Category: “Listening to God” Devotional

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+014

 

Acts 14     English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul and Barnabas at Lystra

⁸ Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked.⁹ He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well ¹⁰ said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. ¹¹ And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”¹² Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. ¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, ¹⁵ “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. ¹⁶ In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. ¹⁷ Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” ¹⁸ Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.

Paul Stoned at Lystra

¹⁹ But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. ²⁰ But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. ²¹ When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, ²² strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. ²³ And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

 

REFLECTION:

• There was a legend in Lystra that Zeus and Hermes once visited an elderly couple who lived there. It’s likely that this legend stimulated the wild excitement at Lystra when Barnabas and Paul healed a cripple there. The gods Zeus and Hermes had returned! The enthusiastic populace was determined to do them honour. They were ready to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods.
• When the two failed to meet the crowd’s expectations, as the crowd realized that Paul and Barnabas were only messengers of the one true God and not gods themselves, the mob became hostile, and were easily moved to stone Paul.
• If Satan cannot derail Christian witness with persecution, he will try praise. Too much persecution has destroyed many preachers, and too much praise has ruined many others. One of the problems with miracles is that they often draw more attention to the miracle worker than to God.
• Consider the qualities you see in Paul and Barnabas that made them effective in their ministry. Which of these qualities do you want God to develop in you to make you more effective in communicating the gospel?

 

PRAYER:

Oh Heavenly Father, how noisy is the world’s voice! Everyone acts according to their own will, and judges based on their own biases. Praise and slander often come from the same mouth, and joy and hatred are often directed at one person. Just as we are still immersed in the sweet praise like honey, malicious slander comes upon us like a sharp sword. Is not the power of slander derived from our indulgence in praise? If I do not consider human praise as true praise, how can I consider human slander as true slander? Oh Heavenly Father, if I am determined to seek only Your pleasure, to receive Your praise, why should I seek the pleasure and praise of people anymore? I see flowers flourishing here, and trees withering there. One person wins, another person loses. Time flies like an arrow shot from a bow, and everything in the world is subject to change. Only Your faithfulness is constant throughout eternity. Oh Heavenly Father, please be with me at all times in my short life on earth, filling my heart with strength, so that I may remain calm in the face of favor or humiliation, and forget about fear, even in the face of persecution, with joy in my heart. May Your love pour into me, causing the roses in my heart to always bloom, so that even in the snowy winter, I can offer the fragrance of my heart at Your feet. Let me live passionately in the world, yet unaffected by the noise and distractions of the world, as if there is only You and me in the entire universe, so serene, so beautiful. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Turn Your Eyes – youtu.be/UHHPbBfinXs

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+013

 

Acts 13     English Standard Version (ESV)

Barnabas and Saul Sent Off

¹ Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. ² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus

⁴ So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. ⁵ When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. ⁶ When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. ⁷ He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. ⁸ But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. ⁹ But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him ¹⁰ and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? ¹¹ And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. ¹² Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

 

REFLECTION:

• In this passage, worship, prayer and fasting are integrated into the selection and installation of Barnabas and Saul as missionaries. Today worship and prayer are common in the ordination of pastors and installation of missionaries, but fasting is not.  Why has fasting been dropped from the preparation for these times of consecration?
• How possible would it be to suggest that fasting be part of the next ordination or installation service in your church? Or for the next church-wide meeting regarding future planning?
• Read carefully the definition of these three elements to gain a better understanding. Find ways to implement one of these this week. (Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible)
• Worship: Expressing in words, music, rituals, and silent adoration the greatness, beauty, and goodness of God, by means of which we enter the supernatural reality of the glory of God.
• Prayer: Interactive conversation with God about what we and God are thinking and doing together. Therefore, there is talking and also the silently listening.
• Fasting: The voluntary abstention from an otherwise normal function – most often eating – for the sake of intense spiritual activity. Other examples include web surfing, TV, favourite food, sports, etc.

