The Heart

Scripture: Acts 15: 8 God knows people's hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us.9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith.

Observation: Paul, Barnabas, and Peter were talking to the council about what it must take for one to be saved…they thought you had to be circumcised in order to be saved. But in the meeting Peter made this statement that really struck them to the core, because it fulfilled prophecy.

Application: God knows peoples hearts and he make no distinction between race, color, poor, rich, young, or old. However we have free access to God's grace just like anyone else, and it is by that grace in which we are saved if we accept it. "11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus."

Prayer: God thank you for Grace…grace that does not require works, but requires a submitted heart. If we did not have that we would not have anything. Thank you for allowing Peters words to help those of us who think we are not deserving or separated from you because of who we are. Your grace covers all, if we allow it to. Continue to allow the Holy Spirit to draw people just like he did the Gentiles. Also, help me make no distinctions as well…Increase my Grace! In Jesus Name Amen!

Proclaim Jesus

Scripture: Acts 13:38 "Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins.

Observation: After the usual readings of the synagogue…they asked anyone to stand up and bring encouragement to the church. Paul brought the best encouragement of all. He told them that Jesus is the only one who can forgive you of your sins. He was not afraid to share the greatest news of all to the religious people. When He did this many of them repented and believed in Christ Jesus and they wanted him to come back and preach some more. The following week nearly the whole town came out to hear Paul preach.

Application: We must not be afraid to share the encouraging news of Jesus. As Paul says that ‘when the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers.’ We never know who might be out there that does not know Christ. We must preach, teach, and encourage them to rely on God’s grace! Preach the Word!

Prayer: God may I have the guts of Paul to stand up and encourage people to follow Jesus! Give me opportunity to proclaim Jesus to the people in this area….and because of your words may the whole city and may the whole area be changed. Give me opportunities to proclaim your Gospel. In Jesus Name Amen!

Humility is Key

Scripture: 23 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.

Observation: Herod’s greatest mistake was accepting the worship for himself. Pride crept in and reaped havoc on his soul. Thus replacing God with himself and desiring the worship of others.

Application: Humility is key to any leader. If we begin to think we are better than everyone else and deserve to be worshipped, we are only setting ourselves up for the worms to eat us alive. We must always give the worship and point the worship of people to Jesus not to any human.

Prayer: Father you deserve all the glory, honor, and praise. I ask that the pride and arrogance that killed Herod would not creep into my life. I desire that Jesus deserves all the credit and glory. Help me remain faithful and humble. Holy Spirit direct my life and I desire that you receive all the glory and honor!