Acts 12 is so fun and relatable. Rhonda is astonished to find Peter at the door, even though they had been praying for him to be released!
I live on a road that has over 30 summer homes, and in the winter, only myself and another widow have been here. Bible-believing Christians are as rare as finding shade in the desert. So when the home next door went up for sale, I prayed for a Christian neighbor who might be around in the winter as well. I was as astonished as Rhonda when God answered my prayer. Scott and Duska moved in. My handyman brought Scott over, and though my handyman is not a Christian, said, “Dee – -I knew you would be excited to know your new neighbor is a Christian.” I WAS! Though he and Duska travel all over the world for his business, he “happened” to be here when I so needed him during our historic storm in March. He dug this long tunnel for me in so I could get to my garage. See below.
When he came in for a well-deserved cup of coffee, I told him again how surprised I was that God had answered my prayer. He said that a friend told him that as we mature in the Lord, we get less surprised when God answered our prayers!
Sunday:
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week, did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship?
- Share a God Hunt and any comments from the above.
To Get Started Follow These Steps (They are pretty easy, but if you have trouble, find someone young!)
- Search for “Bible App by YouVersion” in the App Store (if you don’t already have it).
- Tap “Plans” (bottom menu)
- This is where all reading plans live.
- Search for: “The Bible Recap”
- Look for:
- The Bible Recap (New Testament)
- or The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble
- Look for:
- Open the plan
- Tap “Start Plan”
- Customize your start
- Choose
- Then look for “Adjust Plan” or “Start from Day…”
- 👉 Scroll until you find Day 50 in N.T. Tap into that day and follow the directions for each day — It will usually look like this:
- Choose
- Devotional (Prayer)
- Read the chapters (Usually one a day — and highlight)
- Share one thing you learned
- Watch Tara (Scroll down on the devotional button.)
- Share your “God Shot”
Monday: Acts 11:1-18
2. First, read it aloud to yourself, asking God to help you truly see. Share one thing that stands out.
3. Summarize and make observations.
4. Meditate on the criticism of the “circumcision party.” How were they adding to the gospel? What are some other ways people have added to the gospel?
Tuesday: Acts 11:19-30
My friend Cristian, for whom some of you have been praying, was surprised to learn from me that the Spirit only dwells in Christians. He found that out because I asked him, “What more do you need to surrender to Jesus?” He said, I want to know what God would ask of me. I told him he couldn’t know that until he had the Spirit.
5. Optional: What thoughts do you have on my discussion with Cristian — agree or disagree?
6. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you from Acts 11:19-30 and why. Or just your God Shot.
7. The moving of the Spirit seems so powerful. Give examples from this passage. Then pray it for yourself for today.
Wednesday: Acts 12:1-19
8. Do the SOAP method from Bev:
- Summarize in a sentence
- Observations
- Application
- Pray it into your life
Thursday: Acts:12:20-25
9. Yesterday we saw how God astonished Rhoda. Share a time when God astonished you by answered a prayer.
10. What do you learn from this scary passage and how could you apply it?
11. Pray you will here!
Friday: Tara, God Shot
Go back to the devotional and scroll down to see the Bible Recap — should look something like this:
12. Watch, take any notes, and share your “God Shot.”
Saturday:
13. Any questions you want to ask of your sisters? Or comments on something one shared?
142 comments
I’m not sure where I read it, perhaps Theo of Golden, but the phrase “Never resist a generous impulse” is being used by the Spirit to get me to do more little kind things and I’m glad for that.
Cristian may be nearer to receiving Christ — please pray.
Dee, thanks for this: “Never resist a generous impulse.” Praying for Christian. I could just hear a new introduction. “Hi, my name is Christian, and I am a Christian.”
Praying for Cristian🙏
What a great phrase, Dee. So good! Love hearing this about Cristian. I am praying for him. What a joy it will be to see him follow Jesus.
Thank you all. Sometimes I think he is already there even though he says he has not yet make Jesus Lord. He signs his e-mails, “Pray for me a sinner.”
Sunday:
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week, did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship?
Share a God Hunt and any comments from the above.
I am home again after getting sick with a sinus infection that started last Sunday. The cough has been the most troublesome, and sleep has been elusive. It is often easy for me to be discouraged when I am not well. Oh, so much to do for the Lord that time is a-wasting! But the Lord showed me again that His love and work in this world are not dependent on my productivity or my service. The enemy was quick to bring negative thoughts to my mind and drag me into the pit of discouragement. Listening to God’s Word and C.S. Lewis brought me back to the truth. Romans 12:1-2
This week was a time of reflecting on His sovereignty and that the sky is not falling, and neither was He paying attention to my well-being. I am on the mend and counting my blessings.
I, too, love the story of Peter and Rhoda, Dee! It is so like the Lord to insert a snippet of humor in the book of Acts and to let us know we are no different than Rhoda. Surprised by joy! Isn’t this the title of one of your books? I will share on Thursday an experience I had with a friend that both astonished us.
I love what your friend, Scott, said, “… a friend told him that as we mature in the Lord, we get less surprised when God answered our prayers!” And that was quite a tunnel that he dug. Why should we, indeed!
Bing, I am glad to hear you are on the mend and how you were brought out of discouragement through God’s Word and C.S. Lewis.
Continued prayers for Gods healing touch…physically and emotionally.
Amen! I’m reading The Great Divorce with a podcast that has really helped me understand. Lewis is so amazing. I have a fellow reader at pickleball who is not a Christian who had never even heard of Lewis, or Narnia, or any of his works. Perhaps that was true of me once!
I’m curious what the podcast is? I love Lewis but also struggle to read his work and listening sounds so much easier, especially as I get so sleepy when reading.
Thanking God that you are better, Bing. I love the constant wisdom in God’s Word. And C.S.Lewis always has a unique way of sharing the scripture.
Glad you are feeling better Bing!
Sunday
My God hunt goes along with the quote you shared Dee…”Never resist a generous impulse”
I am reading Knowing God and the chapter I read yesterday was about God, Incarnate. Packer brings up having a Christmas spirit, so I prayed that God would give me an opportunity (in May)!
Later that day we went to Lowe’s. Jim was loading bags of mulch and rock into his truck and a man came up and started helping him (we were both happy for the help) and he was sharing how he needed money for his mom to get gas and when we finished he asked for any money we could give. Jim’s response (after looking at me nodding, yes), told him I don’t usually carry cash ( and he never does) but let me see what I have. He had an amount of money in his wallet that both of us were surprised by and gave it to the man. Our conversation afterwards was how thankful we were for the help and even if his story wasn’t true, it was an opportunity to be generous and have a Christmas spirit. P.S… Jim had forgotten that he had money left over from being in a golf tournament two weeks earlier that he hadn’t spent…only God!
Sharon, so cool to hear of your ( and Jim’s) Christmas spirit in May! I agree with you both in giving without reservation ( is is true? Does the recipient deserve it?)
I have been deliberating whether to send a gift to a graduating senior, the son of a couple who practically ( my perception) have sort of written us off! It hurts when your previous gestures are met with silence. We do love them, though.
But Dee’s comment on generosity and your example cause me to ponder my heart attitude and corrected my hesitancy. So I am sending a card with a gift!
Bing, love that you’re sending a card and gift!
Sharon, that’s quite a story. I liked you were glad you had it even if his story wasn’t true. Steve always said “Better to give them the benefit of the doubt” than to hurt someone with a sincere need.
And Bing, I love that you sent a gift.
Amen to what Steve said! I love that you followed the Lord’s prompting, Sharon. So happy you sent the gift, Bing.
Dee, Steve’s saying sounds like something Don would of said ❤️!
He might have learned it from Don!
Oh, this gives me good chills, Sharon! Love your Christmas Spirit all year ‘round! 🥰
I have also felt that uncertainty in giving at times. We do need to trust the Lord and His promptings. Never resist a generous impulse….
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week, did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship?
I felt the presence of the Lord in a powerful way this week. I wanted to go to our Life Group at church, on Tuesday evening, but I don’t like to drive this rural roads alone, especially in the evening or after dark. I usually go with my daughter and son-in-law, but were out of town.
I thought I could get home before it got really dark, but I kept sensing I should not try it. Just then, my friend Brittany‘s mother called to update me on her health situation. It was a long call and I was upset after I got off the phone, so I stayed home. The next time I drove my car (about 2 miles), I noticed a very low back tire when I got home. I called AAA and the young man put on the spare. He found a screw embedded in the tire. He said if I had driven to my church group, I probably would have had a flat on a rural road miles from my home at night. The young man, where I have my car serviced, was able to repair the tire. He and his family go to our church and they are wonderful Christians. He and I both feel that the Lord protected me that night. If I had driven the car and ruined that tire, I would have had to replace all 4 tires, which have a good two years left. So the Lord protected in two ways!
I have experienced this care from the Lord several times (probably more) since I have moved here. God is so good.
Wow Patti! What a mighty God we serve and I love how He protected and provided for you. Hearing of God’s faithfulness in your life is such an inspiration.
Oh my, Patti. I love that story.
I could encourage you to ask someone to pick you up, yet I know I’d be reluctant to take that same advice.
I am out of the way for most of them, but I may ask one couple next fall. We are off for the summer.
Thank You Jesus!
Patti, what a wonderful way to see the Lord’s protective care over you. Surely, He had his eyes on you.
Beautiful, Patti!
Hi, dear ones!
I just popped on to read through the blog posting and comments and it filled me with nostalgia and longing to be back on here regularly. You don’t know how much I miss the fellowship of the ladies and the rich meditations by Dee. I hope to be back in the next few months, although I will need the help of a young person because my You Version app doesn’t have the adjustable tab and I just can’t figure out how to get it to work! You all amaze me! Much love.
Missy you are missed!
I have wondered how you are doing. Hope you are able to join us again soon. 💕
You are so unique, Missy — we really miss you and hearing of your faith adventures.
Another easy way to watch Tara Leigh is simply go on You-tube and type Tara Leigh Cobble Acts 11 and the right one will pop up.
Oh, Dee is so wise! 💕🇺🇸Yes, YouTube works much better for me for sure!
Oh, Missy! So good to see you here. I have missed your posts! Looking forward to having you back soon. I had trouble with the app too.
Missy! So good to see you here. Dee is the best, isn’t she?? I too have struggled with being present (see my saga below 👇). Hope all is well with you!
Missy, yay! Good to see you here and hope to see more of you soon!
Looking forward to seeing you here!
Sunday:
The Lord is always with us, but sometimes He makes us very aware of His presence. Last week, did you have an answer to prayer, unusual timing or circumstances, help to do His work, Scripture becoming radioactive, or a sense of His presence through creation or fellowship?
Share a God Hunt and any comments from the above.
—God blessed me with some special time alone with my oldest daughter. She really opened her heart up to me. Then the follow day my sister came and we spent the day together decorating the graves of our parents and then just driving up and down the streets of the very small town we grew up in. We sat over lunch for 2 hours and just shared the happenings of the Lord in our lives. My sister is a gracious and godly woman. Then we prayed together before she left to travel back home. Both days were gifts from God.
I didn’t know you had such a godly sister and close relationship. How sweet. And always time alone with a daughter is sweet.
I just read back through yesterday’s comments and was greatly blessed by all of you.
Praying for Christian and the good work God is doing to bring him to Himself.
What a blessing to share this time and many memories with your sister, Bev. Visiting your parents’ graves and lunch together in your home town is joyfor the soul. God is so good.
Bev, that sounds like a wonderful time that you had with your sister!
Lovely, Bev!
“Happy” Memorial Day to all. We remember those who have been killed in war, and thank their families for their service.
As I lay in bed this rainy Monday morning, trying to read and understand the Bible better, I think the Holy Spirit hovers with us, however, I also do not think God is near. We are hard pressed to see and feel His presence for the past few months. It is just the way it is. Such a chasm that is difficult to breach. My husband is in the middle of his chemo this week and seems to be handling it well. I suppose that is a good thing that I can point to and thank God for His hand on him.
I am sorry I have not participated as I usually do, on the blog. I am struggling even trying to read everyone’s posts. This is for a variety of reasons and I feel compelled to explain for two reasons. One is that I have been here for such a long time and value all of you. You have been such a blessing in my life. I am a loyal person. It’s one of my better characteristics (I think?). The second is that I need help and you are smart people with respect to your knowledge of the Bible. I am not a biblical scholar! I know that you would say “neither am I,” but some of you are more wise than I, and have more knowledge than I do, for sure.
I don’t want to derail Dee’s Bible study, (although we are technically talking about the church in Acts, right? 🥴) so if anyone has any knowledge to share, perhaps it’s best to message me on FB? I will try to be as brief as possible!
I/we are being attacked from all sides with the evil of our world. It is a very difficult time because as soon as one “fire” is put out, another one begins and then the process starts again. The latest is our church falling apart. It has been going on for about 2 years and has now come to a head for us. It all revolves around our pastor’s wife graduating from school and receiving her MDiv degree. She is a lovely person who is really better at “preaching” and praying than our pastor (!) as far as I’m concerned. However, the more conservative people in the church have been leaving for the past 2 years because they knew this would happen. The most recent is a man and his wife who are the “back bone” of the church. He has literally been at the church his entire life and he is older than I am. For me, I need to understand just what the Bible says about women in church before I jump myself. So, I decided to research.
I started with our new friend TLC, because she is so good at breaking things all down for us. In fact, she has at least 10 resources on her description links for 1 Timothy 1-6! Now, I’m lost in reading and trying so hard to understand how John Piper, John Stott, and other pastors around the world break down the specific verses of these parts of the Bible that I feel as if I am receiving my own MDiv in Biblical knowledge!! I have learned what a complementary church is, the difference between authority, teaching, silence, and submission, and that there are at least 3 different viewpoints on the subject of women pastors (oh yeah, some pastor, Paul Carter in Canada, cautions against calling pastors, and ministers by these “haphazard” titles). (?)
I do know one thing, it has made our church membership start discussing the Bible and what it is saying, more. We are actually having deep conversations about what Paul really said and meant. I tried to get the membership to do this years ago, as a collective body, but those in leadership wouldn’t allow it to happen. Then the families began to leave. I think it would have been so good to talk through it all. At least people would have known and been able to make an educated decision one way or the other.
For me, it’s staying loyal to what the Bible says. I need to understand! I feel so frustrated that Paul talks about men and women in church, and isn’t specific for our time. Or was he? One resource is the Bible Project (which I love and do believe Tim Mackey is a knowledgeable sort with his own PhD in Hebrew/theology). Tim says that Paul was addressing the men of the day who were yelling and boisterous and the women who thought church was a fashion show, following a god named Artemis, and generally embarrassing the faith that Jesus brought (my words). He tells Timothy to go straighten them out. The men should pray and the women should be more quiet. Do we need to understand that, that was what was happening at that time in the churches life? Or is this something that is still relevant today?
So, have any of you been through something like this before and what did you do? I know some have left churches but I’m not sure why. Do you have any specific resources I could use to glean more info? Any thoughts? Thank you for helping me. I am so sad and confused about this issue in our church and what it could mean for our family. It’s the only church Cooper and Grace have known. I also know that our salvation is not based on this, but only that we know and believe in Christ, love our neighbors, and are saved by His grace. Thank You Lord.
Thank you for reading and considering my request.
Oh, Laura! You have had such a rough year. It does sound like an attack of the enemy. I think it is so hard when the issues can blur the lines of belief. I don’t have the knowledge you need, but I will continue to pray for your family and your church. I know that Cooper and Grace need that stability.
I am so thankful that your husband is tolerating the chemo so well.
Thank you for sharing these very important concerns. My heart aches for you and all you are going through…a tsunami. I will pray for a miracle of encouragement for your family!
I feel that Dee and some of the other ladies on this blog have gone through similar things. Oh, how we all need to pray for our families, churches and communities at this very difficult time in history. Love you dear Laura!
Happy Memorial Day. So thankful for those who gave their all for our freedom.🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🙏
Yes Patti, life has been rough this year. Thank you for your very kind prayers. We definitely can use them. The sad thing for me is that literally for the first time in my life I don’t know if I still have hope inside. I’ve always been a hopeful person, get up and do something to make things better. Fight the good fight and all that. But lately, I don’t have it in me. I’m too exhausted and it doesn’t seem like it helps any more. 🤷🏻♀️
Laura, my response to you is below my comments for Monday’s assignment. I lost connection, and my post came later than this section.
Oh Lord, please give Laura hope and comfort. May the chemo be effective on the cancer cells.
The issue dividing your church is a very hard one with strong believers on each side. It isn’t central to the gospel, but many will still struggle with it. I pray for peace, grace and love.
Laura, please know that I am praying for you! I would encourage you to pray, pray, pray for God’s leading in regards to your church…pray that He would speak to you through His Word, His Spirit and wise counsel from those He puts in your path! Ask Him to block out any voices that go against His Word and therefore His will.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
He NEVER changes!!!
Love you sweet Laura!
Oh Sharon, your words encourage me this morning. I went to bed at 7 last night because I was up at 2:45 the morning before. So rocked by all the bad news. The Isaiah verse is the verse I used to say every day in radiation treatment. Thank you for reminding me. Pray. That’s good advice.
2. First, read it aloud to yourself, asking God to help you truly see. Share one thing that stands out.
Peter remembered the words Jesus said~ “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 11 is a turning point that started with Peter’s earlier vision. There are no borders or barriers for the Gospel. It is open to all.
3. Summarize and make observations.
Peter’s vision showed that the Gospel was for everyone. It broke down the barriers for the Gentiles, who were considered unclean. When Peter as criticized by the Jewish Christians, he told them of his vision of the animals. Then God spoke to him, twice. The second time, God said: “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” Peter shares the story of seeing the vision 3 times. Then 3 men appeared and the Spirit again spoke to him, so he and 6 brethren visited the man’s home, who had also had a vision from an angel about Peter coming to his home and saving his household with the Word of God. After sharing that God gave this entire Gentile household the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, his critics quieted down. They also glorified God and said “God has granted the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”
Peter never seems defensive or agitated, he just gently shared his experience and his vision. Peter was a credible witness. He who denied Jesus three times, became a strong, yet gentle warrior for the Gospel. All of this was due to the divine action of God. The Holy Spirit, the helper that Jesus promised to send to them, was very present.
4. Meditate on the criticism of the “circumcision party.” How were they adding to the gospel? What are some other ways people have added to the gospel?
They were trying to follow the old law, not the gift of Salvation that Jesus had died for. People have often gone back to “works based” theology. The church denominations have sometimes interpreted scripture to benefit the church, but not the gospel. The confession booth has tweaked forgiveness into paying penance with repetition of a prayer over and over, which is adding to the gospel. “Prosperity preaching” is another way churches have added to the gospel.
Monday: Acts 11:1-18
1. First, read it aloud to yourself, asking God to help you truly see. Share one thing that stands out.
v. 9b ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’
v. 12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them.
3. Summarize and make observations.
Summary: Peter was criticized by the circumcised believers for going into the house of uncircumcised men. Peter gave his defense, and there were no objections, resulting in praise to God.
v. 1. The apostles and believers heard that the Gentiles had received the word of God. I wondered what the response was. Nevertheless, there was a willingness on everybody’s part to listen to each other when Peter came to Jerusalem, that is, between Peter and the circumcised believers.
The latter came directly to Peter instead of making a quick conclusion on their own.
Peter stated the facts.
The large sheet that Peter saw in his vision was let down FROM heaven.
The sheet came down to where Peter was. He couldn’t miss it!
All the creatures in the large sheet were unclean animals, yet he was commanded to eat.
The vision came three times again! The Lord knew Peter needed repetitions.
The timing of Peter’s vision and the arrival of the men from Caesarea. If Peter were in Jerusalem, it would have taken the men double the time to reach him; instead, he was in Joppa. Not that it matters to the Lord. Everything happens in HIS time.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is for everyone, Jew and Gentile.
Both Cornelius and Peter were given a vision, and they obeyed what they were told.
2. Meditate on the criticism of the “circumcision party.” How were they adding to the gospel? What are some other ways people have added to the gospel?
One has to be circumcised before one can be saved.
Other ways people have added to the gospel:
By good works
By baptism
Following the dos and don’ts
Adhering to a particular denomination or “party.”
Interesting last sentence, Bing!
Laura, I am just now reading your post and ache for you. I want to reach out, but would like to pray more about my response. Your comments hit home as we are in a similar struggle in our church as well. There have been many times I just want to run and hide but the Lord always has given me courage to put one foot in front of the other. I believe you and I are not alone. The enemy has beenrelentless since the Garden of Eden but we know he has already been defeated. For now, I am praying this verse for you and me and for anyone else struggling with church related issues. ” I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Sending my love to you, dear friend.
Thanks Bing. It is definitely painful. I didn’t get out of bed until 2:00 today! Just couldn’t face the world to be honest. I haven’t done that since high school. My husband was sweet to deal with the routine. I went on a walk with another church member who is my neighbor. That helped a lot. Thank you for the prayers and for the verse. I will pray for us too.
Dear Laura,
I am saddened by the many trials you are facing and know that feeling of defeat and despair. In the story of Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian and his friend Hopeful meet the giant Despair and are locked up in Doubting Castle. The giant encourages the prisoners to take their own lives to escape their misery. They are driven to their knees in prayer through the night, and at dawn remember that he has the key called Promise that unlocks all the doors and gates to the dungeon.
A song I have held onto when the feelings of despair hit hard:
Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor
Christ, the sure and steady anchor,
in the fury of the storm,
When the winds of doubt blow through me,
And my sails have all been torn.
In the suff’ring and the sorrow,
When my sinking hopes are few,
I will hold fast to the anchor;
It shall never be removEd.sorrow,
https://youtu.be/NKC-C9BP8qg?si=DlPHjlwJybAKLT1A
I do not have the answers to your deep questions, but applaud you for searching diligently for the answers. Overall, my husband has led our family in this topic and has landed on the side of women not being in leadership over men in the church. I know he would not attend a church with a woman pastor, but I cannot answer this for you.
I will be praying for you and your family. Know that the Lord will use this challenge to sharpen your faith, as you have acknowledged. And trust that the Lord has Grace and Cooper in the palm of His hand. Nothing can touch them unless the Lord will’s it and then we must trust Him still. My heart is broken for you, but trusting the Lord will keep you in this trying time. Your heart is seeking truth and you will find it.
Beautiful song and prayer, Chris. Thank you for sharing for Laura and for all of us. I needed this today. This group is truly a strength and blessing in my life every day! Praying for you daily, Laura.
Thank you Chris.
2. First, read it aloud to yourself, asking God to help you truly see. Share one thing that stands out.
I thought when Jesus came he established that all people could be saved. I think it’s interesting that the Jewish believers criticized him for including the gentiles.
3. Summarize and make observations.
Peter was preaching the Word to gentiles in Joppa. He went back to Jerusalem and was scolded by the believers there because he was talking and eating with gentiles. Peter told them of his vision which occurred three times. The vision was a large white sheet that came down from heaven and held all kinds of animals. There was a voice from heaven that told him to eat the animals. He said he didn’t want to and the mat he had always followed Jewish law with respect to what he ate. God told him again to do it and said that if God said it was clean then it was! He agreed to and that’s when he had visitors who were gentiles come to escort him to a man’s home. The Holy Spirit told him to go with the gentiles. When Peter arrived the man said he had an angel visit him and told him to send for Peter and that h he ev would explain how v they all could be saved. Peter remembered the clues saying they would help people be baptized by the Holy Spirit.
A verse for you, friend, in this season of trials:
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
This is the joy of the gospel! We do not need our own hope (as we find in difficulty we have none!), but we can rely on the Holy Spirit to provide for us. I have found that at times of uncertainty and tribulation, that prayer is said minute by minute at times. Hang in there friend. Praying for you.
♥️
Chris, I felt encouraged personally by the verse in Romans and about prayer minute by minute when we undergo hardships. That has been my experience the last few weeks; the very thing that keeps my head above water when circumstances want me to go under.
My husband and I were just talking about the indwelling Spirit in us. At times, all is required is to take a deep breath and wake up to a new day knowing He is there step by step. I do not need to wait for something spectacular. I pray I find him constant in the rhythms of life.
