October 30th -- Acts 15:1-21
Please read!
I really have NOTHING to say on this one, sorry. Not really something to be argued or anything.
God bless! Shalom!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
October 29th
October 29th -- Acts 14:1-28
Please read the passage!
I guess all I'm getting out of this is that sometimes, spreading God's news isn't gonna' be easy. I'd like to say the stoning never happens nowadays, but in some places, it does. That or worse. However, God wants us to share His news. We may not all be called to be missionaries, but we can all share in our own ways. Even those sharing at home may face our own problems - you may be laughed at, teased, ignored, or excluded for it. However, just remember that no matter how hard it is, it's worth it for God.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
I guess all I'm getting out of this is that sometimes, spreading God's news isn't gonna' be easy. I'd like to say the stoning never happens nowadays, but in some places, it does. That or worse. However, God wants us to share His news. We may not all be called to be missionaries, but we can all share in our own ways. Even those sharing at home may face our own problems - you may be laughed at, teased, ignored, or excluded for it. However, just remember that no matter how hard it is, it's worth it for God.
God bless! Shalom!
Monday, October 28, 2013
October 28th
October 28th -- Acts 13:1-12
It's short, so please give the passage a read!
Uhm... I'm not gonna' try and make up a lesson out of this. It's sort of a short and straightforward story. 1) Don't pretend to be a follower if you're not (like Bar-Jesus did) and 2) don't try and get in the way of the spread of the Word (or God may just take you right out of the way...). That's really all I've got for ya', sorry...
God bless! Shalom!
It's short, so please give the passage a read!
Uhm... I'm not gonna' try and make up a lesson out of this. It's sort of a short and straightforward story. 1) Don't pretend to be a follower if you're not (like Bar-Jesus did) and 2) don't try and get in the way of the spread of the Word (or God may just take you right out of the way...). That's really all I've got for ya', sorry...
God bless! Shalom!
Sunday, October 27, 2013
October 27th
October 27th -- Acts 12:1-25
Please go and read the passage!
Have you ever had one of those days where it just feels like the devil's on your heels, laughing at you as everything seems to go wrong? Whether it was just an up-late-the-night-before-doing-homework-got-up-to-a-bad-hair-day-almost-missed-the-bus-forget-a-lunch-and-that-essay-at-home day or a you-got-home-to-your-parents-fighting-and-they-told-you-they're-filing-a-divorce day sometimes we just have rough days. So imagine how Peter must have felt in that jail. Yet, God got him out. God doesn't see us in trouble and go "Oh, well, they can get themself out, I'm sure." or "I would but I haven't the time". He sees us in trouble and guides us out. Now, that doesn't mean we won't ever hurt. Peter did spend a few days in a horrible prison cell (you think prisons are bad now? Try in those times...) but God did still get him out. God's not gonna' keep us coddled up and never let us learn - sometimes we need to hurt to grow from it. I think there's a reason they're called "growing pains". Just know you are never too far for Him to save. He knows what's best, and if what's best is to pull you out, He will. If not, He will leave you as you are and you have to trust He has good reason for it.
Also, just a side note on how important it is to give God His credit. Herod didn't and he really paid for it. Pride comes before the fall. Anything we accomplish really is never of our own doing. Nothing eternally worthwhile can come of our own effort. So, give God credit where credit is due to Him. Don't hog it - then you tear down a wall for his kingdom instead of putting another one up.
God bless! Shalom!
Please go and read the passage!
Have you ever had one of those days where it just feels like the devil's on your heels, laughing at you as everything seems to go wrong? Whether it was just an up-late-the-night-before-doing-homework-got-up-to-a-bad-hair-day-almost-missed-the-bus-forget-a-lunch-and-that-essay-at-home day or a you-got-home-to-your-parents-fighting-and-they-told-you-they're-filing-a-divorce day sometimes we just have rough days. So imagine how Peter must have felt in that jail. Yet, God got him out. God doesn't see us in trouble and go "Oh, well, they can get themself out, I'm sure." or "I would but I haven't the time". He sees us in trouble and guides us out. Now, that doesn't mean we won't ever hurt. Peter did spend a few days in a horrible prison cell (you think prisons are bad now? Try in those times...) but God did still get him out. God's not gonna' keep us coddled up and never let us learn - sometimes we need to hurt to grow from it. I think there's a reason they're called "growing pains". Just know you are never too far for Him to save. He knows what's best, and if what's best is to pull you out, He will. If not, He will leave you as you are and you have to trust He has good reason for it.
