpful thing to do is to pray and prophecy over them.  Ask God to show you that person as He sees them and then tell the person with the issue that there is greatness inside of them just waiting to get out!

Today’s scripture reading:  Acts 27:13-26

13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete.

14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon.

15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive.

16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty.

17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven.

18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship.

19 On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands.

20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.

21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.

22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,

24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.

26 However, we must run aground on a certain island.”

Working of miracles

_{To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.  1 Corinthians 12:10}

It occurs to me as I have been writing about the Holy Spirit and His gifts, that the reason we don’t see more of them or recognize when they show up is because we do not ask Him.  At least that is what I am noticing in my own life.

Today the focus is the working of miracles.  A miracle is defined as divine intervention that alters our natural circumstances or the trajectory of the direction we were headed.  A good example of this is when Jesus turned the water to wine at the wedding in Cana.  Also feeding 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish.  The Holy Spirit also performed miracles through the disciples.  Acts 19:11 says: Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul.

I believe I see miracles every day, but I call them answers to prayer.  I guess the answers I see do not seem that extraordinary, but they are to me.  I know when I pray, and I know when He has come through for me.  He never ceases to amaze me when I call on Him and He always answers me.  It may not look so great on the outside, but to me, I am continually in awe!  Like the time I asked Him for a new truck to drive at work.  That’s not important to anyone but me.  Yet within that year, our entire station got a whole new fleet!  I believe it was just because I asked Him!  What about the time I was at one of the lowest points in my life as a single parent and the company I was working for gave every manager a $10,000 raise in their salary.  Nobody knew why, but I did.  Then there was the time that I asked Him for help with one of my children’s school tuition and the laws in the entire country changed the week before school started just so he could be eligible.

These are little things compared to the huge problems in the world.  Also, seemingly little compared to the great miracles recorded in the New Testament.  However, the point is I believe we will see miracles when we ask and believe He will do it.  Many times, we don’t pray for something big because we just don’t see any possible way for it to happen.  So, I will ask you . . . Do you believe in miracles?

Today I want to encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit for some miracles in your life.  Don’t try to figure out how it can happen, just believe He can do it.  Better yet, let’s all start asking the Holy Spirit for some miracles in our world.  We are living in some pretty messed up times.  If you take a look around, you will see many opportunities for miracles to take place.  Start talking to God about all these things and believe that in asking, He can and will make a difference.  He is still in the miracle working business, but we will only recognize them when we believe.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 19:11-20

11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,

12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.

13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.”

14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.

19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.

He makes it all fit

Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.  Acts 8:39

 You probably have a busy schedule.  In the day we live in most people are stretched to their limit with activities and busyness.  My life is no different than the majority of busy people.  Each day I have meetings, appointments, commitments and family time.  Overall, I pretty much fill up every minute of every day.  There are many times that I get up in the morning and wonder, how am I going to fit everything on my plate into this day? 

There are often times throughout the day I sense a nudge or prompting to reach out to someone or go out of my way for someone that may need help.  I will be honest and say that I have not always been eager to do this.  I sometimes wonder how that will fit into my plan or I have even thought I cannot do that today because I am too busy.  Before I understood that these nudges were from the Holy Spirit, I ignored many opportunities to step into these blessings.  Now I understand and I do not want to miss out on the blessing of helping people, especially when directed by His Spirit.  So, I created a habit in my routine to stop for a minute and ask the Lord to empower me to accomplish whatever it is that He is telling me and then that He will make everything else fit in around it.  It is simply amazing how He does this.  In fact, when I pray this way, it is almost like I have extra time and get even more accomplished.  It is truly a supernatural work.

In today’s reading, Philip was busy ministering in one place when God told him to go to the desert.  Philip was not told why he should go there, but he followed that lead and even though it was a deserted place, he met someone there.  It was actually someone who was seeking out the scriptures and Philip was able to minister to him and baptize him.  When all the work was done there, the Holy Spirit supernaturally transported Philip to the next place he needed to be.  In Philip’s obedience to go where God had sent him, he was able to get to the next appointment right on time.

So the next time you remember or think of someone that may need encouragement or prayed with, do not worry about fitting it into your busy schedule.  Take time for God’s work and He will make it all fit in.  After all, that is what we are in this world for and if you take the time to answer the calls from the Holy Spirit, you will walk in the blessing path that He originally planned for you.  Don’t worry about how you are going to fit another thing into your business schedule, just talk to God about fitting it all in and trust that He will supernaturally make a way.  You are going to fill up your time slots, anyway, why not make God’s plan your priority.  Those are the activities that will last for eternity.  Everything else is going to just fade away.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 8:26-40

26 Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. 

27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 

28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 

29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”

30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. 

32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth.

33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.”

34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” 

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. 

