Acts 13 - 9.18.24
Scripture
As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2, KJV).
Observation
Paul has had a dramatic encounter with Jesus, and has turned from a Christ-persecutor to a Christ-follower in the previous chapters. Initially the other Christians were scared of him because of his violent past, and suspected that he was masquerading as a believer just to get into the church, and expose them to the authorities. All this changed because of Barnabas’ involvement. Barnabas brought Paul to the church in Jerusalem, introduced him to the apostles and testified of the great work God was doing through him, and got him accepted into the community of believers.
Here in chapter 13, we see Paul and Barnabas worshipping the Lord and fasting. They were “ministering” to God while worshiping. Other translations (NASB, AMP) say they were serving God and fasting. Worship is our service to God, and we minister to God while worshipping. It is interesting to note that fasting was part of their worship to God. They were not fasting for a specific need or prayer request. They were fasting to seek God.
Then the Holy Spirit revealed His direction for them. “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them”. There was a call on Paul’s and Barnabas’ life, and there was a purpose they were called to accomplish together in ministry. But for this call to be appropriated in their life, they need to put themselves in a place where they could hear God. They worshipped, fasted, prayed and waited on God. And then the calling on their life was revealed, and as verse 4 says “they were sent out by the Holy Spirit”.
Paul would later become the great apostle of Christ to the gentiles, even writing half of the new testament. But everything started by seeking God in fasting and prayer.
Application
If we want to accomplish God’s purpose in our lives, there is a cost. There is a price to be paid. Will we make pursuit of God our priority? God’s word commands us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Ana was an 84-year old widow, one of the only two people to whom God revealed his Son, when he was brought to the temple for dedication as a baby. What made Ana special? She “served” God with “fasting and prayer” night and day (Luke 2:37, NKJV). Would we choose to be like Ana, and be faithful in seeking God in fasting and prayer, on a regular basis?
Prayer
Father, I don’t want to miss out on your plan for my life. As you did for Paul and Barnabas, please separate me for the work for which you have called me. Help me to seek you first. Help me to serve you with regular prayer and fasting. Please send me and accomplish the purpose that you created me for. Make my life a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
- Asha Chacko George
Acts 12 - 9.17.24
SCRIPTURE: Acts 12:11-16 " Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod's grasp and from all that the Jewish people expected." When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many had assembled and were praying. He knocked at the door in the gateway, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer. She recognized Peter's voice, and because of her joy, she did not open the gate but ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gateway. "You're crazy!" they told her. But she kept insisting that it was true. Then they said, "It's his angel!". Peter, however, kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded."
OBSERVATION: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this story!
Even though Peter had been bound with, not one, but two chains, and was being guarded by two soldiers who were next to him while he was sleeping, and sentries were guarding the prison door, God miraculously freed Peter from his chains, and set him free! God had sent an angel to free Peter from his chains, and led him past the first and second guard posts, and then past the iron gate that led him back to the city.
The prison guards never heard the angel talking to Peter. They never heard the chains falling off of him, and no one saw him escape the prison door!
Some might ask, why did God even allow Peter to have to go to prison in the first place? Why didn't He protect him from the whole ordeal? As we read on in the story, we are clearly able to see that because God is sovereign, and that He knows all things, He allowed Peter to prison to to prison because He knew the end of the story! God already knew that Mary, and the others who were assembled at her house would be praying for Peter's release. He graciously chose to hear and answer their prayers, and He did it in a supernatural way that left NO DOUBT that this was indeed a mighty act of God! How interesting that even while the believers were praying for Peter's, release, when they saw how God had answered their prayer, they were astonished!
APPLICATION: Sometimes when we pray, we are more focused on our limitlessness, more than on God's unlimited power! When things appear to be impossible to us, we tend to "limit" God's miraculous ability - by not praying.
This story is SO encouraging because we serve a God Who is all powerful, and He not only has the ability to do the impossible, He is willing to do it for us, even when we need a miracle!
PRAYER: I pray I will put my faith in God's unfailing, unlimited power and ability to do the impossible! I thank Him that He is always present, and is always willing and available to hear and answer our prayers. No matter if we need healing, encouragement, strength, direction, protection, or provision, our sovereign and gracious God loves to answer when we pray in faith according to His will.
- Robin Orefice
Deuteronomy 14 - 9.16.24
Scripture
Deuteronomy 14:2 NLT
“You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.”
Observation
In this particular passage, the author is reminding the people of Israel that they are God’s chosen people. They have been set apart from all the other nations. Therefore, God calls them to be holy and live holy lives, abiding in Him, and following His ways.
Application
We who call ourselves Christians, are called by God to a higher standard of living.
But how does that look like in today’s world? What are some practical steps that I can take in my life to ensure that I’m living a life that is holy, and set apart for God? 🤔
•When the world tells me to take revenge on someone who has wronged you, I will choose to forgive.
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”-1 Thessalonians 5:15
•When the world tells me that success is all about how much “stuff” we obtain, I will remember that I can’t take any of this “stuff” with me to Heaven.
“Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”-Luke 12:15
•When the world encourages a “it’s all about me” attitude, I will remember it’s all about putting God and others before myself.
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”-Philippians 2:4-5
These are just a couple of examples of how we can be set apart, as holy for God and His purposes for us. We need to remember that once we accept Jesus in our heart as Lord and Savior, and we repent from our sinful ways, the old is gone, and the new has come. We are a new creation, born again through the blood of Christ and we should live our lives according to His will and purpose. 😊
“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
-Ephesians 4:21-24
Prayer
Father God, even though I am in this world, You called me to not be of it. You have saved me from my sins and have called me to live a life that is pleasing and honoring to You, a life that is set apart and holy. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that guides me to live that life for You. Forgive me for the times I do not listen to Your promptings. I pray that You may give me the discernment to know Your voice. May You give me the strength to trust and obey Your ways above my own. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi