SCRIPTURE
Acts 14:22
"Strengthen the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
OBSERVATION
This verse plainly says to us that we MUST go through many trials, the testing ground to the growth of our faith. We need to strongly urge each other in the midst of trouble to not give up and keep our eyes on the prize, entering the Kingdom of God.
APPLICATION
The sharing of our lives with other believers is crucial, so that we can encourage each other to keep going and not give up. If you don’t have a small group to share your life with, join one. These groups play an important role in our Christian walk. Iron sharpens iron.
PRAYER
Lord I ask for encouragement to those who are going through trials. You said you will never leave us nor forsake us and that your burden is light. Give us strength to overcome the trial laid before us. That our faith may grow and that our testimony will help others. Help us to keep our eye on the prize which is entering the Kingdom of God. Amen
David Ketz
Worship Team - Drums/Acoustic Guitar
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Open My Eyes
SCRIPTURE
Acts 12:7-11
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.
OBSERVATION
God sent an angel to go and rescue Peter, the angel even struck Peter and he thought he was having a vision! It wasn't until he was fully rescued that he finally "woke up" and realized the miracle that God did for him!
APPLICATION
How often do I seek the Lord asking for favor in the midst of my own "prison" and totally miss the hand of the Lord, thinking that it was something else somehow working in my life?
PRAYER
Father, thank you so much for working in our lives even when we are asleep. Lord, wake us up! Your hand is always upon us, and yet we seem to be walking around in a daze. Forgive us Lord for not realizing your miraculous works, let us be ever mindful to be aware of your greatness and your loving hand upon our lives. Thank you God for rescuing me. Amen
Valarie Kerns
Worship Team - Soprano
Acts 12:7-11
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.
OBSERVATION
God sent an angel to go and rescue Peter, the angel even struck Peter and he thought he was having a vision! It wasn't until he was fully rescued that he finally "woke up" and realized the miracle that God did for him!
APPLICATION
How often do I seek the Lord asking for favor in the midst of my own "prison" and totally miss the hand of the Lord, thinking that it was something else somehow working in my life?
PRAYER
Father, thank you so much for working in our lives even when we are asleep. Lord, wake us up! Your hand is always upon us, and yet we seem to be walking around in a daze. Forgive us Lord for not realizing your miraculous works, let us be ever mindful to be aware of your greatness and your loving hand upon our lives. Thank you God for rescuing me. Amen
Valarie Kerns
Worship Team - Soprano
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Fight or Flight
SCRIPTURE
Acts 8:1 … ¶ On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
OBSERVATION
As I read Acts chapter 8 I am reminded that there is an enemy who does not want you and me to grow. John 10 tells us that he has come to steal and kill and destroy. Take note of two other scriptures that remind us of this fact:
1Pet. 4:12 ¶ Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
This truth might be daunting at first glance but we must never forget that Jesus has ‘overcome’ the world. If we resist the enemy in the strength of Jesus, the good news - no the GREAT news is this: the evil one must flee.
James 4:7 ¶ Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
NEVER GIVE UP. We have victory in Christ.
APPLICATION
As I go through this day, I am going to look back and not ahead. I am going to look back to the cross where the enemy was defeated. I can have victory because his downfall is already an accomplished fact. I decide to rejoice today not for the trials I go through
but in the midst of all my trials, God is accomplishing an eternal work.
PRAYER
Lord, may our lives release your power over the enemy and may you help us close every door where he has established a foothold in our lives.
Acts 8:1 … ¶ On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
OBSERVATION
As I read Acts chapter 8 I am reminded that there is an enemy who does not want you and me to grow. John 10 tells us that he has come to steal and kill and destroy. Take note of two other scriptures that remind us of this fact:
1Pet. 4:12 ¶ Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
This truth might be daunting at first glance but we must never forget that Jesus has ‘overcome’ the world. If we resist the enemy in the strength of Jesus, the good news - no the GREAT news is this: the evil one must flee.
James 4:7 ¶ Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
NEVER GIVE UP. We have victory in Christ.
APPLICATION
As I go through this day, I am going to look back and not ahead. I am going to look back to the cross where the enemy was defeated. I can have victory because his downfall is already an accomplished fact. I decide to rejoice today not for the trials I go through
but in the midst of all my trials, God is accomplishing an eternal work.
PRAYER
Lord, may our lives release your power over the enemy and may you help us close every door where he has established a foothold in our lives.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Visiting the Past
SCRIPTURE
Acts 6:2-3
To this he replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran. 3'Leave your country and your people,' God said, 'and go to the land I will show you.
