On June 7th I will celebrate 22 years of ministering to students in Katy Texas! I am humbled and grateful for the privilege of helping Students Know Jesus & Make Him Known! Why would I stay in one place so long? There are many reasons: I feel called here, benefits of long-term ministry, good relationships with the community, etc… but most of all I still have a heart to see Katy reached for Jesus! Is that unrealistic? According to today’s passage it’s not! As a matter of fact, maybe it’s too small of a desire?!~!
Paul arrives in Ephesus and finds “disciples.” He didn’t assume they were believers so he asks them if they had received the Holy Spirit? They had not so he prays and God’s Holy Spirit comes on them! He then continues his practice of boldly preaching God’s Word and persuading people to believe – and as always, some believe, some do not. Then comes an incredible verse: “This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the Word of the Lord.” Wow – ALL of Asia Minor heard! Katy is a lot smaller than Asia Minor!
GOD’S WORD is powerful (Rom 1:16, Heb 4:12-13) and can penetrate an entire people! You don’t want to play around with it though, and that’s what we see with the seven sons of Sceva! Many Ephesian Jews were into exorcism and the occult (magic) and they thought they’d try out using the name of Jesus as well. Ha – it results in a demon beating the crap out of them!!! Nowhere in scripture does it say believers have the power to cast out demons or “bind” them and nowhere in scripture are we commanded to do so. The name of Jesus is not meant to be a magical charm to be used by whoever wants to use it and so the demons questioned their authority and then pummeled them! The result? “The Word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
Next we see that a riot breaks out against believers in Jesus because of their witness. Which should be of no surprise!
SO WHAT?
*What are you passionate about? We get pumped for sports events, or excited about new movies coming out, or want the latest technology coming out – the list goes on. But are you passionate about lost people? Passionate about the hell they’re going thru and the hell they’re going to without Jesus? This is not meant to be guilt trip theology, but a chance for all of us to ask God to break our hearts for the things that break His!
*Who are you praying for to come to know Jesus? Let’s ask God for KATY TEXAS - or whatever city you’re in! He’s big enough to give everyone a chance to hear, understand and respond to the Good News of Jesus! And then get ready, because His means of doing that is thru you and I!!!!!!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 107 - Acts 18: Ministry In The Trenches
As we read about Paul and the church in Acts, we continue to see Paul in the trenches of ministry, the daily grind of living to let others know about Jesus. As one who is also in ministry, there are a number of things to note from this chapter:
*Paul was constantly persuading people to believe! (4)
- Again & again he spent his days knowing Jesus and making him known (wow – this would make a great mission statement)
* Paul was constantly including others! (3,5 & all over)
- He never wanted a “lone ranger” ministry but saw the importance of the body of Christ.
*Paul constantly saw the same three responses to the Gospel: Hostility, Questioning, Belief! (4,6,8…)
- Although the hostile and questioning peeps burdened him, the joy of seeing others truly believe has to be exciting.
*Paul received encouragement from the Lord for his faithfulness! (9-10)
- A passionate calling brings with it the burden of ministry. And at just the right times, God gives encouragement!
It’s hard to even think of ministering for the Lord as a “daily grind” because it is such a privilege to serve & represent the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!~ But it must have been hard at times for Paul. I mean come on, he’s been beaten, left for dead, flogged, tossed in and out of jail numerous times, etc… But Paul was committed, even making vows to the Lord (verse 18 totally sounds like something a youth pastor would do!).
SO WHAT?!
*Paul was called into ministry & ALL those who have put their trust & faith in Christ are called as well. You may not be paid staff at a church, but we’re all God’s ambassadors to a foreign country (earth)! In what ways are you & I currently involved in ministry? If you’re not already, talk with me. I’d love to help you see how you can serve your Lord where you are!
*Who are you & I burdened for to know Christ? Let’s daily beg God for their souls? He cares for them more than even we do! In each student ministry I’ve been a part of, we challenge students to Pray-Persue-Persuade:
- Pray: Daily beg God for at least 3 friends to know Jesus!
- Pursue: Just begin to “bring God up”!
- Persuade: Friends toward Jesus!
*Paul was constantly persuading people to believe! (4)
- Again & again he spent his days knowing Jesus and making him known (wow – this would make a great mission statement)
* Paul was constantly including others! (3,5 & all over)
- He never wanted a “lone ranger” ministry but saw the importance of the body of Christ.
*Paul constantly saw the same three responses to the Gospel: Hostility, Questioning, Belief! (4,6,8…)
- Although the hostile and questioning peeps burdened him, the joy of seeing others truly believe has to be exciting.
*Paul received encouragement from the Lord for his faithfulness! (9-10)
- A passionate calling brings with it the burden of ministry. And at just the right times, God gives encouragement!
It’s hard to even think of ministering for the Lord as a “daily grind” because it is such a privilege to serve & represent the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!~ But it must have been hard at times for Paul. I mean come on, he’s been beaten, left for dead, flogged, tossed in and out of jail numerous times, etc… But Paul was committed, even making vows to the Lord (verse 18 totally sounds like something a youth pastor would do!).
SO WHAT?!
*Paul was called into ministry & ALL those who have put their trust & faith in Christ are called as well. You may not be paid staff at a church, but we’re all God’s ambassadors to a foreign country (earth)! In what ways are you & I currently involved in ministry? If you’re not already, talk with me. I’d love to help you see how you can serve your Lord where you are!
*Who are you & I burdened for to know Christ? Let’s daily beg God for their souls? He cares for them more than even we do! In each student ministry I’ve been a part of, we challenge students to Pray-Persue-Persuade:
- Pray: Daily beg God for at least 3 friends to know Jesus!
- Pursue: Just begin to “bring God up”!
- Persuade: Friends toward Jesus!
Monday, May 28, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 106 - Acts 17: Turning Conversations to Spiritual Things
Turning conversations to Jesus is something I’m always wanting to do, and yet sometimes I’ve have had some pretty rough transitions. Conversations like, “It’s sure hot out…………..It’s hot in hell too, are you going there?” - are not the most effective transitions!~ In this chapter Paul gives us a great example of how to very naturally take something cultural and transition into sharing the good news of Jesus.
Before we get there, we see Paul & Silas again preaching Jesus and that message of Christ was making some angry. So when it got dark, they left for Berea. We can learn a lot from the Bereans for it says that they “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” And it tells us that because they did this that many believed! And again, as a result, they run Paul out of town for preaching Jesus.
Paul arrives in Athens and is “distressed to see that the city was full of idols.” His heart is broken for these people and I believe that the Holy Spirit gave him the words of transition in verses 22-23: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.” He then proceeds to share Christ and as always, some believe, some sneer and some want to hear more.
SO WHAT?!
*When you heard your pastor preach yesterday, what did you do? Did you fall asleep? Maybe you were bored and acted like you’d heard it before? Let’s be like the Bereans who were eager & excited to hear what GOD had for them! Let’s check out what our pastor says – it helps us grow, as well as keeps them in check., and that’s ok! As a pastor, I want to be sure to be teaching the TRUTH of God and not my opinions!
*One of the best ways to become better at turning conversations to spiritual things is to just keep praying and going for it! Let’s ask God to break our hearts for the lost and then be active in sharing our faith in Christ. He’ll do it! I know the more I ask, the more opportunities I have. When I’m not asking, I miss those opportunities. My friends at Dare 2 Share are GREAT at helping us in this area! Check out their free resources at http://www.dare2share.org/culturecommission/archives/
*Finally – Whenever the Gospel is preached, some become hostile, some ask more questions and some BELIEVE! Don’t get discouraged if as you share you’re not seeing people believe. Be faithful because God’s Word will not return without eternal impact of some kind. Some day in heaven you’ll get to fully see!!!
Before we get there, we see Paul & Silas again preaching Jesus and that message of Christ was making some angry. So when it got dark, they left for Berea. We can learn a lot from the Bereans for it says that they “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” And it tells us that because they did this that many believed! And again, as a result, they run Paul out of town for preaching Jesus.
Paul arrives in Athens and is “distressed to see that the city was full of idols.” His heart is broken for these people and I believe that the Holy Spirit gave him the words of transition in verses 22-23: “Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.” He then proceeds to share Christ and as always, some believe, some sneer and some want to hear more.
SO WHAT?!
*When you heard your pastor preach yesterday, what did you do? Did you fall asleep? Maybe you were bored and acted like you’d heard it before? Let’s be like the Bereans who were eager & excited to hear what GOD had for them! Let’s check out what our pastor says – it helps us grow, as well as keeps them in check., and that’s ok! As a pastor, I want to be sure to be teaching the TRUTH of God and not my opinions!
*One of the best ways to become better at turning conversations to spiritual things is to just keep praying and going for it! Let’s ask God to break our hearts for the lost and then be active in sharing our faith in Christ. He’ll do it! I know the more I ask, the more opportunities I have. When I’m not asking, I miss those opportunities. My friends at Dare 2 Share are GREAT at helping us in this area! Check out their free resources at http://www.dare2share.org/culturecommission/archives/
*Finally – Whenever the Gospel is preached, some become hostile, some ask more questions and some BELIEVE! Don’t get discouraged if as you share you’re not seeing people believe. Be faithful because God’s Word will not return without eternal impact of some kind. Some day in heaven you’ll get to fully see!!!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 104 - Acts 15: What Must I Do To Be Saved?
Throughout it’s history, leaders of the church have met to settle doctrinal issues (what the Bible teaches) and the same is true here. The rapid progress of the Gospel among the Gentiles presented Jewish believers with a serious problem. Not whether or not Gentiles could be saved but did they have to adhere to the law of Moses and be circumcised? This is what is discussed in this chapter.
We read that P&B got into it with some Jewish peeps who were teaching that a person couldn’t be saved unless they were circumcised. So the church in Antioch sends P&B, along with some other believers to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles & elders about this. Side note – take notice that as they traveled to this meeting, they continued to share the gospel of Jesus!
They arrive and after much discussion, Peter stands up and speaks. He shares how God is accepting Gentiles & giving them His Holy Spirit just like He did the Jewish believers – by GRACE thru FAITH! We then read, “Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." James (Jesus’ brother) speaks up, quotes the OT & expresses that God’s plan has always been to save Gentiles too. This council agrees and sends a letter back with P&B and some of their own men to the leaders in Antioch explaining just that. They gather the church there, read the letter and all “were glad for its encouraging message.” P&B then stick around and do more evangelism & discipleship!
The final portion of this chapter kicks off Paul’s second missionary journey. They decide to go back to the peeps they’ve shared Christ with and see how they are doing – again, more evangelism & discipleship! But it kicks off on a sour note. Barnabas wants to take John Mark along and Paul is like “no way, he deserted us” – which he had (13:13). It got so heated that they split and went their separate ways. Barnabas & John Mark went to Cypress, Paul & Silas left for Syria & Cilicia. So who was right? Are we shocked at all that Barnabas – Joe Encourager – once again sticks up for someone?!~! So who was right? I have no idea! God knows, and I’m ok with that. Hey, maybe both of them were right – or wrong?! Regardless, the Word of God was continuing to spread! And by the way, later on Paul again sees John Mark as vital (Colossians 4:10).
SO WHAT?!
*ALL believers are called to be able to know and handle God’s Word (1 Tim 4:16, 2 Tim 2:15). How about you? How about me? Are we IN our Bible enough so that we can both know truth and spot error? Keep up with our “260 in 2012” and it will help you to do so!
*We took note that Paul & Barnabas continued to minister as they went along. It wasn’t a “job” for them it had become their lifestyle. How about us? The call to “go and make disciples” means “as you go.” I think when we first begin to share Jesus and to serve Jesus it can be like a “job.” But the more & more we are involved in those ministries and others, the more and more it becomes a part of us! Let’s not be so focused on the destination that we miss out on the journey!
*Ever had the tendency to “add” to God’s grace? I mean, the feeling that if we read our Bible more or pray more or serve more or whatever more, that Jesus will accept us more?~! If you have put your trust & faith in what Jesus alone did for you on the cross, you could not be more accepted by God! When making Jesus known, don’t get sidetracked on drinking, smoking, cursing, baptism, etc… but keep bringing it back to Jesus. Let’s not add to what it takes to be saved, let’s share the truth, the Gospel truth and nothing but the Gospel truth!
We read that P&B got into it with some Jewish peeps who were teaching that a person couldn’t be saved unless they were circumcised. So the church in Antioch sends P&B, along with some other believers to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles & elders about this. Side note – take notice that as they traveled to this meeting, they continued to share the gospel of Jesus!
They arrive and after much discussion, Peter stands up and speaks. He shares how God is accepting Gentiles & giving them His Holy Spirit just like He did the Jewish believers – by GRACE thru FAITH! We then read, “Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." James (Jesus’ brother) speaks up, quotes the OT & expresses that God’s plan has always been to save Gentiles too. This council agrees and sends a letter back with P&B and some of their own men to the leaders in Antioch explaining just that. They gather the church there, read the letter and all “were glad for its encouraging message.” P&B then stick around and do more evangelism & discipleship!
The final portion of this chapter kicks off Paul’s second missionary journey. They decide to go back to the peeps they’ve shared Christ with and see how they are doing – again, more evangelism & discipleship! But it kicks off on a sour note. Barnabas wants to take John Mark along and Paul is like “no way, he deserted us” – which he had (13:13). It got so heated that they split and went their separate ways. Barnabas & John Mark went to Cypress, Paul & Silas left for Syria & Cilicia. So who was right? Are we shocked at all that Barnabas – Joe Encourager – once again sticks up for someone?!~! So who was right? I have no idea! God knows, and I’m ok with that. Hey, maybe both of them were right – or wrong?! Regardless, the Word of God was continuing to spread! And by the way, later on Paul again sees John Mark as vital (Colossians 4:10).
SO WHAT?!
*ALL believers are called to be able to know and handle God’s Word (1 Tim 4:16, 2 Tim 2:15). How about you? How about me? Are we IN our Bible enough so that we can both know truth and spot error? Keep up with our “260 in 2012” and it will help you to do so!
*We took note that Paul & Barnabas continued to minister as they went along. It wasn’t a “job” for them it had become their lifestyle. How about us? The call to “go and make disciples” means “as you go.” I think when we first begin to share Jesus and to serve Jesus it can be like a “job.” But the more & more we are involved in those ministries and others, the more and more it becomes a part of us! Let’s not be so focused on the destination that we miss out on the journey!
*Ever had the tendency to “add” to God’s grace? I mean, the feeling that if we read our Bible more or pray more or serve more or whatever more, that Jesus will accept us more?~! If you have put your trust & faith in what Jesus alone did for you on the cross, you could not be more accepted by God! When making Jesus known, don’t get sidetracked on drinking, smoking, cursing, baptism, etc… but keep bringing it back to Jesus. Let’s not add to what it takes to be saved, let’s share the truth, the Gospel truth and nothing but the Gospel truth!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 103 - Acts 14: Paul’s First Discipleship Journey
Ok – so for years we’ve called them Paul’s “missionary” journeys – and that they are. But because evangelism & discipleship are inseparable – like two sides of the same coin – we’ll continue to see, in this chapter and throughout Acts, an emphasis by Paul on discipleship as well.
Iconium – P&B (my little title for Paul & Barnabas) are, as usual, preaching in the synagogue and seeing Jews & Gentiles believe. Some unbelieving Jews though decide to spread some rumors about them, which only causes P&B to stay longer, preach stronger and do a few miracles – ha! It then says a “plot was afoot” to stone them, so God sent them on to….
