Get Him in the boat!

SCRIPTURE
Mark 6:48 - 51
He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Verse 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.


OBSERVATION
If I picture what is happening here in my mind, this is actually pretty funny! Here are the disciples straining at the oars as they try to move their boat forward, but against the wind. I can just see these guys gripping those oars and how they would have pushed their entire bodies forward against their oars to only push their paddles one rotation through the water and how because of the wind being against them, that all their effort and strength probably did not move them very far along at all. It says Jesus "saw His disciples straining" but the minute Jesus climbs into the boat with them, the wind dies.


APPLICATION
Many times I'm just like them! Straining at the oars, against the wind. This picture is also striking to me because the disciples were doing exactly what Jesus had instructed them to do and headed in the exact direction he had given them. I'm reminded again, to always call on Him!

PRAYER
Keep teaching me and reminding me that to work without you is hard and slow. Help me to invite you to climb into my boat everyday!

Leaps for Joy

SCRIPTURE
Psalm 28:1 & 6-8


OBSERVATION
The contrast of Psalm 28:1 "To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit." and then vs 6-8 "Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."


APPLICATION
When I read these portions of scripture, so many senses well up in me, so many thoughts and emotions are stirred. When the psalmist crys out "if you remain silent" and I just like the psalmist can only imagine the utter despair of that deepest pit. But then just like David in verse 7 "My heart leaps for joy" and I can just feel my heart pound in my chest! at the thought that He does hear me, that He is all my strength! my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped! With all this talk of joy! and leaping! I can just imagine a whole bunch of little sheep on a hillside kicking up their heels! (Okay, maybe the lambs are over the top, but I have a little Spring fever, ha! ha!)

PRAYER
Thank you Father, Daddy for hearing me! For not remaining silent, for talking to me! You are all my strength, all my hope and all my joy!
I will love you forever!

Anybody Reading?

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The Ordinary

SCRIPTURE

Acts 14:1 ¶ At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. NIV

OBSERVATION

The Disciples weren’t doing anything out of the ordinary but something very extraordinary happened in the midst of the ordinary. (If that makes sense!) They went into the synagogue as usual but spoke so effectively that a great number of people responded to the message of truth about Jesus.

Truth changes people when they respond to it.
People respond to truth more readily when it is shared properly. You can share God’s truth in a judgmental way or in a condescending way. You can talk out of insincerity or with a critical tone. When you share from a bad attitude, however, people often react in a negative way. They seem to react rather than respond to the attitude and not the actual words. I am reminded once again from this text - how you say something is as important as what you say. I believe, however, this truth is not based entirely upon the style in which a person shares. I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has something to do with this effectiveness. An example of this is found in Acts 18:26.

A married couple named Aquila & Priscilla took a man by the name of Apollos aside and taught him the ways of the Holy Spirit and he began to speak differently. Throughout the New Testament people spoke in a new way when they were filled with the Spirit of Jesus. The bottom line is this, when you speak for God you need three things.
1. Substance,
2. Style
3. The Holy Spirit.

This is a prescription for great effectiveness.

APPLICATION

Today I need to examine my motives when I speak. Am I seeking to help people or am I secretly trying to put them in their place. The motive will often determine the tone and the tone will often determine the fruitfulness of the message. When we are yielded to the Holy Spirit and allow Him the right to oversee our speech, we will have greater success. I am going to watch over my words as they are spoken but also explore the underlying attitudes that my words are founded upon. This will be a step in the right direction.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to speak with your anointing and in such a way that others are not turned off to your truth. May I represent you by accurately sharing your words in the way that brings you glory.

Expect the Unexpected

SCRIPTURE

Acts 28:6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Acts 28:7 ¶ There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably.
Acts 28:8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.

OBSERVATION

In Acts 27 Paul and others were on a ship which encountered a tremendous storm. It was so severe that the ship experienced extensive damage and had run ashore. Those onboard found them selves on an island called Malta. It wasn’t a planned destination, it wasn’t on the itinerary and it wasn’t a desirable place to be.

That’s what caught my attention as I read this text. Even though Paul had not planned this part of the journey, he was used by God to touch the lives of people he would only see one time in his life.