Also, just a side note on how important it is to give God His credit. Herod didn't and he really paid for it. Pride comes before the fall. Anything we accomplish really is never of our own doing. Nothing eternally worthwhile can come of our own effort. So, give God credit where credit is due to Him. Don't hog it - then you tear down a wall for his kingdom instead of putting another one up.
God bless! Shalom!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
October 26th
October 26th -- Acts 11:19-29
Please go read the passage!
I think sometimes people get this idea that God only looks out for people who believe in Him, and doesn't care about anyone who doesn't. This is not true at all. He loves each and every one of us like a child. This passage proves that He looks out for everyone, not just those who believe. He allowed the Spirit to speak through a Christian and prophecy about a famine that would hit the whole Roman world. Because they knew, then, the Christians gathered and gave what they could. When the famine hit, that stuff probably saved lives. If God had not been looking out for those people and allowed those events to happen, those lives might have been lost. He really does look out for each and every one of us. The only difference is, when we follow Him, we start to see that even if we think it's bad, He knows it's best.
God bless! Shalom!
Please go read the passage!
I think sometimes people get this idea that God only looks out for people who believe in Him, and doesn't care about anyone who doesn't. This is not true at all. He loves each and every one of us like a child. This passage proves that He looks out for everyone, not just those who believe. He allowed the Spirit to speak through a Christian and prophecy about a famine that would hit the whole Roman world. Because they knew, then, the Christians gathered and gave what they could. When the famine hit, that stuff probably saved lives. If God had not been looking out for those people and allowed those events to happen, those lives might have been lost. He really does look out for each and every one of us. The only difference is, when we follow Him, we start to see that even if we think it's bad, He knows it's best.
God bless! Shalom!
October 25th
October 25th -- Acts 11:1-18
Please read the passage!
Not really much to say. I guess just this: remember that God's gift is all-inclusive. It's not just for any age, race, or gender. It's not for smart people only or not-so-smart people only. It's for neither just the rich or just the poor. It is for everyone. God gave His son that we may all have a chance to be saved. Just remember that that "all-inclusive" includes even the worst sinners - all lives can be made new through Christ. Nobody is "too far gone".
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
Not really much to say. I guess just this: remember that God's gift is all-inclusive. It's not just for any age, race, or gender. It's not for smart people only or not-so-smart people only. It's for neither just the rich or just the poor. It is for everyone. God gave His son that we may all have a chance to be saved. Just remember that that "all-inclusive" includes even the worst sinners - all lives can be made new through Christ. Nobody is "too far gone".
God bless! Shalom!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
October 24th
October 24th -- Acts 10:24-48
Please read the passage!
Same thing as yesterday. Great story but I have nothing to add, sorry.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
Same thing as yesterday. Great story but I have nothing to add, sorry.
God bless! Shalom!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
October 23rd
October 23rd -- Acts 10:1-23
Please read the passage!
So... it's a story... and I have no idea how to expand on it... so I've got nothing, sorry.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
So... it's a story... and I have no idea how to expand on it... so I've got nothing, sorry.
God bless! Shalom!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
October 22nd
October 22nd -- Acts 9:32-42
Please read the passage! It's short!
It's an awesome story with awesome miracles. Sadly, with stories like that I can't really expand on them. Just remember that God can use people to work miracles. Just make sure that when He does awesome things through you (maybe not to the extent of raising people from the dead - but still cool or awesome stuff) you give Him the glory.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage! It's short!
It's an awesome story with awesome miracles. Sadly, with stories like that I can't really expand on them. Just remember that God can use people to work miracles. Just make sure that when He does awesome things through you (maybe not to the extent of raising people from the dead - but still cool or awesome stuff) you give Him the glory.
God bless! Shalom!
Monday, October 21, 2013
October 21st
October 21st -- Acts 9:20-31
Please read the passage - it's short!
Saul. In an earlier passage just a few days ago it was mentioned how he was hunting down Christians and killing them. Now it's talking about how he's preaching Jesus' name. Honestly keeping this SUPER short tonight (I have a few studies to catch up on for youth group tomorrow night so I wanna get cracking on those). Basically, God can use anyone in His plan. He took a Christian-slayer and made him someone who preached the name of the Lord in the face of the threat of death. God can change hearts and lives. Never doubt Him.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage - it's short!
Saul. In an earlier passage just a few days ago it was mentioned how he was hunting down Christians and killing them. Now it's talking about how he's preaching Jesus' name. Honestly keeping this SUPER short tonight (I have a few studies to catch up on for youth group tomorrow night so I wanna get cracking on those). Basically, God can use anyone in His plan. He took a Christian-slayer and made him someone who preached the name of the Lord in the face of the threat of death. God can change hearts and lives. Never doubt Him.
God bless! Shalom!
Sunday, October 20, 2013
October 20th
October 20th -- Acts 19:1-19
Please read the passage!
God's name isn't some sort of spell. Nor is Jesus'. Nor is the Holy Spirit's. It's not like we can just say that we command or demand something in their name and all of a sudden it's the trump card of life and we get it. That's not how it works. These Jews who heard about Paul seemed to think it was like that. So, they tried it. However, they ended up in a pretty bad spot (being attacked by a possessed man) for trying it. All of a sudden, after this event, everybody realized that. It seems that over time, though, we have forgotten it. We throw around God's name like it's nothing, sometimes. We have to be SO careful not to do that. For one, it's sin. For two, it's dangerous. For three, there are seriously far more creative and godly things we could use instead. So don't go throwing His name around and calling attention to your self. As they say, "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it." Just ask the seven sons of Sceva.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
God's name isn't some sort of spell. Nor is Jesus'. Nor is the Holy Spirit's. It's not like we can just say that we command or demand something in their name and all of a sudden it's the trump card of life and we get it. That's not how it works. These Jews who heard about Paul seemed to think it was like that. So, they tried it. However, they ended up in a pretty bad spot (being attacked by a possessed man) for trying it. All of a sudden, after this event, everybody realized that. It seems that over time, though, we have forgotten it. We throw around God's name like it's nothing, sometimes. We have to be SO careful not to do that. For one, it's sin. For two, it's dangerous. For three, there are seriously far more creative and godly things we could use instead. So don't go throwing His name around and calling attention to your self. As they say, "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it." Just ask the seven sons of Sceva.
God bless! Shalom!
Saturday, October 19, 2013
October 19th
October 19th -- Acts 8:26-40
Please read the passage!
Um... I honestly have nothing to say on this passage. It's cool. But I've got nothing I can think of to expand on it further. Sorry!
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
Um... I honestly have nothing to say on this passage. It's cool. But I've got nothing I can think of to expand on it further. Sorry!
God bless! Shalom!
Friday, October 18, 2013
October 18th
October 18th -- Acts 8:1-25
Please read!
Basically, this passage just summarizes a lot of my points from the past week or so. Don't be greedy (like Simon was about the power). Don't let obstacles stand in your way (Philip preached despite the persecution). When you are working for God's will, nothing will stop you (nobody interrupted Philip's preaching and many people were actually saved). So please just go through my last few days' posts to understand what I'm talking about.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read!
Basically, this passage just summarizes a lot of my points from the past week or so. Don't be greedy (like Simon was about the power). Don't let obstacles stand in your way (Philip preached despite the persecution). When you are working for God's will, nothing will stop you (nobody interrupted Philip's preaching and many people were actually saved). So please just go through my last few days' posts to understand what I'm talking about.
God bless! Shalom!
October 17th
October 17th -- Acts 7:30-60
It's a bit long, but please read the passage!
Again, a lot of s history summary/recap. However, at the very end, Stephen was stoned. He was killed. As he died, he prayed God wouldn't charge the men who stoned him with the sin of stoning him. I mean, we get ticked off over little things - our sibling left our door open, our store was out of our favorite snack, we got stuck in some traffic, we had a bad hair day, our clothes are a little tighter than they were before Thanksgiving. How does one keep their cool to the point of truly loving the enemy who is taking their life? Verse 55 "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit..." We can't love enemies on our own. We can't keep our cool and not blow a top on our temper on our own. We need God - we need the Holy Spirit. It is beyond our human capability to do those things, so we need the Holy Spirit. When we are truly filled with it, we can be like Stephen through it.
God bless! Shalom!
It's a bit long, but please read the passage!
Again, a lot of s history summary/recap. However, at the very end, Stephen was stoned. He was killed. As he died, he prayed God wouldn't charge the men who stoned him with the sin of stoning him. I mean, we get ticked off over little things - our sibling left our door open, our store was out of our favorite snack, we got stuck in some traffic, we had a bad hair day, our clothes are a little tighter than they were before Thanksgiving. How does one keep their cool to the point of truly loving the enemy who is taking their life? Verse 55 "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit..." We can't love enemies on our own. We can't keep our cool and not blow a top on our temper on our own. We need God - we need the Holy Spirit. It is beyond our human capability to do those things, so we need the Holy Spirit. When we are truly filled with it, we can be like Stephen through it.
God bless! Shalom!
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
October 16th
October 16th -- Acts 7:1-29
Please read the passage!
Sorry, but I am honestly not sure what to say on this passage. it's a retelling of history segments. I guess if you wanna' see my thoughts on those particular passages go look at January through February or March in my blog history.
Anyways, God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
Sorry, but I am honestly not sure what to say on this passage. it's a retelling of history segments. I guess if you wanna' see my thoughts on those particular passages go look at January through February or March in my blog history.
Anyways, God bless! Shalom!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
October 15th
October 15th -- Acts 6:1-15
Please read the passage!
Now, as much as we have to remember we do play a part in God's plan, we have to also remember it's not about us. The men that stand out in these passages are the ones who are full of the Spirit and wisdom. Now, we are not wise on our own, so we know that's from God. We also all know that the Holy Spirit is from God. SO we can see that God is the centre of the traits that made these men stand out. It wasn't because they were perhaps tall, strong, handsome, rich, or even responsible. It was because God shone through them. It doesn't matter who you are, God can shine through you if you let Him. Let Him be your identity, not your human self.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
Now, as much as we have to remember we do play a part in God's plan, we have to also remember it's not about us. The men that stand out in these passages are the ones who are full of the Spirit and wisdom. Now, we are not wise on our own, so we know that's from God. We also all know that the Holy Spirit is from God. SO we can see that God is the centre of the traits that made these men stand out. It wasn't because they were perhaps tall, strong, handsome, rich, or even responsible. It was because God shone through them. It doesn't matter who you are, God can shine through you if you let Him. Let Him be your identity, not your human self.
God bless! Shalom!
Monday, October 14, 2013
October 14th
October 14th -- Acts 5:17-42
It's a little long, but please read the passage!
The Pharisees lock these guys up for not listening. Yet, somehow, they get out and go and do exactly what they were locked up for doing. Why? Because NOTHING will get in the way of God's plan. It may seem impossible, but you just have to trust. If He tells you to do something and you don't know how you're supposed to do it, just take it one step at a time and trust He will walk you through it. DON'T hesitate or argue - that gets you nowhere but in the way of accomplishing God's will. Just basically I'll refer you back to this post from a few days ago for what I'm trying to say.
God bless! Shalom!
It's a little long, but please read the passage!
The Pharisees lock these guys up for not listening. Yet, somehow, they get out and go and do exactly what they were locked up for doing. Why? Because NOTHING will get in the way of God's plan. It may seem impossible, but you just have to trust. If He tells you to do something and you don't know how you're supposed to do it, just take it one step at a time and trust He will walk you through it. DON'T hesitate or argue - that gets you nowhere but in the way of accomplishing God's will. Just basically I'll refer you back to this post from a few days ago for what I'm trying to say.
God bless! Shalom!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
October 13th
October 13th -- Acts 5:1-16
Please read the passage - it's short!
WOW. I find this story's just sad. But it has a valuable lesson - don't be greedy. What I have to say about the matter of greed can be summed up in this post, discussing the idea of having to choose God or money, as no one can serve two masters.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage - it's short!
WOW. I find this story's just sad. But it has a valuable lesson - don't be greedy. What I have to say about the matter of greed can be summed up in this post, discussing the idea of having to choose God or money, as no one can serve two masters.
God bless! Shalom!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
October 12th
October 12th -- Acts 4:23-37
Please read the passage!
Gonna' keep this short and sweet.
Yesterday I said we have to overcome obstacles sometimes to accomplish what God wants us to do. I also said we never face them alone - God is always with us. I neglected to mention that yes, staring down and overcoming those obstacles will take courage. However, you can do it. Not alone - human courage is not enough sometimes. However, you can have God's courage strengthening you. How? Pray and ask for it, just like the disciples.
