“The Holy Spirit said to him, ‘Three men have come looking for you. Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.'” (Acts 10:19)

June 15, 2012

Peter knew the adventure of being led by the Spirit. He obeyed the Spirit’s voice and took the gospel to the Roman soldier, Cornelius. God still speaks to those who have ears to hear.

“Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children” (Proverbs 17:6)

June 14, 2012

The Lord has allowed me to live to see the truth of this proverb. What a blessing to have grandchildren not only by blood, but also by Spirit. For God has blessed me to know both. I have three grandchildren (and one on the way) through the flesh. But I have untold spiritual grandchildren through the preaching of the Gospel!

“But the Lord said, ‘Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel'” (Acts 9:15)

June 13, 2012

God called Saul to a very specific ministry. Do you think God still calls people today? Are we “chosen instruments” to a certain family, city, school, workplace, nation, people group, etc? If God still does this, then don’t you want to be that “chosen instrument” in His hands?

“I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word” (Psalm 130:5)

June 12, 2012

The Psalmist counted/depended on the Lord. He was banking on God and His Word. On what/whom do you depend? What is the source of your hope? We may not know what the future holds, but we can know Who holds the future!

“Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict” (Proverbs 17:1)

June 11, 2012

Peace is better than prosperity. If there is discord at your house, money won’t fix it. Couples think financial problems are the source of their marital woes, but poor communication and lack of forgiveness are nearly always at the root. Start talking and forgiving one another, then sharing a PB&J sandwich will feel like a sumptuous feast.

“David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple …But it was Solomon who actually built it. However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands” (Acts 7:46-48)

June 10, 2012

Today’s OT and NT reading were both about the Temple. Here, Stephen gives his defense before the Sanhedrin before they have him stoned. He tried to turn them from man-made religion to God’s graceful provision in Jesus. But they wouldn’t listen.

“Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted” (Psalm 127:1)

June 9, 2012

Are you having trouble at your house? Marital woes? Parenting fatigue? Money worries? Ask God to help. There are too many factors beyond your control. Give God control. Give Him your spouse, your marriage, your kids, your money … Give God your house! Let Him build a family that lasts forever.

“Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy” (Psalm 126:5)

June 8, 2012

Planting seed is hard work. You dig, you plant, then you wait to see if anything will come up. This season of working and waiting is difficult. Yet when you are faithful to plant good seed, one day the harvest comes. So don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith. Stay faithful and wait. The harvest is coming.

“And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: ‘Jesus is the Messiah.'” (Acts 5:42)

June 7, 2012

When? Daily. Where? Large gatherings in the Temple and small groups in homes. What message? Jesus is the Christ!

“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13)

June 6, 2012

Do others recognize you as one who has “been with Jesus?”