The Daily Dose

What should we do?

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

In the world we live in today, we have an unlimited selection of activities, pastimes and hobbies to occupy the time we have been given here.  From crafting to sports, reading to videos, tv to movies and cooking to dining out.  Not to mention school, work, neighborhood and community events.  We have become a society of business and entertainment.  Most people are distracted and fully pursuing the “American dream” of having the latest amenities and being the most comfortable. This place has become focused on making ends meet and looking out for number one.

In today’s reading, the Apostle Peter is faced with a question from the multitudes after giving a message about the Holy Spirit and salvation in Jesus.  The crowd asked: “What should we do?”  Amazingly, Peter doesn’t tell them to go to college and get a good education so that you can get the best paying job.  He doesn’t tell them to climb the corporate ladder to be in position to retire early and take it easy.  He doesn’t even tell them to go to church weekly to learn all the laws and regulations so you can be a good person.  He told them: “Repent before God and be baptized. Then receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to direct you through this life.”  Peter went on to tell them that the promise was not only for them but for their children after them and for the generations after them.

The answer to this question is the same for us today.  It is a lie to think that we live for a few short years in this world to just accumulate to goods and comforts it has to offer.  That this life is all about retirement and taking it easy.  The truth is, it doesn’t matter how early you retire in life, your purpose for being alive will always be the same and that is to pursue the One who made you and tell others about Him.  Repent and receive the gift of God’s Spirit to be your guide and empowerment to reach the world around you!

Today I want to ask you a question. What are you pursuing?  Take a look inside your heart and honestly answer if you are running after God and His plan and purpose or if you are chasing after things and collecting all the enjoyment of the stuff that is fading away?  Make the decision today to repent and turn back to God.  Receive His Spirit to be your source of all, then He will show you how to use the good things in life that you have accumulated to reach the lost world around you.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 2:22-39

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— 

23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 

24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 

25 For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.

26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.

27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’

29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 

30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 

31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 

32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 

33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand,

35Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’

36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

How can we hear?

We hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” Acts2:11

What a wonderful thing to consider.  On the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit filled the first New Testament believers, the first act of the Holy Spirit was to make sure that the people on the outside could hear and understand the wonderful works of God!  It didn’t matter what language they knew. the Holy Spirit spoke directly to them in their own tongue so that they could know the message that God had for them that day.  As a result, many were saved and added to the church!

Today we live in a world with so many different languages, it is hard to keep track of them all.  Yet there are ministries out there working hard to translate God’s word into every known language so that the message of salvation can reach across the globe.  However, what about in our own area.  Yes, we can read the word of God, but many do not even look at it or understand the love of God flowing from it.  How can they hear the Holy Spirit talking still today?  Certainly, He makes provision for those next to us to encounter Him personally to be moved to change their direction in life just as He did when He first came into the world so many years ago.

Peter, on the day of Pentecost quoted an Old Testament scripture prophesying the many ways that the Holy Spirit will make Himself known in these latter days.  Below is a list of ways that the prophet Joel said the Holy Spirit would pour out in the days we live in.  He said:

These signs are physical evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence and according to this scripture, He can be seen all around us in nature.  The Holy Spirit is not trying to hide from the outside world, He wants to make Himself known and He wants to fill every believer up to the over flow.  Just as He spoke to the people on the day of Pentecost, He is speaking to the world today and has a plan to pour out Himself out again in these last days. We can hear and see Him in these days, we only need to look and see.

Today I want to encourage you to look for the Holy Spirit’s manifestations all around.  Start by asking for a fresh filling and following the directions He whispers to you on the inside.  Then begin to notice signs around you and be ready to answer the questions of those who may not recognize what is happening in the world today.  Begin today to point others toward Him then many will call on His name and be saved!

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 2:5-21

5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 

6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 

7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 

8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 

9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 

10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 

11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 

12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 

15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 

16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.

18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.

19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’

Minister from the overflow

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  Acts 1:4

 Have you ever been in a situation where you were asked a hard question?  Something beyond what we can know for sure in this world?  Or maybe you were called on by a friend to pray with and encourage someone but didn’t know what you were going to say when you got there.  No matter how hard you tried to prepare, in the end you still needed the Holy Spirit’s help and direction for whatever the circumstances were.

