The Daily Dose

Do it with joy

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.  Acts 20:224

What is your life worth to you?  In today’s culture there is a lot of focus on self-worth and self-care.  Much of our society has an entitlement mentality that believes they deserve every advantage and every comfort that life has to offer.  Overall, we have become a generation of getting what is rightfully mine and looking out for number 1.  The servant mindset is rare to find, and the world is largely determined not to let anyone take advantage of them.

The apostle Paul had a much different idea about his value.  He did not try to preserve or keep his life free from trouble and stay in his “comfort zone.”  Most of his traveling was anything but comfortable. He heart was set on completing his mission and the assignment on his life.  In today’s verse he said that he was not moved by impending dangers and knowing that chains and tribulations waited for him.  Nor did he run and hide to be secure and protect his life.  That wasn’t what was valuable to him but rather finishing his race with joy and telling others about the message of salvation that he was charged with.

Oh, that we would step into this wisdom in the day that we live in. That we would not count our life dear to us but that we would value more than anything else the call on our life and completing the mission we were born to accomplish.  Even though Paul was heading a different direction before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he had grown up with mission in mind.  He was set on a course to be God’s minister and trained from a young age by the Pharisees of his day.  Most of us will not start from that point, but we can begin where we are today. 

Your mission starts with faithfulness.  Faithfulness in every area of your life.  Being honest with yourself and others and staying focused on what is most important in life and that is caring for and bringing others to Him.  Start by being faithful to meet with God at the beginning of each day.  Make time for Him and give Him priority.  That is the first step of faithfulness to His kingdom.  You must change your way of thinking from self-centered to God centered and that will require a constant renewing of your mind. 

Next begin to give Him first place in every area of life.  Your faith, family, finances, fitness and fun.  As you begin to rearrange your life to be God-centered, you will still have trails that come, but none of those things will move you off the course you have been set on.  As you make Him and His plan your purpose in life, that will be all that matters to you to fit into your busy schedule.  Instead of being busy with work and activities, you will become active in ministry and helping others and most of all, don’t forget the joy.  Joy doesn’t come automatically, you must have a thankful heart and purpose that no matter what, you are rejoicing in being called and living your life with purpose from on high.

Today I want to encourage you to count your life worthless.  If you have not purposefully positioned yourself on the assignment from heaven, begin to change that today.  Start by taking steps away from being faithful to yourself and turn to head in the direction of being faithful in the kingdom of heaven.  Make God’s agenda your agenda and highest priority.  Spend time in His presence each day by studying His word and promises and talking with Him about your purpose for the day.  Watch for open doors to reach out and encourage others.  Be the hope and light in the dark world around you.  Help others to Jesus by shining His light wherever you go.  Soon you will see that the only thing that matters in life, the only thing that will count for ever, is pointing others to their hope of salvation in the blood and sacrifice of Jesus.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:17-24

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 

18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 

19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 

20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 

21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 

22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 

23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 

24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Time alone

We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot.  Acts 20:13

 This scripture reminds me of the times that Jesus told His disciples to go on ahead to the next town or go ahead in the boat and I will meet you there.  Except in this passage it is Paul that is telling his team to go on ahead in the ship and he would meet them at the next port.  It doesn’t say why, but I know it was because he needed some quiet time to pray and talk to God about what had just happened and what was coming up next. I know this because it is what Jesus did and I find that I often need this quiet time too. 

When something amazing or puzzling or even disturbing happens, I need time to process and talk to the Lord about how to handle what has just happened and get His peace about the situation.  Paul had just had this amazing meeting in Troas with great preaching and great works.  After the emotional roller coaster of seeing someone fall to their death and then raising them back to life, he needed this time to get with God and keep in step with His plan. Paul was always preparing his heart for what was coming up.

So now I will stress again just how valuable and necessary quiet time with God is.  Not just in the morning to talk about the day and not just when you are going through trouble.  If you begin to talk with Him about all the things you are processing in life, He will lead you to His peace that will propel you through your struggles to your victory.  This time alone with God is the most important time to keep you on course in your purpose.  It is also time invested into eternity.  Every minute you spend talking with God (praying) it is counted toward eternity.  It will not fade away like everything in this world does, but it will last forever.  Malachi 3:16 even says that there is a book of remembrance written before God of the things we talk about Him and with Him.  It is written down for all eternity.