How often I find myself in situations and places that I have not chosen. I fail to realize that possibly this is not a detour I must endure but a divine appointment God has scheduled. Could it be that the interruptions, inconveniences and intrusions into our lives are really an opportunity for God to reveal himself through us.

APPLICATION

Today I am going to look for opportunities where God can use me. I am not going to seek deliverance from my current location and circumstnces but I will ask God to deliver his wisdom, kindness, assistance and love to those I encounter.

PRAYER

Lord forgive me for resisting and resenting the places you position me for your glory. I am blind to your ability to work in all places. I have missed so many opportunities to see you work in various places because of my complaining spirit. Please forgive me but also change me. Give me a heart that wants to go where you want me to go - say what you want me to say and do what you want me to do.

Father Knows Best

SCRIPTURE

Acts 27:10 "Men, i can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also. 11 but the Centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and the owner of the ship. 14 Before long, a wind of hurricane force, called the 'northeaster', swept down from the island.

OBSERVATION

As I read Acts 27 text this morning, I was reminded of a time when my wife and I went to the coast with another couple who attended Koinonia Christian Fellowship. It was early Friday morning when the four of us crammed into a little airplane that seated four people. When I say little, I mean LITTLE. As John, the pilot began to taxi down the runway and prepared to take off, he was listening to someone on his headphones. They were giving him directions and advising him on the best path to take. I assumed that once we were in the air, he would take the headphones off and we would have some good conversation for the entire trip. What happened, however, was quite different. He never did take the headphones off. Yes, we were able to talk at times but when he heard those from the tower trying to communicate with him, our conversation ceased and he listened to them. 'They had priority'. 

John was the pilot and owner of the plane just like the man in Acts 27 who owned the ship. The difference, however, was that John was willing to listen to someone who had an objective perspective. Who we listen too can lead us to our destination or to our destruction. 

The Centurion chose to listen to the wrong voice. He felt the pilot and owner knew best. The best advice, however, came from God. Paul revealed the truth. Once again we learn that 'Father God Knows Best.'  It is easy for pilots and owners to forget who really knows best way. It's also easy for us! When we make decisions about life without consulting Him; when we listen to the advice of others and follow our own inclinations, we end up in a wreck.

Jesus wants to be the one you contact as you continue your journey. Maybe you are on the runway and waiting to take off. Possibly you are flying or sailing with clear skies and not a cloud in sight. As tragic as it may sound, you might have even crashed. Wherever you are right now, God is the REAL OWNER of everything. He is the REAL PILOT. As an airline pilot doesn't loose contact with the tower during the flight, please don't loose contact with God. he will make sure you arrive at your destination safely - if you listen.  FATHER KNOWS BEST!

APPLICATION

Sometimes my cell phone won't ring because I am not positioned in a place where I can receive or sent calls. Today, I am deciding to always stay within listening range. When God says; 

Can You Hear me Now, I want to say YES. Others may be talking but I am going to give HIM priority. How about you?

PRAYER

Father, I give you my full attention today. Forgive me for listening to other voices and following their advice. Help me to hear your voice above all others and give full obedience to what you say. I know your are trying to help me and I am thankful. I realize that you always know what is best for me.

God's Smile

SCRIPTURE

           

Numbers 6:23-27 " Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. 

Say to them: 

24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 

25 the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; 

26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. 

27 So they will put my name on the Israelites and I will bless them."


OBSERVATION

We have all heard it said when we sneeze: God Bless You! I don't know why or when that phrase came into being but I do know that God wants to bless you and me.

In Deuteronomy 11:26 & 27 we discover that God give us a choice regarding this blessing. 

We can choose to experience a blessing or a curse. Here is what he says to us.

Deuteronomy 11:26 See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse. 

27 The blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; 

28 the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn form the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.

Literally, these words reveal the difference between success or failure in the different arenas of our lives. 'The blessing if you obey... the curse if you disobey."

