Head Knowledge

Head Knowledge

Acts 8: ¹⁴ Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, ¹⁵ who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

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“Why do I have to know this?” I asked myself. I mean, I will never use this information. I sat in class and daydreamed, thinking of things I could be doing. I looked forward to my next class that was in my major and was only minutes away. I stopped listening and opened a book for the next class.

• There were times when I learned the information only to take the test.
• There were times when I understood the concepts but did not care about the information.
• There were times when I heard the information but did not take it to heart.

Philip preached about JESUS and many people understood and took action by being baptized. It was the right thing to do. But Peter and John were sent to pray for those who had this fresh knowledge. Many people accepted the HOLY SPIRIT in their hearts after the prayer and laying of hands.

• GOD wants me to plant seeds in the hearts of many.
• GOD wants me to know that someone else may water the seeds.
• GOD wants me to know that even someone else may see the increase of the seeds I planted in their heart.

Preaching about the great news of how JESUS saves  can sometimes be a group effort. Something I say can help a person stop rejecting JESUS, but this may only be temporary. Someone else may come along and say just the right thing to make it permanent.

When it comes to free will, we all have a choice to accept the HOLY SPIRIT or reject HIM. My life’s purpose is to help people accept HIM by believing they need to be saved by JESUS who died for us all and is alive because HE was raised from the dead. I have this belief in my heart.

• What do you know about JESUS and are rejecting?
• Are you trying to be GOD by thinking of your own concepts of what GOD is?
• Will you obtain “heart knowledge” by believing in JESUS as your Savior so you can receive the HOLY SPIRIT today, gaining everlasting life?

Not Me

Not Me

Acts 8: ⁹ But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, ¹⁰ to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” ¹¹ And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. ¹² But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. ¹³ Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

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“Who broke this?” was the question angrily asked to me. “Not me” I answered quickly, trying to protect myself. “Who left the window open while it was raining?” “Not me” was my go to answer that I had become good at saying. “Who cleaned up?” was asked in a delighted tone. “Me!” I said proudly as I beckoned for the credit.

• There were times when I wanted to be noticed for good thing “I” did.
• There were times when I did not want to accept responsibility for things others considered bad.
• There were times when I enjoyed the spotlight when things were going well.

Simon was a sorcerer who was able to do things people could not explain away with science. The people of Samaria held him in great esteem, as did he. But when Philip arrived and spoke about JESUS, they turned to belief in the Savior. Even Simon had to believe.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to give GOD all the credit.
• GOD wants me to claim that HE is the only one who is great.

“Not me” are great words to use when it comes to GOD. “Who saved me?” “Not me” will be the answer, because JESUS did that. “Who gave me gifts and talents?” “Not me” is the answer again, for all my abilities come from HIM.

GOD gave me everything I have and placed me in places I am amazed at. HE is my provider, protector and pursuer. I am grateful HE goes after me when I run away from HIM.

• Are you trying to get likes and congratulations from people?
• Do you seek public affirmation for what “you” do?
• Will you start giving GOD credit for your gifts and talents so people will believe in JESUS today?

Problem Purpose

Problem Purpose

Acts 8: ⁴ Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. ⁵ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. ⁶ And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. ⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. ⁸ And there was great joy in that city.

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Running as fast as my out of shape body could go, I got to the gate too late. I missed the flight and was a bit frustrated. Fortunately, there was another flight so I asked to be placed on the list and got accepted. Parallel to this, my friends at home and I were going through a book, trying to grow in GOD. I read this on the flight.

The person next to me, on the rebooked flight, asked me about the book. We talked about GOD the whole flight and I was able to pray for her husband and son. I then told her about my quiet time with the LORD. She was retiring in another country and asked for the blog address. It is read quite heavily in that country to this day.

• Some problems I have faced have actually been a blessing.
• Some situations I have faced turned out to be exactly what I needed.
• Some trials I have faced happen for a great reason.

Because the people could not meet together, they spoke about JESUS where they were scattered to. Philip spoke so boldly in Samaria that many believed, were healed and unclean spirits fled. The city had great joy!

• GOD scatters me when I am complacent.
• GOD moves me when I am very comfortable.
• GOD send me when I am not expecting it.

“Be ready” is the term GOD wants me to carry. HE may send me out to speak about HIM, HIS SON and the HOLY SPIRIT at any moment. The responsibility is not on a church leader, rather it is on me. GOD wants me to preach HIS great news, especially during times of problems. I am grateful HE sends me during trials.

• Are you going through a large trial?
• Do you ask “Why is this happening?”
• Will you accept where you are and allow GOD to speak through you so you can be used to bless someone with encouraging words today?

Isolated

Isolated

Acts 8: Now Saul was consenting to his death.

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. ² And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

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

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After years of being the one who people sought after, I felt isolated in the new town. I did not know anyone other than my coworkers. And besides, who would go out to the not cool bars they had in this unheard of town. What was I going to do for “fun” now?

• There were times when I dreaded being alone.
• There were times when I felt isolated from “my” people.
• There were times when I was not able to be part of a social group and I did not enjoy it.

Saul consented the death of Stephen. Even more so, he started a great persecution of those who believed in JESUS as their Savior. Though people were scattered, he sent people to their homes, dragging them to prison.

• GOD sees me when I am separated from people.
• GOD knows I want to be around people but has a reason for separating me from the same old routine.
• GOD has a plan for me and is preparing me when HE separates me.

Isolation could be dreaded or embraced. I chose to embrace it. I wanted to clear up the misconceptions I had about this “GOD” being. I had to been to a lot of churches that spoke mostly about their brand and not about JESUS. Where to start?

GOD was gracious enough to have me read the book of John. When I saw in the first chapter that JESUS was GOD, I was shocked. It made me want to read this “bible” thing for myself. The isolation became welcome as it was a quiet place to learn about JESUS as part of the triune GOD. I am glad I went through the time of separation.

• Do you seek a crowd?
• Are you hungry for your social gathering?
• Will you embrace times when GOD separates you so you can quiet down and listen to HIM, while HE grows you?

Concerned about the Circumstance

Concerned about the Circumstance

Acts 7: ⁵⁴ When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. ⁵⁵ But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, ⁵⁶ and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

⁵⁷ Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; ⁵⁸ and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. ⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

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With only one block to go, I felt relief as I neared my neighborhood. I had taken an exploratory route and wound up in a neighborhood known for its thugs. Driving through the intersection, someone hit my car. When I got out, the person, knowing they were I the wrong, wanted to fight. Neighbors who knew me came out to see if everything was alright.

• There have been times when people helped me when I was in need.
• There have been times when people protected me when I was threatened.
• There have been times when people showed their concern over my safety.

Stephen was not scared of his safety when he accused the church leaders, who murdered JESUS, of rejecting the HOLY SPIRIT. When he looked up, he saw JESUS standing next to GOD rather than sitting.

JESUS was concerned about the situation and showed Stephen HIS glory. HE did not stop the evil actions of HIS murderers towards Stephen. More blood was added to their hands.

• GOD wants me to understand there is a spiritual battle.
• GOD wants me to know HE has already won the battle.
• GOD wants me to trust that HE is concerned with every situation I may face, even when it seems like evil is winning.

JESUS won. This is a past tense statement. HE has overcome the world. But we are still in the world waiting for the victory to be revealed someday. Our life on earth is short compared to eternity.

GOD knows there will be some who hate me just because I love HIM. HE also knows there will be some who purposefully try to harm me because of HIM. HE fills me with HIS SPIRIT because HE is concerned about me. I am grateful to serve the living GOD who cares about me.

• Are you facing a difficult situation that someone else caused?
• Is your faith being tested because of your trust in JESUS?
• Will you stand firm and pray for your enemies that they may also be saved even though they are persecuting you?