Today I want to encourage you to once again to get alone with God each day.  If Jesus and Paul needed alone time to receive grace and strength, how much more do we today?  The world we live in is crazier than ever and we are bogged down with a constant barrage of media, activities and world crisis.  Doesn’t it make sense that we shut down each day to hear from the One who has the wisdom and power to give us what we need to overcome? Put it on your schedule each day to sit in the presence of the One who created and saved you. He has everything you need to be successful in this world. He will give you all that you need to walk out your mission to completion.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:13- 16

13 Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. 

14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. 

15 We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. 

16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

He can fix it

And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.  Acts 20:9

I did it again.  I said something I shouldn’t have said, or I did something I probably should have done.  Even sometimes I go where I shouldn’t have gone.  On the other hand, I didn’t say something I should have said or I didn’t do something I should have done. There have been times that I didn’t go where I was supposed to go.  Inevitably after the fact, there is going to be regret.  I am not perfect, so there are times in life when I am disappointed about the way I handled a situation.  It’s true and it happens to all of us.  No matter how hard you try to do the right thing or do what is expected of you, there is still a chance of error.  We live in a fallen world and there will still be days that that you wish you could have a do over.

There is a secret when this happens.  There is a way of turning it around when you mess up or do things less than perfect.  That is turn it over to Jesus.  When you miss the target in life, don’t wrestle with feelings of inadequacy and regret.  Instead, turn it over to the Lord and ask Him to make something good come out of it.  Pray something like: “Heavenly Father, I know I shouldn’t have said that or did that thing, I’m sorry and I cannot take it back now, but can you please turn that situation for good.  Would you bring peace to those circumstances and not let evil prevail.  If there was someone I hurt or disappointed, please fill their heart and life with love and make what the enemy meant for evil turn out for Your goodness instead?”

In today’s reading, Paul met with a group of believers in an upper room the day before he was about to leave their city.  Because he was about to leave them, he spent all day with them and even preached for hours until it was very late at night.  I expect it was hot in that room because the window was open, and someone actually fell out of that window during Paul’s message.  When reading this passage, it can be easy to read through the verses as if this was no big deal, but the guy actually died so you know there was not just a little stir.  This was an urgent situation and one that would have caused great alarm.  So much that everyone there ran out of the room down to the ground to see if the young man was ok.  They verified that he was dead, but Paul took the matter in hand and said, don’t be afraid, and turned that bad situation for God’s glory through a miracle of the Holy Spirit.  They all went back up to the third-floor room and ate a meal together before Paul left the area.  They even brought the person who had fallen back in alive and they were comforted.  What could have ended in a tragic day was turned into a peaceful farewell party for Paul and his team because they kept the meeting in God’s hands.

Today I want to encourage you when things are not going well, when you say or do what you didn’t want to say or do, turn it over to God.  Repent and ask Him to make it right.  Remember to commit these situations to Him and He will turn them for good.  It may take a while or it may happen right away, but your peace will come as you commit all things into His hand to be handled for His honor and glory.  You do not have to live a life of regrets and disappointments; you can commit all your ways to Him and He will turn them into something good and purpose.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:7-12

7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. 

8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. 

9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 

10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” 

11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. 

12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.

Living above your circumstances

“Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and through us makes known the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”  2 Corinthians 2:14

You already have the victory in whatever battle you are in right now.  The way to get that victory show up in reality is in giving thanks to God.  What I am talking about is setting time aside each day to be thankful to Him for your life and the place you are right now.  Even if you are not where you ultimately want to be, you can still be thankful that your Heavenly Father is with you, right where you are, today.  Your thankful heart has the power to give you a life above your current circumstances.

Daniel is a great example of living above his circumstances.  As I wrote earlier, he was taken away from his home and forced to work for the king of a foreign land.  He maintained his godly attitude and didn’t allow his captivity to lead him to rebellion.  In fact, he served many kings in that land and found favor with all of them because of his heart for God. He never tried to escape and return to his own home. He remained faithful where he was and God blessed him there.  The main reason for all this was his relationship with God.  Daniel 6:10 says, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”  Daniel had a consistent time he spent with God every day.  Actually, it was three times each day that he set aside to focus on God and talk with him.  But the most amazing part about it was that he was thankful.  How far a thankful heart goes.  Daniel didn’t get on his knees and beg God to change his circumstances.  He was thankful right in the middle of his circumstances.  As a result, he had victory in every area of his life no matter what came against him.

This really speaks to me and encourages me.  If I knew for sure that getting before God each day and being thankful would assure my victory in every area of life, why wouldn’t I do it?  But the best news is that according to today’s verse in 2 Corinthians, in Christ Jesus, we always have the victory.  This verse tells me that I am assured the victory in every situation, over every circumstance as long as I put it in the hands of my Savior.   I need to give it all to Him and be thankful; thankful that He is handling it and thankful that He is making it better no matter what the dilemma is.  I don’t need to tell Him how to fix the problems or how bad things are, he already knows what I am dealing with.  I don’t even have to tell Him about it three times a day, but the verse says: Now thanks be to God, not maybe later, right now and always I need to keep my relationship with Him a priority and be thankful!

Today I want to encourage you to give thanks to God, who always gives you the victory in Christ Jesus.  Believe His Word and set time aside to spend thanking Him for the victory that is coming your way. Then watch as He completely turns things around and brings you out on top.  Don’t get bogged down by your circumstances, live above them by giving them to God and giving Him thanks for the victory He replaces your problems with!! 

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,

13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.

14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

Vent and drain

So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved.  2 Corinthians 2:1-2

Have you ever had a friend that always comes to you when they need cheering up?  Someone who’s life seems to be drowned in drama.   Even though you wanted to help them and encourage them, by the time it was your turn to talk, you were depleted and depressed because of everything they unloaded.  It wasn’t your friend’s intent to smother your encouraging words, but after they vented all their thoughts, you had nothing left to give.  Their complaining and condition completely drained any words of wisdom you had for them.

It’s ironic that we use these words: vent and drain, but this is exactly what happens.  A ventilation system is made to improve a drainage system.  Ventilation supplies air into the fixtures to stir up and move substances through and out of the drain.  It is the same way when you vent your thoughts and feelings, you are actually stirring up and moving others either to confusion or exhaustion.  Encouragement and inspiration is diminished.

Evidently, this happened to the apostle Paul when he was at Corinth at an earlier time.  He started the second chapter in 2 Corinthians by saying “I decided not to come for a visit because my words bring you all grief to the extent that I am not able to be encouraged because you are so sad.”  It sounds like Paul poured out his heart in a letter to them or when he visited them last, but instead of his love causing them to rejoice, they were discouraged.  It wasn’t because of Paul’s words; it was someone stirring up trouble and turning the intent of his words against him.  He says they needed to confront and forgive this person to avoid falling into one of Satan’s traps.

This is how important words are.  They can encourage, discourage or even stir up bitter and angry feelings.  Words can heal broken relationships, or they can destroy close connections.  The most important thing to realize is that you always have a choice on the words you speak.  There is power in words and the very fact that you can choose which ones to use verifies just how powerful they are.

The solution?  Consider, carefully select and convey in love. Paul said he wanted to let the people of Corinth know how much love he had for them.  When you take time to consider the thoughts and feelings you are having, then identify who you are most concerned about in the situation, you can wisely select the word to express how you are dealing with a situation.  Consider how you can help improve your surroundings by the words you speak about them.  Then carefully select the words that will build others up and bring love and energy to the circumstances.  Lastly, always make sure your conversation will insert love into the people involved and don’t ever try to stir others to one side or the other.  Look for peace always.

Today I want to encourage you to take ahold of your own thoughts and feelings before you vent them onto others.  Recognize the first onslaught of hurt thoughts and feelings and pull them down quickly.  Don’t let the enemy stir you up until you just have to overflow onto those around you. Pray and submit all your feelings to your loving Heavenly Father and ask Him to help you to deal with what is going on.  If there is a situation that needs to be addressed, carefully choose words that will bring peace and life into the issue.  Don’t make it all about feelings and offenses.  Instead, look for a way to make things better.  Decide that you will communicate love every time you speak and that will defuse the enemy every time.

Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

1 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow.

2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?

Forgive the Offender

3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all.

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.

5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe.

6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man,

7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.

9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.

10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,

11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Don’t do it alone

These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas.  Acts 20:5

 If you have ever been in ministry, you know that you can’t do it alone.  If you serve at your church, you are ministering to those who attend.  Chances are, you are on a team of servers.  Whether it’s greeters or ushers?   Maybe it’s prayer partners or part of the worship team.  If you serve in any capacity, you probably take a turn with the others on the team so that you are not committed to that position for every service.  If you are in a church that you are covering an area every week alone, there is no doubt room for more help.