 

PRAYER:

Father in heaven, thank You for creating the abundant variety of vegetables and fruits, animals and birds in the world, and for leading us to a land flowing with milk and honey, nourishing our bodies made from the dust of the earth with the bountiful produce of the land. Thank You for giving us keen taste buds and hearty appetites, allowing us to savor the various delicious flavors of the world, eating and drinking joyfully under the sun, enjoying the fruits of our labor. Thank You for painting the beautiful scenery of nature, playing the melodious music of heaven, making our ears and eyes delighted, filling our hearts with joy. However, how greedy and insatiable the hearts of men are, and how weak and fickle their thoughts are! We indulge in rich and sweet flavors, reveling in picturesque landscapes all day long, forgetting Your grace, and being captured by the devil, becoming slaves to sin. Father in heaven, if delicious food separates me from You, I would rather go without food all day long and only turn to You in prayer, for the weakness of the flesh is always greater than the loss of the soul. If my harp and song are only meant to praise the worldly splendors, I am willing to let my harp strings break and my voice be hoarse, so that I can express the most beautiful song and melody of my soul to You through silent worship. Father in heaven, my body and my heart may be weak, but You are the strength in my heart, and my portion forever. I will take refuge in You, so that I may declare all Your works. Amen!

 

HYMN:

The Sending – youtu.be/iflUX2-G1yI

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+012

 

Acts 12     English Standard Version (ESV)

James Killed and Peter Imprisoned

¹ About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. ² He killed James the brother of John with the sword, ³ and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. ⁴ And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. ⁵ So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Peter Is Rescued

⁶ Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. ⁷ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. ⁸ And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” ⁹ And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.¹⁰ When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. ¹¹ When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

¹² When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.¹³ And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. ¹⁴ Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. ¹⁵ They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” ¹⁶ But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. ¹⁷ But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.

¹⁸ Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

 

REFLECTION:

• New persecution under Herod Agrippa is aimed at Christian leaders in Jerusalem. James is the first of the twelve disciples to be martyred.
• What does the church’s response to James’s death and Peter being in prison demonstrate about prayer (vv. 2, 5)? Why did the praying Christians react as they did to Peter’s return?
• Recall a time when God answered one of your prayers. Thank Him for the joy and encouragement you received from His gracious blessing upon you.
• Think of a desperate prayer request or need that you have. Place it before God and ask Him to give you the faith to believe that He will answer your prayer and give you “the desires of your heart.”

 

PRAYER:

O Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel like a prisoner, confined in the cage of sin, unable to see the light or hear Your voice. I cry out to You in the bright sunshine, longing to behold Your glorious splendor and hear Your heavenly words, but You only respond with the changing clouds and the gentle singing of the leaves, and my heart remains in darkness! I keep asking You, why do You hide Your face from me? Why do You turn away and not listen to me? Until I suddenly realize that it is not You who have abandoned me, but my own worldly desires that have separated me from You. When I repent with deep sorrow, I lift up my head and look around, listening carefully, and I see Your angels in every floating cloud, filled with Your glory; I recognize Your voice in the gentle singing of every leaf, brimming with Your love. I hear You speaking to me with infinite tenderness, saying, “My beloved child, what is it that your heart desires? Why are you saddened? Behold, I am making all things new! Come, I will break the cages in your heart, unlock the chains from your hands, and renew your mind and spirit! Go, and soar with the angels I have sent! In this way, my sorrow dissipates like dark clouds, and my spirit rejoices, for in my submission to You, I have received Your abundant grace and the great freedom and joy of life. Amen!

 

HYMN:

By Faith – youtu.be/mnr3ZITKZSk

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+011

 

 Acts 11     English Standard Version (ESV)

Peter Reports to the Church

¹ Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the gentiles also had received the word of God. ² So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, ³ “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” ⁴ But Peter began and explained it to them in order:…

¹⁵ As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. ¹⁶ And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ ¹⁷ If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” ¹⁸ When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

The Church in Antioch

¹⁹ Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.²⁰ But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. ²¹ And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. ²² The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. ²³ When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, ²⁴ for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. ²⁵ So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶ and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

²⁷ Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). ²⁹ So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. ³⁰ And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

 

REFLECTION:

• Peter defends his ministry to Cornelius to the church at Jerusalem. He convinces them of God’s work in the gentiles as they were given the gift of the Holy Spirit. They demonstrated it by speaking in tongues. As the gentiles had been given the same gift that was given the Jewish believers, they had obviously been accepted by God. So, “who was I that I could stand in God’s way” (v17)?
• When a predominantly gentile church was established, Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to find out what was happening. He may have been one of the few Jewish Christian leaders sensitive enough to sense what God was about, and able to resist the temptation to impose a Jewish lifestyle on these gentile converts. He was also the one who encouraged the church leaders in Jerusalem to accept Paul (9:27) and began an itinerary ministry with Paul.
• Who in your life has impacted you most deeply? Who was like Barnabas that has believed in you, supported you when you needed it? Who, as Barnabas did, “urged (you) to remain faithful to the Lord, to maintain an enduring, unshakable devotion” (v23)?
• How can you imitate Barnabas as an encourager of others, seeing their potential, and spurring them on in proclaiming the good news of Jesus?

 

PRAYER:

My Lord Jesus Christ, if a lily does not release its fragrance, how is it different from the wild grass? If a rose does not bloom, it is no different from a thorn bush. I have searched diligently for the lily valley and the rose garden on earth, but I could not find them for a long time. My dear Lord Jesus, how grateful I am! It is You who has led me and brought me to Your lily valley and rose garden. There, I find peace and joy, and my voice sings with delight. Since then, I have been given a glorious name, I am called a Christian, I am Your disciple, and I strive to follow Your example. I have become a child of the Heavenly Father. Lord Jesus, today I saw the last rose, withered and trembling in the cold autumn wind, and it reminded me that everything in this world will ultimately decay and die due to the corruption of sin. But who can hinder Your will? Who can separate me from Your love? I desire to learn Your ways, to pour out my heart and soul, so that the petals of the rose may turn as red as the precious blood You shed on the cross, to attract more people to sing the most beautiful love story of heaven and earth. The scars in my life are the marks of my love for You. On that day, in the pure clouds like lilies and the fiery flames like roses, You will come again to receive me, and grant me an incorruptible life, and take me to the most beautiful garden in heaven, to dwell with the Heavenly Father forever. Amen!

 

HYMN:

O Church Arise – youtu.be/tnlGTpfLvMM

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+010

 

 Acts 10     English Standard Version (ESV)

Peter’s Vision

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” ¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

¹⁷ Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate ¹⁸ and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. ¹⁹ And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. ²⁰ Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” ²¹ And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” ²² And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” ²³ So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. ²⁴ And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.” ²⁷ And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. ²⁸ And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. ²⁹ So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

 

REFLECTION:

• The Jews did not want to interact with the gentiles, they don’t go into their homes, or touch their things, or eat at their table, etc. This is mainly because the gentiles eat what was forbidden by Jewish laws, they are ceremonially unclean, and interacting with the gentiles would make the Jewish people unclean.
• However, while Cornelius’ messengers were on their way to Peter, God used the vision to change Peter’s view toward the gentiles.
• What are some of the social and cultural barriers that you need to break through as you seek to reach out to your friends for the gospel?

 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, lead me in all unfamiliar places, that I may become familiar with them as my own home; help me with all the new people I meet, that I may know them as old friends; and give me humility and obedience to do things I may not want or dare to do, all for the fulfillment of Your will, so that it may be as easy as walking on level ground. Heavenly Father, all kindness and goodness in the world come from You, and all my wisdom and skill are gifts from You. Let me be gentle as a dove and wise as a serpent when I am among people, so that they may see the likeness of my Lord Jesus Christ in me, and experience the love and grace that come from You, just as I have received. Heavenly Father, You see every day as if it were a thousand years, and You see the whole world as one family. You can make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, and You can do all things that are impossible for me. Grant me and my brothers and sisters more courage and zeal, that we may overcome all difficulties, break through all obstacles, and go through mountains and valleys, wildernesses and rivers, from winter to summer, from dawn to dusk, into different communities, proclaiming the good news of Your redemption and eternal joy. May Your true light shine forth, and Your mighty power be revealed, and may all glory be given to You. Amen!

 

HYMN:

God Of This City – youtu.be/cEFGr1S8SkA

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+009

 

 Acts 9      English Standard Version (ESV)

The Conversion of Saul

¹ But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ² and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. ³ Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. ⁴ And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” ⁵ And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ⁶ But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” ⁷ The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.⁸ Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. ⁹ And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

¹⁰ Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” ¹¹ And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, ¹² and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” ¹³ But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” ¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. ¹⁶ For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” ¹⁷ So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; ¹⁹ and taking food, he was strengthened.

 

REFLECTION:

• This is the beginning of Saul’s new life in Christ. The focus of this marvelous experience is Jesus Christ.  Saul not only saw a vision, he personally met the risen Christ (vv4-5). He recognized that Jesus was the Son of God and changed the direction of his life. True repentance came through a personal encounter with Jesus, and when a relationship with Jesus was established and new life began.
• Recall your encounter with Jesus: how you acknowledged Jesus as your Lord, repent your sin, gave your life to Jesus, determined to live an obedient life, established a personal relationship with Jesus and began a new life.
• Think back to what your life was like before you met Christ. Thank God for the transformation that He has made in your life—both your instant rebirth into His kingdom and the gradual remolding of your character since then.
• Dedicate yourself to God once again to live an obedient life for God.

 

PRAYER:

Father in Heaven, how marvelous is the changing of seasons in the world! Year after year, we are accustomed to seeing trees covered in snow and leaves fallen, only to see them sprout tender buds and bloom beautiful flowers in spring. Who can open their eyes and witness Your works, and testify to Your greatness in the cycles of nature? You are the source of all life, and the Lord of all living beings! Without Your permission, not even a single leaf or petal would fall to the ground. Generations come and go, and You continue to work wonders in the lives of people. You raise up countless seekers after You, renewing their lives, so that they may bear a better witness for You. Your love endures forever, and Your grace is passed down to all generations! Father in Heaven, how grateful I am for Your marvelous works in my life, making me like a tree planted before You, bearing many flowers and fruits. In the morning, at sunset, in every clear moonlit night with twinkling stars, Your grace and love abound in the passing moments of time around me. I deeply know that without Your permission, not even a single hair of mine would fall to the ground. I desire to look up to You, rely on You, and submit to You alone. I pray that You continue to renew my life, and that I may live in this way until the moment I see Your face. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Reign In Us – youtu.be/4X40xuxy9Os

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+008

 

Acts 8       English Standard Version (ESV)

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

²⁶ Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. ²⁷ And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship ²⁸ and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. ²⁹ And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” ³⁰ So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” ³¹ And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. ³² Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
³³ In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”

³⁴ And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” ³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. ³⁶ And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” ³⁸ And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. ³⁹ And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea

 

REFLECTION:

• After Stephen was martyred, persecution of the Church increased and Christians scattered. The Spirit led Philip to the chariot of the Ethiopian eunuch.  The eunuch believed quickly and wanted to be baptized.
• Philip’s experience reminds us that when we share the gospel with others, we come in the love of the Holy Spirit to those who honestly seek God, trusting that the Spirit began the work before we did and will carry it on after us.
• In what ways has God led you to speak to someone who is already spiritually hungry? Who can you begin to pray for his/her salvation? Write the name down and pray regularly, taking note of the Holy Spirit’s work and asking for wisdom to share the gospel with him/her.
• Lord, I pray that you draw ___________ to yourself.
• I ask you, Lord, to prevent Satan from blinding ___________ to the truth.
• Holy Spirit, I ask you to convict ___________ of sin and the need for Christ’s redemption.
• I ask that you send someone who will share the gospel with ___________.
• Lord, I pray that ___________ will confess Jesus as Lord, grow in faith, and bear fruit for your glory. Amen.