Resistance is Futile

Resistance is Futile

Acts 7: ⁵¹ “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. ⁵² Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, ⁵³ who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

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After a hearing all the stories about how great sex was, I wanted to try it. I mean everyone else was doing it. But something inside me was telling me to wait until I was married. “I can’t wait that long” I thought to myself. From what I saw, it didn’t seem to be a big deal even amongst church leaders. I knew something was wrong and did it anyway.

• There were many times when I knew something was wrong but I did it anyway.
• There were many times when I justified my actions by looking at what “everyone” else was doing.
• There were many times when I plead ignorance by not learning about what was right or wrong, yet I knew the difference in my heart.

Stephen finally concludes his message to the church leaders who murdered JESUS. He told them they “always resist the HOLY SPIRIT” as did their ancestors. They knew right from wrong even when they were not told, yet they did what they did anyway.

• GOD wants me to surrender to the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to give up my life to the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to listen wholeheartedly to the HOLY SPIRIT.

Decision making can be hard, especially when people around me are making bad decisions, wanting me to join in. BUT GOD wants me to stand firm for HIM. HE placed HIS law in my heart when HE created me, so I have no excuse.

GOD made me in a way that is curious and seeking. Unfortunately I can listen to the lust of my flesh or the lust of my eyes or the pride of life to fulfill that curiosity. Soon I find myself in trouble, asking GOD for help out of the trouble I got myself into. BUT GOD is gracious. I am glad HE forgives me and guides me with the HOLY SPIRIT, because HE loves me.

• Are you ignoring the HOLY SPIRIT by trying to listen to your own pride?
• Do you argue over something without checking to see what GOD says about it?
• Will you surrender your thinking and check with GOD about more and more of your decisions each day?

Tiny Living Space

Tiny Living Space

Acts 7: ⁴⁴ “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, ⁴⁵ which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David, ⁴⁶ who found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob. ⁴⁷ But Solomon built Him a house.

⁴⁸ “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:

⁴⁹ ‘Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
What house will you build for Me? says the Lord,
Or what is the place of My rest?

⁵⁰ Has My hand not made all these things?’

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Moving out of the bunk bed room into the dorm seemed incredible. I mean there was so much space! Two beds and two desks could fit into the room comfortably. And I had my own closet. Years later I returned to the dorm room and thought “How did I ever fit in that tiny room?”

There were some places I lived in that seemed small.

There have been some places I lived in that only a few people could fit.

There were some places I lived in that could only fit me and my stuff.

Stephen continues explaining the Israelite history. He talked about the tents in the wilderness and then spoke of David’s desire to build a house for GOD since GOD had done so much for him. But Solomon was the one who build a temple for GOD, even though GOD could not be confined only to a place made by humans.

JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in my heart when I believed in the need for salvation.

JESUS placed the COMFORTER in my heart to help me through difficult times.

JESUS offered the SPIRIT of counsel, truth and wisdom to help me make decisions.

Accepting JESUS as my Savior enabled GOD to live inside of me through the HOLY SPIRIT. HE dwells in me and I in HIM. But when my heart is small and I think only of myself, the living space is really cramped for the HOLY SPIRIT.

GOD wants to stretch HIS living space by having me think of others. Serving others for the sake of GOD stretches my heart, making it bigger and bigger. Soon, many people can fit inside so I can pray for them, even when they wrong me. I am grateful GOD chose to live in me and hope I can give HIM more living space each day.

Do you think about yourself or your entertainment or your health a lot?

Are you concerned about you and a few other people?

Will you allow GOD to stretch your heart so you will desire more people to have a saving relationship with JESUS?

Dependence

Dependence

Acts 7: ³⁸ “This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, ³⁹ whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, ⁴⁰ saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ ⁴¹ And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. ⁴² Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets:

‘Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness,
O house of Israel?
⁴³ You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch,
And the star of your god Remphan,
Images which you made to worship;
And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’

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Peering into the grass I saw a dollar, so I gleefully picked it up. “This is my lucky day!” I said. The next day nothing, but days later I found five dollars. Weeks later I found a necklace, combs, and a stick pin. “This is a lucky lawn” I said to myself. Though out of the way, I made a point to pass by daily.

• I used to believe in luck.
• I used to believe in coincidences.
• I used to believe in random circumstances supplied by the “universe.”

Stephen continues to explain what happened to Israel. Though protected, when Moses went to speak with GOD, they forced Aaron to make an idol to worship, like the good old slavery days back in Egypt. They were free yet dependent on a powerless hunk of metal. They were punished for doing so.

• GOD wants me to depend on HIS power alone.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS word to guide me.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS love, faithfulness and plan for me.

Dependence on GOD does not mean I hold onto a portion of something while HE holds the rest. It means I cannot do something and HE takes care of one hundred percent. Very similar to being in a car with GOD, HE drives without me holding the steering wheel.

GOD wants credit for everything, especially salvation. HIS love is to be recognized and power awed. It is GOD who is my deliverer. I put my trust in HIM alone.

• What are you depending on?
• Do you think you can extend your life one second without GOD?
• Will you give your trust to GOD little by little so one day you will have full confidence in HIS power to bring you out of any circumstance?

Noisy

Noisy

Acts 7: ³⁷ “This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear.’

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Singing a jingle over and over, I almost persuaded someone to purchase the candy I was speaking about. “Want some?” they said. “No way!” I replied. I just like the song and it was stuck in my head.

• Sometimes marketing can be noisy to me.
• Sometimes marketing can make me hear a message I do not care for.
• Sometimes marketing can get to my ears, but not my heart.

Stephen explains what Moses said to the children of Israel. He spoke about JESUS being the prophet that people would “hear.” But how can I hear?

• GOD says to me “Believe in the LORD JESUS and you will be saved along with everyone in your household.”
• GOD says to me “Hear the word of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go.”

Hearts can be very deceptive when it comes to listening. If I let my heart listen to fear, I will be filled with it. Same goes with hatred, lust, greed, impatience, abuse, disobedience, unfaithfulness, pleasure or lack of discipline.

When I listen to these, I am listening to the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control. GOD wants me to have a generous helping of the fruit of the Spirit so I can hear HIS still, quiet voice. HE breaks through the noise when I bear fruit. I am grateful HE speaks softly to me each day.

• What are you listening to?
• What are you filled with?
• Will you stop listening to the noise that is causing you to act opposite of what GOD wants you to and allow HIM to fill you with HIS fruit today?

Downplayed

Downplayed

Acts 7: ³⁵ “This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush. ³⁶ He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

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“Who made you the boss?” was the thought I had of a peer telling me what to do. Ignoring the request, I continued doing what I was doing. Later I was called into my boss’s office. In a few days it will be announced that you will be reporting to “that” person. I did not realize “that” person was now in charge.

• I have downplayed someone’s directives over me.
• I have downplayed someone’s title over me.
• I have downplayed someone’s authority over me.

Stephen continues explaining how Moses tried to lead the people when he was younger, but the people rejected him as a leader. Later in life, Moses did in fact, lead the people out of Egypt by GOD’s hand. GOD had appointed Moses.

• GOD wants me to know HE has given me purpose.
• GOD wants me to know HE has given me a message.
• GOD wants me to know HE has given me and many other people the message about HIS SON.

Downplaying a person sent by GOD is like ignoring HIM when HE is talking. Unfortunately, there needs to be discernment because there are some who mention GOD but do not believe in HIM.

GOD desires that I believe in HIM with all my heart and carry HIS message of salvation through HIS SON, JESUS who is the CHRIST. I am grateful HE does not brush me off because I am a sinner, rather HE gives me purpose.

• Do you feel people are not listening to the message GOD has given you?
• Do you feel ignored when you speak about JESUS?
• Will you continue to be firm in your faith in GOD and know HIS word does not return void to HIM?

Seen and Heard

Seen and Heard

Acts 7: ³⁰ “And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. ³¹ When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he drew near to observe, the voice of the Lord came to him, ³² saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and dared not look. ³³ ‘Then the Lord said to him, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. ³⁴ I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.” ’

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“Come on!” I shouted in my mind. Another thing was going wrong and it seemed like my newfound prayer life wasn’t working. “What do YOU want from me?” I said out loud to GOD. No answer. I then started questioning HIS validity. “If YOU are GOD, then fix this problem right away” I commanded.

• There have been times when I lost heart.
• There have been times when I wondered if GOD even heard me.
• There have been times when I thought GOD doesn’t see me so I can sin as much as I want because maybe HE doesn’t care.

Stephen continues his discourse about Moses. He explains how GOD spoke to Moses regarding the oppression of HIS people. GOD was ready to reveal HIS plan to Moses.

• GOD says to me “Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “I have come to give you abundant life.”
• GOD says to me “You are not alone, I AM here with you.”

With a flaming bush in the desert, Moses was summoned to GOD’s glorious plan. Moses had not prayed for the salvation of the people. He was quite content to live with his family away from the oppression. BUT GOD chose him to be the leader of HIS people.

GOD’s plan cannot be stopped. HE sees and hears all groanings and the oppression people face. HE already has a plan in motion to deliver HIS people. I am grateful GOD sees and hears me.

• Are you losing faith?
• Do you feel worried?
• Will you place in your heart that GOD sees and hears you and will guide and protect you today?

Unknown Change

Unknown Change

Acts 7: ²³ “Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. ²⁴ And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian. ²⁵ For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand. ²⁶ And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’ ²⁷ But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? ²⁸ Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’ ²⁹ Then, at this saying, Moses fled and became a dweller in the land of Midian, where he had two sons.

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“No thank you” was my reply to the normal question “Do you want to hang out in bars tonight?” I was trying something new and wanted to see what a different life would look like. I interacted with a lot of people and they all seemed to ask me similar questions. People knew me as a bar hopping, flirty, fun guy and I wanted them to know I had changed.

• I stopped doing habits that I learned were not pleasing to GOD.
• I stopped doing some known sins so I could listen to GOD.
• I stopped doing what I used to do as a surrender to GOD.

Moses had changed. While he was considered an Egyptian, he was really an Israelite. Stephen explains how Moses killed the Egyptian, thinking everyone would know his honor for his people. They could not see how he had changed, for only GOD knew his heart.

• GOD wants me to change to serve HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM without worries of what people think about me.
• GOD wants me to sincerely live for HIM in spite of the perception people have of me.

Having a personal relationship with GOD changes people. I mean HE gently guides me away from things I thought were pleasurable, knowing they were harmful. When I explain my change to those who participated in the pleasure with me, they look at me as if I have become some kind of judge, questioning if I have become yet another hypocrite.

BUT GOD sees my heart. HE painfully and gently pries the harmful habit or people from my hands and places HIS love in them. HE shows me grace when no one else will. HE is my forgiver. In HIM I place my trust.

• Are you scared to change because of what other people will think?
• Have you walked away from GOD because of a hypocrite?
• Will you return to GOD so HE can heal your broken heart and give you a loving purpose today?

Delightful Detour

Delightful Detour

Acts 7: ¹⁷ “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt ¹⁸ till another king arose who did not know Joseph. ¹⁹ This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. ²⁰ At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months. ²¹ But when he was set out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. ²² And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.

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Although the road was crowded with stopped cars, I was in the vacation mindset, so it did not matter. I exited to find a place to sleep on the longer route and ran into an oasis of a town with plenty of food I liked and a good place to rest for the night. I never would have picked that town to stay in but it was probably the best rest I had on the trip.

• There have been times when I complained about detours.
• There have been times when I thought alternate routes were a problem.
• There have been times when I was convinced that the faster route was the best route.

Stephen explains that Moses was born during a time of deep paranoia. A decree was sent out to have all Hebrew newborn males killed in an effort to control the size of the population and keep the people slaves. BUT GOD put a detour in Moses life. He was kept alive and learned the Egyptian ways.

• GOD has some delightful detours for me as part of HIS plan.
• GOD prepares me to go out and serve HIM.
• GOD sees the rewards HE has for me because HE was the one who prepared me to serve HIM.