In today’s reading, we find the disciples in the upper room waiting for the Holy Spirit to come.  They had many questions and even though they knew what their assignment was, to go into all the world, they still wondered about many things. They had hard questions like when would Jesus set up His kingdom on earth?  However, instead of trying to prepare and learn all the perfect answers to all the hard questions, they waited as they were told to by Jesus when He last spoke to them.  Then when the day of Pentecost (a day of celebrating first fruits) came the Holy Spirit came into the room and filled each one of them with His power and presence.  Immediately everyone in that room was filled up with the Holy Spirit and they began to speak with the languages of heaven and earth.  Suddenly, they were full of confidence to tell others what was happening.  It wasn’t because they were doing their homework and talking to each other about how to answer the hard questions.  It was because there were where they were supposed to be at the right time and in complete agreement. They had positioned themselves to receive that empowerment of the Holy Spirit be following the direction they were given by the head of the church.  Then they began to go out in the streets and tell the people there what was going on and how they could be filled up with God’s Spirit too.

Here are a few scriptures about the Holy Spirit that show us He will give us exactly what we need at just the right time to help those around us.  We don’t need to fill up with knowledge of how to answer every hard question just right.  All we need to do is fill up with the Spirit of God by pressing in feeding on His Word and promises each day and let God’s Spirit guide us into all truth and wisdom.

He will teach you what to say – Luke 12:12 – For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

He will teach and remind you what you have learned – John 14:26 – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

He will guide you into all truth and show you things to come – John 16:13 – However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

He gives you power from on high to be His witness – Acts 1:8 – But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

He makes intercession for us – Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

He lives inside of us – 1 Corinthians 6:19 – Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

He anoints us to know all things – 1 John 2:20 – But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.

Those are some extremely powerful promises and as you can see, when we are filled up with the Holy Spirit of God, we don’t need to learn everything.  Instead, He will give us what we need at just the right time.  We will minister and bless others from the overflow of His Spirit within us.  As we are filled, that anointing will flow out of our hearts and into the lives of those around us.

Today I want to encourage you to not be stressed or worried about how to help or encourage someone who is going through a rough time in life.  Instead, take time to fill your heart up with the Word and promised of God. Press into Him by praying in the Spirit and allowing Him to make intercession for you.  He knows what that person needs and He will give you exactly what you need to help them at just the right timing.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 2:1-4      

 1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 

3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.     

Continue in Prayer

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.  Acts 1:14

The prayer of agreement.  It is one of the most powerful ways to pray.  It is when two or more of God’s people get together and come into agreement on taking hold of God’s will for a situation.  In this case, 120 of Jesus’ followers were gathering together daily in the upper room waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit that Jesus said He would be sending to help them reach the world with His message of love.  During this ten-day span, these disciples were meeting and continuing in prayer, preparing for the purpose they were called to go into all the world and tell the good news.  At that time, they didn’t know how long it was going to be before the Holy Spirit would come, but by faith, they continued in prayer and supplication as they waited.

Notice, they did not find things to be busy with or go out to pursue a living until the Spirit came.  Instead, they were intentionally gathering and praying because they knew Jesus had promised something and they were obedient to stay put until that something happened.  What would have happened if they went back to their former life and professions before they started in ministry with Jesus?  Would the Holy Spirit still have come?  Would He have found them where they were in the fields and fishing boats across the land?  Well, He certainly could have, but not likely.  The Holy Spirit and His power came as a result of their coming into agreement with each other and also because of their obedience to wait as Jesus told them to.  These directions did not necessarily make sense and it is not really comfortable to sit and wait for something when you do not know how long you are going to have to wait.  But these disciples were faithful and thank goodness for that.  They were endued with power from on high and ushered in the Holy Spirit’s presense to be the foundation of the New Testament church.

So, how does this apply to us today?  Let’s start with considering what we are willing to continue in prayer and supplication for?  Are we willing to come together with other believers in agreement to pray for the lives of our loved ones, our neighborhoods or our country?  What about praying for the people around the world who have dedicated their lives to spreading the message of salvation to a lost and dying world?  There is great power in coming together in prayer and many things in the world have changed because of believers calling on the God of heaven for help.  We can change our world today, if we begin to make it a priority to call on Him and follow the direction He gives as we agree with others in prayer.

Today I want to encourage you to come into agreement with other believers in prayer.  Even if it is just one other person, take time to press into Him and pray the prayer of faith.  Pray for lost people, pray for sick people and pray for those who need rescued from the oppression of the enemy. Join together today and begin to form a bond that cannot be broken in the spirit realm.  Then continue in prayer and supplication until the promise of our Savior’s return has come.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 1:12-26

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 

13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 

14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, 

16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; 

17 for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

18 (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. 

19 And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, and let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’

21 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 

22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

23 And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 

24 And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen 

25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” 

26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The same way

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:11

 A lot of people argue about if Jesus will come back to the earth someday.  Some say He has already come.  Others believe we will only see Him when we die.  Still, there are those who think Jesus will only come when He sets up His Kingdom in the millennial reign.  Then of course there are the ones who have the idea that you just never know what is going to happen.

The truth is, we do know because God put it in His word.  God gave us an entire manual to live our lives by and to prepare us for things to come.  He wants us to know what He is up to and what to expect He is going to do.  First of all, we know He is good and He does good things.  In Galatians 5, we can read about the fruit of God’s Spirit so it is safe to believe that God is all of the attributes listed in that passage.  We also know that God is love and loves us.  We know that God the Father sent His only Son into the world to pay the price for the punishment of sin and we know that Jesus raised up from the dead, spent time with His disciples for 40 days and then ascended into heaven while that group watched Him go.

All of these events were prophesied before they happened but while these things were actually going on, many did not believe because they did not know or understand what God had written in His Word about them.  God was not trying to hide what He was doing at the time, and He doesn’t want us as His people to be in the dark about what is going on right now in His plan and what He is about to do.

We know this because right before Jesus ascended, the disciples asked Him if it was now time to set them free from the Romans and restore the kingdom of Israel.  However, after they received the Holy Spirit, they never had this question again.  By the witness and wisdom of the Spirit of God and His Word, they knew what their mission was and how they were to complete it. They were no longer concerned with the circumstances surrounding them, only to fulfill their assignment while they were living in this world.

It is the same for us today.  As we yield to the Spirit of God and spend time with Him in His Word and presence, we will know and understand the things that He has planned for us to be and to accomplish.  We will also have revelation knowledge from the Spirit of God about His plan to come back someday.  Just like Jesus told His disciples long ago the things that were about to happen and what their part would be in the plan, He is letting us know today, too. It is up to each individual to take the time to press into Him and ask for the revelation and the leading of God’s Spirit to know the plan He has for our lives.

Today I want to encourage you to know that some day Jesus will come back the same way that that group of people saw Him leave so many years ago just as His word promises.  Begin to fill your heart and life up with the word of God and the promises He made in it. Take time each day to yield to the Spirit of God and His leading you step by step in life.  Ask Him for wisdom and insight into the plans He has for your life and for a filling of His Spirit.  Then you will no longer ask the questions that are temporary to your circumstances and you will align your life with the plan God has instead.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 1:6-11

6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 

10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 

11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

Copy that!

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Have you ever heard the phrase “Copy that!” in movies or on television shows?  Like when someone gives a response over a CB radio or walkie talkie. (Though I’m not sure those devises are used anymore) Or maybe at the end of a phone conversation?  The response is given to let the listener know that their request or statement was understood and being carried out or acted upon.  For instance, if you say to a friend “I will pick you up for group at 7.”  They could respond with “Copy that!”  Meaning they understand and will be ready to go when you get to their house.

In today’s key verse, Paul says copy me as I copy the Lord Jesus.  It reminds me of what he said to the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 5:1 except there he tells the believers to copy or imitate God as dear children.  So, what if you did copy Paul as he displayed copying the Lord Jesus?  What would that even look like?  Would it mean you had to become a prisoner, be beaten and ship wrecked like Paul was?  Would it be that you were going to be harassed and persecuted everywhere you went.  Maybe you would copy Paul by becoming a tent maker?  However, that is not what Paul says to copy.  He says to copy him in the same way he imitates Jesus.

So, when you have thoughts of doubt and unbelief, combat that  by saying: “I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.” (Romans 8:37) “Copy that!”  When you are filled with feelings of fear and anxiety, cast them off with saying “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but I have power, love and a sound mind.” (1 Timothy 1:7)   “Copy that!”  When you are nervous and worried about upcoming events or appointments, turn your faith to “Letting the peace of God rule in your life and be thankful!” (Col. 3:15) “Copy that!”

Whatever is coming against you, don’t agree with the circumstances, your thoughts or your feelings.  Instead, copy what the Word says to do to be an overcomer.  Use your struggles and issues as triggers to remind you that you do not want to speak or imitate them at all, you want to know what God says in His Word and the way of escape from these situations and then: “Copy that!”

