Acts 2 - 7.30.26

SCRIPTURE:  Acts 2:29-36

“29Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his  throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet. 36 Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 

OBSERVATION

AI Quote: “The Book of Acts was written by Luke. This conclusion is supported by early church testimony and internal textual clues that indicate a common authorship with the Gospel of Luke. Both texts share similar literary styles and historical detail, reinforcing the identification of Luke as the author.” However, I found it interesting because Luke quotes both Peter in these scriptures, and David’s scriptures in Psalms.

I knew David was a shepherd, warrior, king and author.  He wrote many of the Psalms, expressing deep emotions and spiritual insights.  BUT I never thought of him as a “prophet”.  But yes, in these scriptures Luke quotes scriptures of David who wrote of how God spoke to him

The book of Acts 2 speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit, and it was a turning point for the disciples, empowering them with divine ability and boldness. This moment fulfilled Jesus’ promise that His followers would receive power to be His witnesses.

APPLICATION

The Lord, speaks to us in His Word! I so cherish God’s Word and I, and each of us, learn something we hadn’t seen before every time we read His word. He sees us and knows what we need in every season of our lives. This scripture says it all:

Acts 2:37 speaks of how we are to live His word:  “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”  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. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

And how are we to do this? Daily..

-- repent (daily confess our sins and turn from them), read his word, write a SOAP note of what it meant to us.  Memorize it so that you can repeat it when needed.

-- praise Him and Pray to Him in any way, anywhere, any time of day.

-- pray that God calls our families and our friends.

-- share our time and pray with fellow believers.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I am thankful and humble of the coming of you as our Messiah.  And to read the words of those whom you loved and knew you when you walked in the Holy Land. You are with us now in the Holy Spirit.  Lord, let me draw others to know you.  I love your words Jesus—they are “New” every morning.  And thank you Lord for your disciples and prophets and those who wrote your words of who you are.  I pray today to be your witness.  In humble gratefulness, be with my family and my church family, as we go into our new day.   OUR FAITH IS IN YOU, Lord!

Lamentations 3:22-23:  “ It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

Amen!

 - Charleen Zakarian

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