1.13.23 - Acts 13

Scripture

Acts 13:2

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.”

Observation – What does it say?

Several of the church leaders were worshiping and fasting together in Antioch, when the Holy Spirit spoke and gave direction for Barnabas and Saul.

Understanding – What does it mean?

Clarity and direction are a byproduct of fasting and drawing near to God in worship.

There are so many decisions we make daily. Small decisions like a purchase on Amazon or how we’re going to respond to the guy who just cut us off. We also make big decisions that will impact where we live and work and serve, who we have relationship with, how we will spend our future, etc. In each decision, we can lean on our own understanding and just go with what seems best, we can lean on others to make decisions for us, or we can allow God to lead us. Following Jesus means that we allow him to lead us.

“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:17)

“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Cor 5:15)

Like Jesus, I want to be in step with what the Father is doing and to be able to say, “I only do what I see my Father in heaven doing.”

This time of worshiping and fasting for Barnabas and Saul (AKA Paul) led to them being thrust into one of the most fruitful and truly world-changing missionary journeys. If they hadn’t been seeking God in fasting and worship, would they still have heard God’s call? Would they still have been used by God in such great ways?

Life Application

This encourages me as we are in the middle of our 28 days of prayer and fasting. I am expecting and anticipating God to speak to each of us, giving us direction and guidance for the future. Who knows what fruitful and world-changing assignments he might speak to us about as we fast and seek him together!

God, we want to be positioned to hear and receive direction from you. As we fast and pray and worship, please speak to us and reveal to us your will for us personally and as a church. Amen.

-Levi Thompson

Acts 12 - 01.12.23

SCRIPTURE:

“The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping…”

OBSERVATION:

During this time King Herod Agrippa began an intense persecution against believers.

James [John’s brother] had just been executed by the sword. Herod saw how much the death of James had pleased the Jewish leaders—so he continued his campaign of terror by seizing Peter during the “Feast of the Passover”—planning to bring him to trial immediately after the Passover Celebration (vs 4). Peter was being heavily guarded by sixteen soldiers. On the night before the trial—Herod additionally had Peter bound in chains between two soldiers. This is the summary of verses 1-4. If I am Peter, I am counting the hours—because death is certain—Yet—Peter was sleeping.

UNDERSTANDING:

Peace in the Storm

Peter was sleeping…

I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure if I would be sleeping the night before a certain death—but as I look back on Peter’s life I surely see lesson’s to be gleaned—He understood Peace in a storm. Peter above all the disciples was the one that walked on water that one frightening stormy night when the winds and waves were attempting to take over the boat. AND, when Peter looked away from Jesus and began to sink—he was also the one to experience Jesus Hand pulling him up. Peter witnessed Jesus Authority over the winds and the waves. Peter knew Jesus was his Sovereign Savior for all eternity—in every circumstance—unto death.

Another key component not to be missed—the Church was praying.

“So Peter was kept in prison, but fervent and persistent prayer for him was being made to God by the church.” (Acts 12:5 AMP)

A supernatural Peace has fallen on Peter—come what may—because of the fervent and persistent intercession being made for him. Passionate—faith FILLED—worshipful—unceasing—night and day prayer vigil—petitions—earnestly brought before God on Peter’s behalf. Peter was arrested sometime during the eight day Passover celebration. We don’t know exactly which day—but the believers were in this intense prayer mode for Peter for several days at least.

May we never underestimate or take for granted the power and effect of our genuine intercession.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak—words may be given me

so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:18-19 NIV)

LIFE APPLICATION:

I’m going out on a limb today with….Two Life Applications…

First—

I want to be like Peter…able to sleep in the storms…Peter [like the other disciples] watched Jesus sleeping in the boat when the winds and waves were rushing their boat and they thought they would drown. But, Jesus had told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side” (Mark 4:35). Now, Peter learned how to “rest in the storm” like Jesus.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)

Second—

Pray—our Prayers are Powerful

Peter was miraculously delivered out of chains—out of jail—out past all of the guards and locked gates! Have you ever heard of such a thing? God delivered Peter “out” of an absolutely Impossible situation.

Is there an Impossible situation that you are facing today? Pray! Better yet—invite other believers to PRAY and intercede WITH you. NOTHING is Impossible for God.

“I am the Lord, the God of ALL mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to HIM be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV)

LORD Jesus,

Thank you today for your peace. The Peace that you freely Give that has no bearing on circumstances. Peace that is found IN You. Thank you for the Gift of Prayer—You tore the curtain and gave us intimate personal access to be in Your Presence and bring our requests directly before You. I pray to pray impossible prayers—for healing and deliverance. To see your hand move in our church and city—to make your name known. I Praise Your Name that You are God and able to do immeasurably more than ALL I could ask OR imagine. I pray for revelation words and Holy Spirit direction so that I may fearlessly make your gospel known. In Jesus Name.

Tina L Kudelka

Acts 11 - 1.11.23

Scripture:

Acts 11:9 NIV

““The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’”

Observation-What does it say?

Peter received objections from the Christian Jews for associating with the Gentiles, who were an “uncircumcised” people. Therefore, Peter explains his ministry to them (enduringword.com).

Understanding-What does it mean?

Peter was being outward focused. He was following in Jesus’ footsteps by associating with sinners.

Peter knew that Jesus had died a sinner’s death for ALL, not just for Christians. Jews and Gentiles did not associate with one another in Biblical times, but Jesus broke that barrier and Peter was just following in His footsteps.

If you fast forward to verses 19-21, the church in Antioch grew as a result of the Gentiles coming to the Lord! It was as a result of Peter standing firm even through the opposition of his own people of faith!

Life Application:

What are ways that we can be outward focused during this fast?

“For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.”  -Proverbs 5:21 NIV

Dear Lord, as we pray and fast this month to seek You more and spend more time growing with our church family, please help our heart to not neglect the lost as well. Help us to love and be intentional about praying for and hanging out with lost sinners. Also, please soften their hearts. They need to know and receive Your love and grace the most. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi