17th Week - Acts 8-12 (Click here for Video Introduction)

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Click on Blue Title for Video Introduction

Monday, Acts Chapter 8
Acts 8 
Verse 20
Tanya Ruden
November 12. 2004

Verse 20:  Peter answered, “May your money parish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” 

THOUGHT
Do you think Faith/Christianity would be easier to achieve or maintain if we could pay monthly dues to attain the gift of grace? God gives us the gift of grace for 'free'. He only asks us to submit to Him and let Him rule in our hearts and lives. He wants to be our best friend and proclaim that relationship to everyone. 

Things for ‘free’ sound great, and this 'free' gift has nothing but benefits, but the sacrifices we must make (those things of the world which we often think are most important) to achieve this 'free' gift are often more than many people are willing to make.  To them they would rather ‘purchase’ the gift of grace, own it and be done with it and relieved of any other duties. 

Can you imagine what the ‘$$’ cost of grace would be? Would it be affordable to everyone? God has made it affordable to everyone. IT'S FREE, and in our society, you would think something for free would catch on like wildfire.  It is just too bad many people are not willing to give up the expensive stuff to receive the "free" stuff. 

PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank You for making grace affordable for everyone on earth. If You would have put a price on the gift of grace, I know none of us would not be able to afford it. Help us to pass this free gift to those we meet. Help us to spend the money You have blessed us with wisely. Help us to never use it to try to purchase fame or love from others or other self-gratifying items. Help us enjoy good times and great conversations. Thank You for weekends to rest and worship and gain rejuvenation for Christian witnessing for the next work week. AMEN 




Tuesday, Acts Chapter 9
Acts 9 
Verse 15
Tanya Ruden
November 15, 2004

Verse 15:  But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel." 

THOUGHT
We read so many stories of people with great faith, and this is yet another. Can you imagine being Ananias? God calls to him and tells him to go visit a man who was persecuting Christians, like Ananias.  Ananias questions God, which we as Christians are allowed to do. But after God told him again, “GO”; he did. No other questions asked, just an obedient faith. 

God calls us to listen to Him and have an obedient faith to perform tasks even when we may think God is confused - thinking a persecuting man could make a 180 degree turn and change to a Christian.  We truly have a God of miracles. 

PRAYER 
Jesus, we praise You for rejuvenation for a challenging work week ahead. You call us to an obedient faith. Help us to listen to You; discuss what we hear You saying, but ultimately follow Your command. Give us strength today to handle any stresses that come our way and reflect a Christian attitude in our reactions.  AMEN 

Wednesday, Acts Chapter 10
Acts 10 
Verses 34-35
Bart Strayer
November 15, 2004

Verses 34-35:  (The Message) Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from--if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open.” 

THOUGHT 
I love these verses. I like how they put us all on the same playing field.  No one is more important than the other, and everyone has the same opportunity to pursue God. 

Unfortunately, society has a tendency to place hierarchies where none are warranted. I see the destruction of hierarchies, and to a greater magnitude, bureaucracies in our places of work, government, and most disturbing, our churches. I tend to favor shorter hierarchical structures in Christian organizations because it allows the Holy Spirit to flow. The Holy Spirit may be moving in a miraculous way in certain church members, but by the time it penetrates 15 levels of leadership, the will is lost. It is difficult for the Spirit to move in ridged, highly structured organizations. 

As I re-read verse 35, I think of how easy Jesus, as our intercessor, has made it to come before God. Thank You, Jesus! 

PRAYER 
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. We thank You for His chosen disciples that were faithful in starting Your Son's church. We thank You for the Bible's completeness. Help us to let the world fade away as we read Your Word and help us to understand the message. We thank You for this time together. In Jesus Name.  AMEN 

Thursday, Acts chapter 11
Acts 11 
Verses 25-26
Bart Strayer
November 16, 2004

Verses 25-26: (The Message) Barnabas went on to Tarsus to hunt for Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him back to Antioch. For a whole year they assembled together with and were guests of the church and instructed a large number of people; and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. 

THOUGHT 
Isn't it glorious to read about the very beginnings of the Church? How cool would it have been just to witness the walk of the disciples, the miracles they performed, and the lives that were transformed in an instant. God's presence in their lives is so vivid it is inspiring just thinking about it. 

On an unrelated note, I thought I would share a note from the prayer book Jeanie got me. I thought this was awesome. I immediately thought of Matt, Kristen, and Heather when I read this. 

Today's thought: "Pray and never faint, is the motto Christ gives us for praying. It is the test of our faith, and the more severe the trial and the longer the waiting, the more glorious the results." 

PRAYER 
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the humble beginnings of our Church. We thank You for the spirit-filled men and women who took a stand for Jesus 2000 years ago and those who take a stand today. Help us to be those that take a stand for what is true and holy. Help us as we stand in the trails and the long waiting for what You have planned for our lives. We love You today and always. 
In Jesus Name. AMEN 




Friday, Acts Chapter 12
Acts 12
Verse 7
Bart Strayer
November 17, 2004 

Verse 7: (The Message) And suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared (standing beside him), and a light shone in the place where he was. And the angel gently smote Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, Get up quickly! And the chains fell off his hands. 

THOUGHT 
I heard a sermon not long ago that defined a person's perception of God into one of two exhaustive categories. The preacher thought that people may think of God as being either all knowing, all powerful, controlling everything.  These people refer to God as the big "G". 

Others believe in God, but think that he is limited in power, doesn't care about his people, and has a limited effect in our lives. These people refer to God as little "g". 

I am picturing Peter in the prison cell bound by chains, and in an instant, an angel of the Lord appeared and set him free. I am not trying to speak for Peter here, but I bet he was thinking His God is a big "G". 

Is your God a big "G" or a little "g"? 

PRAYER 
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word today. Guide and protect us as we go about the duties You have for us today. Help us strive to live holy and righteous lives that are pleasing to You. We thank You for being the big "G" of our lives. We thank You for Your sovereignty over Your people. 
In Jesus Name.  AMEN






 

Comments

  1. Heather P.February 21, 2021 at 7:55 AM

    Paul is a great hero! I also love the idea of a big G God!

    ReplyDelete

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