The apostle Paul had a team and he named several of them in today’s reading.  In the past, when hearing messages about Paul or reading the letters that he wrote to the churches he planted, I always had the perception that he went from city to city all by himself to ministered to people wherever he was.  But you don’t have to read very far in the book of Acts to hear some of the names of those who worked with Paul on his mission and purpose. In this passage he named five men that went ahead of them to prepare for his arrival.  When Paul talked about them, he said they went and waited for “us”.  Meaning there was still part of the team that stayed with him as others went on ahead to the next town or city to get things ready for when the rest of the team got there.

God never intended for us to do life alone and He especially doesn’t want us to do ministry alone.  Teams are made to support and help each other and most of all, each person on the team brings their own gift and ability to the group that the others do not have.  This is the way for a team to be the most effective.  By utilizing each person’s talents your team will be efficient and make an impact on all those they minister to.

Today I want to encourage you to join up with a team of believers to serve and do ministry with.  If you are already on a team, use your gifts and ability to help the team be successful in all they are called to accomplish.  Pray for your teams and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom on how to be the most effective as a group.  If you are trying to reach out to others on your own, start praying for people to come along with you in your calling to help, keep you accountable and motivated.  You cannot go far all alone because it doesn’t take long to tire from the load.  Bring others along today and soon your ministry will multiply to reach the world.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:1-6

1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. 

2 Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece 

3 and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 

4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 

5 These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. 

6 But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

Rearrange your whole life

 I heard a story recently about a person that was having an argument about tithing and giving to God.  The person had the usual objections like: “It’s an old testament practice” and “God doesn’t need my money” even “If I gave God ten percent, I would not have enough left to pay my bills.”  Finally, this person said a statement that really exposed the heart of the issue.  They said “If I gave God ten percent of my income, I would have to totally rearrange my life around Him.”  Bingo!  That is exactly right.  Many Christians are facing so many struggles today all the while telling God what they are doing right and asking why aren’t things going better.  They say things like “I go to church, I read my bible and I pray.”  But the real issue is a matter of the heart.  Who are you living your life for and what is the center and main focus of all your days.  Is it God and His plan or you and doing things your way.

In today’s reading, there was a man who had rearranged his life around his occupations of making shrines for people to worship.  He had totally rearranged his whole existence around his god.  Not Dianna, but money.  When his income was threatened by the message of salvation, he gathered together others whose livelihood was gained from the region’s idol worship.  Things got really out of hand and there was rioting and rebellion all because one person’s cash flow was down.

I am not writing to you today to talk about tithing or giving.  I’m not ever here to talk about the fear of losing what you have.  What I am saying is that when you rearrange your life to put your heavenly Father and His plan right in the middle.  When you make His purpose your purpose for every breath you take.  When you get rid of every ulterior motive of pride and personal gain, only then will you find joy, contentment and true satisfaction in this life.

Today I want to encourage you to put God first in your life.  Not because you secretly think that it will make everything perfect, because it won’t and not because you hope that He will open up the best positions for you.  Chances are that won’t happen either.  When you put God in first place, that will put you in the place of a servant.  Making your heavenly Father your top priority makes you the servant of all people.  You love and give honor to all others and consider your own needs last.  You will trust God to meet every need as you help the people around you.  Start today by giving God the very first place in your day.  Get up earlier than you have to so you can start out your day spending time with God and His word.  Let Him know that He is the number One priority by giving Him the first of everything in your life. Offer up your life as a living sacrifice to accomplish His plans for the day not yours. Totally rearrange your life to be on His agenda.  Only then will you see the missing pieces fall into place and only then will you start passing the tests that you have been retaking for most of your adult life.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 19:21-41

21 When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 

22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time.

23 And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. 

24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. 

25 He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. 

26 Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. 

27 So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.”

28 Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” 

29 So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. 

30 And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. 

31 Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. 

32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 

33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. 

34 But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”

35 And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 

36 Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. 

37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. 

38 Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 

39 But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. 

40 For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” 

41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Imitation power

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.  Acts 19:19

It is always disturbing to me when I hear about people messing with sorcery wizardry.  I don’t know why I am surprised since God put a void in each one of us that only He can fill, we as humas feel drawn to the spirit world.  Always looking for supernatural power and ability to do things that are beyond this world.  Sadly, even many Christians dabble in fortune telling, divination and horoscopes thinking that it doesn’t hurt anyone.  Instead of turning and trusting God and His timing, many people turn to the worlds way of believing spirits can tell them the future. 

Today’s reading starts out with God working many great signs and miracles through Paul.  He was drawing large crowds of people because of the power of God being released through him for healing the sick and casting out demons.  When some chief priest tried to do what Paul was doing, they were overpowered by an evil spirit and badly beaten.  Why?  Because they didn’t personally know the One with the power, they were just trying to copy what Paul was doing without having the authority as a child and minister of God for the job.  After that, many who were practicing magic brought their books about the subject together and burned them out in the open for everyone to see.  They got rid of the spirit of witchcraft and received salvation.  Only then did the word of the Lord grow and prevail in that area.

In the world we live in today and even in our own towns and neighborhoods, how much of this dark practice is going on?  We don’t see it out in the open, but many have subjected themselves to satanic forces but mostly, we can see the oppression of the evil one as a result.  Depression, anger and souls tormented.  Now more than ever, the world around us need the saving grace of our Lord Jesus.  Begin today to pray for our neighborhoods and towns and for the demonic forces to leave and never return.  Take authority over your cities in the name of Jesus and ask Him to show you supernatural insight of how to help the Word of the Lord grow mightily and prevail over all the darkness in your corner of the world.

Today I want to encourage you that if you or someone you know has messed with enemy spirits, turn away and run to your Father in heaven.  He will empower you to get rid of the evil and never let it back in.  For those who you know are involved in darkness, pray for them and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discerning to help your loved one out of the trap they have fallen into.  Don’t settle for an imitation of power by trying to get it from God’s enemy, trust the true source of all goodness and strength by following the Word of God and all His ways.

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.

The first thing

He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”  So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:2

I was saved at a very young age, but it wasn’t until years later that I received the filling of the Holy Spirit.  Sure, I received the indwelling of God’s Spirit at salvation.  However, it wasn’t until much later in life that I became immersed in the power of the Spirit of God.  I have talked about it some in the past, like when Jesus told the disciples to go back to Jerusalem and wait until they were filled with power from on high when He was about to ascend into heaven. (See Luke 24:49) Then, even though Jesus had breathed the Holy Spirit on the disciples after His resurrection (See John 20:22), it wasn’t until He sat down with His Father in heaven that He sent the Holy Spirit, the comforter into the world. (See John 14:16) That is when those in the upper room receive the power and filling of God’s Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

In today’s reading, Paul found some believers as he traveled through Turkey and the first thing, he asked them was if they received the Holy Spirit since they believed.  I know that a lot of Christians believe that the holy Spirit is given to us when we receive Jesus and it is true, but to receive the baptism of the Spirit of God you must invite Him in much like you did when you received His salvation.  In todays reading, Paul laid hands on the Christians and they received the Holy Spirit’s filled up to the overflow. Now they had the power to be witnesses just like the first disciples did.

No, you do not need to receive the power of the Holy Spirit in your life to be a Christian.  Nor do you need to be filled up to the overflow to get into God’s kingdom.  This power of the Holy Spirit is for your life here in this world.  To walk out your days and purpose in the power of God here in your day-to-day activities.  You are going to face things in life, and you are going to meet people who need the power of God to show up for them in this world, not just after we leave here. Doesn’t it make sense to receive all that God made available for you in His redemptive plan? That is why Jesus said it was to our advantage that He go away so that the Holy Spirit could come in the fullness of the power of God! (see John 16:7)

Today I want to encourage you to answer the same question that Paul asked the believers in Ephesus.  Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?  If you are unsure, then the chances are you have not.  When you accept and receive the filling of God’s Spirit, there is no questions left about this issue.  You know when you are carrying the power of God around with you.  I want to encourage you today to receive His Spirit by inviting Him into your life and filling you up with His power.  Then when you need that power for wisdom, strength and healing, you will have it with you wherever you go.  Make God’s Spirit your priority in the new year and get filled up today.  If you have never received God’s gift of Salvation, this is the place to start. Then invite His Spirit to fill you up just as He did the first New Testament Christians.  I may not be able to lay my hands on you, but there were some cases in the bible where the Holy Spirit fell on people without the laying on of hands.  (See Acts 2 and Acts 10) They simply believed and received.   Pray this prayer from your heart and Jesus will come into your life and baptize you in His Spirit. Then you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you to be His witnesses.

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 also invite your Your Holy Spirit to baptize me in Your power, to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 19:1-10

1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 

2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”

3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”

4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 

6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 

7 Now the men were about twelve in all.

8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. 

9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 

10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.