Some detours, even painful ones, turn out to be delightful. When I look back at some of the situations I was furious over, I can see how GOD used a detour to “my” plans so I could be guided in the right direction and learn what HE wanted to teach me.

GOD intervenes. HE does step in and mess things up so I can see what HE truly wants me to do. Even the difficult situations placed in front of me have meaning. I am grateful GOD guides me in places I never would have chosen.

• Are you upset at the current situation?
• Were you moving fast and now GOD has you somewhere else?
• Will you accept GOD’s detour in your life and know HE is preparing you for something bigger than you?

Looks Different

Looks Different

Acts 7: ⁹ “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him ¹⁰ and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. ¹¹ Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. ¹² But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. ¹³ And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. ¹⁴ Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. ¹⁵ So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. ¹⁶ And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.

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Headed to a party, I got excited over the music playing in the car. I sat in the back seat, dancing a little, looking forward to the festivities to come. A friend, who was driving, said “Something looks different.” We drove and drove. Soon my anticipation dance turned into boredom. We were lost, so we headed back.

• There have been times when I did not get a chance to do some things I probably should not have done in the first place.
• There have been times when I tried to go places I should not have been and things looked different.
• There have been times when I got lost because something was different than the path in my head.

Stephen continues with his discourse. He talked about Joseph’s history of being sold into slavery and delivered from many catastrophes by GOD. Stephen used this example for a purpose, to show how greatness looked different.

• GOD has a plan for me that looks different than the one I would choose.
• GOD has a plan for me that sometimes seems difficult but includes HIS great reward.
• GOD has a plan for me that seems like a field of obstacles, but HE is with me.

Greatness looks different to GOD. I mean when the obstacles are too big for me to remove and GOD removes them, I have to rejoice and tell people about HIM. Then, after a while, I realize HE removes the small obstacles I thought I was handling.

GOD’s power looks different than I could ever imaging. Each trouble I get into, I can see HIM there, suffering with me. The ONE who has infinite power, infinite wisdom and is everywhere, stops, sits and cries with me. HE then does something unexpected. HE raises me up at HIS time. I am grateful GOD’s greatness looks different than what I expect.

• Are you desiring something and everything seems to be going wrong?
• Do you think the situation has gotten the best of you and you have nothing left?
• Will you accept the fact that GOD loves you dearly and is with you, even through the difficult times, so HE can make you great in HIS way?

Someone Special

Someone Special

Acts 7: Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?”

² And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, ³ and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ ⁴ Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. ⁵ And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. ⁶ But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. ⁷ ‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ ⁸ Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.

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Finally invited to a party and allowed to go, I went with excitement. I played, ate and really enjoyed myself. But suddenly I felt I had to go to the bathroom. I did not know what to do.

I mean I was at someone else’s house and did not know who to ask. I decided I could make it back to my house a couple of blocks away. I shuffle ran but I did not make it without the dreaded accident. When I got home, I removed the wet pants and hid them at the bottom of the dirty clothes.

• Many times I have felt embarrassed.
• Many times I have felt incompetent.
• Many times I have felt less than everyone.

Stephen was singled out because of his love for the LORD. Instead of addressing the lies told about him, he talked about history. He spoke of ordinary people who seemed to do extraordinary things. But they did daily things and GOD was the one who made the daily special.

• GOD wants me to have simple faith.
• GOD wants me to just be who I am, knowing HE made me.
• GOD wants me to simply speak about HIM and HE will make the words special.

Being special is easy because GOD sees everyone HE created as special. HE cares on an individual level that no one else can do. HE knows my downfalls and the things that makes HIM swell up with joy. I am grateful JESUS died specifically for me and is alive saving all who believe in HIS power.

• Do you think you are not special?
• Are you trying to be special on social media or in crowds because you are, in reality, insecure?
• Will you accept GOD’s love by believing in JESUS who cares deeply specifically for you?
• Will you also know you are special and only you can reach “that” person for JESUS?