Lysrtra – While here, God give Paul the power to heal a man who was lame from birth. This results in the people want to worship & offer sacrifices to P&B – yikes! P&B get wind of this and tell ‘em to stop because “we too are only men.” Unbelieving Jews from Antioch don’t like this at all, so they stone Paul & drag him outside the city thinking he was dead. So the disciples gather around him and it says “he got up and went back into the city.” In the words from Princess Bride, I guess he was only “mostly dead!” He, he… The next day P&B leave for…
Derbe – It says that in Derbe “They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples.” Each time the Gospel is preached we see people believe. God is continuing the exponential growth of his church! They then headed for…
Lystra, Iconium, Antioch – Here they strengthened, encouraged & warned the disciples (this again is discipleship). They also appointed church leaders – prayed, fasted & committed them to the Lord and then left for…
Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia & back to Antioch – They had completed their first journey they were called to by the church leaders in Antioch in Acts 13:2. Verses 27-28 again give us more insight on early church growth & discipleship, “On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.”
SO WHAT?
*Where are you in your “journey” with the Lord? Are you sharing your faith in Christ with others? Often times we think that we need to know more, we need more discipleship. But making disciples who make disciples who make disciples is a constant process of both evangelism & discipleship. Read Philemon 6!
*When are you tempted to back down on your witness for Christ? At times God gave P&B boldness and at other times he moved them elsewhere – so how do you know when to do which? GREAT question! Not always sure myself of the answer. I’d say pray, listen to the Holy Spirit and don’t let fear be our motivation.
*Finally, when God does great things to & thru you, be sure to SHARE IT! It gives incredible encouragement and challenge to other believers!
Iconium – P&B (my little title for Paul & Barnabas) are, as usual, preaching in the synagogue and seeing Jews & Gentiles believe. Some unbelieving Jews though decide to spread some rumors about them, which only causes P&B to stay longer, preach stronger and do a few miracles – ha! It then says a “plot was afoot” to stone them, so God sent them on to….
Lysrtra – While here, God give Paul the power to heal a man who was lame from birth. This results in the people want to worship & offer sacrifices to P&B – yikes! P&B get wind of this and tell ‘em to stop because “we too are only men.” Unbelieving Jews from Antioch don’t like this at all, so they stone Paul & drag him outside the city thinking he was dead. So the disciples gather around him and it says “he got up and went back into the city.” In the words from Princess Bride, I guess he was only “mostly dead!” He, he… The next day P&B leave for…
Derbe – It says that in Derbe “They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples.” Each time the Gospel is preached we see people believe. God is continuing the exponential growth of his church! They then headed for…
Lystra, Iconium, Antioch – Here they strengthened, encouraged & warned the disciples (this again is discipleship). They also appointed church leaders – prayed, fasted & committed them to the Lord and then left for…
Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia & back to Antioch – They had completed their first journey they were called to by the church leaders in Antioch in Acts 13:2. Verses 27-28 again give us more insight on early church growth & discipleship, “On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.”
SO WHAT?
*Where are you in your “journey” with the Lord? Are you sharing your faith in Christ with others? Often times we think that we need to know more, we need more discipleship. But making disciples who make disciples who make disciples is a constant process of both evangelism & discipleship. Read Philemon 6!
*When are you tempted to back down on your witness for Christ? At times God gave P&B boldness and at other times he moved them elsewhere – so how do you know when to do which? GREAT question! Not always sure myself of the answer. I’d say pray, listen to the Holy Spirit and don’t let fear be our motivation.
*Finally, when God does great things to & thru you, be sure to SHARE IT! It gives incredible encouragement and challenge to other believers!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 102 - Acts 13: Paul – Greatly Used of God
Today marks another turning point in the book of Acts. Chapters 1-12 focus on God’s work thru Peter, the remaining chapters focus on God’s work thru Paul. Peter’s focus was on getting the Gospel to the Jewish church in Jerusalem & Judea, Paul’s focus will be on getting the Gospel to the Gentile church beyond Judea – fulfilling Jesus’ command in Acts 1:8. Do you want to be greatly used by God? This chapter gives examples of how that can happen!
First – be involved in ministry right where you are (1-2a). We read that Paul & Barnabas were already involved in the Lord’s work – ministering and fasting.
Second – Follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life (2b). This could be a gut feeling, counsel from a godly person, a prompting as you read God’s Word, etc…. When these things occur, we need to, by faith, obey.
Thirdly – Include others (3-5). Paul included Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke, etc… There were never meant to be “lone rangers” in ministry. So when you serve, grab someone and have them serve with you!