I agree. I remember saying to my husband during a particularly difficult trial that the small routines, like tea in the morning or devotions with him, were the things keeping me grounded. It’s when everything seems out of control to us that we really appreciate the small things in life and the Word. I’m beginning to use some statements that scripture uses to describe my identity in Christ to help build up my faith and dispel lies that creep in.
Sunday:
Share a God Hunt and any comments from the above.
An answer to prayer: my 18 year old daughter who has had a tough experience in life and struggled much, is coming out of that time and accomplishing much in the way of healing. I see the Lord blessing her in many ways as well as her seeking the Lord in everything she does. The latest blessing from the Lord is one that brings tears to my eyes as her mom. She had this sweet neighbor boy officially ask her to be his girlfriend. We couldn’t be happier for her in terms of who he is as a Christian. I started calling him Prince Charming because we can’t find anything wrong with him. 🙂 I’m praising God for this blessing.
Dee, I’m so happy for you to have a Christian neighbor to winter with. I love that he shoveled the path for you. I remember paths like that when I was snowed in with my grandmother one winter as a child. I also love Rhoda’s surprise. I’m not sure about the idea of us being less surprised by the Lord. I think he likes to surprise us. 😉
Praise God for this answer to prayer for your daughter, Chris. I love that she is seeking Him in everything. And the sweet Christian neighbor boy who asked her to be his girlfriend! It makes my heart sing!
Mine, too!
I think He does like to surprise us!
Monday: Acts 11:1-18
2. First, read it aloud to yourself, asking God to help you truly see. Share one thing that stands out.
verse 18, “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God…”
The way the Lord revealed his plan for the Gentiles was irrefutable.
3. Summarize and make observations.
The apostles throughout Judea heard the Gentiles received the word of God.
They questioned Peter. Peter explained everything: his vision, the 3 men at the door from Caesarea, the man in Joppa and his vision, the Holy Spirit falling on them like at Pentecost, the memory of Jesus words to them about baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The skeptical men accept that God has given salvation to the Gentiles.
4. Meditate on the criticism of the “circumcision party.” How were they adding to the gospel? What are some other ways people have added to the gospel?
They were following the law, but here Peter is shown that the Gentiles also are to receive the Holy Spirit. We add to the gospel whenever we attach our own rules to what Jesus taught. There are no restrictions or requirements to receiving the gospel-it is a gift. We cannot earn it or buy it (as Simon the magician wanted to do.)
I love all these key points, Chris! Love your answer to 4.
Thanks, Patti. I find much wisdom and encouragement in your posts.
Monday: Acts 11:1-18
2. First, read it aloud to yourself, asking God to help you truly see. Share one thing that stands out.
Peter points out the 6 brothers with him who accompanied him to the Gentile home…they were witnesses!
3. Summarize and make observations.
Summarization: Peter explains why he went to a Gentiles home and ate with them.
Observations:
The news reached the apostles and other believers that Gentiles had received the word of God.
They criticized Peter when he returned about entering a Gentile home and eating with them.
Peter explained what happened, the vision he saw with the sheet, the Holy Spirit telling him to go with the men from Caesarea and speak to the Gentiles and how they received the Holy Spirit.
They stopped objecting after hearing this and began praising God, seeing that God also gave the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.
4. Meditate on the criticism of the “circumcision party.” How were they adding to the gospel? What are some other ways people have added to the gospel?
They added to the gospel by making it partisan…only those who were circumcised. They were still stuck on the law.
We add to it today by making it partisan and about works too.
Thanks Sharon, you made me think with your use of the word, partisan. I have usually known this word to refer to politics, but see there is a use as an adjective meaning, one-sided or biased, as in your example-the gospel was only for the circumcised.
5. Optional: What thoughts do you have on my discussion with Cristian — agree or disagree?
I agree with you, Dee. I think Romans 8 is the best chapter to address that. I think we need to be believers and know Jesus to be anointed by the Holy Spirit. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the Trinity. I think that the Holy Spirit indwells a believer, yet the Holy Spirit might work in the non believer’s life through a true believer. You are the believer and filled with the Holy Spirit, and bringing the influence of the Holy Spirit into Cristian’s life. You can be a believer without the Holy Spirit, but you cannot not be filled with the Holy Spirit without being a believer.
I don’t know if I am making sense.
6. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you from Acts 11:19-30 and why. Or just your God Shot.
This stood out:
Herod wants to mistreat believers. James is put to death. The Jews were pleased with that, so he arrested Peter. Peter had many guards. Many prayed for him.
An angel appeared. A light appeared. Peter’s chains fell off. Peter followed the angel, yet thought it was a vision. They passed the guards, the iron gate opened. The minute they were outside the gate, the angel disappeared. Peter, then, knew it was the Lord, who sent the angel.
7. The moving of the Spirit seems so powerful. Give examples from this passage. Then pray it for yourself for today.
Powerful prayers were prayed for Peter, by the church.
His destiny was to be the same as Jame’s. Even though heavily guarded, and bound, the angel arrived, woke him and his chains fell off.
Peter and the angel walked right by the sleeping guards.
The gates opened by themselves.