Also, this passage talks about how the disciples began to share all their possessions. I just want to again point out how important community is to the body of Christ.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
Gonna' keep this short and sweet.
Yesterday I said we have to overcome obstacles sometimes to accomplish what God wants us to do. I also said we never face them alone - God is always with us. I neglected to mention that yes, staring down and overcoming those obstacles will take courage. However, you can do it. Not alone - human courage is not enough sometimes. However, you can have God's courage strengthening you. How? Pray and ask for it, just like the disciples.
Also, this passage talks about how the disciples began to share all their possessions. I just want to again point out how important community is to the body of Christ.
God bless! Shalom!
Friday, October 11, 2013
October 11th
October 11th -- Acts 4:5-22
Please read the passage!
If God tells you to do it, do it. He will remove the obstacles if you come up against them. Peter and John faced the religious leaders. The leaders tried to get Peter and John to stop preaching. They refused, saying they could not listen to the leaders over God. We need to do that. Always listen to God first. Now, when they said this, the leaders tried all they could to think of a way to make them stop - they couldn't. When we are following God's will, He will not let anything stand in our way. He will remove the obstacles as they arise. He has already seen how we reach the final destination. He has missed nothing. There are no surprises or hiccups in the plan. He knows all and has planned all. If you are meant to do something for His glory and you are trying your best, you will get it done. Simple as that.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
If God tells you to do it, do it. He will remove the obstacles if you come up against them. Peter and John faced the religious leaders. The leaders tried to get Peter and John to stop preaching. They refused, saying they could not listen to the leaders over God. We need to do that. Always listen to God first. Now, when they said this, the leaders tried all they could to think of a way to make them stop - they couldn't. When we are following God's will, He will not let anything stand in our way. He will remove the obstacles as they arise. He has already seen how we reach the final destination. He has missed nothing. There are no surprises or hiccups in the plan. He knows all and has planned all. If you are meant to do something for His glory and you are trying your best, you will get it done. Simple as that.
God bless! Shalom!
October 10th
October 10th -- Acts 3:12-4:4
Please read the passage!
Sometimes I think we tend to remember Peter as "the one who denied Christ". We often let bad name tags stick better than good ones. We shouldn't. In the passage Peter sees an opportunity to share about Jesus and seizes it. He doesn't hesitate and he doesn't consider the consequences of what he's doing. He just knows he has a chance and takes it. Sometimes we need to be more like Peter. We have so many opportunities in a day to share about God, but we so often let them pass by. We need to seize them. Not worrying about consequences, just doing it because we know God told us to. Good will come of it. Even though Peter was arrested for it, people who heard him believed. God will not let you sew a seed and not have it take root somewhere if He orchestrated it so you could sew the seed. START SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES!
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
Sometimes I think we tend to remember Peter as "the one who denied Christ". We often let bad name tags stick better than good ones. We shouldn't. In the passage Peter sees an opportunity to share about Jesus and seizes it. He doesn't hesitate and he doesn't consider the consequences of what he's doing. He just knows he has a chance and takes it. Sometimes we need to be more like Peter. We have so many opportunities in a day to share about God, but we so often let them pass by. We need to seize them. Not worrying about consequences, just doing it because we know God told us to. Good will come of it. Even though Peter was arrested for it, people who heard him believed. God will not let you sew a seed and not have it take root somewhere if He orchestrated it so you could sew the seed. START SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES!
God bless! Shalom!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
October 9th
October 9th -- Acts 2:41-3:11
Somewhat long again, but please read it!
The believers form a community. Notice that word? COMMUNITY. The believers back then recognized how important this is to us as a body of Christ. We need to work in community. If your arms or legs decide to stop listening to your brain, you're in trouble, right? You couldn't use them. Or how about if your arms or legs decided to stop telling your brain when to feel pain? Your brain would never know to react to whatever was causing you that pain and therefore would leave your arm/leg in harm's way and never know it. If your body stopped working together, it wouldn't be nearly as useful. It couldn't do nearly as many of the things it can do when it does work together. That's just like us as the body of Christ. We are all gifted differently and need each other's gifts to make the biggest difference for God. It's not a one or two man job. It's a team job. All God's followers are one big team. Not only that, but God designed us to be in community. He warns us against too much community with unbelievers, though, as they are typically a bad influence on us and will begin to rub off on us. Who does that leave? Believers. We are called to be witnesses to unbelievers, but also called to be brothers and sisters in Christ to believers. It's easy to forget, but community is so essential to a healthy Christian walk, as well as a healthy walk with Christ, as those around you can often help you see and work through things standing between you and God. So, are you being an active part of your Christian community?
God bless! Shalom!
Somewhat long again, but please read it!
The believers form a community. Notice that word? COMMUNITY. The believers back then recognized how important this is to us as a body of Christ. We need to work in community. If your arms or legs decide to stop listening to your brain, you're in trouble, right? You couldn't use them. Or how about if your arms or legs decided to stop telling your brain when to feel pain? Your brain would never know to react to whatever was causing you that pain and therefore would leave your arm/leg in harm's way and never know it. If your body stopped working together, it wouldn't be nearly as useful. It couldn't do nearly as many of the things it can do when it does work together. That's just like us as the body of Christ. We are all gifted differently and need each other's gifts to make the biggest difference for God. It's not a one or two man job. It's a team job. All God's followers are one big team. Not only that, but God designed us to be in community. He warns us against too much community with unbelievers, though, as they are typically a bad influence on us and will begin to rub off on us. Who does that leave? Believers. We are called to be witnesses to unbelievers, but also called to be brothers and sisters in Christ to believers. It's easy to forget, but community is so essential to a healthy Christian walk, as well as a healthy walk with Christ, as those around you can often help you see and work through things standing between you and God. So, are you being an active part of your Christian community?
God bless! Shalom!
October 8th
October 8th - Acts 2:14-40
I know it's longish but please read the passage!
Wow. Isn't it great to know that we can know for sure Jesus was/is the son of God and our Messiah? I think so. I mean, Peter talks about the proof of it by referencing passages from way before his time. These were passages that were probably passed on by word of mouth before they were ever recorded on paper. Then they were finally put onto paper all together. That meant that Peter knew to go to these passages and bring them up, as everyone would have known what he was talking about. It's seriously cool, though, how he referenced prophecies because of another prophecy happening. I guess I just love how intricately beautifully it's all set up, and knowing that it was OUR God who did that.
God bless! Shalom!
I know it's longish but please read the passage!
Wow. Isn't it great to know that we can know for sure Jesus was/is the son of God and our Messiah? I think so. I mean, Peter talks about the proof of it by referencing passages from way before his time. These were passages that were probably passed on by word of mouth before they were ever recorded on paper. Then they were finally put onto paper all together. That meant that Peter knew to go to these passages and bring them up, as everyone would have known what he was talking about. It's seriously cool, though, how he referenced prophecies because of another prophecy happening. I guess I just love how intricately beautifully it's all set up, and knowing that it was OUR God who did that.
God bless! Shalom!
Monday, October 7, 2013
October 7th
October 7th -- Acts 2:1-13
Please read the passage!
If someone started in speaking in tongues, what might your reaction be?
Would you be shocked and wonder what it was or attribute it to God, or would you just attribute it to the person being drunk, for example.
In this passage, we can see a good idea of a clear way to separate believers from non-believers. True believers know of God's incredible power and His mighty works. Non-believers question it because, in more ways than one, they do not understand it. Often, things happen that we, as people, cannot explain. As Christians, we know to attribute that to God, because we know He operates on a level beyond our understanding. Non-Christians cannot understand what happened because they refuse to attribute it to the cause. Perhaps how we choose to see and understand events like that reflects on our faith. Just try and always remember that if something happens, God orchestrated it - nothing happens without His permission. Therefore, no matter how strange or messed up it seems, it is always within His power.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
If someone started in speaking in tongues, what might your reaction be?
Would you be shocked and wonder what it was or attribute it to God, or would you just attribute it to the person being drunk, for example.
In this passage, we can see a good idea of a clear way to separate believers from non-believers. True believers know of God's incredible power and His mighty works. Non-believers question it because, in more ways than one, they do not understand it. Often, things happen that we, as people, cannot explain. As Christians, we know to attribute that to God, because we know He operates on a level beyond our understanding. Non-Christians cannot understand what happened because they refuse to attribute it to the cause. Perhaps how we choose to see and understand events like that reflects on our faith. Just try and always remember that if something happens, God orchestrated it - nothing happens without His permission. Therefore, no matter how strange or messed up it seems, it is always within His power.
God bless! Shalom!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
October 6th
October 6th -- Acts 1:12-26
Please go read the passage!
This passage is about Matthias replacing Judas. However, I just want to focus on the references to past parts of the Bible. It's so cool! I mean, this book was recorded over many years. However, to have a real person who is told of in the New Testament referencing passages we can read in the Old Testament is awesome! David prophesied about Judas' betrayal before there was even word of a Messiah coming to be betrayed. However, not only was that recognized, but it was recognized that somebody was meant to take Judas' place. The disciples didn't hesitate and say "Oh, but 11's probably enough. Besides, nobody else would have been with Jesus like we were so we don't need anyone else." Instead, they just obeyed. Because of that, they were shown, in answer to their prayers, which man to select. However, I really just love when prophecies are referenced and fulfilled because I just think it's seriously cool that a) the prophecy was ever prophesied and b) the people way later in history knew about those prophecies and could reference them.
God bless! Shalom!
Please go read the passage!
This passage is about Matthias replacing Judas. However, I just want to focus on the references to past parts of the Bible. It's so cool! I mean, this book was recorded over many years. However, to have a real person who is told of in the New Testament referencing passages we can read in the Old Testament is awesome! David prophesied about Judas' betrayal before there was even word of a Messiah coming to be betrayed. However, not only was that recognized, but it was recognized that somebody was meant to take Judas' place. The disciples didn't hesitate and say "Oh, but 11's probably enough. Besides, nobody else would have been with Jesus like we were so we don't need anyone else." Instead, they just obeyed. Because of that, they were shown, in answer to their prayers, which man to select. However, I really just love when prophecies are referenced and fulfilled because I just think it's seriously cool that a) the prophecy was ever prophesied and b) the people way later in history knew about those prophecies and could reference them.
God bless! Shalom!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
October 5th
October 5th -- Acts 1:1-11
Please go and read the passage!
... got nothing for ya', sadly.
I just want to point out that it's cool that this passage is actually a letter written to someone. I mean, so many people try and discredit the Bible. However, this letter discusses previous letters, as well as directly names the one it is written to. It also recounts events in detail. Why make up such an elaborate story just to pull wool over peoples' eyes? You wouldn't. It's ridiculous to. This is not some made up book - the Bible is for real. I had a link to a video in my study a few weeks ago, but here it is again. It's a really great video about "why I choose to believe the Bible". It's about 40 minutes, but it's totally worth it!
God bless! Shalom!
Please go and read the passage!
... got nothing for ya', sadly.
I just want to point out that it's cool that this passage is actually a letter written to someone. I mean, so many people try and discredit the Bible. However, this letter discusses previous letters, as well as directly names the one it is written to. It also recounts events in detail. Why make up such an elaborate story just to pull wool over peoples' eyes? You wouldn't. It's ridiculous to. This is not some made up book - the Bible is for real. I had a link to a video in my study a few weeks ago, but here it is again. It's a really great video about "why I choose to believe the Bible". It's about 40 minutes, but it's totally worth it!
God bless! Shalom!
October 4th
October 4th -- Luke 24:44-53
Please go and read the passage!
Sorry, but I don't have much to say. Anything, really. Not much I can expand on for this particular passage.
Just know that you can be forgiven, no matter what you've done. You can be forgiven - that's why Jesus died and rose again before ascending.
God bless! Shalom!
Please go and read the passage!
Sorry, but I don't have much to say. Anything, really. Not much I can expand on for this particular passage.
Just know that you can be forgiven, no matter what you've done. You can be forgiven - that's why Jesus died and rose again before ascending.
God bless! Shalom!
Friday, October 4, 2013
October 3rd
October 3rd -- Matthew 28:16-20
Super short, so read it!
THE GREAT COMMISSION. We are called to "make disciples of all nations".
NOT make disciples of only the people we like.
NOT make disciples of only the people who accept faith easily.
NOT make disciples of only the people who have never insulted Christianity.
NOT make disciples of only the people who are near to us and easy to get into contact with.
NOT make disciples of only some people.
Make disciples of all nations.
No excuses, "if"s, "and"s, "or"s, or "but"s. It's a commandment.
Also, I get that we're all gifted differently and called to different things. This is not me trying to tell anyone they suddenly need to sign up for a missions trip. This is my way of suggesting that you live in such a way that your whole life is an example, and makes disciples of those who see how set apart you are, because of your relationship with God.
God bless! Shalom!
Super short, so read it!
THE GREAT COMMISSION. We are called to "make disciples of all nations".
NOT make disciples of only the people we like.
NOT make disciples of only the people who accept faith easily.
NOT make disciples of only the people who have never insulted Christianity.
NOT make disciples of only the people who are near to us and easy to get into contact with.
NOT make disciples of only some people.
Make disciples of all nations.
No excuses, "if"s, "and"s, "or"s, or "but"s. It's a commandment.
Also, I get that we're all gifted differently and called to different things. This is not me trying to tell anyone they suddenly need to sign up for a missions trip. This is my way of suggesting that you live in such a way that your whole life is an example, and makes disciples of those who see how set apart you are, because of your relationship with God.
God bless! Shalom!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
October 2nd
October 2nd -- John 21:15-25
Please read the passage! It's only 10 verses!
"If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" Rumors broke out this guy wouldn't die, so that he could be alive when Jesus returned. The disciples just grabbed what they heard and ran with it - in a totally wrong direction. Jesus was not at all saying that the disciple would be alive when he returned, merely that that was up to him, as well as possible through him. With God, the problem is never in the message, or how it is given - it is in the people who receive the message and how they interpret it. Often, we think we hear something from God. I'm sure most of the time we're pretty certain, we actually did. However, often I think what we hear is not really what He says. Often our own human understanding - logic, reason, emotion, etc. - gets in the way of His message. He tells us what we need to hear, but we hear what we want to hear. Then, since we're obviously happy "God told us" what we wanted to hear, we run with it without a second's hesitation. It can often get us into trouble. We need to be cautious and ask that He give us wisdom to be able to know His voice when we hear it, and strength to follow it when it tells us what we are meant to do and where we are meant to go. Pray about it. It works.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage! It's only 10 verses!
"If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?" Rumors broke out this guy wouldn't die, so that he could be alive when Jesus returned. The disciples just grabbed what they heard and ran with it - in a totally wrong direction. Jesus was not at all saying that the disciple would be alive when he returned, merely that that was up to him, as well as possible through him. With God, the problem is never in the message, or how it is given - it is in the people who receive the message and how they interpret it. Often, we think we hear something from God. I'm sure most of the time we're pretty certain, we actually did. However, often I think what we hear is not really what He says. Often our own human understanding - logic, reason, emotion, etc. - gets in the way of His message. He tells us what we need to hear, but we hear what we want to hear. Then, since we're obviously happy "God told us" what we wanted to hear, we run with it without a second's hesitation. It can often get us into trouble. We need to be cautious and ask that He give us wisdom to be able to know His voice when we hear it, and strength to follow it when it tells us what we are meant to do and where we are meant to go. Pray about it. It works.
God bless! Shalom!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
October 1st
October 1st -- John 20:24-21:14
Please read the passage!
You know, it's neat reading this passage when you come across the part that says something like (depending on your translation) "But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name." (verse 31 for anyone wondering) I love that. It's like the author is speaking directly to you and me. It's like they knew one day we'd be sitting down and cracking open our Bibles to learn about God. So, they wanted to make sure they put in all they could to make sure we believed in Jesus. Why? So we could have eternal life through that belief and acceptance. It was thousands of years ago, but these people recognized how important it was that not only those few who walked with and believed in Jesus in his time on earth were saved, but that all may have opportunity to learn of him and be saved. They knew this was something bigger than them, so they even explain to us "look, this is why we recorded all these different events..." - so we would be able to know they are true, and through that knowledge, believe. I just feel like passages like this close the gaps in time and it's really awesome in my opinion.
God bless! Shalom!
Please read the passage!
You know, it's neat reading this passage when you come across the part that says something like (depending on your translation) "But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name." (verse 31 for anyone wondering) I love that. It's like the author is speaking directly to you and me. It's like they knew one day we'd be sitting down and cracking open our Bibles to learn about God. So, they wanted to make sure they put in all they could to make sure we believed in Jesus. Why? So we could have eternal life through that belief and acceptance. It was thousands of years ago, but these people recognized how important it was that not only those few who walked with and believed in Jesus in his time on earth were saved, but that all may have opportunity to learn of him and be saved. They knew this was something bigger than them, so they even explain to us "look, this is why we recorded all these different events..." - so we would be able to know they are true, and through that knowledge, believe. I just feel like passages like this close the gaps in time and it's really awesome in my opinion.
God bless! Shalom!
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