36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 

39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 

40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

He’s not for sale

And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”  Acts 8:18-19

Since the beginning of the world there have been people, religions and even nations that have tried to get to God through works, through sacrifices and through gifts.  It is something that was created on the inside of each person to desire that God connection.  Through the ages people have made numerous attempts to fill that void within each one of us with some kind of material or physical possession.  Humans have tried for millennia to get to God in their own way and by their own methods.  However, the truth is, that you cannot get to Him by what you can imagine.  It’s not because God doesn’t want you to, it is simply because it was not your idea, so you must come to Him in His way.  The way He made it possible to connect with Him.  It is the most amazing plan that no human would have ever come up with.  His design is supernatural, and it makes perfect sense that God would set it up His way since we are His creation.  Doesn’t it stand to reason that He would know the best way to reach and rescue us?

In today’s reading, we are introduced to a man named Simon “the great.”  I call him that because the passage says that he astonished people and claimed that he was someone great.  He had a great influence and the people heeded him because he “wowed” them with his tricks and sorcery.  He was like an entertainer.  When the apostle Philip came and preached the kingdom of God and salvation in Jesus, the people there believed and were baptized.  Simon “the great” also believed but he was taken with the signs and miracles that Philip was doing so he stayed close to Philip to figure it all out.  When Peter and John came, he offered them money to be able to do the things that the Holy Spirit was doing through them. Again, someone who was trying to do God things his own way.  Well, as you will read, that did not go over well at all, and Peter gave him a strong rebuke and told him to get his heart right.  He saw the poison that had grown up on the inside of Simon “the great” through his fame and popularity.  Again, Simon was reverting back to his old way of thinking and desiring to be the “great” one again.  At that point, he had no understanding that God’s way of salvation is through a relationship with Him and by filling the void in his life with the Holy Spirit’s presence.

God’s way is so pure and perfect love.  He desires to walk through this life with each person in a loving and purposeful personal connection.  Yes, He desires to do good works through our yielding to His Spirit, but only so we can show others just how much God really loves them.  Gifts, signs and wonders are not for us, they are for those who don’t know His great love yet.  Our heavenly Father desires to show His love by touching lives in a personal way.  In that way, they will be drawn to His salvation in His perfect sacrifice of His only Son Jesus.  Until others know that love, they will never be able to reach Him.

If you have never had a personal encounter with God through His Spirit, you can do that right now.  All you need to do is start talking to Him and invite Him into your life.  Begin each day by yielding to the Sprit of God and trust Him to lead you in His perfect path and plan.  You can start your conversation with a pray like the one below.  But don’t stop there.  Now the door is open, and you can begin to talk to Him about every aspect of your life.  He will lead and He will comfort you.  You cannot buy the presence of God; you can only humble yourself and make room for Him to live in your life.  He will stay with you as you keep those lines of communication open.  It is personal and it is for you.  Trust Him as your best friend today and if you truly turn your life over to Him, He will lead you in His perfect path of righteousness.

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 my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new today.  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.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in the blood of Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen}

Today’s scripture: Acts 8:9-25

9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 

10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 

11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 

12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 

13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 

15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 

16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 

17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 

19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 

21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 

22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 

23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

It’s good for the kingdom

Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Acts 8:4

Have you ever done something that you thought God was leading you to, but after you were done, you just didn’t know if it made a difference or made an impact at all?  Maybe it was taking a minute to pray with someone or maybe you sent a message to encourage someone?  It seemed like a small thing to do and certainly, since you felt impressed to do it, it must have accomplished something.  Yet in the natural realm nothing seemed to change at all or even the way your act of kindness was received was disappointing.

In today’s reading, there was a great persecution of God’s people was going on.  Saul (who later became Paul) was actually going right into people’s homes and dragging them off to prison if they were a Christian.  You would have thought that because these people were following the Lord and doing good that God would have protected and even made them the heroes of the day.  Instead, the Christ followers were forced to scatter and seek out refuge from the oppression that was coming against them.

While all this was going on, something supernatural was happening that probably no one realized at the time.  As God’s people began to spread out, more people were being saved and reached.  If they had continued to stay where they were, the message of God’s salvation in Jesus would not have reached the entire world at that time.  God was supernaturally using this great persecution to His advantage by raising up future leaders and teacher so that His message of the good news would last for generations to come.

Just because something bad was happening, that didn’t mean that God wasn’t working.  His Spirit is always at work, and it doesn’t matter what is going on, His plans will always be fulfilled and reach those far from Him.

So, the next time you take a step of faith to minister or encourage someone, don’t wonder if it did any good.  Believe that God is working on that individual and those around you in the unseen realm.  The Holy Spirit’s work is like a seed that is planted in the ground and once it is buried, you cannot see it anymore.  However, things are still happening, and growth is occurring even in the places where you cannot see what good is going on.

Today I want to encourage you to keep walking out God’s plan for your life. Don’t be concerned with seeing immediate result.  If you do, then great but ideally you want to see the long-term results so that your obedience to His prompts live on long after you are gone from that day.  Believe that God is doing a good work through your acts of kindness and love for others and even when you just wanted to be a nice person, He will make those seeds grow up to a full harvest.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 8:1-9

1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 

2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 

6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 

7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8And there was great joy in that city.