When I read these verses,  GOD'S SMILE comes to mind. To me, His blessing is his smile.  (Numbers 6:25) When you're doing what is pleasing, He smiles on you  with blessing. The curse, however, is when you're doing what displeases your Father, and His smile quickly disappears. If I were to interpret this into language that makes practical sense, I would say this: When you are doing things God's way, things work. When you stray from doing things God's way, things stop working.

When you fully obey God's commands, all His blessings will accompany you! Deuteronomy 28 and & 29 elaborate on this blessing. It says that your family along with your work will be blessed. It talks about how your enemies will be scattered. The scripture goes on to say; 'However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow His commands... all these curses will come upon you." Then He proceeds to describe how the same people, doing all the same things, will get opposite results. 

It all depends on the SMILE! After all, it is His blessing. 

Nothing is worth losing the blessing of God! It is the key to fruitfulness.


APPLICATION

When blessing is the key to success and obedience is the key to blessings, I need to make sure I am answering the questions correctly. Am I carefully following His ways in the current situations that are confronting me? Am I obeying at a 100% rate? Anything less is disobedience. Is there any place where I am compromising or wandering from His desired path? Is there anything I am neglecting to do that He has instructed me to do? Could it be that I am working hard to accomplish His will but I'm doing it MY way? These are questions worth asking because the blessing is worth receiving.

PRAYER

Lord give me the wisdom and strength to make right choices. Today I choose your blessing. I choose to obey!

In The Waiting

SCRIPTURE
Acts 17: 16  While Paul was waiting for them (Silas and Timothy) in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.

OBSERVATION
At this juncture in Paul's ministry we connect with him at Athens. he has just been teaching God's word in Thessalonica and Berea. Some religious leaders, however, caused great difficulty for Paul and their actions make it necessary for him to leave. While following the Holy Spirit's lead he went to the city of Athens. We are told that he was 'waiting' for Silas and Timothy to join him. Verse 16 & 17 stood out to me as I read this section of scripture because Paul accomplished some Kingdom business while he was 'waiting'. he saw the spiritual emptiness and did something about it. The city was full of idols but empty of spiritual life. 

Wow! When I''m waiting for someone, I usually just hang out and accomplish nothing. I call it Killing Time - This happens frequently when I accompany my wife on a shopping expedition. I will sit on a bench and you guessed it... I 'Kill Time. I also get caught up in 'People Watching" when I am waiting for someone or something to happen. It brings a smile to my face when I catch some of the idiosyncrasies and silly actions that people do as they go about their daily activities. I know it's sick and I may need some therapy but it is a cheap price for some entertainment. After reading this verse, however, I realized that I am wasting some valuable time and an opportunity for God to do some Kingdom work through me. Do you find yourself doing the  same thing? Col 4:5 tells us to make the most of every opportunity. It may be at a stop light while waiting for it to turn green. It may be at Starbucks or on a bench outside a maul. God wants to show something to you about people and their need. While you are waiting, God can work through you. 


APPLICATION
I don't think I will stop watching people in my times of waiting because it is SO MUCH fun. I am going to to more, however that merely watch. I am going to pray for them. I will ask God to reveal a need they might have, a family member they are concerned about or a bill that needs to be paid. As I 'People Watch', I 'm going to become a watchman for God (Ezek 33:7) While I wait for the next thing to transpire, I will pray for our city and county because there are idols everywhere. If you and I do this, we will 'redeem the time - Col 4:5

PRAYER
Lord, Thank You for being involved in our daily times. While we are waiting, while we are sleeping, while we are going about our daily activities, you are at work. Thank you for men like Paul who actively pursued you and was stirred by the Holy Spirit because there were idols that filled the land. May we be among those who carry a burden for our city and set ourselves to tearing down the idols of darkness.

SCRIPTURE
Acts 24:25 - "and as he (Paul) continued to argue about righteousness, purity, and the judgement to come, Felix (the king) became terrified, and said, "go away for now, and when I have a convenient opportunity, I will send for you".

OBSERVATION
The king became uncomfortable when Paul started to share the realities of living in righteousness, purity, and the judgement to come, which is the eternal judgement. He sent Paul away, saying that he would call for him and listen when it was more convenient. Unfortunately, that time never came, because it is never "convenient" when a person is confronted with the reality of their need of a Savior and a lifestyle change that will honor the Lord.


APPLICATION
It is very easy to live our lives focused on the "easy" parts of Christianity, and how we push away the things that challenge our lives with the need to change - it just isn't "convenient" for our flesh. May we choose to become Christians who are making the decisions to not live what is just "convenient", but what is necessary to us growing in Christlikeness and choosing godliness and maturity.

PRAYER
God, help us to not give in to the temptation in our flesh to not do the "inconvenient" that would really cause us to choose Christ and grow and mature in a relationship with Him. Help us to understand that, in reality, we will face an eternal judgement someday and how we live our lives here on earth, and whether or not we have chosen to know You and have a relationship with You will determine the outcome of our eternity. Help us to always live with this at the forefront of our minds and lives.

SCRIPTURE
Acts 23:5 - "Paul replied, "Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people'.""


OBSERVATION
Paul is treated unjustly, and when he responds angrily in self - defense, he is told that he is talking to the High Priest. At that point, he apologizes and refers to a part of the law that God gave the Jews in Exodus 22:28 which instructs the people not to blaspheme God or to curse the rulers of the people, which means to not speak disrespectfully about or to them.


APPLICATION
This is an interesting scripture because it instructs us that no matter how wrong authority may be sometimes, it is still right before God to respect them - note that we are not called to agree with them if they are involved in sin - but that our communication of them should be with respect for the office of authority that they hold. How many times have we given in to the tendency to be disrespectful just because we perhaps felt that before God, we were right? This would be a sin of the attitude of our hearts. It is possible to disagree and even disapprove and rebuke with an attitude that communicates respect.

PRAYER
Lord, reveal our heart motives to us when we sway towards the all too common tendency to show disrespect, towards whoever it may be. Help us to always remember to respond in situations where we may not agree with somebody else, or even feel that what they are doing is wrong, with attitudes of graciousness and respect. Help us to be able to speak the truth in love.

SCRIPTURE
Psalm 25:2-3a - "O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on You be ashamed. . ." Psalm 25:20 - "O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in You".

OBSERVATION
These scriptures all have to do with the concepts of waiting, trust, and shame. Apparently the writer was struggling with some shame issues and more than a physical struggle, it was a mental struggle. He had to reassure himself that as he waited and trusted in God, that his enemies would not triumph over him, and that he would not be ashamed. In the original language, the word "wait" her is interesting because it implies not a passive "waiting" where we are not doing anything, but a very active "waiting" where we are serving God and "waiting"upon Him as a waiter or servant would "wait" upon their patrons or their master.


APPLICATION
As we continue to "wait" upon the Lord, to serve Him in faithfulness, and continue to depend on His ability to protect and provide, it brings us to our own challenges of trusting in Him to do what we cannot. It brings us to the challenge to instruct our minds to trust in God and not fear, but to believe that God will not be unfaithful to those who trust in Him.

PRAYER
Lord, help us not to be distracted in our service to You by things or circumstances that the enemy would use to challenge our trust or distract us from serving You in faithfulness, trusting that You will not allow us to be put to shame in any way.

SCRIPTURE
Psalm 24:3-4 - "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that has clean hands, and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.


OBSERVATION
This is a really interesting observation about those who are able to go to the "hill of the Lord", which was the place where the tabernacle was set up and where God's presence was in the Old Testament. There had been so many laws set into place with stipulations about who could enter the tabernacle - people who brought animal offerings, made sacrifices, etc. But the observation here is that really, God was more interested about the heart issues and not the physical actions, because dealing with the heart issues would automatically affect the physical actions. God was more interested in purity and a lack of deceit in the lives of those who would enter His presence.


APPLICATION
We need to grasp the concept that as we endeavor to live pure lives before the Lord, that is what is most pleasing to Him, instead of focusing just on external actions. As we focus on the conditions of our hearts, our external actions will automatically change and be transformed into His likeness. And sometimes, the only way that we can actually experience purity is to come to God first, to run to Him instead of away from Him, so that He can cleanse us and then continue to enter into His presence in a deeper way. If we continue to run away from God, we will never become like Him. As we run to Him with our sins and faults, we can be changed by Him.

