God’s Word Says….

Acts 15:7-11 (GNT)
7 After a long debate Peter stood up and said, “My friends, you know that a long time ago God chose me from among you to preach the Good News to the Gentiles, so that they could hear and believe. 8 And God, who knows the thoughts of everyone, showed his approval of the Gentiles by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he had to us. 9 He made no difference between us and them; he forgave their sins because they believed. 10 So then, why do you now want to put God to the test by laying a load on the backs of the believers which neither our ancestors nor we ourselves were able to carry? 11 No! We believe and are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are.”

My Thoughts…..

If we ever expect to see the world, and in particular our world of influence, saved from their sin and to the lordship of Jesus Christ, then Christians MUST know the answer to this question! It’s not the preacher, or pastor or other spiritual leader that will save them, it’s their close, intimate friends that they trust, who will plant the seed of faith in them and cause them to turn their eyes and inquiring minds towards Jesus. It is God’s Holy Spirit working through each of us that will impact our unsaved loved ones! However, I believe that this passage comes as a warning to each of us today, for we must be extremely careful not to try and impose upon these ones we are witnessing to, any non-biblical values that we may hold as ‘good moral practices’, and then present that as a requirement for salvation. Paul, Barnabas and Peter ran into this, as described in these highlighted verses. They had been out in the field teaching, preaching and witnessing based on the biblical facts taught to them at the time of their decision to accept Jesus as Lord. Back at ‘head office’ where the patriarchs were located, they were carefully screening all that these disciples were teaching and subsequently correcting them, as necessary. One of the corrections concerned circumcision, a practice that began way back with their forefathers. Now under discussion between the group and the disciples/missionaries, Peter clarifies in verse 9 that the Gentiles were taught the Word of God, then, in turn they believed, were saved and ultimately filled with the Holy Spirit as evidence of their new birth. No other conditions were necessary.

Challenge……

In the case of the Jews questioning the disciples, they had an add-on of circumcision as a requirement for salvation. What are our add-ons today friend? Is it the type clothes the convert must wear, is it the church they must attend or the number of church services, or is it the new ‘godly’ language they must learn to speak? Let’s not forget friends, while many of these things are attributes of a Christian that we may know, these are added blessings that God will shower on us and that we may gain from being around God’s people, in His Word and just learning about His character. Let’s take heed to what Peter said in vs 10, and not place any conditions on a person we are witnessing to. Let’s teach the unadulterated Word of God, and watch these new converts change from the inside out. The important thing is that they place their faith and total surrender to the One that can change them – deep inside.

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, I can only imagine that You must shake Your head at times when You see what mockery we have made of religion, and especially of the simplicity of the gospel. You willingly gave Your life so that ALL may accept You and one day spend eternity in heaven. I believe that You did this without condition so that ALL may qualify for this free gift. Please speak wisdom into our hearts and allow us to simply share this truth without placing our ‘unapproved conditions’ on folk that want to know You. We live in a world that is dying and going to Hell, and although I believe that You never thought that everyone will accept this gift, I do believe that You expect each of Your children to be busy about Your Father’s work in sharing the Good News with all that we come into contact with. Please tender the hearts of Your children today, so that we may learn to ‘share’, and not to be like spoiled children of the world who are generally selfish with the gifts the world may have showered them with. Thank You for hearing my prayer. I am anticipating a great move of Your Spirit today, beginning with me! For it is in Your most holy and precious name that I pray, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.

God’s Word Says….

Acts 14:19-20 (GNT)
19 Some Jews came from Antioch in Pisidia and from Iconium; they won the crowd over to their side, stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town, thinking that he was dead. 20But when the believers gathered round him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he and Barnabas went to Derbe.

My Thoughts…..

Because of Paul’s ministry, and the miracles that ensued, the Jews stoned him and took him outside the city gates. However the disciples (the fellow believers in Christ) circled about him and he got up and went back into the city. I am envisioning that the disciples got around this man, prayed for him and showed concern and love for him. Further, I believe that they circled around him as he returned to the city, indicating that they were his protector. I also believe that it was, to a great extent, the prayers and their love that helped Paul get to his feet and continue the ministry to that city.