Fourth – Realize you’ll face opposition (6-8). If it’s the work of the Lord you can bet the forces of evil are not going to like it. They will do everything to deceive, distract & discourage us so that we will stop. Let’s pray for strength to persevere!
Fifth – Speak for God, even when it’s not popular (9-12). You may or may not have to be as blunt as Paul is here, but either way, speak the truth in love with gentleness & respect.
Sixth – Use your Bible to point people to Jesus (13-41). It’s all about HIM and we need to know God’s Word to lead people to Him. Hopefully this “260 in 2012” is helping you do just that!
Finally – Always remember that whenever the Gospel is preached some will be opposed, some may ask more questions but some will believe! (12, 42-52)
SO WHAT?
*In what ways are you currently involved in the Lord’s work? Are you active in sharing your faith? In serving? In praying? In teaching? Etc… If you are not, let me know and I can help you with ideas of how to get started so you can be greatly used of God! And be sure to include others in the process!
*What has the Holy Spirit been prompting you with lately? Is it reaching out to an outcast in your school or at your job or in your neighborhood? Maybe it’s sharing your testimony with someone? Follow God’s prompting today and I guarantee you that you won’t be sorry you did!
*If we will BE and DO these things and we will be “…..continually filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (52)
First – be involved in ministry right where you are (1-2a). We read that Paul & Barnabas were already involved in the Lord’s work – ministering and fasting.
Second – Follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life (2b). This could be a gut feeling, counsel from a godly person, a prompting as you read God’s Word, etc…. When these things occur, we need to, by faith, obey.
Thirdly – Include others (3-5). Paul included Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke, etc… There were never meant to be “lone rangers” in ministry. So when you serve, grab someone and have them serve with you!
Fourth – Realize you’ll face opposition (6-8). If it’s the work of the Lord you can bet the forces of evil are not going to like it. They will do everything to deceive, distract & discourage us so that we will stop. Let’s pray for strength to persevere!
Fifth – Speak for God, even when it’s not popular (9-12). You may or may not have to be as blunt as Paul is here, but either way, speak the truth in love with gentleness & respect.
Sixth – Use your Bible to point people to Jesus (13-41). It’s all about HIM and we need to know God’s Word to lead people to Him. Hopefully this “260 in 2012” is helping you do just that!
Finally – Always remember that whenever the Gospel is preached some will be opposed, some may ask more questions but some will believe! (12, 42-52)
SO WHAT?
*In what ways are you currently involved in the Lord’s work? Are you active in sharing your faith? In serving? In praying? In teaching? Etc… If you are not, let me know and I can help you with ideas of how to get started so you can be greatly used of God! And be sure to include others in the process!
*What has the Holy Spirit been prompting you with lately? Is it reaching out to an outcast in your school or at your job or in your neighborhood? Maybe it’s sharing your testimony with someone? Follow God’s prompting today and I guarantee you that you won’t be sorry you did!
*If we will BE and DO these things and we will be “…..continually filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (52)
Monday, May 21, 2012
260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 101 - Acts 12: Fighting God = Not Smart
Ever since Lucifer rebelled and Adam & Eve rebelled, there have been those who dare to shake their fist at God. This chapter records one of them: Herod. We read that he is arresting and persecuting believers in the church and is now credited with the murder of James – the first disciple of Jesus who was killed for his faith. After this, he has Peter arrested. This is his third arrest already. Because Peter got out last time (an angel let him out 5:19), Herod placed 16 guards on him this time around. Why, of course, like that’s gonna’ stop an angel of the Lord!~!
We then read what was happening behind the scenes: “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” What a great verse! We then read how God answered these prayers! Peter is in chains, snoozing between two guards when an angel of the Lord smacks him & tells him to get up – Ha! Peter is not really sure what’s happening but his chains fall off and the angel leads him out of prison and disappears. At this point Peter realizes “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating." So he excitingly heads to the prayer meeting to tell everyone!
