Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for June 14

“Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in the town of Lydda” (Acts 9:32 NLT).

From: June 14, 2018

PETER’S MINISTRY TO THE JEWS

After Paul’s conversion there was a season of peace for the church. During this time, the apostle Peter traveled throughout Judea, Samaria and Galilee visiting the new believers and strengthening them in the faith. In the town of Lydda, which goes by the name “Lod” today, Peter healed a paralytic named Aeneas. This caused a great number of people to turn to the Lord after hearing Peter’s preaching. From there, Peter continued on the Jaffa (Pronounced “Yaffa”) highway to the sea coast town of Jaffa. Peter healed a woman named Dorcas in Jaffa and a great number of people believed in Jesus there. Peter made Jaffa his base of ministry for a long time, staying at the home of Simon the Tanner.

Can you imagine having the apostle Peter come to your town? He and the other apostles had great freedom during this season. Peter became known for his ministry among the JBBs (Jewish Background Believers).

“For I have been told by the word of the Lord, ‘You shall not eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by going the way you came.’” (1 Kings 13:17 NKJV).

From: June 14, 2017

The Judean prophet had clear instructions from the Lord to maintain his fast and return a different way home, but he was deceived by an old prophet’s claim that the Lord had said he could stay and eat with him. He had resisted King Jeroboam’s invitation, but he fell prey to the old prophet’s lie. And while returning to Judah, he was killed by a lion along the way.

This is one of the stranger episodes in the Bible, yet a clear principle might be seen. Obey the Word of the Lord even when a another believer tells you that he has had a fresh revelation on the matter. Especially, when the so-called new word from the Lord makes it easier to give in to your fleshly appetite. Better to fast and live, than to eat and die.

“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27 ESV)

From: June 14, 2016

After Saul the Persecutor became Paul the Preacher, he sought to meet with the disciples, but they were afraid. But Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” vouched for Paul and presented him to the apostles. What a great friend to have! Someone who will mediate for you and put their own name on the line for you, so that you can have a second chance at life. How like Jesus was this Barnabas who encouraged both Paul and the apostles to be reconciled to one another.

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

From: 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!

“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31)

From: June 14, 2011

This season of peace followed one of persecution. Seasons are not coincidental. The Gardener uses them to make the Vine’s branches more fruitful.

“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31)

From: June 14, 2010

God sets the seasons. Farmers don’t go to conferences to learn how to grow their fields during a winter season. They learn early on to work and rest with the seasons.
The record of the early church in the book of Acts reflects a seasonal movement of peace and persecution, gathering and dispersion, all under the Spirit’s leadership.
How can we become like farmers who know the times? How can we do the right kind of work and find the right times to rest?
Lord, help us to recognize the seasons and to work when the Spirit works and rest when He rests. Help us move with the rhythm of Your Spirit.