PRAYER
God, help us to run to You, not from You, in our weakest moments, knowing that only You can cleanse and purify, and only You can transform us to be more like You. We can only experience Your presence as we continue to be cleansed by You.

SCRIPTURE
Acts 20:24a - "But none of these things move me. . ."


OBSERVATION
Paul had faced, and would continue to face, many hardships in his life. In fact, he was being warned prophetically about some of them in this instance, and this is what provokes his comments. Yet he has a heavenly perspective with regards to suffering and sacrifice and refuses to be moved from a place of trust and obedience to God's path for his life.


APPLICATION
How easy it is for us to let difficulties, sufferings, even small, uncomfortable things move us in our emotions, our decisions - those are the things that cause us to waver from God's path and God's best. We must learn to say "but none of these things move me" and continue to press forward with confidence, obedience, and trust in the Lord's plan for us.

PRAYER
God, when the difficulties come, help us not to be moved, but to be unwavering in our commitment to live for You and serve You with all of our hearts. Help us to recognize our tendencies to be "moved" by adversity out of Your perfect will for our lives.

The Holy Spirit

SCRIPTURE
Acts 19:6 - "And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied".


OBSERVATION
This was a very special experience in these believers' lives that God had ordained for them - releasing them into the prophetic ministry of the Holy Spirit. It came as somewhat of a surprise, because they weren't expecting or even aware of it. How awesome that God, in His love for them, chose to surprise them and show them that there was even more in their Christian experience than they knew about, or had planned on.


APPLICATION
God has incredible supernatural moments for all of us as His children and sometimes they come when we least expect it. Our perceptions of God are so limited, and as we continue to walk with Him, He will surprise us with supernatural interruptions of His Spirit that are designed to strengthen, encourage, and empower us in our lives and relationships with Him.

PRAYER
God, help us to be open to Your divine interruptions in our lives- things we may not be expecting, things we may not be prepared for - but things that You have purposed for our lives to grow us in our relationship with You, and to make us stronger witnesses for Your Kingdom. May every purpose of Yours be established in our lives!

Sharing Christ with Others

SCRIPTURE
Acts 18:9-10 - "Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you, for I have many people in this city".


OBSERVATION
God promised Paul many people in the city that God had sent him to. Perhaps Paul was struggling with fear issues, because God reassured him and told him not to be afraid. He encouraged Paul, promising him that there were many people in that city that would come to know Christ because of Paul's obedience to share the message of salvation and witness.


APPLICATION
This scripture is a direct confirmation to us as a church after the message that Roger spoke yesterday. God is speaking to us that as we take steps of faith and obedience and share Christ with others, that He does have many people in this city that will come into His Kingdom. He is reassuring us not to be afraid, ut to speak in obedience to Him.

PRAYER
God, help us to be willing to take steps of faith to share Christ with those who are in our lives who don't know You. May we be instruments in them coming to know Christ as their Savior. Direct our steps and put people in our paths that we can share with, and help us to overcome fear and be obedient to speak out for You. Sensitize our spirits to Your Holy Spirit. We make a commitment to be obedient and speak as You provide the opportunity.

Ready or Not...

SCRIPTURE
Leviticus 9:3-4 (New International Version)

3 Then say to the Israelites: 'Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb—both a year old and without defect—for a burnt offering, 4 and an ox [a] and a ram for a fellowship offering [b] to sacrifice before the LORD, together with a grain offering mixed with oil. For today the LORD will appear to you.' "


OBSERVATION
In this scripture, Aaron and his sons, in the first part of their ministry as priests, address the people of Israel and prepare them for a visitation from the Lord. Moses told Aaron that the Lord would visit them. Because they knew that the presence of the Lord was comming, they made preperation. They had the Israelites prepare offerings to make atonement for sin, offerings of grain, and offerings for fellowship. They knew the day that the Lord was comming, and made sure they were ready.

APPLICATION
There are 2 significant applications that can be learned from this scripture. First of all, in order to come into the presence of the Lord, I need to make sure that I am ready! I need to be prepared by seeking the Lord's forgiveness and seeking to humbly enter his presence. This can be applied if I'm just spending my quiet time with Him, or entering into corporate worship. The second thing thing that I noticed was that Aaron told the Israelites that God was going to visit them that day, to make themselves ready. There's a time comming, which no one knows, but the Lord himself. A time when the Lord is comming back to take his bride. There's not going to be anyone to tell me, "The Lord is comming THIS day." I won't have the chance to make myself right. I need to be sure, that every day, I live like it's my last. Everything I do and say, needs to bring glory to the Lord!

PRAYER
Father, I pray that you would help me in my daily walk with you! Help me to realize that if I am having trouble entering in to your presence, that it's most likley my fault and I need to seek forgiveness and open the path beteween us. God I want to be ready when that final day comes, I want to live a life that is surrendured wholly and completely to you. Help me to do what I can't do without you! In Jesus name.
Amen.

Dirrect Access

SCRIPTURE
Leviticus 6:7 (New International Version)

7 In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for any of these things he did that made him guilty."

OBSERVATION
God was giving instructions to Moses about making atonement for sin. Here, The Lord is giving specific instructions in regards to what sacrifices are to be brought to the Priest (acting on God's behalf) to make atonement for sin. This section is speaking specifically on the "Guilt Sin". After the Priest has taken the sacrifice and made atonement before the Lord, the particular person will be forgiven for whatever they did that made them guilty.


APPLICATION
Atonement: The reconciliation of God and humans brought about by the redemptive life and death of Jesus. This was one of the definitions listed at Education.yahoo.com. It's amazing. In the Old Testament, people use to have to rely on a Priest to make atonement for their sins. Animals were sacrificed and that blood offering covered the sin and an atonement was made. Thank God that he sent his son, the savior of the world, to shead his blood and be the everlasting sacrifice and atonement. We no longer have to seek out a priest, or bring these animals to sacrifice. We don't have to wait for a certin time that the priest is availible, or wait in line while he's making the atonement for someone else. Because of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we can come boldly into the presence of the Lord and ask him for forgiveness face to face, any time, 24-7! Thank you God!

PRAYER
Father, I feel so undeserving of your forgiveness, but I am a sinner, and I need the atonement that you have paid on the cross! Thank you for that sacrifice! Thank you for the cross! Thank you that I have access to the presence of the Lord and don't have to wait for someone else to make atonement for me. Father, even now, I ask for your forgiveness and pray that you would guide me on a daily basis and strengthen me that I may stand firm against temptation.
Amen.

Boldness By The Spirit

SCRIPTURE
Acts 13:8-11 (Amplified Bible)
Amplified Bible (AMP)

8But Elymas [a]the wise man--for that is the translation of his name [[b]which he had given himself]--opposed them, seeking to keep the proconsul from accepting the faith.

9But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit, looked steadily at [Elymas]

10And said, You master in every form of deception and recklessness, unscrupulousness, and wickedness, you son of the devil, you enemy of everything that is upright and good, will you never stop perverting and making crooked the straight paths of the Lord and plotting against His saving purposes?(A)

11And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind, [so blind that you will be] unable to see the sun for a time. Instantly there fell upon him a mist and a darkness, and he groped about seeking persons who would lead him by the hand.


OBSERVATION
Barnabas and Saul/Paul were sent out by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word of God. After preaching in the Synagogues, they set out again and came into contact with a wise man (or sorcerer depending on the translation) in Paphos. Barnabas and Saul/Paul were about to share the Word of God with the Procouncil but were met with opposition by this "Wise Man", Elymas, who tried to keep the Procouncil from believing. Saul/Paul, because he was full of and being lead by the Holy Spirit, was able to deal with the opposition of Elymas and the works of the enemy.


APPLICATION
When you're full of (and lead by) the Holy Spirit and "In Tune" with the Heavenly Father, there's nothing that the enemy can throw in your way that you can't handle. The Holy Spirit flowing through you will give you a boldness to confront the enemy face to face, and the ability to discern what you're fighting against!

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

PRAYER
God, I pray that you would help me to be "In Tune" with you. I want to be lead by the Holy Spirit and to be able to better discern what truly lies behind the battles that I face. Father, give me the boldness that it takes to confront the enemy and help me to be the willing vessel that I need to be in order for the Holy Spirit to lead me, and better flow through me.

Live Life in the Cloud

SCRIPTURE
Exodus 40:34-38

34Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.


OBSERVATION
According to verses 36-38, the Israelites never went without the presence of the Lord. It says, "whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted." They always looked to the presence of the Lord in the cloud by day, and fire in the cloud by night.

APPLICATION
Wow, in previous readings of this scripture, this never stuck out so much to me. It is encouraging because in everything, I want to be sure that I am under the covering of the presence of the Lord! In my commings and goings, my decision making, and in everyday life, I always want to be in the presence of the Lord. The awesome thing is, because of the cross, that gap was bridged that lets me enter into the presence of the Lord fully, whenever I so choose. I want to choose to LIVE in his presence.

PRAYER
Father I need you. I want to remain in your presence always. Help me to be ever mindful of you and to invite you into every aspect of my daily life. I don't want to have to run to you when something is wrong or to struggle to enter into your presence after a tough day, I want to be able to say, "I'm already in your presnece, lets talk!" Father forgive me for taking your presence for grantid at times and help me to live life in the cloud of your presence!
Amen.

Get Out of My Way!

SCRIPTURE
Acts 11:1-3
The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."


OBSERVATION
Often, people are criticized for obeying God! Criticism isn't limited just to non-believers either. Here, Peter is being criticized by believers because he was obediant and shared the Word of God with the Gentiles.


APPLICATION
When God asks you to do something, you can bet that something or someone will try to get in the way and hinder the work of the Lord. It may be that someone does critisize you for doing something that God has asked you to do, or maybe something will try and get in the way before you are able to do "it". If God asks you to do something, remember, he's with you. There's nothing that the enemy can throw in the way that God hasn't already conquered. Stand firm and carry out the task that God has asked you to do.

PRAYER
Father, I pray that you would give me the strength and boldness that it takes to do whatever you ask of me. It's hard at times and things try and get in the way. Whatever the cost, help me to be obediant to your perfect will...
Amen.

The Other Side

SCRIPTURE
He said to them:  "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him.  But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean."

Acts 10:28

OBSERVATION
The first chapter of Acts gives Jesus' command for his followers to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.  Acts tells the story of how the early church began to carry this mission out.  In chapter 10, God gives Peter a vision to help promote this cause.  The Jews drew up dividing lines between "us" and "them."  "Our side" and "there side."  God is telling Peter, and the early church, that in his Kingdom there are no dividing lines.  Every side is His side.  

APPLICATION
What dividing lines do I draw up?  Who do I consider to be on the other side?  What is my attitude towards those who look differently than I do?  Those who believe differently than I do?  Those who act differently than I do?  I need to stop judging and begin loving.  

PRAYER
Jesus, help me to see your love for others.  Help me to not to divide people between "us" and "them."  Give me opportunities to build genuine relationships with those who are outside the bubble I live in.  Help me to see them as unique people created in your image.  

Inner Promptings and Obedience

SCRIPTURE
“The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’”
Acts 9:29

OBSERVATION
Philip was solid. When reading about Philip in Acts, two things jump out at me. First, Philip had a sensitivity to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Second, he obeyed. Philip's obedience lead to the salvation of the Ethiopian eunuch. In the process, I can only imagine that Philip’s faith grew.

APPLICATION
One of the biggest setbacks we can experience in our spiritual journey is ignoring the leadings and promptings of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, this means we need to develop a sensitivity to how God interacts with us through the Holy Spirit. But, also, it means we need to obey. When God leads us, we need to follow that leading in faith. There have been times in my life when I didn’t follow, and my experience of God was limited because of my disobedience. Furthermore, who knows what God had in store for others through me. My choice to obey or disobey might not only impact my faith, but it might impact the faith others. So, is there anything God is calling me to do that I'm not doing?

PRAYER
Father, give me a renewed sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in my life. Help me to sense your promptings. And, once I receive that leading, help me to have the boldness to obey. Help me to do what you tell me to do.