As soon as Peter was free, the angel disappeared.
When Herod lied by accepting the crowds belief he was struck dead.
Lord, I Praise Your Holy Name, I Glorify You and I love You and trust You, above all this earth. I thank you, Father, for the many times the Holy Spirit has been present in my life, guarding my soul, my life, my heart, my relationships, my tongue and my well being. I pray for Your Holy Spirit to show me my sins, in my thoughts, words, and deeds, and to heal my sinful soul to turn only to You. I pray to see the Power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of friends who are suffering and in those who do not know you in a personal way. If it is your will, give me the words to speak to their hearts in a way pleasing to you. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will heal the hearts those who are straying from you and bring Your words alive in their souls. I pray for those who are ill, to be healed by Your Mighty Hand, where medicine is unable to be a solution. You are the great Physician. I pray for You to bring this sinful world to their knees, in worship of You alone. I pray this in the Mighty Name of Jesus.
You are making sense. 🙂
4. Meditate on the criticism of the “circumcision party.” How were they adding to the gospel? What are some other ways people have added to the gospel?
The Gospel is meant for all. They were saying the gentiles were not people who could “partake.” Jesus wanted everyone to know about eternal life (wasn’t the woman at the well a Samaritan?). We talked about this a few weeks ago when we diagrammed the scripture about God only giving us that which we can handle. We learned that the verse was really about our suffering. 1 Cor 10:13
5. Optional: What thoughts do you have on my discussion with Cristian — agree or disagree?
Do you think Cristian was talking about giving things up here on Earth? Some worry they aren’t “good enough” for God. It might be because he doesn’t think he will be able to have any “fun” anymore; he can’t misbehave.
So you are saying that the Spirit doesn’t dwell within us if we aren’t committed to Jesus? Didn’t God put a little of Him inside everyone at birth, to be “tapped” if desired? So I would say that represents the Holy Spirit, right? I think your statement to Cristian represents that he would then know what his gifts are. Is that what you meant? I’m just trying to understand.
6. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you from Acts 11:19-30 and why. Or just your God Shot.
I love how the believers in Antioch collect relief for the believers in Judea. Such a sweet gesture.
7. The moving of the Spirit seems so powerful. Give examples from this passage. Then pray it for yourself for today.
Barnabus was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Agabus has the Holy Spirit and prophecies about a famine.
Dear Lord, Oh how I need You now. Thank You for being with us always. Cover me especially today, as life is so hard right now. Thank You for being with my husband and helping him along during this trial in his life. Guide me in the way of our church family and the losses we have had. Also lead me in the next few weeks as I do my best to close the school year well. It too has been so difficult and continues to be that way. You are my only hope. Can You let me know You are close? Thank You for being my guide. Amen.
Verses for you today, dear Laura.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:29-31 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.10.29-31.ESV
I continue to pray for you dear Laura. I love the verse Chris shared. May you sense God’s presence through these difficult days. I pray Psalm 23 so often in trying times . He truly is our Shepherd. I shall not want.
Praying for you, Laura.
It is true that God gives light to every man coming into the world, but that isn’t the same thing as the person of the Holy Spirit. As Patti said, Romans 8 clarifies that.
Love the verse Chris gave you.
Thank you Chris for the verse and anyone who is praying. My husband and I met with longtime southern friends for dinner last night. They go to another church in our area. We visit there sometimes and the kids do their VBS each year. Grace went to preschool there for a couple of years too. We value their viewpoint because they grew up in church in the south, the Bible Belt, as we did. Remember, we live in the “heathen” NE (!). We specifically wondered if their church had a woman in a pastoral position. They have a couple of campuses. We wondered this because we know our friends are fairly conservative and the pastors wife is quite involved. They do not “ordain” women, we found out. I am also doing heavy research to understand both viewpoints and just what the Bible says. It can be confusing!
Thank you all so much for your prayers. It means so much to us!
I love that you have friends you respect and can get another viewpoint from. It’s hard when you are emotionally involved in your church to have good perspective. Prayers for today, friend. ❤️
Tuesday: Acts 11:19-30
My friend Cristian, for whom some of you have been praying, was surprised to learn from me that the Spirit only dwells in Christians. He found that out because I asked him, “What more do you need to surrender to Jesus?” He said, I want to know what God would ask of me. I told him he couldn’t know that until he had the Spirit.
5. Optional: What thoughts do you have on my discussion with Cristian — agree or disagree?
Agree 100%. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
John 14:26 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.14.26.ESV
As Patti said, you can be a believer without the Holy Spirit, as Simon the magician was, but you cannot have the Holy Spirit without being a believer. In addition, you do not receive the Holy Spirit just because you believe. Simon was not granted the Holy Spirit because of sin.
In addition, we are not guaranteed our salvation without the Holy Spirit:
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:13-14 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/eph.1.13-14.ESV
6. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you from Acts 11:19-30 and why. Or just your God Shot.