Today I want to encourage you to not copy the ways of the people who are without the hope of God in their life.  When you see others fretting and speaking all the negative things that are going on around them, turn to the life or Paul or better yet, the life of Jesus.  Look at how they handled difficulties and the words they spoke when they were up against the pressures of life and then, “Copy that!”

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 11:1-3

1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.

3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

 Be Edified

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify and strengthen me.  1 Corinthians 10:23

I have been struggling this week with a decision about plans for an upcoming holiday.  We thought it would be nice to have a little get away.  Not far, but just something to step away from life for a day or two.  I had become preoccupied with trying to figure this out to the point that I was not able to sleep.   As I looked at options and wrestled with thoughts about getting a place during a holiday weekend, I finally had the thought: “You know what?  I am going to turn this over to the Lord!”  Maybe I had been talking to Him about it some, but mostly, I was just trying to put a plan together by myself.  So, finally I prayed: “Heavenly Father, we thought it would be nice to get away for a few days, but it is turning into pressure and anxiety trying to figure out the details.  Would you please open the doors for the right timing and place to have a little break?”  As I then went back to bed and started drifting off, I heard these words deep within my heart: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I will not want.” (see Psalms 23)   I thought “Yes! That is exactly right!”  He is the One that leads me in the right path, and I know He will lead us to the right place at the right time!!  I do not need to stress or feel pressure or force anything, I just need to follow my Shepherd.

My point is, it is not wrong for us to get away, and it is not wrong for us to put together a plan to take a short get away trip or even a long trip around the world for that matter, but there is always a better way and that is God’s way.

In the verse today, Paul says a similar thing.  He said all things are lawful to me, but not everything is helpful to what I am working toward.  Even though all things are lawful to me, not everything grows and encourages my spirit man.  In this passage he is talking about food offered to idol, but the same is true concerning all things in life.  It is up to you to not associate with the demonic realm and to base your life decisions on the leading of God’s Spirit and God’s Word.

There are many options we face each day.  Where we will work, where we will go after work and even where we will live.  Although making these decisions and many other life choices are not sinful, there is always the best choice they can be made, and that is to follow your good Shepherd.  He will lead you in the path of righteousness and to the still waters and even THROUGH the trials and the valley of the shadow of death.

Today I want to encourage you as you face decisions in life.  All things are fine for you to do, but not everything is useful and beneficial.  Even though a plan may look good on the surface, it may not be the most productive or profitable for the purpose you were called to.  Turn it all over to your good Shepherd and let Him lead you on the right path at the right time with the right people!

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:14-33

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

15 I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say.

16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

18 Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

19 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything?

20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.

21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.

22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake;

26 for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”

27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake.

28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”

29 “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience?

30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,

33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

But first, wait

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; Acts 1:4

Most of us know what the great commission is.  It is in the gospels and now here at the beginning of Acts.  Jesus told His disciples to: “Go into all the world and be His witnesses.”  It was the new mission the disciples were given after His resurrection.  However, in the scripture reading today and, in the gospels, there was something Jesus told them to do first.  Jesus told the people that were with Him the day He ascended into heave to go back to Jerusalem first and wait.  He told them to wait in Jerusalem until the promise of the Holy Spirit had come.  Jesus said that after they were baptized with the Holy Spirit, then they would receive power from on high to complete the assignment of being witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Sameria and to the end of the earth.

This revelation helps me immensely.  Having grown up in the church, it was continually stressed that we are to be witnesses, but it always seemed like a hard thing to do. When I learned that there was power available to be a witness, it made all the difference in the world.  Now I understand how to be a witness and also how to be effective at it.  Anyone can go out and talk about Jesus, but to truly get the results of others receiving the message, you must first receive the power of heaven from the Holy Spirit.

This truth actually carries over into everything you are called to in life.  It is the key to following the leading of the Holy Spirit.  As we begin to step into our purpose and God’s plan for the direction for our lives, the first thing to do is press into Him and wait for the power from the Holy Spirit to accomplish the instructions He gives.  This is a vital step to the success of your life mission.  Once that power comes on you, you will be able to reach your home, neighborhood, your city, country and the world.  The Holy Spirit’s power and direction in you will propel you into the assignments He has for you each day and will cause you to produce fruit every where you go.