Picture this next scene with me: Peter arrives at the home where everyone is praying for him, knocks and little Rhoda answers. She’s so excited about Peter being here that she slams the door in his face as she runs to tell everyone. She tells everyone and they think she’s crazy. I’m imagining them saying, “Stop bothering us young lady, we’re praying for Peter to be released.” In the meantime, Peter continues to knock and Rhoda continues to tell them Peter’s really at the door. So they finally go to the door and – imagine that – it’s Peter! He quiets them down, tells them the whole story and leaves so these people won’t get busted for his being out of jail.
I gotta’ tell you, sometimes there are verses in the Bible that just crack me up and verse 18 is one of them: “In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.” Total understatement! These guards had no idea what had happened but they knew their lives were toast, which is confirmed in verse 19!
So now you’ve got a really upset king, which is not good for the people (Proverbs 20:2). So the people conspire with Herod’s personal servant Blastus to “butter him up.” It works and Herod likes the attention, but it would be the last day of his life. The people started calling Herod a god and we read that “Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” Eewww! The main point comes next. As much as Herod was fighting against God and His will “…the Word of God continued to increase and spread.” Take note – fighting against God is futile!
SO WHAT?!
*Is there anything in your life you want so bad that you are willing to go against God to get it? Be warned, God is in control and His will WILL be done, with or without us! Let’s daily remember to hand our lives & plans to Him (Proverbs 16:1,3,9).
*As a fairly new follower of Jesus (3-4 years), Peter had been arrested 3 times, beaten, mocked and now was trying to be killed – all for telling others about Jesus. What are you and I willing to suffer for the sake of Jesus? Most of us don’t face anything like this, but would we be willing to speak the truth in love regardless if we’re made fun of for lose friends?
*What are you praying for that ONLY GOD can do? Good question to ponder.
*Finally, be encouraged that as we continue to make ourselves available to be used of God, His Word will continue to spread and increase!
We then read what was happening behind the scenes: “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” What a great verse! We then read how God answered these prayers! Peter is in chains, snoozing between two guards when an angel of the Lord smacks him & tells him to get up – Ha! Peter is not really sure what’s happening but his chains fall off and the angel leads him out of prison and disappears. At this point Peter realizes “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating." So he excitingly heads to the prayer meeting to tell everyone!
Picture this next scene with me: Peter arrives at the home where everyone is praying for him, knocks and little Rhoda answers. She’s so excited about Peter being here that she slams the door in his face as she runs to tell everyone. She tells everyone and they think she’s crazy. I’m imagining them saying, “Stop bothering us young lady, we’re praying for Peter to be released.” In the meantime, Peter continues to knock and Rhoda continues to tell them Peter’s really at the door. So they finally go to the door and – imagine that – it’s Peter! He quiets them down, tells them the whole story and leaves so these people won’t get busted for his being out of jail.
I gotta’ tell you, sometimes there are verses in the Bible that just crack me up and verse 18 is one of them: “In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.” Total understatement! These guards had no idea what had happened but they knew their lives were toast, which is confirmed in verse 19!
So now you’ve got a really upset king, which is not good for the people (Proverbs 20:2). So the people conspire with Herod’s personal servant Blastus to “butter him up.” It works and Herod likes the attention, but it would be the last day of his life. The people started calling Herod a god and we read that “Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” Eewww! The main point comes next. As much as Herod was fighting against God and His will “…the Word of God continued to increase and spread.” Take note – fighting against God is futile!
SO WHAT?!
*Is there anything in your life you want so bad that you are willing to go against God to get it? Be warned, God is in control and His will WILL be done, with or without us! Let’s daily remember to hand our lives & plans to Him (Proverbs 16:1,3,9).
*As a fairly new follower of Jesus (3-4 years), Peter had been arrested 3 times, beaten, mocked and now was trying to be killed – all for telling others about Jesus. What are you and I willing to suffer for the sake of Jesus? Most of us don’t face anything like this, but would we be willing to speak the truth in love regardless if we’re made fun of for lose friends?
*What are you praying for that ONLY GOD can do? Good question to ponder.
*Finally, be encouraged that as we continue to make ourselves available to be used of God, His Word will continue to spread and increase!
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