OBSERVATION
Stephen begins to give a discourse on the history of God’s people and how He led them throughout their lifetime. I note this because history is very important to all of us who have a desire to grow in Jesus. You can’t get to where you want to go unless you know where you have been. As we learn from our past, we can avoid many pitfalls in our present. Hindsight is great if you learn from your failures. Many times I have been encouraged because I took time to remember and reflect upon God’s faithfulness to me. It can do the same for you as well. God’s faithfulness in our past inspires us to keep moving ahead with great hope. In Philippians chapter 3, Paul talks about moving ahead and leaving the past behind. He is focusing, however, on those people who choose to live in the past and not the present. I am talking about visiting the past and remembering God’s goodness. Let’s live in the present but visit the past mercies of God - often!
APPLICATION
I am going to take some time today to reflect upon God’s goodness. If you are like me, you may need to actually schedule an appointment with Jesus. Time is precious and a day can speed by without getting around to the important things in life. Spending time with Jesus is more important than we can realize.
PRAYER
Lord, as I remember your faithfulness, may you help me to be faithful to you in all things. I desire to please you in all I do.
Acts 6:2-3
To this he replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran. 3'Leave your country and your people,' God said, 'and go to the land I will show you.
OBSERVATION
Stephen begins to give a discourse on the history of God’s people and how He led them throughout their lifetime. I note this because history is very important to all of us who have a desire to grow in Jesus. You can’t get to where you want to go unless you know where you have been. As we learn from our past, we can avoid many pitfalls in our present. Hindsight is great if you learn from your failures. Many times I have been encouraged because I took time to remember and reflect upon God’s faithfulness to me. It can do the same for you as well. God’s faithfulness in our past inspires us to keep moving ahead with great hope. In Philippians chapter 3, Paul talks about moving ahead and leaving the past behind. He is focusing, however, on those people who choose to live in the past and not the present. I am talking about visiting the past and remembering God’s goodness. Let’s live in the present but visit the past mercies of God - often!
APPLICATION
I am going to take some time today to reflect upon God’s goodness. If you are like me, you may need to actually schedule an appointment with Jesus. Time is precious and a day can speed by without getting around to the important things in life. Spending time with Jesus is more important than we can realize.
PRAYER
Lord, as I remember your faithfulness, may you help me to be faithful to you in all things. I desire to please you in all I do.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Truth or Consequences
SCRIPTURE
Acts 5:1 ¶ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
Acts 5:2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:3 ¶ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Acts 5:4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.
OBSERVATION
Studies tell us that most people lie to others once or twice a day and deceive up to 30 people a week. 86 percent of children lie regularly to parents, 75 percent to friends and 69 percent to spouses. 10,000,000 people lie to the IRS each year. - 70% of all doctors lie to insurance companies. Amazing isn’t it? If you are like Peter you may want to ask: What causes people to lie. Four reasons come to mind.
To PROTECT something or someone. To PROJECT a better self image. To PUNISH a person or to OBTAIN something that you could not get otherwise. Anaias and Sapphira wanted to look good in the eyes of others. What a tragic end when you don’t live in accordance with the truth.
APPLICATION
Truth will help a person even though it may hurt but a lie will lead them to death. Listen to these lies that will destroy your life: You can’t be happy unless everyone likes you. You can’t be happy unless you have a lot of money. Material blessings are a sign of spiritual strength. I have no options - There is no way out. I am the only one with this problem. God’s love and favor depend on my behavior. God uses only spiritual giants. Having true faith means waiting for God to help me while doing nothing until He does. I am a Christian and should not have any difficulties because Jesus is on my side. These are just a few lies that have been devastated the lives of many. May we commit ourselves to the truth because it sets people free.
PRAYER
O Lord, help us to walk in honesty so that we might please you in all we do
Acts 5:1 ¶ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
Acts 5:2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:3 ¶ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Acts 5:4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.
OBSERVATION
Studies tell us that most people lie to others once or twice a day and deceive up to 30 people a week. 86 percent of children lie regularly to parents, 75 percent to friends and 69 percent to spouses. 10,000,000 people lie to the IRS each year. - 70% of all doctors lie to insurance companies. Amazing isn’t it? If you are like Peter you may want to ask: What causes people to lie. Four reasons come to mind.
