Acts 1 - 7.29.26
Scripture: Acts 1:23-26
“So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”
Observation
After Jesus' betrayal and death and resurrection, the disciples needed to select someone to replace Judas. Although this section references the Old Testament practice of casting lots, let's breakdown all the steps they took to determine God's will in the situation.
Application
In all they did, they led with prayer
Vs. 14 - They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
They consulted scripture
Vs. 20 - “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: .... “‘May another take his place of leadership.’
They had godly discussion based on the scripture - sought godly advice
V. 21, 23 - Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, and So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
They asked God for guidance
Vs 24-25 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart.Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”
This is the guidebook we should follow when seeking God's will in any situation. But we have a great advantage over the disciples at that time - the promise earlier in the chapter of what was coming, the gift of the Holy Spirit. When the disciples were making this important decision, the Holy Spirit had not yet come. But that changes in the very next chapter.
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Today we have the Holy Spirit that lives inside us, teaching, directing, and guiding us.
Prayer
God, your word says that we will find you when we seek you with all our heart. You have given us the tools we need, your word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. Thank you that you love me and have a plan for my life. May I take the time to truly seek your will in all areas. I stand on that promise - if I seek you I will find you.
- Debbie Dunn
Matthew 28 - 7.28.26
SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 28:1 – 10
“1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
OBSERVATION
What a wonderful scene! It’s such a monumental and exceptional scene that it’s one of the few events that are covered in all four Gospels. It is also a special scene that is covered in many works of art throughout time from early church frescos and mosaics to Medieval carved ivory, stone, stained glass and in many Renaissance paintings. The impact of this event is monumental because it proved that Jesus broke the bonds of death and rose from the dead.
This scene also depicts the deep love Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” had for Jesus. They arrived to anoint his body with fresh spices to finish the Jewish burial that was cut short due to the upcoming Sabbath and Passover. They wanted to honor Jesus.
One thing I noticed about this story is the Angel told the women to go tell the disciples He has risen from the dead and they would see him in Galilee. Verse 8 says they (women) hurried away, “afraid yet filled with joy.” They didn’t quite understand but were excited to see Jesus in Galilee. The plan was simple: Go to Galilee, tell the Apostles they would see Jesus. Then, out of an act of love by Jesus for these women, He appears to them early on the road to Galilee. They were so excited to see Jesus they fell to his feet in worship.
I also think His early visit with the women was to affirm to the Disciples that Jesus was not in the tomb but had truly risen from the dead. The women were able to confirm to the Disciples they actually saw Jesus, with their own two eyes, and that He was alive. That might have helped the Disciples to believe Jesus had risen but later in Matthew 28:16 - 17, we see some still doubted it was Him:
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
APPLICATION
God’s love and compassion can change a plan. In this story, we see there was one plan for Jesus to appear in Galilee and then it was altered by Jesus’ love for the women. Although the women didn’t ask to be visited on the road to Galilee, it was a special surprise that shows God’s compassion. Be expecting God to show His love for you in even the smallest ways.
There are other stories in the Bible that show how God relented his original plan after being petitioned through His great love and compassion. Here are a few examples:
Exodus 32:14: Moses pleads with God not to destroy the rebellious Israelites, and the Lord relents from the disaster he threatened.
2 Kings 20:1-6: King Hezekiah weeps and prays when told he will die, and God adds 15 years to his life.
Jonah 3:10: The people of Nineveh turn from their evil ways, and God relents from the destruction he had announced.
God wants us to pray and petition Him. We’re instructed to bring our requests to Him, in every situation:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
If there wasn’t a possibility He would answer prayer, to move with compassion, then why petition the Lord? Because God hears our every prayer – He listens, cares and has compassion on us:
- Psalm 65:2: God is the "Hearer of prayer".
- 1 John 5:14: We have confidence that He hears us when we ask.
- Psalm 34:17: The Lord hears when people cry out in trouble.
PRAYER
Lord, I’m in awe of your love and compassion. Time and time again, in many stories in your Word, your lovingkindness is shown. Thank you for your never ending compassion as noted in Lamentations 3:22 – 23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
I’m reminded of the great hymn that is based on this Scripture – praise your mighty name: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT0HcAr9aeI
Amen!
- Mary Oberg
Psalm 136
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 136
1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
10
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
11
and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
12
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
13
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
14
and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
15
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
16
to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.
17
to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
18
and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
19
Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
20
and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
21
and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
22
an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.
23
He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24
and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25
He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
26
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
OBSERVATION
This chapter in the book of Psalms is referred to as the “Great Hallel” or “Great Praise”. The Psalmist is praising God for all that He had blessed them with and what He did in the past. The Psalmist remembered all the great and wonderful miracles that God had performed. The same God who freed them from slavery in Egypt, walked with them in the wilderness, and gave them a home and inheritance was still blessing them with food and a plentiful land. He also acknowledged God’s protection from their enemies who were constantly at war with them. Lastly, He was highlighting the love of God. God’s love is everlasting. We read all throughout scripture and even in our daily lives the impact of God’s love towards His people.
APPLICATION
What stood out to me was the fact that psalmist remembered God’s actions through His power and love. As we are going through the “But God” series, this whole chapter is a “But God” statement! Not only did God free the Israelites from bondage, He continued to walk with them because trouble did not stop in Egypt. In our lives, hardship will not stop at the point of salvation, but we have Christ. As we spend time with God today, we should remember our “But God” moments through praise.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I thank You for having love for us. You pursued us, saved us, and walking with us until we get to see You face to face where we will be with You for eternity. Your love truly endures forever!
- Darrence Hamilton