Love not Hate

Please join me in prayer for those deeply hurt by the actions of hatred. Ask GOD to help us keep HIS great command... "Love one another."

JESUS gave HIS life for all humanity. Let us show HIS love in these days of hatred.

Divine Appointment

Divine Appointment

Acts 10: ²¹ Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”

²² And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” ²³ Then he invited them in and lodged them.

On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

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Sitting on an airplane for the second time in my life, I looked out the window with amazement. “Do you know about JESUS?” was the strange question from the woman next to me. I was a kid traveling alone so I kept my conversation to a minimum. I don’t even know how I replied.

• There have been many times when I have met people who spoke to me about GOD.
• There have been many times when I needed to hear about GOD and someone was there at the right time and place.
• There have been many times when I was simply marveling at the beauty of creation and GOD sent someone to talk to me about HIM.

After Peter tried to understand the divine vision, some men approached him and asked that he come with them. These armed guards could normally cause alarm, BUT GOD told Peter to go without hesitance. He obeyed. Cornelius, who summoned Peter, also had a divine vision.

• GOD enjoys sending me to give HIS message.
• GOD enjoys sending me to encourage someone.
• GOD enjoys sending me to serve someone so they will believe in the ONE who sent me, namely JESUS.

“Be ready to speak about ME” is something GOD wants me to be prepared with. I mean HE wants me to see more opportunities to speak about HIM than the “right” ones. Waiting on the “right” opportunity seems to come less and less frequently. Soon I will find myself never mentioning JESUS name at all.

GOD wants me to have more divine appointments where the right person hears about JESUS at the right time in the right way. This means I need to be ready to speak about HIM at a moment’s notice. I accept GOD’s appointments top speak on HIS behalf.

• Are you hesitant about speaking about JESUS?
• When is the last time you have said “JESUS can save you” to someone versus implied words like prayer, faith and even the generic use of GOD?
• Will you get confident and speak the name of JESUS so GOD will send you to more and more people today?

Pondered Answers

Pondered Answers

Acts 10: ¹⁷ Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. ¹⁸ And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

¹⁹ While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. ²⁰ Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”

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“LORD, am I serving YOU well?” were words I asked after a sermon. Months prior, a preacher had preached on serving GOD so HE can say “Well done MY good and faithful servant.” Not too long after my pondering, a preacher asked another question. “Will you come with me on a trip to a country in Africa to tell people about CHRIST?” “Hold on now, that answer came too quickly.”

• There have been times when I pondered what GOD wants from me and HE gave me an answer I was not ready for.
• There have been times when I asked GOD “What is the purpose?” but when HE shows me the purpose, I question if I am really hearing from HIM.
• There have been times when I wondered if GOD hears me but when HE asks me to do something out of the ordinary, I make excuses or doubt what HE said.

Peter pondered the vision GOD gave him. He could not grasp its meaning. Why would GOD make Peter go against the rules by making him eat unclean, common animals and bugs?

GOD answered Peter, “I made them clean and what I make clean, do not call common.” As Peter thought about the vision, people who he considered “unclean” asked for him. GOD said “Go with them and do not doubt.”

• GOD speaks to me daily.
• GOD wants me to speak about JESUS daily.
• GOD wants me to act on what HE tells me without doubting.

Getting back to the question posed to me about serving in a country in Africa. I nervously said “Okay, I’ll go.” I did not know what to expect. GOD blessed me with the opportunity to speak to many people about JESUS and they believed, even though I was not a preacher.

I simply told the people JESUS saved me. I no longer had to drink and chase sex and parties, leaving my life empty. They believed. This opened my eyes to GOD’s purpose. I am grateful GOD wants to use a sinner like me.

• Is GOD calling you to do something?
• Are you making excuses for what GOD is calling you to do, yet asking “What is GOD’s purpose for you?
• Will you accept GOD’s purpose and seek the lost HE sends you to today?

Looking Across

Looking Across

Acts 10 ⁹ The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. ¹⁰ Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance ¹¹ and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. ¹³ And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

¹⁴ But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”

¹⁵ And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” ¹⁶ This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

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When certain people walked in the room, I got nervous. I mean, what was I supposed to say? I shook the CEO’s hand and said “I won the President’s Award recently.” He replied “Good for you” in a missed opportunity way. I did not know how to speak to the upper echelon.

Sometime later I walked around downtown. “Do you have any spare change?” asked a homeless person. He wreaked of all kinds of smells. With money in pocket I replied “Not this time.”

• Many times I treated some people as if they were higher than others.
• Many times I treated some people as if they were lower than others.
• Many times I treated some people as if “they” were unclean because “they” were sinners.

Peter was given a vision from GOD that was kind of extreme. He was told to eat animals and bugs that were not ceremonially clean for a Jew. Peter, trying to be righteous, replied “I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” He looked down on certain foods and up at others.

• GOD wants me to see people as “us” not “them.”
• GOD wants me to sympathize and empathize with people.
• GOD wants me to treat everyone the same and share GOD’s love, even to those I feel do not “deserve” it.

Looking up or down at people causes problems. I mean when I think I am lower than other people, I may not speak about GOD to them even if HE tells me to. On the other hand, when I look down at people I may not think they “deserve” a message from GOD.

Looking across at people enables me to see that “we” are all fallen people . I have sinned and so have they. As I have said before “We are in the mud, throwing mud at each other, saying ‘you have mud on you’.” GOD wants me to have an attitude of grace, not mud flinging. I am grateful HE sees me as clean, I should see others HE sends me to, the same way.

• Do you look down on people around you or on the news?
• Do you think you are better than “that” person?
• Will you widen your heart to include people who do not look or act like you so you and them will receive GOD’s grace today?

Reputation

Reputation

Acts 9: ³⁶ At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. ³⁷ But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. ³⁸ And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. ³⁹ Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. ⁴⁰ But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. ⁴¹ Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. ⁴² And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. ⁴³ So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner

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As I looked at my worn heels, I finally gave into the thought of getting them repaired. I voiced my decision to someone who replied “I got a shoe repair guy who is fantastic.” I took the worn shoes to him and when I got them back, they were polished with new laces and soles. I had a newish pair of shoes!

• There have been people I sought after because of their reputation.
• There have been people I wanted to work with because of their reputation.
• There have been people I paid attention to because of their reputation.

Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, had a wonderful reputation of serving people. She was a seamstress and a tailor who did far more than her craft. She touched lives in a positive, godly way. Peter was summoned because of his reputation of JESUS working through him in amazing ways. Both reputations were for GOD.

• JESUS wants me to follow HIM so I can become more like HIM.
• JESUS wants me to learn of HIM and from HIM so I can be like HIM.
• JESUS wants me to see HIS reputation as something to strive for so I can be like HIM.

People say “At my funeral I want to be known for…” in a way that says they want to be remembered by their actions. GOD wants me to fill in the dots with HIS service. HE wants me to have HIS reputation so people can know they can come to me to discuss HIM.

GOD’s reputation is one of love, life and obedience to HIM. HE loves when I serve others just because it is the right thing to do. I value what GOD thinks of me.

• Are you trying to build a reputation without bringing GOD into your life?
• Do you care more about what humans think of you than of what GOD thinks of you?
• Will you seek a reputation with GOD, so HE can use the gifts and talents HE gave you for HIS purpose today?

Practice Makes Purpose

Practice Makes Purpose

Acts 9 ³² Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. ³³ There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. ³⁴ And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. ³⁵ So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

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“Maybe I’ll hit a homerun” I said to myself at tryouts. This was probably my second or third time holding a bat in my life and I was only at little league tryouts because I went with a friend who’s life was baseball. I swung as hard as I could and missed hitting the ball every time. Laughter ensued. “Maybe next year” the coach said. This league was not an all participant league.

• There were times when I wanted to be the best without practicing.
• There were times when I wanted a miracle to happen without taking baby steps to getting better.
• There were times when I had a false expectation that I could do something at an expert level without putting in any practice time.

Peter failed miserably with JESUS. He said he would not deny HIM, yet he did three times. BUT JESUS restored him. Peter went through all parts of the country teaching people about JESUS. As he went, his belief got stronger and stronger. He was filled with faith enough to speak the name of JESUS and heal people.

• GOD wants me to speak about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS.
• GOD wants me to have a simple message about JESUS.

I may not be at the expert level when it comes to healing people or driving out demons. BUT GOD still gives me purpose. HE wants me to practice my faith with the only goal being to point my life to HIM. If my goal is to become a mystical, powerful, supernatural being, I will fail.

GOD wants the spotlight and the simple message about HIM is sufficient. HE enjoys when I believe and encourage others to do the same. HE knows what miracle HE will produce by the simple message HE gives me. I believe in the power of the name of JESUS.

• Are you trying to get GOD to do something for you but have not surrendered your life to HIM?
• Do you think you can do anything under your own power?
• Will you stop trying to be the center of attention and allow GOD to use you in small ways so one day HE may use you in large ways for HIS purpose?

Peace, Good Fear and Comfort

Peace, Good Fear and Comfort

Acts 9 ³¹ Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

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Stressed out, I worked all night. Not once did I have time for prayer because the project was due the next day. I feared losing the account even though I was not the account manager. I worked in yesterday’s clothes and ate candy bars from the vending machine top get the work done.

• There were times when I was thoroughly stressed out.
• There were times when I was filled with unhealthy fear.
• There were times when I had no comfort because I was stressed and fearful.

When Saul stopped complaining about the true church people and turned away from his persecution, the people of the LORD had peace. They were probably amazed at the transformation of this huge opposition and feared GOD.

• GOD wants to give me peace but on HIS terms.
• GOD wants me to fear not doing what HE says more than fearing what humans think of me.
• GOD wants to give me comfort but only through belief in JESUS, who sends me the COMFORTER, namely the HOLY SPIRIT.

Peace and comfort cannot be obtained for long without fear of the LORD. I mean I may try to have a moment of peace through some addiction which only brings temporary pleasure. BUT GOD fortifies my heart, removing the sludge and filling it with HIS SPIRIT.

GOD loves. GOD cares. GOD knows. HE sees everything I get myself into and wants me to surrender my life to HIM rather than keep trying to fix it using human methods that bring only marginal to zero results. I am thankful for GOD’s peace, love and comfort. In HIM I fear.

• Do you want peace but are not finding it in the addictions you are pursuing?
• Are you ignoring GOD in fear of yourself?
• Will you surrender your life to GOD so HE can give you peace that withstands life’s pressures and comforts you in the middle of storms?

Accepted

Accepted

Acts 9: ²⁶ And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. ²⁹ And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. ³⁰ When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

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When the reorganization was announced, I was shattered. I mean I spoke negatively about the department I left and was now told I had to go back, otherwise lose the job. I tried showing people how hard I worked, but was met with disbelief that I could ever be sincere. I needed an advocate.

• There were times when I could not push my way into a group.
• There were times when my past caused problems for the present.
• There were times when I was not accepted because of the things I said and did.

Saul persecuted anyone who spoke in the name of JESUS, or at least he was in charge of those who did the killing. When he was confronted by JESUS HIMSELF, he changed wholeheartedly and became a strong force for GOD. But the persecuted did not believe in Saul.

GOD did not zap their minds so they could see the sincerity in Saul. He needed an advocate to speak on his behalf. Fortunately Barnabas must have gotten word from Ananias, the one sent by the LORD. Barnabas became an advocate for Saul and the disciples believed.

• JESUS is my advocate and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT speaks on my behalf, begging for my forgiveness to the FATHER.
• The FATHER is my forgiver and pours out HIS grace because I believe JESUS is my advocate.

Being accepted into GOD’s family felt great. I mean even though I messed up time after time, GOD saw me and said “Come to ME and I will give you rest.” I could finally rest from what I was searching for. I may not be accepted by humans, BUT GOD always accepts me. I believe in the love of JESUS.

• Are you searching for a group to accept you?
• Do you seek love and are willing to accept something that may be a lie or even harmful to you?
• Will you turn your life to true love, which is JESUS, who is your advocate?

Protected

Protected

Acts 9: ²³ Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. ²⁴ But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. ²⁵ Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

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After the thief snatched my bank book, somehow I snatched it back and ran. “He’s running into a door” one of them shouted. When I got inside of the train-line office, I did not summon for help, I stayed by the door for a long while, until an adult walked though. “Is anyone out there?” I asked. “No” replied the adult. I felt safe to continue my route home.

• Many times I have been in danger.
• Many times I have been scared for my life.
• Many times I have been in situations where I needed help.

Saul was now labeled as a troublemaker because he preached about JESUS. The church leaders and some of their misguided followers were not going to lose their power to someone preaching about JESUS. They plotted against Saul. BUT GOD protected him.

• GOD wants me to know HE will protect me.
• GOD wants me to be prepared to look out for those who try to harm me.
• GOD wants me to understand that there are people who do not love HIM who may try to persecute me.

The world is cursed by GOD. HE threw the first humans out of the garden and placed an irrevocable curse on the world that enabled Satan to run loose, trying to harm those who believe in JESUS. BUT GOD did something amazing.

HE put my name and those who believe in HIM, in HIS hand before the world was ever made. HE sealed my eternal life with HIS death and rose from the grave to ensure I will be with HIM always. GOD protects me and I trust HIM even when harm falls on me.

• Is someone harming you?
• Do you need protection?
• Will you allow GOD to protect you through the situation and trust HE has a plan, even for the difficulty you are facing?

New Life Start

New Life Start

Acts 9: ²⁰ Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

²¹ Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

²² But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

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Wanting to start over, I stopped doing the things that made me popular. I gave up a bunch of sins and started learning about GOD. With this being fresh and new, some friends invited me to participate in the old habits. “Should I try to convert them?”  I thought. I didn’t know what to say. I was scared.

• When I started over I was not bold with the words of CHRIST.
• When I started over I wanted to learn first before I spoke to anyone about JESUS.
• When I started over I felt compelled to tell others but felt too embarrassed at my old actions.

Saul was healed of blindness and filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. He was so excited about what happened, that everything he learned about the prophecies made sense. He replaced the word GOD with JESUS and could speak with fervor. But there were many who were confused by the sudden change.

• GOD understands when I immediately follow HIM.
• GOD loves when I obey HIM immediately.
• GOD enjoys my immediate belief, trust and faith in HIM.

Starting a new life in GOD can be difficult. I mean, the old friends and colleagues remember what was done last week, or maybe even last night. Family members may question “Why the sudden change?”

BUT GOD loves it. HE gives strength to those who put their hope in HIM. No shame or embarrassment comes from GOD. HE delights when I say “L love YOU LORD.” I am grateful for HIS acceptance.

• Are you new to believing in GOD?
• Are your old friends trying to keep you doing things that you know is wrong and harmful?
• Will you let go of the old ways and allow GOD to direct you to where HE wants you to go, giving your life an everlasting purpose?

Purpose Filled

Purpose Filled

Acts 9 ¹⁷ And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

¹⁹ So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

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“Why do you want me to take notes in the meetings?” I inquired. “So people can get to know you” was the honest reply. I was being groomed to take on more responsibilities. I understood the purpose of the menial task.

• There have been many times when I questioned the purpose of what I was doing.
• There have been many times when I did not embrace the purpose of something until I understood it.
• There have been many times when I made decisions with the wrong purpose and wound up with a mess.

JESUS sent Ananias to Saul. Ananias obeyed and fulfilled his purpose by laying hands on Saul. GOD used this action to heal Saul, showing him that HIS followers were meant to serve other  humans, not harm them.

• GOD wants my life to be filled with HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to go out and reach many people with HIS great news about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to make spreading HIS gospel my purpose and let HIM do amazing things.

Power only comes from GOD. HE is the one who heals people, though it may look like a human did it. GOD gives, each person who follows HIM, purpose. HE fills me with HIS HOLY SPIRIT and I become purpose filled. I am grateful GOD cares enough about me and others to include me in HIS plans.

• Are you seeking purpose in your life?
• Are you susceptible to the lies humans tell that draw you away from the saving power of JESUS?
• Will you surrender your life to JESUS so you can be given purpose that is filled with love and is everlasting?

Hesitance

Hesitance

Acts 9: ¹³ Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children^[c] of Israel. ¹⁶ For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

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“Come serve with me in a country in Africa” was the challenge posed to me. The image that popped in my mind was a starving baby with flies circling, for that was the primary image chosen from the country I lived in.

I hesitated in my response. “Get up and go” was the overwhelming feeling inside me. Family added to the fear with questions about the unknown. When I arrived in the country for the missions trip, it was a booming metropolis with skyscrapers and fast food joints. What was I worried about?

• There were times when the situation made me hesitate on my decision.
• There were times when the unknown made me think twice about doing what I was called to do.
• There were times when the circumstance seemed dismal and made me stop and think “should I do this?”

Ananias seemed hesitant in going to Saul. Whether it was his own safety or the fact that he was serving a known killer, he questioned the calling. BUT GOD confirmed the mission.

• GOD wants me to trust in HIS plan regardless of the circumstance.
• GOD wants me to believe HE has a larger picture than the one I can see.
• GOD wants me to obey HIS calling even though I may have questions.

“Are YOU sure?” is a question that pops in my head sometimes when I hear from GOD. I mean, usually the question comes because I am asked to do something beyond what I thought I should be doing.

GOD’s power is endless and mine is nothing. GOD wants me to believe in HIS power, protection and provision whenever HE calls me to serve HIM. I am grateful HE calls me.

• Are you being called and are hesitant?
• Does the circumstance seem dismal, yet GOD wants you to serve HIM anyway?
• Will you accept HIS calling and obey the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Plan for Blessing

Plan for Blessing

Acts 9: ¹⁰ Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

¹¹ So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. ¹² And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

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“Oh no!” I said out loud as I looked at the clock. I had overslept and missed the interview. I checked the clock and the alarm was set, but every once in a while it would malfunction if I did not use care with the switch. “My life is ruined” I thought immaturely. Days later I got a call for an interview with another company. I graduated with a job.

• There have been many times when I thought the worst.
• There have been many times when I wondered if GOD is even listening.
• There have been many times when I was going through something and just wanted the pain to be over.

Ananias was summoned by the LORD to go meet Saul. The LORD explained that Saul is praying and has seen a vision of Ananias laying hands on him to receive his sight. Saul had no idea this conversation was going on, but the plan for the blessing was getting set up.

• GOD has a plan to bless me.
• GOD is working when I do not hear the conversations HE has about me.
• GOD gets excited to reveal HIS plan about me to others.

Waiting on a blessing can sometimes feel difficult. I mean especially when the wait has been for years, or even decades. BUT GOD has a blessing planned for those who keep their trust in HIM.

Saul, while misguided, believed he was doing things for GOD. His fire for hatred would some day be used for love. GOD saw this and developed a plan. HE did the same for me. HE saw the places HE had for me from far off. I only had one interview offered to me and I got the job. This sent me on a road to hear GOD. I am grateful HIS plan is unbreakable.

• Are you worried that you have not heard from GOD yet?
• Do you think HE has forgotten you?
• Can you see that you do not have to trust harder or live better to please GOD?
• Will you keep praying, knowing HIS plan for you is greater than you could ever imagine?

Painful Reinstatement

Painful Reinstatement

Acts 9: ⁶ So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

⁷ And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. ⁸ Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. ⁹ And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

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“That department is terrible” I said to others. I talked poorly about the leadership and lack of direction. I felt great because I had escaped the department and was on to greener pastures. But the reorganization happened and I was told I was being reinstated back into the department. “You represent this department. Do it well or leave.” I was told.

• There were times when I fought something bigger than me.
• There were times when I talked bad about something bigger than me.
• There were times when I had to come back to the thing that cared and fed me, but I needed a different attitude.

Saul met JESUS on the way to killing those who followed HIM. With a flash of light JESUS spoke to Saul but those around him could not see who he was speaking to. Saul asked the right question. “LORD, what do YOU want me to do?” He was reinstated at a price. He was blind.

• GOD wants me humble when I serve HIM.
• GOD wants me gentle when I serve others HE sends me to.
• GOD wants me gracious when I claim to be one of HIS followers.

Swallowing pride, ejecting arrogance and surrendering control are difficult things to do when “I” place myself higher than I should be. But when GOD wants me to serve HIM, I have to get rid of pride, arrogance and control. The more I hold onto these things, the more painful the reinstatement.

GOD wants to bless me through HIS methods. HE wants total control. The more I think “I” am in control the harder it will be for GOD to reinstate me to a place that HE has for me. GOD sometimes rips things out of my hands and it is painful. When I see the results, I am grateful.

• Is GOD calling you and you are ignoring HIM?
• Are you holding onto “your” way and not asking GOD “What do YOU want me to do?”
• Will you allow GOD to take over your plan gently so it doesn’t have to be torn out of your hands?

Something Special About You

Something Special About You

Acts 9: Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ² and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

³ As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. ⁴ Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

⁵ And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

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When the teacher returned to the classroom, I was engaged in the disruption along with a few others. It seemed like fun to be involved, but I got caught. The teacher pulled me into the hallway and said “Them I expect this from, but you… I expected more out of you.”

• There have been times when people have recognized potential in me that I did not see.
• There have been times when my actions were not aligned with the potential I could reach.
• There have been times when my passion for fitting in exceeded my passion for having self-control.

Saul was passionate about what he was taught about GOD. The church leaders put him in charge of persecuting anyone who would go against their preaching. BUT JESUS intervened. HE came after Saul asking “Why are you persecuting ME?” in reference to Saul trying to kill HIS followers.

• JESUS wants me to know that if anyone tries to harm me, they are trying to harm HIM.
• JESUS wants me to know that HIS church is comprised of those who believe in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to know that HE sees my heart so it’s best that I point it to HIM.

Unlike the high priest, JESUS went after Saul, knowing his potential. GOD did the same for me. HE came after me when I tried to leave HIM. GOD passionately pursues HIS flock. When HE speaks, HIS followers hear HIS voice. HE blesses those who serve HIM. I am grateful HE saw something in me and saved me from myself.

• Are you running away from GOD?
• Do you think your fate is in your hands?
• Do you believe you can extend one day of your life without GOD’s permission?
• Will you surrender your life to JESUS today so HE can use the gifts and talents HE created you with?

Mission Accomplished

Mission Accomplished

Acts 8: ³⁸ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. ³⁹ Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

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Sitting on the trunk of my broken down car, a couple stopped and asked if I needed a ride. Cautiously I said “yes” to the elderly couple. They convinced me that a rest stop was not too far away and they could drop me there.

“Do you believe in GOD and JESUS, the SON of GOD?” they asked me. I answered “Yes” without too much explanation as I had not been worshiping or even acting like I knew GOD.

• There have been many people sent to me to rescue me.
• There have been many people sent to me to bring me back to GOD.
• There have been many people sent to me to tell me about the great news of JESUS.

Philip was sent to the desert and he went without question. When he arrived he met a eunuch who was studying the prophet Isaiah, reading specifically about JESUS. When the eunuch heard Philip explain who JESUS was and is, he wanted to be baptized. Philip’s mission had been fulfilled.

• GOD wants me to be open to be sent where HE wants me to go.
• GOD wants me to be open to speak about HIS SON wherever HE sends me.
• GOD wants me to be ready to be sent to the next place so HE can speak through me again and again.

“Do not grow weary” is the request of JESUS because the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. GOD wants me to continue to speak to many people about JESUS so they will believe in HIM and do the same. When HE sends me and I speak, the mission is accomplished.

• Are you being used by GOD?
• Is GOD guiding you wo speak about HIS grace?
• Will you accept HIS mission for you and speak about JESUS today?

What to Say

What to Say

Acts 8: ³² The place in the Scripture which he read was this:

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
³³ In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth.”

³⁴ So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” ³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. ³⁶ Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

³⁷ Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

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Sitting in the lunchroom a friend brought strangers to our table. Our usual game time was interrupted by a question. “Does JESUS exist?” I had not encountered that question before. I could not quote any scripture because I had not read the Bible yet. I stammered over the first words but came up with my answer. “Yes! And I believe HE died for my sins and is alive?”

• There were times when I did not know much about GOD, but I knew JESUS.
• There were times when I did not read about GOD, but I knew JESUS.
• There were times when I did not have an eloquent, elaborate answer, but I knew JESUS.

The Ethiopian eunuch read from the words of the prophet Isaiah that spoke about JESUS. Philip explained who JESUS was and is. The eunuch got so excited that he requested to be baptized. Philip explained the criteria. “Believe with all your heart.” The eunuch believe in JESUS.

• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS, the SON of GOD.
• GOD wants me to be ready to share my belief in JESUS who died for me and is no alive.
• GOD wants me to help others understand that JESUS became a human, was murdered by HIS creation and was raised from the dead.

Speaking the words of life means talking about JESUS. Philip did not give the eunuch money or rake his lawn or fix his chariot. He shared JESUS with him. GOD wants a simple message to come from me.

Believe in the LORD JESUS, who is GOD, who became a human to die for our sins, and was raised from the dead. By believing in JESUS and what HE did, you will have everlasting life. I believe in JESUS.

• What is stopping you from believing in JESUS?
• Are you more concerned with current situations than what will happen to you after you die?
• Will you believe in JESUS today?