We continued our sailing, going from Tyre to Plotemais. There we greeted our fellow Christians and spent a day with them. The next day we left and came to Caesarea. We went into the home of Phillip the evangelist, one of the seven, and stayed with him. He had four married daughters who prophesied.
While we were staying there longer than we had expected, a prophet by the name of Agabus came down from Judea. He came to us, took Paul's belt, tied his own feet and hands, and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'This is how the Jews in Jerusalem will tie the man this belt belongs to and hand him over to the non-Jews.'"
When we heard this, we and those living there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Then Paul answered, "What are you doing - crying and making me weak in my purpose? I'm ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
When He would not be persuaded, we were silent and could only say, "The Lord's will be done."
Acts 21:7-14
Can you imagine how difficult this was for Paul? He knew that this was coming - the previous chapter was him saying goodbye to the believers in Ephesus, knowing that he would never see them again.
Paul knew what was going to happen. He KNEW. And it did not shake his resolve, it only strengthened it. He was not afraid, he was ready. But his friends weren't ready. They heard the prophesy, they knew what would happen IF he went to Jerusalem. But they didn't understand what was being said. This wasn't like the warning that Jonah gave to Nineveh, "Turn back or be destroyed!" This was different, it wasn't a warning to change paths, it was a heads up, a call for Paul to be ready.
Sometimes when we see hard times on the road ahead, we turn around. Our nature is to avoid the difficult things, the things that challenge us, that test our faith. We should not be turning away from those things. Its like when you hit a icy spot on the road, and you start to panic. You can yank the wheel around and try to escape, resulting in totaling loosing control of the situation. Or you steer into the skid, facing the problem directly. Trying to escape problems or tough situations often just makes things worse.
Guys, when we square off against what seems like an awful situation, that's when we can really trust God to be there. That's when our faith actually gets used. It's one thing to have faith, it's something completely different to use it. Use yours, don't just let it sit there.
Sam
Saturday, August 8, 2015
"A Challenge Of Old"
Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come near to me." So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down.
And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, "Israel shall be your name."
Then with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord; and he made a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed.
And he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood, and said, "Fill four waterpots with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood."
Then he said, "Do it a second time," and they did it a second time; and he said, "Do it a third time," and they did it a third time.
So the water ran all around the altar; and he also filled the trench with water.
And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, "Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel, and that I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word.
Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again."
Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!" 1 Kings 18:29-39
I love this section of the word!!! I love it for a number of reasons, not the least of which is because it ends with the people of God proclaiming, ..."The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!"
I love it because of the way this one man of God stood strong in his faith, issued a challenge, and proceeded to do ALL that was necessary to see it through. ..."he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, saying, "Israel shall be your name." Then with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord; and he made a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. And he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood,"
I love it because it reveals the silence that rings out when you put your faith in anything or anyone other then the LORD who is truly God. ..."But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention."
I love it because Elijah begins when and he calls to the people, with the words that we know to be the Lord's heart, ..."Come near to me."
I love it because we get to see God come through in an amazing way as He goes way beyond what He could do and instead of just consuming the sacrifice He ..."also consumed the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench."
Truth is, I love it because it is not just a challenge of old that was issued by Elijah but because it is also a challenge for me as well. It challenges me to pray like Elijah that people would see God in my life and in the stands that I make as I declare that He is my Lord. My God.
It challenges me to pray daily, ... "Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again."
Thursday, August 6, 2015
In Our Heads
Was it over? Please, please, let it be over!
Peter rubbed his face, avoiding eye contact with Jesus. He could feel Jesus' gaze on him still, despite his attempt to study the blinding sun, the brilliant water, the tan sand, or even his own dirty feet. Anything but Jesus' face.
He understood why Jesus had asked him that same, heart-wrenching question three times. He had denied him three times. But still. His horrid mistake was not something he wanted to relive ever again, let alone in front of all the disciples.
Peter shuffled a small rock in between his feet. The smell of fried fish and dead fish still hung in the air. Kicking the rock with his left foot, it flew several feet behind them only to be stopped by another foot. Peter shifted his eyes up, and saw John right there.
Emotions flooded Peter. Why was he following them? What did he hear? John and Jesus were good friends. Out of all the disciples, he was probably the one to whom Jesus was closest. He seemed so perfect. Peter wanted to pick up a boulder and throw it at him.
Words tumbled out of Peter's mouth. He desperately wanted something to take the pressure and guilt off of him. "Lord, what about this man?" He waved his hand towards the magnificent John.
Jesus didn't even glance his way. "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!"
Peter shifted his eyes towards John one more time, then brought them back to Jesus' blazing eyes before nodding slowly.
Based on John 21:20-23
"Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, 'Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?' When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, 'Lord, what about this man?' Jesus said to him, 'If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!' So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?'" John 21:20-23
I read this section, and I feel like Peter is trying to shift some of the focus off of him and his big mistake. He sees John right there, and he knows that Jesus and John are tight. Then he starts comparing. "What about him?" Translation: Doesn't he need to be told to love and serve you? Doesn't he need to be reminded? He's not perfect either. But Jesus said, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is it to you? You follow me!"
It's hard not to look at the people we feel like God is "favoring" and compare ourselves to them. It's hard not to pile all our mistakes next to someone who appears perfect. It's hard not to point fingers and say, "They're not perfect either!"
"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding." 2 Corinthians 10:12
Those comparisons are all in our heads. Jesus doesn't compare. He's never cared if you are a man or a woman. A tax collector or a fisherman. A Samaritan, Jew, or Gentile. He cares about whether or not you follow Him. We can compare ourselves all we want, but at the end of the day the important thing is whether or not we followed God. We. You. Me. Us. We are accountable for ourselves.
"You follow me!"
V. Joy Palmer
Peter rubbed his face, avoiding eye contact with Jesus. He could feel Jesus' gaze on him still, despite his attempt to study the blinding sun, the brilliant water, the tan sand, or even his own dirty feet. Anything but Jesus' face.
He understood why Jesus had asked him that same, heart-wrenching question three times. He had denied him three times. But still. His horrid mistake was not something he wanted to relive ever again, let alone in front of all the disciples.
Peter shuffled a small rock in between his feet. The smell of fried fish and dead fish still hung in the air. Kicking the rock with his left foot, it flew several feet behind them only to be stopped by another foot. Peter shifted his eyes up, and saw John right there.
Emotions flooded Peter. Why was he following them? What did he hear? John and Jesus were good friends. Out of all the disciples, he was probably the one to whom Jesus was closest. He seemed so perfect. Peter wanted to pick up a boulder and throw it at him.
Words tumbled out of Peter's mouth. He desperately wanted something to take the pressure and guilt off of him. "Lord, what about this man?" He waved his hand towards the magnificent John.
Jesus didn't even glance his way. "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!"
Peter shifted his eyes towards John one more time, then brought them back to Jesus' blazing eyes before nodding slowly.
Based on John 21:20-23
"Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, 'Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?' When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, 'Lord, what about this man?' Jesus said to him, 'If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!' So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?'" John 21:20-23
I read this section, and I feel like Peter is trying to shift some of the focus off of him and his big mistake. He sees John right there, and he knows that Jesus and John are tight. Then he starts comparing. "What about him?" Translation: Doesn't he need to be told to love and serve you? Doesn't he need to be reminded? He's not perfect either. But Jesus said, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is it to you? You follow me!"
It's hard not to look at the people we feel like God is "favoring" and compare ourselves to them. It's hard not to pile all our mistakes next to someone who appears perfect. It's hard not to point fingers and say, "They're not perfect either!"
"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding." 2 Corinthians 10:12
Those comparisons are all in our heads. Jesus doesn't compare. He's never cared if you are a man or a woman. A tax collector or a fisherman. A Samaritan, Jew, or Gentile. He cares about whether or not you follow Him. We can compare ourselves all we want, but at the end of the day the important thing is whether or not we followed God. We. You. Me. Us. We are accountable for ourselves.
