Proverbs 25 - 10.23.23

Scripture

Proverbs‬ ‭25‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT

“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.”

Observation

Words of wisdom from King Solomon in this passage. The particular verse I chose today also mirrors the words that Jesus spoke when he told his disciples to “love your enemies.”

‭‭‬‬

Application

Kill them with kindness.

Something my dad used to tell me when I was younger was, “kill them with kindness son.” Now I don’t quite remember when or what situation I was in when he gave me that advice, but those words still stick with me to this day. It reminds of the time when I worked in retail, during those busy holiday seasons. You would think people would be nice to one another, especially during those times! Instead, people were quite the opposite. They were impatient, and quite rude to one another. And being a guy who worked during those busy seasons, I seemed to be on the receiving end of those customer tirades. But those words my dad spoke when I was younger, those words that would ring through my ears, really resonated with me during those times. I could have easily spouted back mean things back at the customer and really let them have it. But, then it would have probably made things worse. I probably would lose my job if I responded angrily. But, instead I chose to “kill them with kindness”. I would respond in a friendly and polite manner. I would keep that smile on my face, (even if I didn’t feel like it at the moment). I would offer assistance in a fast and friendly manner. I would go above and beyond to provide the best possible customer assistance. And for the most part, I found out by me doing that, it would help defuse the situation. The once irate customer would calm down. We would then be able to have a nice, normal conversation. Believe it or not, when the situation was over, most customers would even take the time to apologize to me for acting the way they did. What?!

Looking back on those times, it shouldn’t surprise me that that would happen. It shouldn’t surprise you either because “killing them with kindness” is basically the concept Jesus gives us when He instructs us to love our enemies. It’s the concept King Solomon speaks in the verse I chose today too. There is something about loving on our enemies, and praying for them, that can turn their frown upside down. It can turn them from a foe into a friend. I mean even Abraham Lincoln knew that the best way to destroy an enemy is by making them your friend. 😊❤️

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.” ‭-Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭35‬

Prayer

Dear Jesus, I am reminded today that before I knew You, I too, was once Your enemy. But You never gave up on me. You always loved me. You even died for me. Thank You for Your grace, mercies, and unconditional love that You show me each day. May I follow Your lead Jesus. May I love the unlovable. May I forgive the unforgivable. May I do it because You first did it for me. I pray these things in Your name Jesus, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi

Acts 14 - 10.20.23

Scripture

Acts 14:1

At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.

Observation

Was it 50 people? 100? 1,000? We’re just told that “a great number” believed. Why? According to this verse, it’s because Paul and Barnabas spoke so effectively.

God uses effective communication to bring people to belief in Jesus.

I wonder in reading this, what made the their communication so effective?

Of course it had to be clear enough for people to understand the news about Jesus and to be persuaded. But we also know Paul’s approach was to come not only with words but power (1 Cor. 2:4). We also know that none can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them (John 6:44). The Holy Spirit accompanied them with signs and wonders, and bared witness to those who heard that the message was true.

Application

Pursue effective communication through prayer and practice.

I will set aside time to pray for the Holy Spirit to accompany the gospel message with signs and wonders, to bear witness to the truth and draw people to faith in Jesus.

And I will practice communicating the gospel, not just from the pulpit, but by sharing with someone this week.

Prayer

God, I long to be used by you to save people. Make me an effective evangelist. Please give me the words to clearly communicate the gospel. And Holy Spirit, please accompany the message with power. Draw people to yourself, and bring someone across my path even today who you’ve appointed for salvation who I could share the gospel with. May it be said of me, and all of us at Desert Streams Church, that we spoke so effectively that a great number of people believed. Amen.

-       Levi Thompson

Acts 13 - 10.19.23

SCRIPTURE: Acts 13:1-3  NIV

“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul. 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.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

OBSERVATION:

Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire and was well-known as a center for pagan idolatry and licentious behavior. It was in this "cesspool" that God established His Church to be the base of missionary activity. 

From Antioch, Paul and his helpers carried the Gospel throughout the then-known world. At least forty different cities are named in Acts. 

APPLICATION:

Keys to a Powerful Ministry 

As I’m reading about the church in Antioch a few key factors stand out to me today. This church is said to be in a well-known center for pagan idolatry and licentious behavior. In other words, it could be something very akin to Los Angeles-right where we live.

Yet, this was a Spiritually Strong and Effective Church-much like Desert Streams.

What were the components?

Prophets AND Teachers.

Worshiping and Fasting.

Praying.

We are getting ready to head into our 3-Day Prayer and Fasting -Ascent-10/25-10/27.

If you have never joined -this is a supernatural time to draw close to God in His word and prayer. We will have a kick-off service on Wednesday 10/25. Miracles breakout when People come before God to Worship, Seek His face and Pray.

I also learned a new phrase in my reading. “Aorist imperative”.

Barnabas and Paul Filled with the Spirit— Fulfilled Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19 to “Make Disciples”.

This command from Jesus was spoken in an “aorist imperative” meaning it wasn’t just a command to GO.

It speaks of “an urgent need to Obey”.

“Then Jesus came to them and said,

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 

Therefore- GO and make disciples..”

(Matthew 28:18a NIV)

The implication also has the meaning to make learners-

but not JUST learners who knew more about Christ—

learners who OBEYED what they learned 

and thereby grew to become MORE like Christ.

“and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

(Matthew 28:20a NIV)

PRAYER:

LORD Jesus,

FILL me With YOUR Heart-not-to be more knowledgeable-But to be More obedient. To be More like You Jesus. To reflect Your Love, Your mercy, Your Grace, and Your Truth. Teach me to Teach others to Obey You.

Give me great courage to speak out boldly today-

for whoever You send my way.

To urgently GO and make disciples.

In Jesus Name I pray.

Tina L Kudelka