Acts 25 - 1.31.23

Scripture

Acts 25:25-27

I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome.

Observation

In Acts 21, Paul returns to Jerusalem and is soon arrested. Paul is beaten, there is a plot to murder him, and he is jailed for years before he receives a trial. When he finally gets his day in court, the governor is at a loss on how to handle the situation. But God was in control – it was all part of His plan to spread the gospel throughout the world. He spoke to Paul in Acts 23:11 - The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

Understanding

“God … providentially so ordered the decisions of individuals and nations that embedded in Roman law is an appeal mechanism that can now be employed by his witness, who was born a Roman citizen. But it requires Paul to exercise faith, courage, integrity and shrewdness.” (IVP New Testament Commentary Series)

In spite of overwhelming circumstances, Paul put His trust in God and obeyed.

There are times when we pray and God acts. There are other times when it seems He isn’t listening. We wonder, Where is God? Why isn’t He taking action? It is in those times that we must put our trust in Him.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declarets the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

We don’t always know the plan. But He knows the plan! Our job is to have faith and trust.

Life Application

God, please help me to remember that when I don’t see an immediate answer to my prayers, it does not mean that You are not working. Help me to put my trust in You and believe that You are in control and that you have a plan for me. Help me to not give up in those circumstances, but to continue to pray and believe.

- Debbie Dunn

Acts 24 - 1.30.23

Scripture

Acts‬ ‭24:25

“As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.”

Observation-What does it say?

Some of the Jewish Elders, and the lawyer named Tertullus went to governor Felix to present their case against Paul. Paul was being accused of being a troublemaker who was constantly stirring up riots amongst the Jews all over the world. He was being accused of being a ringleader of a cult, and Paul was being accused of desecrating the Temple. Of course, all these accusations were false, but Felix, who wanted to gain favor with the Jewish people, left Paul in prison. While in prison, Felix would send for Paul quite frequently. Deep down, Felix was hoping Paul would bribe him with money for his release. But instead Paul used those times to share with Felix and his wife Drusilla about faith in Jesus Christ. One day Paul reasoned with them about righteousness, self-control, and the coming day of judgement. This talk frightened Felix. He told Paul to “Go away for now. When it’s more convenient, I’ll call back for you again.”

Understanding-What does it mean?

What will you do when the power of the Holy Spirit convicts you?

As Paul was sharing the Word of God with Felix and his wife, Felix felt the conviction from the Holy Spirit (spoken through Paul) of his wrongdoings in life. Now Felix had a choice to make here. Would he allow the Holy Spirit to convict him of his faults so that he may repent against them? Or would he ignore the calling, try to hide from it, and let pride get in the way of making the right decision? Unfortunately, Felix chose the latter.

There will be times in life when the Holy Spirit speaks to us and pierces straight to our heart. It may be something we need to do, or it may be something we need to rid ourselves of in our life. The choice won’t always be easy. But if I was to learn anything from this passage this morning, it is that I can’t just pick and choose sections of the Word of God I choose to follow. Don’t be like Felix and listen to God’s Word, take it in, but as soon as it tells you something you may not want to hear or are uncomfortable with, you shut it out. No! Instead I need to take a long, hard look in the mirror, allow the Holy Spirit to reveal my faults, and direct me in the way He needs me to go. Allow the power of the Holy Spirit to transform me from the inside out.

Life Application

Don’t let pride get in the way from the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

There is one unforgivable sin the Bible speaks of. It is the blaspheming or rejection of the Holy Spirit.

“Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” -Luke‬ ‭12:10

The Holy Spirit is alive! It reaches out to you, trying to guide you to do what is right in God’s eyes. Don’t turn away from Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your words, your actions so you may be right with God. Do not blaspheme Him or reject Him. Our time on earth is limited and we never know when our time here is up. So shouldn’t I be using that time accepting the Holy Spirit’s guidance, instead of rejecting it?

-Moses Gaddi

Acts 23 - 1.27.23

Scripture

Acts 23:11

 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

Observation – What does it say?

After making the most of every opportunity to share the gospel, preaching to crowd after crowd who were opposed to him – the crowd of Jews at the temple in Jerusalem, then to the Sanhedrin (Jewish religious leaders), many wanted him dead. To save him, the Roman commander put him in the barracks. At night, the Lord stood near Paul and spoke to him. In the face of opposition, threats and imprisonment God told him to take courage and spoke to him about His future plans for him.

Right after this word from God, Paul finds out that 40 men swore an oath to not eat anything until they had killed him.

Understanding – What does it mean?

God knew that Paul would need that word to hold on to! God’s word and his promises become anchors for us. Waves will come. Opposition will come. Distraction will come. Fear will come. And when it does, like Paul, God has given us promises in his word to hold onto. His desire is not for us to shrink back in fear but to rise up in faith and courage, even when circumstances look the worst.

I can’t help but be reminded of one of our church values: Faith and hope are our lens. Regardless of outward circumstances, we choose to cling to our faith in our God who is working all things together for the good of those who love him. We align with the hope of heaven that will not disappoint us.

Life Application

Remind myself of God’s words to me and take courage! He has never failed me and he’s not going to start now.

God, you have given me promises in your word and also dreams and prophetic words about my future and the future of Desert Streams. You knew trials and challenges would come and attempt to bring discouragement and fear and worry, so you gave these words to provide courage. Thank you for being so good to me! I receive your courage today and put my faith in you. You will certainly prove yourself faithful to every word you have spoken.

No weapon formed against me shall prosper. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. If you are for me, who can be against me! The gates of hell will not prevail against your church. We will go from glory to glory until we appear before you in heaven. Our God will indeed give what is good and our land will yield it’s harvest. Hallelujah and Amen.

-Levi Thompson