"You follow me!"
V. Joy Palmer
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
"And God's Response Is ..."
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12
Both these verses are used often to inspire and encourage men and women in the service of our God. Both are used often to relay the idea that God knows you and has a calling on your life. As I was reading in the books of Acts today they both came to mind as the scene played out to reveal just how amazingly true they are. Don't believe me? Check out the scene below and you'll see for yourself. He knows and He does have a plan!
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 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.
And as he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him in heaven.
Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" And the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.
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.
And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
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."
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.
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."
Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
And here he has authority from all the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name."
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 of Israel, for I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
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."
Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
And when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Acts 9:1-19
As you can see even before Saul became Paul the Apostle He knew him. He knew who and what he was about, was persecuting those that served Him. He also knew that He had a plan for him; and that his calling would really begin the moment he truly encountered Him as Lord. He knew that from that moment on Saul would be stepping into the future and the hope that He set before him.
My favorite part of this whole encounter is the moment when Ananias is telling God that Saul is the bad guy (Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from all the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.") and God's response is ... (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 of Israel, for I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.") God knows his plans for us! He knows us as chosen vessels! Ananias was looking at Saul, based on his actions of the past. There are people all around us that just see the things we have been in the past. But here is the thing ... God sees us for who we are in the future. The future that He opens up to us the moment we truly encounter Him, as Lord.
Remember ...He knows you! He knows the plans He has for you and He has set your future before you! You are His chosen vessel and those thoughts He thinks about you, started before you were even born!
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12
Both these verses are used often to inspire and encourage men and women in the service of our God. Both are used often to relay the idea that God knows you and has a calling on your life. As I was reading in the books of Acts today they both came to mind as the scene played out to reveal just how amazingly true they are. Don't believe me? Check out the scene below and you'll see for yourself. He knows and He does have a plan!
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 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.
And as he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him in heaven.
Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" And the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.
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.
And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
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."
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.
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."
Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
And here he has authority from all the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name."
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 of Israel, for I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
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."
Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
And when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Acts 9:1-19
As you can see even before Saul became Paul the Apostle He knew him. He knew who and what he was about, was persecuting those that served Him. He also knew that He had a plan for him; and that his calling would really begin the moment he truly encountered Him as Lord. He knew that from that moment on Saul would be stepping into the future and the hope that He set before him.
My favorite part of this whole encounter is the moment when Ananias is telling God that Saul is the bad guy (Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from all the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.") and God's response is ... (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 of Israel, for I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.") God knows his plans for us! He knows us as chosen vessels! Ananias was looking at Saul, based on his actions of the past. There are people all around us that just see the things we have been in the past. But here is the thing ... God sees us for who we are in the future. The future that He opens up to us the moment we truly encounter Him, as Lord.
Remember ...He knows you! He knows the plans He has for you and He has set your future before you! You are His chosen vessel and those thoughts He thinks about you, started before you were even born!
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
The Guy on the Shore
John studied the man who had been standing on the shore.
"Come and have breakfast," he said.
Now that Peter had dragged the net of fish over, the group moved to sit around the fire again. John took a seat beside Jesus.
Jesus started passing out bread and fish to the disciples. Everything tasted just as good as it had smelled while cooking. While John nibbled on his bread, his mind wandered to another time the group had seen Jesus, only that time, they hadn't recognized him so quickly.
And it wasn't because of the wind and waves.
It was because they hadn't really known Jesus, even then.
John shook his head. This time none of them had dared to ask "Who are you?" They all just knew. They knew Jesus was the man on the shore.
The man who had ever so patiently waited for them to recognize him.
Based on John 21:12-14
"Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus." John 21:4
"That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, 'It is the Lord!'" John 21:7a
"Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.' Now none of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?' They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish." John 21:12-13
I want to call to remembrance the time when the disciples were on a boat in the middle of a storm, and they see Someone walking on the water towards their boat. They thought Jesus was a ghost. Jesus had to call out to them in order to calm them down. "No, guys! It's me!"
Now they are in yet another boat, and a man is calling to them, only they realize pretty quickly that it's Jesus.
I love that. I love that they understand who Jesus is now. I love that they are not questioning things anymore. I love that they don't jump to the worst case scenario anymore.
Have you been praying for providence, only to get a raise? Coincidence? Nope. Have you been praying to be used by God, only to be offered a chance to really serve in a type of ministry? Coincidence? Nope. Have you been desperately trying to determine your worth and purpose as a person, only to find the most perfect, random Bible verse? Coincidence? Nope.
Are we at the point were we can see the guy standing on the shore for who He really is?
Our Savior.
Or are we still scared? Are we still questioning who He is? It's okay. He will always answer, "It's me! I'm here to provide!" But one day, will you be able to recognize Him and all He does? He's patient enough to wait for us recognize him.
V. Joy Palmer
"Come and have breakfast," he said.
Now that Peter had dragged the net of fish over, the group moved to sit around the fire again. John took a seat beside Jesus.
Jesus started passing out bread and fish to the disciples. Everything tasted just as good as it had smelled while cooking. While John nibbled on his bread, his mind wandered to another time the group had seen Jesus, only that time, they hadn't recognized him so quickly.
And it wasn't because of the wind and waves.
It was because they hadn't really known Jesus, even then.
John shook his head. This time none of them had dared to ask "Who are you?" They all just knew. They knew Jesus was the man on the shore.
The man who had ever so patiently waited for them to recognize him.
Based on John 21:12-14
"Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus." John 21:4
"That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, 'It is the Lord!'" John 21:7a
"Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.' Now none of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?' They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish." John 21:12-13
I want to call to remembrance the time when the disciples were on a boat in the middle of a storm, and they see Someone walking on the water towards their boat. They thought Jesus was a ghost. Jesus had to call out to them in order to calm them down. "No, guys! It's me!"
Now they are in yet another boat, and a man is calling to them, only they realize pretty quickly that it's Jesus.
I love that. I love that they understand who Jesus is now. I love that they are not questioning things anymore. I love that they don't jump to the worst case scenario anymore.
Have you been praying for providence, only to get a raise? Coincidence? Nope. Have you been praying to be used by God, only to be offered a chance to really serve in a type of ministry? Coincidence? Nope. Have you been desperately trying to determine your worth and purpose as a person, only to find the most perfect, random Bible verse? Coincidence? Nope.
Are we at the point were we can see the guy standing on the shore for who He really is?
Our Savior.
Or are we still scared? Are we still questioning who He is? It's okay. He will always answer, "It's me! I'm here to provide!" But one day, will you be able to recognize Him and all He does? He's patient enough to wait for us recognize him.
V. Joy Palmer
Monday, August 3, 2015
"Manifesting His Glory"
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.
And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."
Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come."
His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the
manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons
apiece.
Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim.
And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." And they took it.
When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then that which is inferior; but you have kept the good wine until now."
This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested
His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. John 2:1-11
The thing that I wanted to share with you today has a lot to do with the servants at the feast. Stop and think for a moment about what they, just because they were servants, got to be apart of. These servants, because they were obedient to the words that Mary spoke to them, got to be a part of the first miracle that Jesus performed and it was a pretty amazing thing to witness! One minute water ...the next wine! In truth these servants were the up close and personal witnesses of this amazing miracle, that only the anointed one, sent by the Maker of heaven and earth, could perform. They personally put the water in the containers per His instructions. And ...six waterpots later they were also the ones to personally draw it from those same six waterpots. Then they were the ones to serve it to the master of the feast. These obedient servants were the ones who got to not only see but to be a significant part of it all, first hand!