Challenge……

Friends, I believe that God places people like Paul in our path every day. There are folk that are hurt, discouraged, and looking for a disciple to circle around them, pray for them, encourage them and love on them. I believe there are folk that feel like giving up because they feel like their ministry is falling on deaf ears and having no impact for the Lord. There are friends within our realm of influence that are hurting – either financially, or in their health, or in the bad health of their loved one, or even because of death, perhaps. It is not our job to refer them to the pastor, or send them to the church office, or ask someone else to go and pray for them. We are often placed in such scenarios so that God might minister through us. Sounds impossible? Remember, with God all things are possible. God is looking for our availability and willingness to serve Him, not our abilities. Sure in the eyes of the world there may be others more qualified to help, but I can guarantee you today that there is none like our God, and with Him ministering through us, we can do all things! So be on the lookout for who might need you today, and seek God’s wisdom and power to help them. He is more than willing to encircle us and help us to do the right thing. Just let Him do it friend!

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, I believe that there are many that are hurting in our world. Literally in OUR world of influence. Please open my eyes that I might see the needs of people that I come into contact with. Please give me wisdom and humbleness to stop the busy-ness around me so that I might not only see the needs, but that I might encircle the person, encourage them, pray for them and show love to them, like You would have me do. Father, You have a large army of folk that claim You as Lord on Sunday. Please help us to be Your disciple every day of the week and truly show that we are Yours. For it is in Your precious and wonderful name that I pray. AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.

God’s Word Says….

Nehemiah 9:16-19 (The Message)

They turned a deaf ear, they refused to remember the miracles you had done for them;
They turned stubborn, got it into their heads to return to their Egyptian slavery.
And you, a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, incredibly patient, with tons of love – you didn’t dump them. Yes, even when they cast a sculpted calf and said, “This is your god who brought you out of Egypt,” and continued from bad to worse, You in your amazing compassion didn’t walk off and leave them in the desert.

My Thoughts…..

I thought that this sounded much like the condition of our great country today. In all good consciousness, we can honestly say that God has been gracious to us. Blessed us beyond measure, been very patient with, and loving to us. Yet every time we turn on the evening news we hear about all the evil that occurred that day in all parts of our country. It you will take time to read the whole chapter you will see that Ezra listed a whole lot of sin that went on among his people, yet God was merciful and forgave them when they cried out to Him. Christian friends, I believe God can touch the wicked hearts of our people today also, but I believe that, like Ezra, we must humble ourselves, and cry out to Him.

Challenge……

In 2 Chronicles 14, we are taught that, as God’s people, we must humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways (yes friends, even us – we have wicked ways that are not pleasing to God, and He will not hear us when also poisoned by sin) and pray, then we will hear from heaven. In other words, then He will melt the hearts of our wicked neighbors, friends, city, state and country. Yes, our God is not dead, He’s still in control of this world, but He allows us the opportunity to make our own choices. What’s your choice today? Are you prepared to do as the scripture says: turn, pray and receive God’s forgiveness? Today you have that choice, who knows if you will be alive or capable of making that choice tomorrow? So don’t delay, please?

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that we are a wicked nation, with atrocious sin revealed every day. Please allow me to begin with self – please strengthen me so that I may turn away from things that displease You. Sinful things that are opposite to what You teach in Your Word. I am sorry Lord, that I have become a weakened vessel for You, as a result of sin that always interferes and weakens my relationship with You. Then Lord, I plead with You to forgive me of my sin and strengthen me with Your awesome power, so that I may truly be a usable instrument by You. I also ask that You please touch the hearts of those that may meditate on this devotional today. Please influence them to do the same as I just did, so that we may be a stronger witness for You in all areas of our lives. No matter where we are in the world, I believe that You need warriors who are truly committed to serving You without the hindrance of sin. Dear God, I ask all this in the precious and awesome name of Your Son, Jesus, my Lord. AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.

God’s Word Says….

Nehemiah 8:1-3 (AMP)
1 THEN ALL the people gathered together as one man in the broad place before the Water Gate; and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel.
2 And Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of both men and women and all who could hear with understanding, on the first of the seventh month.
3 He read from it, facing the broad place before the Water Gate, from early morning until noon, in the presence of the men and women and those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.

My Thoughts…..

I have really been touched by the life and work of Ezra. Very heartwarming and encouraging. A role model that I can follow and recommend. I was really touched by this whole chapter, but want to draw attention to just a few things: a). The people gathered as one (vs 1). I know that most of us meditating on this devotional may gather voluntarily to worship at least once each week, but friends I also believe that a major flaw that keeps many of our family and friends out of church, is the backbiting, gossip and disharmony they feel when they attend church. These folk gathered in complete harmony – as one – no personal agendas that would cause separation or disharmony! b). The people asked Ezra to read the Word of God. Thank God I worship with believers who are hungry after the Word of God, and I also thank God for the number of excellent teachers and preachers that expound on the Word – explains it in a way that we can understand. I feel like too often in our churches we find too much of ‘self-ology’ to truly allow the people to see Jesus and understand His teaching; and c). The Word was read for at least four hours – from morning to noon. I feel like way too often we have placed God in a box, and we are willing to give Him just so much of our time. We plan what time we want our crock pots to finish our lunch, or we plan with friends to meet us at a restaurant at a given time.

Challenge……

What if God was allowed to have His way with us in our church service, and our pastor was led to read the Word for an hour or more? What if we were led to go over and pray for that friend that we know might be facing many life challenges? What if we paid no attention to the clock and God moved so mightily that we wound up leaving about three hours later? Would you be left in the number remaining, or would you be one of the first to leave at the one-hour mark? Down in vs 14, we see where the people were reminded of some Godly practices they had forgotten. Wouldn’t it be rewarding to leave our church service with a few items on our personal to-do list, because we had either forgotten that teaching or at some point in our past had chosen to disregard it? Friends, when stuff like this start to happen, we will need to build larger churches, because the lost will want to see what is going on in our churches that is impacting our lives! Oh that God would work on the hearts of His people …. like you and me. Begin with church members/attendees, then through us, the lost will desire a change in their lives!

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, You know that we, Your people have generally become a poor excuse as representatives of Yours. I believe that You are saddened by the number of unsaved loved ones and friends who are totally turned off from the gospel, because of the hypocritical lives that we live. Please forgive me for my inconsistency and lack of Godly example that I may portray to my lost friends and family. These are the folk that know me best dear God, so please help me to be bold and consistent in my daily walk and talk. Please allow me to reflect Your teachings and Your ways in all aspects of my life. Please tender the hearts of readers so that they too might examine their hearts and seek Your help, as necessary.

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.

God’s Word Says….
Acts 14:1-3 (AMP)

1 NOW AT Iconium [also Paul and Barnabas] went into the Jewish synagogue together and spoke with such power that a great number both of Jews and of Greeks believed (became Christians);
2 But the unbelieving Jews [who rejected their message] aroused the Gentiles and embittered their minds against the brethren.
3 So [Paul and Barnabas] stayed on there for a long time, speaking freely and fearlessly and boldly in the Lord, Who continued to bear testimony to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be performed by their hands.

My Thoughts…..

Throughout so much of the New Testament we find evidence that when one is ‘filled with the Spirit of God’ miracles and wondrous works for God occur. In this passage today, we know that Paul and Barnabas were ‘filled with the Spirit’ because they spoke with such boldness that both Jews and Gentiles were saved. We must know that only God can save someone. God, through His Holy Spirit, spoke so boldly through these men that souls were saved. Also, what followed is always evident when the Holy Spirit is actively at work – old Satan does his very best to rise up through his little army and provide enough opposition, that God’s workers will flee the scene. Just look at our churches today, many are divided because Satan was allowed onto the scene through weak ‘Christians’ who started arguments over very silly stuff (the color of the church walls or carpet; or the pastor didn’t speak to me today so ….). These disgruntled (Satan led) believers then act just like the Jews in verse 2, they embitter the minds of the brethren, until a faction arises, and before you know it, the church is just like the world with its fights and separation. Praise God for His pastors and workers who follow the example of Paul and Barnabas in verse 3, for they knew that God had a work to accomplish through them, so they continued on in their efforts with God’s help. I heard a preacher say that he was staying put until God redirects him to go elsewhere. Basically, when we are ministering in God’s name and for His glory to accomplish His will, nothing will disrupt that flow until He moves you to another place to do the same. When the work is for our Father, then nothing should offend us, or discourage us, because it’s not about us!

Challenge……

Friends, I believe that, like me, you will discern from this passage that God will use us, if we are faithful to His Word and His ministry. I believe you will also see that like Paul and Barnabas, we may have to move on to other ministry opportunities, when He directs. While I am not promoting moving from one church to another frequently, I believe that we need to be careful to listen to God’s voice and obey Him. Further down in verse 6 of chapter 14, we are told that ‘Paul and Barnabas became aware of the situation’, in other words, God opened their eyes and their understanding at the appropriate time when He wanted them to move along. Further, we know that when these men moved on, they very quickly got busy/resumed their ministry in their new location. If God moves us, it will not be to hide out in some large church and not be involved. We are to always be about the Master’s work. What’s your situation today friend? I believe that we each know personal situations where this lesson can, or has been applied in today’s environment. If faithful workers are no longer faithful workers, we need to minister to them and encourage them and pray God’s hand upon them. Don’t just let them sit and sour in the temptations of old Satan.

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, there is so much work to be done in the towns in which we live, so many lost souls that will die and go to Hell, unless we, Your faithful witnesses, allow Your Holy Spirit to infill us and work through us to do Your will. Please be actively dealing in our hearts, so that like Paul and Barnabas, we may gain a deep desire to witness to our lost family members, our friends, our coworkers, our neighbors and yes, even to the one that might sit next to us in church. People need the Lord! Please use me, and please use my fellow Christians, to fulfill the needs of the people, for it’s in the precious name of Jesus that I ask all this and seek Your favor, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.

God’s Word Says….

The Amplified Bible: Acts 13:45–48

45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, filled with envy and jealousy they contradicted what was said by Paul and talked abusively [reviling and slandering him].
46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out plainly and boldly, saying, It was necessary that God’s message [concerning salvation through Christ] should be spoken to you first. But since you thrust it from you, you pass this judgment on yourselves that you are unworthy of eternal life and out of your own mouth you will be judged. [Now] behold, we turn to the Gentiles (the heathen).
47 For so the Lord has charged us, saying, I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles (the heathen), that you may bring [eternal] salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth. [Isa. 49:6.]
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified (praised and gave thanks for) the Word of God; and as many as were destined (appointed and ordained) to eternal life believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Jesus as the Christ and their Savior).

My Thoughts…..

In another part of scripture we are told that God’s Word will not be returned void. In other words, when your preacher, who is used by God, speaks the Word this week, and hopefully you will be present, his efforts will not be a waste of his time and that of God’s. When God has a message, it will be proclaimed. Now, pay attention to verse 46 and notice where Paul and Barnabas told the Jews that since they rejected the Word, they will now take it to the Gentiles (the unsaved non-Jews). This is very much aligned with God’s Word in other places where we are told that God’s Spirit will only deal with us for a time. In other words, you can only reject Him so much. Now reflect to your own scenario friend, and imagine for a moment that God is speaking to you through the preaching of His Word, or through another witness, and although you are touched by God to accept Him as Lord of your life, yet you decide to turn away and wait until later.

Challenge……

Now place yourself at the foot of the cross, and explain to God why He should allow you into heaven, because you never did get the opportunity again on earth to invite Him into to your life. Brother Ed, this is totally scare tactics, you might be saying. But friend, with all the love in my heart, I want to clearly say to you that this is a very sad reality for many. In reading this devotional today, you are being encouraged once again by God to seek Him, because your worldly spirit would never lead you to meditate on the things of Christ. Pay attention to what God is saying in His Word today. Don’t reject Him again today, friend. Jesus loved you enough that He willingly died on a cruel cross, in pain and agony that could have been avoided, yet He did it in love for you. Let this be the day that you show your appreciation for what was done, in love, for you on Calvary. Let this be the day that you accept the Word of God and His only Son. It would deeply sadden me to know that at the foot of the cross, you are told “away from me, for I do not know you”. I am longing to hear the words “welcome home child of mine, enter into my kingdom and sit with me, let’s talk for a few hundred years!” Choose today who you will serve – where you will spend eternity. Don’t put it off, please?

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, I know that You are perfect and that You alone make no mistakes. I therefore feel like You led me to this passage so that I might share Your Word with someone that You will lead to read and meditate on this today! Please tender their hearts, and as they read, please speak clearly to them so that they may make a decision today to accept You, Your love and Your sacrifice, in return for the assurance of their salvation and their ultimate destination in heaven with you! As You have led me to write this, please also lead the readers to receive the Word and act appropriately upon it, for it’s in Your precious name that I pray, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.

God’s Word Says….

Acts 13:26–29 (The Message)

My Thoughts…..

I have heard a number of reports on survey results that indicate only a very small portion of church goers have personally accepted the love of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross for their sins. In the church world we call it ‘saved’. This is frightening to imagine, because many pastors actually preach the need for salvation every week. Frightening, because it shows how good we are at pointing fingers to the attendee behind us, knowing within our hearts that we have been attending church for so long, there could be no way that the message of salvation could possibly be God speaking to our heart. Friends, I have heard this said in so many ways, but the best illustration is: I can park my lawn mower in my carport every night, but the next morning it still is a lawnmower and not a car. You can visit a church, like it and attend every week, but attendance nor participation while attending will save you. Salvation is not one of those things that saturates our body anytime we enter the church doors. God provided it as a gift to us, because of the sacrifice He made at Calvary when He allowed His precious Son, Jesus, to be crucified for our sin. Further, Jesus arose from the dead (as we celebrate this Easter time) and sits at the right hand of the Father (God) interceding (praying) for us.

Challenge……

When the message of salvation is taught or preached, it is important that you evaluate yourself as to whether there was ever a time in your life that you knowingly asked Jesus for forgiveness of your years of sin and acting ugly with others. You must then invite Jesus to take control of your life and guide you appropriately each day into a better way, following His written Word, the Bible. It is only then that you are saved Brother. It is only then that you qualify in not just ‘passing the buck’, but sincerely praying for the Brother or Sister behind, or beside you so that they too might be saved. As this passage indicates, salvation is for us – you and I, let’s get self straight first, then perhaps we can pray for a friend or neighbor to also receive Christ.

Prayer……

Lord Jesus, please forgive us for our pettiness and selfishness in believing that we can accomplish a right relationship with You on our own. Your Word is clear, and we are reminded so many times, especially during this Easter season, that there is only ONE WAY to salvation, and that is through personal acceptance of the gift You freely (but sacrificially) gave for us on Calvary. Thank You for that day back in 1976 when You got my attention and I personally made the decision to accept You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for being by my side each and every day, for watching over me, for guiding me and protecting me. Lord, I have specific love ones who need You and need to make this decision. Please tender their hearts today. I also pray for those who attend church every week, but have not yet personally accepted You as Lord. Please tender their hearts this week, if it is not too late. Thank You Lord for loving us enough to save us!

God’s Word Says…..

Acts 13:22–23 (AMP)

And when He had deposed him, He raised up David to be their king; of him He bore witness and said, I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who will do all My will and carry out My program fully. Of this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel a Savior [in the person of Jesus], according to His promise.

My Thoughts….

Way too often we (Christians) worry about what we could possibly say to someone who wants to know about the Lord. Sermons are prepared every week to tell us about the Lord in our church services. I believe you will note from these few verses in Acts, that a key component that must be involved in every effective sermon preached and/or heard by us, or in every effective witness that we give for the Lord, is simply that the Word of God must be used, repeated or expounded upon. I’m sure that Paul could have shared many fishing stories, or imprisonment stories or even persecution stories that he may have been involved in before he was converted and had his name changed from Saul to Paul. But he didn’t, he took the people gathered in that synagogue deep into the Word of God and allowed God to speak to the hearts of the hearers through His Word. In another part of scripture, Hebrews 4:12, we are told that the Word is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, and it will penetrate soul and spirit and judge thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Challenge….

Remember friend, that when we use the Word of God, He speaks to the hearer, versus when we try to use our thoughts and ideas, we tend to personally judge and impress upon the hearer our sinful ideas and ideals. Don’t forget, one (God’s Word) will penetrate the soul, spirit and heart, while the other (our personal ideas and agendas) will give reason to question our compliance and obedience with our own ideals. We want our hearers to follow God, not us. Accept His proven Word, not our weak and sinful ways. Let’s learn to let go, and instead let God do His mighty work of reaching hearts. Only He can truly do that!

Prayer….

Lord Jesus, You went to the ultimate extremes to show Your love for mankind, and to pave the way for us to get to Your Father and to heaven. We deserve no credit for that, and we definitely have done nothing to enhance that. Please remind us of this when we are tempted to brag on ourselves, or offer our weak, sinful ideas to an unsaved person. It’s all about You Jesus, please help us to teach, preach and/or witness using Your Word, Your ideals, Your teachings, Your commands and most importantly Your love for us. I acknowledge that only You can touch the hearts and souls of mankind. Oh that I may allow You to do that through my witness, and not allow self to kick in on my effort. Use me oh Lord to do Your will, so that those that I come into contact with will see and hear Jesus, not this man who is weakened by the sin of this world. Please use this humble devotional to also tender the hearts of other believes that may meditate on this today.

God’s Word Says…. 

Acts 13:2-4 (GNT)

2 While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, to do the work to which I have called them.”
3 They fasted and prayed, placed their hands on them, and sent them off.
4 Having been sent by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went to Seleucia and sailed from there to the island of Cyprus.

My Thoughts: 

In this passage we see where prophets and teachers were serving the church at Antioch, and while serving and fasting (going without food for the sole purpose of seeking God above everything else and seeking a more intimate relationship with Him) this group received a word from the Holy Spirit, that two of their own, Barnabas and Saul were to be set apart (taken from other cares that might hinder them) to do the work that the Holy Spirit has in store for them. Christ’s ministers are to be employed in Christ’s work, and, under the Spirit’s guidance, to act for the glory of God the Father. This requires 100% dedication, with no distractions or known devices that might cause them to stumble or not be totally emptied of self and this world. For it is only when the Spirit has total control, will a servant be totally led and directed by Him. We will see more of the evidence of this as we read on in Acts.

Challenge: 

So how does this apply to those of us who are not ‘ministers/preachers/pastors’, right? I’m glad that you asked, friend! Throughout the New Testament we are taught to ‘go out into the world and preach the gospel’, many of you meditating with me on this have taken on teaching jobs in Sunday/Sabbath School. Are you not sharing the Word of God with your students? Should we not be emptied of self and this world, so that we might be filled with God’s Holy Spirit, who will lead us into all truth and therefore teach more wisely and Godly? Is it really just our ministers/preachers/pastors affected by this call, or is it any child of God that shares the name of Jesus? I would dare say that God would have each of us so filled with His Holy Spirit that we would be totally led by Him in word and deed, so that the world may be dumbfounded, and therefore surrender to the call of the Father on their lives. Please pray for your church leader today, but let us also pray that God might be able to better use us (a much larger army), by emptying ourselves of this world, and then seeking a fresh filling of God’s Holy Spirit so that we may do a more dynamic work for our Lord and Savior.

Prayer: 

Father, too often we stand in front of folk, or perhaps sit to counsel a friend in a ‘Godly’ manner, yet we are so filled with self desires and worldly practices, Please forgive us for mixing Your divine, holy will for our lives, with the sin and mockery of this world. I am reminded that this is an image of trying to mix oil and water – it just doesn’t happen. Please forgive me. Please begin a new work in me of what it truly means to totally filter my input, so that my output might be nothing but Jesus. I believe that this is the only way we will impact this world, so please begin with me. Touch the hearts of all who might read this devotional, and are ready to commit themselves to being a more impactful witness. Please especially touch the hearts of my pastors, elders, deacons, teachers and workers of my church, and also church leaders in other parts of my city and county, that they too might humble themselves, seek Your face and diligently and sincerely pray, so that You might work in our midst to win our townships to the Lord. For this is our greatest mission. All this I ask in Your most holy and loving name, AMEN!