 

PRAYER:

Father in Heaven, thank You and praise You! You have placed the hope of eternal life in the hearts of people, so that those who believe in You may bear the mark of Your love. May Your anointing continue to water my life like the spring rain and autumn rain, so that my life may grow daily like a fruit tree in the garden, blooming with beautiful and pure flowers, and bearing abundant, sweet and fragrant fruits. The fragrant aroma and sweet taste are the hope of eternal life and the mark of Your love. Holy Spirit, You are like the gentle autumn wind that spreads the fragrance of fruits and scatters seeds far and wide. May You blow according to Your will and quietly carry the fragrance and seeds of my small fruit tree to the surrounding areas, even to distant places, to comfort those who are troubled in the world, drawing them to Your garden, so that You may fill their hearts with Your peace, joy, eternal hope, and Your love, so that they no longer walk in darkness, no longer wander, and their hearts become sweet as honey. Lord Jesus, You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Life is in You, and resurrection is in You! Whoever lives and believes in You will never die! May You work through my life to bring Your precious redemption to more people who are destined to die, and together enter into the glory of eternal life. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Let Your Kingdom Come – youtu.be/Rt3jPCZcfX4

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+007

 

Acts 7       English Standard Version (ESV)

Stephen’s Speech

¹ And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” ² And Stephen said:

“Brothers and fathers, hear me…

³⁵ “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. ³⁶ This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. ³⁷ This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’ ³⁸ This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us. ³⁹ Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, ⁴⁰ saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ ⁴¹ And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. ⁴² But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, …

The Stoning of Stephen

⁵⁴ Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ⁵⁶ And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” ⁵⁷ But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. ⁵⁸ Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. ⁵⁹ And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

 

REFLECTION:

• Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the church to serve meals to the neglected people in the church. Not a prominent role, but a menial and lowly one. However, Stephen was chosen as he was “of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (6:3).
• Any ministry, however menial, must be performed in the Spirit’s power if it is to be a means of grace. There is no service that’s demeaning to a Christian. And there’s no ministry that we are to perform in our own strength.
• Have you ever experienced God’ spirit moving through you in a powerful way after a period of simple, obedient service to Him? If so, how has God helped you grow in wisdom and grace through these experiences?
• How fully have you surrendered yourself, your time, and your concept of your own importance to God? Sit with God now and in the coming days, listening to what He may be asking you to do in service to Him.

 

PRAYER:

Father in Heaven, in Your glory and grace, how blessed are the humble! In Your garden of flowers, I am willing to be a small white flower, picked by Your gracious hand, to be given to passersby as You will; in Your wheat field, I am willing to be a tiny grain of wheat, cut down by Your sickle, fallen to the ground, dead and buried, and then grow into a new stalk of wheat, bearing many seeds; in Your vineyard, I am willing to be a bunch of sweet grapes, crushed into pulp in Your winepress, and brewed into fragrant wine; on the stage of life directed by You, I am willing to submit, to play my role according to Your will, so that people may see Your good will and power. Even if I am a little bird with broken wings, battered by ice and snow, I will still sing with a hoarse throat; even if I am a small tree with a bitter heart, bitten by ants, I will still emit fragrance with my imperfect branches and leaves. Father in Heaven, in Your glory and grace, how blessed are the humble! Like a child, I am held quietly in my Father’s arms, watching all the worldly splendor become fleeting. Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching me how to be humble, for You also were humble when You were on earth; Holy Spirit, thank You for constantly watching over me, praying for me, and giving me strength, so that in the eyes of the world, in my humility, I may receive the incomparable glory of our Heavenly Father. Amen!

 

HYMN:

I Surrender All (All To Jesus) – youtu.be/nXzjLUN6Fd0

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+006

 

Acts 6       English Standard Version (ESV)

Seven Chosen to Serve

¹ Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. ² And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. ³ Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. ⁴ But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” ⁵ And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.⁶ These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

⁷ And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Is Seized

⁸ And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.¹⁰ But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. ¹¹ Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ¹² And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, ¹³ and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, ¹⁴ for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” ¹⁵ And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

 

REFLECTION:

• The life of early church was full of miracles, sharing, and fellowship. Don’t you wish to be a member of this “perfect” church?  Yet, in fact, the early church also had problems just like today.
• The Grecian Jews were most likely Jews who had come to Judea from foreign lands, but spoke only Greek. Such Jews were usually looked down upon by the natives. The dispute over neglect of Grecian Jewish widows may reflect a split in the Jerusalem church.
• However, the Jerusalem church faced, and overcame, the threat raised by prejudice and differences. We need to face and overcome such threats too.
• If you have been frustrated with your church, are you willing to spend the same amount of energy to pray for your church and pastors?
• Spend a few minutes now to pray for your church, pastors, ministries and other believers.

 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, just as there has never been a perfect person in the world, there has never been a perfect church on earth. I know deeply that apart from the God who created the heavens and the earth, the incarnate Christ, and the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts and intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words, there is nothing perfect or good in the world. Sin has become the king of the world, corrupting every one of us who are of flesh and blood. Heavenly Father, it is only through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, as a redeeming sacrifice for us, unworthy as we are, that we are justified before You and become Your children. Our bodies are formed from dust and will return to dust, but by Your grace, our souls are saved from perishing, and our hearts can hold on to the hope of future resurrection and transformation, sharing in the glory of Christ. While we are still in the world, may we always have a humble and hopeful heart, giving thanks for everything we encounter, and entrusting our church, ministers, and ministries into Your hands, so that we do not harbor grievances or complaints due to human flaws and difficulties. Everything in this world, including our humble bodies, will fade away like dewdrops on grass or flowers on branches. On that day, when we receive the glorious crown and the incorruptible life, we will truly understand what perfection and glory mean. Amen!

 

HYMN:

One Voice – youtu.be/Ecr1NTfN_wk

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Acts+005

 

Acts 5       English Standard Version (ESV)

Ananias and Sapphira

¹ But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, ² and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. ³ But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? ⁴ While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” ⁵ When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. ⁶ The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

⁷ After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” ⁹ But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” ¹⁰ Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. ¹¹ And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Many Signs and Wonders Done

¹² Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. ¹³ None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. ¹⁴ And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, ¹⁵ so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. ¹⁶ The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

 

REFLECTION:

• The early Christians spent much time in prayer and worship together. They also ate together, fellowshipped, and listened to the apostles’ teaching. And out of their devotion to the life of God came a willing and joyful surrender of their possessions to care for the needs of others.
• They were selling fields and giving the money to the apostles for charitable use, Ananias and Sapphira did the same, but rather than offering all the proceeds to the church, they kept some and claimed they were giving the entire price for the land.
• Peter made it clear that their sin was not in keeping part of the proceeds, but in lying to God, for when they lied to the apostles, they were lying to God. It seems Ananias and Sapphira were bound by their desire for approval or acclaim. They couldn’t give freely and honestly as led by the Holy Spirit, but rather needed to use their giving to increase their reputation. God could not allow such motives to pollute the powerful work of His Spirit in this first body of Christians.
• Verse 11 states that “great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” Here, as in most places in Scripture, fear of God is no terror, but a reverential awe. The church took seriously the fact that God was alive, active, and present with them. Therefore, living with God warrants the need of being honest with Him.
• Satan will use our weaknesses to come into our heart and influence our decisions. In what ways should you be alert in guarding your actions and thoughts?

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus, You are the good shepherd who is willing to lay down Your life for us. My brothers and sisters, we are all Your little lambs. I pray that You protect us and do not let the devil Satan come and devour us. Though he may be as fearsome as a lion, You have already bound him with chains of iron. As long as we are with You, we shall fear no harm! Lord Jesus, we are so weak. I ask that You make us vigilant and guard our hearts and minds, so that we do not fall into the temptations and traps of Satan. Please lead us and help us follow You, bringing us to lush green pastures and beside clear streams, where we can rest under the shadow of Your mighty rod and lay nestled in Your warm embrace! We have traveled through high mountains and deep valleys, deserts and wildernesses. I pray that we keep a pure heart that relies solely on You, and never stray from the path of the flock. I also ask that You instill in us a reverent heart that recognizes Your awe-inspiring power, holiness, and righteousness, and that we turn away from those who reject or deceive You, for they shall surely perish! May my heart love only You, without fear in love, but with profound peace and boundless joy. May my soul awaken and my steps be swift, following You in righteousness every day, until we enter together into that promised land of beauty. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Take My Life (Holiness) – youtu.be/4zsMI9NMaro