How about you? Would you, like these servants, like to have first hand experience with being a part of manifesting the glory of God in the earth today? If so, the key is in the words that Mary spoke, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
The word is full of signs, wonders, and miracles that are performed by or as a result of those who are being obedient to do all that He asks and thinks. The word tells us that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. So what that means is that if you and I as His servants in the earth today can also be up close and personal witnesses of the signs, wonders, and miracles being performed by Him in the earth today. How? By being ... His servants. Servants that do all that He says to do even if it means filling six waterpots with water.
Who knows? Maybe you too will get to witness first hand, the 'new wine' miracle that follows a servants simple act of obedience. I say that because of something else that I noticed. I noticed that the master of the feast called the bridegroom to compliment Him on the excellence of the wine and said to him, "but you have kept the good wine until now." This leads me to think that it was part of the bridegroom's responsibility to provide the wine for the wedding feast. Jesus, as our bridegroom, has done just that when He said, "Wait for the Promise of the Father, which you have heard from Me, for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. ...... But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:5-8 We also know that this 'new wine' outpouring took place when we read about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with the sound of a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire! Acts 2
The disciples, from this moment on performed 'new wine' miracles which started immediately following with this bold declaration shortly after they receiving the power of the Holy Spirit in and upon their lives.
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall .... And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord--Shall be saved. Acts 2:14-21
Are you looking to be a part of manifesting His glory in the earth today?
Be a servant. Do what He says to do! And then taste of the 'new wine' that Jesus, our bridegroom, has provided. I guarantee that He too, as our bridegroom, has 'kept/provided' the best for last!
Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.
And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."
Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come."
His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim.
When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then that which is inferior; but you have kept the good wine until now."
The thing that I wanted to share with you today has a lot to do with the servants at the feast. Stop and think for a moment about what they, just because they were servants, got to be apart of. These servants, because they were obedient to the words that Mary spoke to them, got to be a part of the first miracle that Jesus performed and it was a pretty amazing thing to witness! One minute water ...the next wine! In truth these servants were the up close and personal witnesses of this amazing miracle, that only the anointed one, sent by the Maker of heaven and earth, could perform. They personally put the water in the containers per His instructions. And ...six waterpots later they were also the ones to personally draw it from those same six waterpots. Then they were the ones to serve it to the master of the feast. These obedient servants were the ones who got to not only see but to be a significant part of it all, first hand!
How about you? Would you, like these servants, like to have first hand experience with being a part of manifesting the glory of God in the earth today? If so, the key is in the words that Mary spoke, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
The word is full of signs, wonders, and miracles that are performed by or as a result of those who are being obedient to do all that He asks and thinks. The word tells us that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. So what that means is that if you and I as His servants in the earth today can also be up close and personal witnesses of the signs, wonders, and miracles being performed by Him in the earth today. How? By being ... His servants. Servants that do all that He says to do even if it means filling six waterpots with water.
Who knows? Maybe you too will get to witness first hand, the 'new wine' miracle that follows a servants simple act of obedience. I say that because of something else that I noticed. I noticed that the master of the feast called the bridegroom to compliment Him on the excellence of the wine and said to him, "but you have kept the good wine until now." This leads me to think that it was part of the bridegroom's responsibility to provide the wine for the wedding feast. Jesus, as our bridegroom, has done just that when He said, "Wait for the Promise of the Father, which you have heard from Me, for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. ...... But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:5-8 We also know that this 'new wine' outpouring took place when we read about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit with the sound of a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire! Acts 2
The disciples, from this moment on performed 'new wine' miracles which started immediately following with this bold declaration shortly after they receiving the power of the Holy Spirit in and upon their lives.
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall .... And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord--Shall be saved. Acts 2:14-21
Are you looking to be a part of manifesting His glory in the earth today?
Be a servant. Do what He says to do! And then taste of the 'new wine' that Jesus, our bridegroom, has provided. I guarantee that He too, as our bridegroom, has 'kept/provided' the best for last!
Saturday, August 1, 2015
When Christians Fight...
After a while Paul said to Barnabus, "Let's go back and visit our fellow Christians in every town where we told them the Lord's Word, and let's see how they are."
Barnabus wanted to take along John, who was called Mark. But Paul thought it best not to take the man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them into the work. They disagreed so sharply that they separated, and Barnabus, taking Mark along, sailed away to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and started out, his fellow Christians entrusting him to the Lord's grace.
Acts 15:36-40
There are many lessons that could be drawn from this lesson, and there are some debates as to who was in the right. In the end, I don't feel that it truly matters for us who was in the right, as we can learn lessons from both Paul and Barnabus.
For Paul, he saw this guy who was, at least as he perceived, unfaithful. He had let them down before, he very well might let them down again. Paul hadn't really seen him since he abandoned them in Pamphylia, and he didn't know if Mark's heart had changed, or if he he might run away at the first sign of trouble. Or maybe he was just having a hard time forgiving Mark for running away. Maybe it was both.
Barnabus, on the other hand, was ready to give Mark a second chance. Maybe he felt there were extenuating circumstances for why Mark had left them. Perhaps he was just moved to forgive Mark.
The bottom line is, here were these two great men of God, and they were split up by a disagreement. In other words, even among Christians, fights happen. They can be seemingly unavoidable. But what is truly important is what you do after a fight. Although they separated, Paul and Barnabus did not let this stop them from serving God. They didn't let this take them out. They kept on serving God. That is the single most important thing that you can take away from this lesson: whatever does happen, never stop serving God.
Despite any trial that might cross your path, no matter how bad it hurts, never walk away from Jesus. He knows how it is to be betrayed. He knows how it is to be hurt by someone you love. He knows how it hurts when someone walks away from you. Keep your eyes focused on Him, and things are gonna work out.
"Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he's a good help to me in my work." 2 Timothy 4:11
In the end, Paul knew that Barnabus did the right thing by giving Mark a second chance. Be open to the fact that maybe you could be in the wrong in the next disagreement that you have with someone.
Sam
Barnabus wanted to take along John, who was called Mark. But Paul thought it best not to take the man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them into the work. They disagreed so sharply that they separated, and Barnabus, taking Mark along, sailed away to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and started out, his fellow Christians entrusting him to the Lord's grace.
Acts 15:36-40
There are many lessons that could be drawn from this lesson, and there are some debates as to who was in the right. In the end, I don't feel that it truly matters for us who was in the right, as we can learn lessons from both Paul and Barnabus.
For Paul, he saw this guy who was, at least as he perceived, unfaithful. He had let them down before, he very well might let them down again. Paul hadn't really seen him since he abandoned them in Pamphylia, and he didn't know if Mark's heart had changed, or if he he might run away at the first sign of trouble. Or maybe he was just having a hard time forgiving Mark for running away. Maybe it was both.
Barnabus, on the other hand, was ready to give Mark a second chance. Maybe he felt there were extenuating circumstances for why Mark had left them. Perhaps he was just moved to forgive Mark.
The bottom line is, here were these two great men of God, and they were split up by a disagreement. In other words, even among Christians, fights happen. They can be seemingly unavoidable. But what is truly important is what you do after a fight. Although they separated, Paul and Barnabus did not let this stop them from serving God. They didn't let this take them out. They kept on serving God. That is the single most important thing that you can take away from this lesson: whatever does happen, never stop serving God.
Despite any trial that might cross your path, no matter how bad it hurts, never walk away from Jesus. He knows how it is to be betrayed. He knows how it is to be hurt by someone you love. He knows how it hurts when someone walks away from you. Keep your eyes focused on Him, and things are gonna work out.
"Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he's a good help to me in my work." 2 Timothy 4:11
In the end, Paul knew that Barnabus did the right thing by giving Mark a second chance. Be open to the fact that maybe you could be in the wrong in the next disagreement that you have with someone.
Sam
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)