Today I want to encourage you to wait.  Wait for the promised power of the Holy Spirit to fill you and direct you each day.  Just as the followers of Jesus in the beginning of the church needed to be filled up continually with His Spirit’s power, we do too.  Ask the Father for a fresh filling of His Spirit and begin to follow the steps He gives you to help and encourage others in life.  Be aware of the promptings and ideas that come to your heart throughout your day and be ready to step out when you know that power is there for you to produce fruit.  Become full of the power from on high that is available for you to walk in each day by filling up with Him before you start it.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 1:4-8

4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 

5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 

6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 

7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 

8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Who are you writing to?

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,  Acts 1:1

You can write!  We all can. I have been a proponent of writing for the past several years.  I encourage people to journal to capture what is in their heart and thoughts.  Journaling is so simple, just write scriptures that you are meditating and want to remember or the impressions you get during your quiet time with God.  Write your story and the many wonderful ways you see God moving in your life.  Write a note or letter to someone you care about or randomly think of.  Write a text message to let someone know you are praying for them.  You can even write a social media post to tell the world there is hope.

Writing helps not only the people you are sending to, but it also is for you.  Writing things out reinforces them in your mind and also in your heart.  Writing also gives clarity and helps you organize ideas and plans.  Writing to others can inspire and motivate them to take a next step in life and writing your testimony can help you be ready to share it at any moment.

Today we are starting in the book of Acts. It is one of my most favorite books in the New Testament.  Mostly because it is stories of how the first Christians started living by faith and grew in their walk with God though the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Once again, Luke the physician is writing this account of the beginning of the New Testament church, He is also the only man not of the Hebrew people that wrote books in the bible, so his writing brings a different perspective than the other New Testament writers.

He started out writing to Theophilus because he wanted to reinforce the things that were taught him to let Theophilus know they were true.  He said a lot of people have written things about Jesus and have been passed along from person to person, but Luke’s account was an eyewitness account of those who spent time with Jesus.  His encouragement was for Theophilus, but it is also for us.  Luke’s writing 2000 years ago is impacting us still today all these years later.

That brings me to my final point.  Your writing will live on after you.  You have the opportunity today to impact the generations of tomorrow.  So start writing today at least in a journal so that your words will continue to speak the love of God long after you have left this world.

Today I want to encourage you to write!  Write daily scriptures and thoughts.  Write letters and messages to help others get up when they fall down.  Write notes and text to tell people you love them and they are doing a great work no matter how small it may seem.  Impact the world around you for years to come by writing what is on your heart today.

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

1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 

2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 

3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Not my concern

_{Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remains till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”  John 21:22}

When you were a child, did you ever get in trouble with your parents or a teacher?  Maybe you were involved in something you should not have been with a friend or a sibling and when you got caught, you were the only one that got punished?  When you asked about what was going to happen to the others that helped you, you were told not to worry about what happened to them, and to just keep yourself clean and on the up and up.  Chances are that did not make you feel any better and you probably felt like you were singled out and treated unfairly but there was nothing you could do about it.

In today’s reading, there is a similar situation going on.  Not that anyone was being punished, but after Jesus told Peter that one day he would stretch out his hands and be carried where he didn’t want to go, Peter immediately asked, what about John?  It seems humorous to consider the scenario of an adult man giving this childish response. Probably, Peter wanted to hear that he was not going to be the only one with this destiny.  However, Jesus didn’t give Peter the answer he wanted.  Instead, He said it was not Peter’s concern what happened to anyone else, only to give attention to his own calling to follow Jesus’ example and plan.

This is our part still today.  It doesn’t matter what someone next to you is doing in their walk with the Lord.  Maybe you notice that some are not serving as much as you are, and others are doing more.  It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking and even becoming frustrated when it doesn’t look like others are doing their part in the work of the LORD.  But, as Jesus said, “What is that to you?”  Keep your focus on your own calling and your part of the plan and let the Holy Spirit do His work of leading the others.

Today I want to encourage you to take your eyes off people and put them back onto the One who is leading and blessing your life.  Make it your mission in life to complete down to the last detail everything that you have been assigned to do.  Certainly, when you see those around you struggling or missing it you can reach out a helping hand, but not to accuse or rebuke, only to love them and gently help them to get back on track.  Decide today that you are going to follow Him wherever He leads and then encourage others to do the same.

Today’s scripture reading: John 21:20-25

20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 

21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”

22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.