To PROTECT something or someone. To PROJECT a better self image. To PUNISH a person or to OBTAIN something that you could not get otherwise. Anaias and Sapphira wanted to look good in the eyes of others. What a tragic end when you don’t live in accordance with the truth.
APPLICATION
Truth will help a person even though it may hurt but a lie will lead them to death. Listen to these lies that will destroy your life: You can’t be happy unless everyone likes you. You can’t be happy unless you have a lot of money. Material blessings are a sign of spiritual strength. I have no options - There is no way out. I am the only one with this problem. God’s love and favor depend on my behavior. God uses only spiritual giants. Having true faith means waiting for God to help me while doing nothing until He does. I am a Christian and should not have any difficulties because Jesus is on my side. These are just a few lies that have been devastated the lives of many. May we commit ourselves to the truth because it sets people free.
PRAYER
O Lord, help us to walk in honesty so that we might please you in all we do
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I'm With HIM!
SCRIPTURE
Acts 4:13 ¶ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
OBSERVATION
When a person spends time with Jesus, it shows!
There is something transferred from one to another when true ‘koinonia’ happens on a regular basis.
Someone made the observation that the friends you have will determine the direction you take. If you want to know where you will be in five years, take a look at the friends you have now. 1 Cor 15:33.
When Jesus is your friend and you meet together often, don’t be surprised when people ‘take note’ and see HIM working through your life. You become a reflection of Him. 2 Cor 3:18
APPLICATION
Today I am deciding to spend some quality, one on one time with the greatest friend anyone could ever have. (John 15:15) This means I will need to withdraw from the crowds and get alone with Jesus. If you are to do the same, you must begin to prioritize each and every hour of your day. It is so easy to get caught up in urgent matters and miss the important things of life. Jesus is most important!
PRAYER
O Lord, thank you for changing us and making us more like you. May you continue to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves.
Acts 4:13 ¶ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
OBSERVATION
When a person spends time with Jesus, it shows!
There is something transferred from one to another when true ‘koinonia’ happens on a regular basis.
Someone made the observation that the friends you have will determine the direction you take. If you want to know where you will be in five years, take a look at the friends you have now. 1 Cor 15:33.
When Jesus is your friend and you meet together often, don’t be surprised when people ‘take note’ and see HIM working through your life. You become a reflection of Him. 2 Cor 3:18
APPLICATION
Today I am deciding to spend some quality, one on one time with the greatest friend anyone could ever have. (John 15:15) This means I will need to withdraw from the crowds and get alone with Jesus. If you are to do the same, you must begin to prioritize each and every hour of your day. It is so easy to get caught up in urgent matters and miss the important things of life. Jesus is most important!
PRAYER
O Lord, thank you for changing us and making us more like you. May you continue to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Broken but not Broke
SCRIPTURE
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God
OBSERVATION
Have you ever reached a point when you had nothing? Not enough money to buy a cup of coffee? ‘Broke’ as some would say? It’s not a good feeling is it? The disciples were at that place but they discovered a truth. When material things run dry, you still have a reserve tank full of resources that will carry you through the most difficult times. You may be ‘broke’ financially but God is looking for a ‘broken’ and ‘contrite’ heart. When he finds that, He can do great things. Psalms. 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
APPLICATION
In this season of financial instability, I am deciding to depend upon His resources and not my own. When I don’t have money, I will rejoice. When I am broke, I will develop a contrite heart, when I have nothing to give, I will allow Him to give His gifts through me.
PRAYER
O Lord, even as you gave this man in Acts 3 the ability to walk in your strength, please give us the strength to walk in your ways and depend upon you for all our needs. Help us to walk before you with great joy and confidence. Psalms 1.
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God
OBSERVATION
Have you ever reached a point when you had nothing? Not enough money to buy a cup of coffee? ‘Broke’ as some would say? It’s not a good feeling is it? The disciples were at that place but they discovered a truth. When material things run dry, you still have a reserve tank full of resources that will carry you through the most difficult times. You may be ‘broke’ financially but God is looking for a ‘broken’ and ‘contrite’ heart. When he finds that, He can do great things. Psalms. 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
APPLICATION
In this season of financial instability, I am deciding to depend upon His resources and not my own. When I don’t have money, I will rejoice. When I am broke, I will develop a contrite heart, when I have nothing to give, I will allow Him to give His gifts through me.
PRAYER
O Lord, even as you gave this man in Acts 3 the ability to walk in your strength, please give us the strength to walk in your ways and depend upon you for all our needs. Help us to walk before you with great joy and confidence. Psalms 1.
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