The persecution of Stephen sent disciples as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to Jews only…but some spoke the word to the Hellenists (Greek speaking non-Jews.) A great number turned to the Lord, as the hand of the Lord was with them. The church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to see and approve this and he did! Many people were added to the Lord. Barnabas then brought Saul on and the two of them spent a year in Antioch teaching the new believers. These were the first to be called Christians.
A prophet named Agabus from Jerusalem foretold a great famine over all the Roman world, so the disciples sent relief to those in Judea by Barnabas and Saul. (The first benevolence fund!)
My take away is that the Lord uses hardship and his Holy Spirit to work in the lives of believers, bringing sanctification to those he has chosen. In addition, he uses elders in the church, who are gifted with the Holy Spirit, to shepherd the church. In this way the church is grown in wisdom and kept safe from corruption.
7. The moving of the Spirit seems so powerful. Give examples from this passage. Then pray it for yourself for today.
The passage that I am encouraged by most is v. 24 about Barnabas, “for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” Barnabas was chosen by the church in Jerusalem because he showed fruit of the Holy Spirit. This fruit was multiplied in Antioch through the teaching of Barnabas and Saul through the Holy Spirit.
Dearest Lord Jesus, my heart is encouraged by the stories of the early church and the work of your Holy Spirit. As humans, we can do nothing without your hand in our lives. I am encouraged by the fruit I see in our church and I know that it can only be the work of your Spirit. Please use me as a tool for your kingdom, showing me what to do. May you give me the wisdom and words needed for my witness to others in my sphere. Thank you for your work in my life and the way you have brought me through many hardships and are continuing to now. Thank you for my husband’s willingness to serve as elder at our church and say hard things to those in leadership. Thank you for giving him your wisdom through the Holy Spirit and your Word. Please continue to guide him as he tries to help shepherd our growing church. Amen.
Dee,
Oh my, I just read that your friend signs his emails, “Pray for me, a sinner.”
How sad, yet true, if he is not yet a Christian. I just learned that the word sinner is used 300 times (or something like that) in the New Testament -but not referring to a Christian. A Christian is someone who used to be a sinner and is now a saint.
The confusing part to us as new Christians is that we do still sin, but our identity now is in Christ: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Colossians 3:12-13 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/col.3.12-13.ESV
Paul teaches us to put on the new self, put off the old.
This is a link to a great article on Desiring God’s website that explores this: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/sinners-or-saints-how-should-we-speak-of-christians
I wonder if a conversation around this would help your friend?
Praying for you to have the right words for him and that the Holy Spirit would soften his heart through you. As Patti said, we do believe the Spirit can work in a non-believer’s life through another believer. I hope this helps. I’m sure you have sparked his curiosity with saying he cannot know what God wants without the Spirit.
Thanks for all the Chris!
Tuesday: Acts 11:19-30
My friend Cristian, for whom some of you have been praying, was surprised to learn from me that the Spirit only dwells in Christians. He found that out because I asked him, “What more do you need to surrender to Jesus?” He said, I want to know what God would ask of me. I told him he couldn’t know that until he had the Spirit.
5. Optional: What thoughts do you have on my discussion with Cristian — agree or disagree?
I think I would have asked him what he meant by his statement, I want to know what God would ask of me. He is definitely searching and I believe the Holy Spirit is working in his life maybe through you Dee, maybe through Bible reading he’s done or someone else.
I like this quote from Knowing God …
“It is not for us to imagine that we can prove the truth of Christianity by our own arguments; nobody can prove the truth of Christianity except that the Holy Sprit, by His own almighty work of renewing the blinded heart. It is the sovereign prerogative of Christ’s Spirit to convince men’s consciences of the truth of Christ’s gospel, and Christ’s human witnesses must learn to ground their hopes of success not on clever presentation of the truth by man, but on powerful demonstration of the truth by the Spirit. (See 1 Corinthians 2:1-5) Without the Holy Spirit there would not be a Christian in the world.”
6. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you from Acts 11:19-30 and why. Or just your God Shot.
My God shot & what stood out…Barnabas is always thought of as being an encourager and he definitely was, but verse 24a gives us more insight into why Barnabas had such an effective ministry…”Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith.”
(I often wonder if I give enough credit to the power of the Holy Spirit, do I tap into that power like I should or depend too much on myself? What does that look like?)
7. The moving of the Spirit seems so powerful. Give examples from this passage. Then pray it for yourself for today.
Lord,
Forgive me if I have discounted the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. Help me to honor the Holy Spirit in my faith, my life and witness so You may be glorified as You were in the life of Barnabas.
So good from Packer, Sharon.Only the Spirit opens blind eyes. A hard truth when we want so much for a loved one to be saved, but does show our main responsibility is prayer.
Sharon, I agree, asking questions is the best way to get at the heart of things and we can interpret what someone says the wrong way, especially when they are from another culture.
We must all learn to be better question askers, Chris!
I love your entire post, Sharon! And Chris and Dee’s comments. I am always learning something new and seeing the Light of Christ and the Holy Spirit in a new way on this blog. ❤️❤️❤️ Open the eyes of my heart Lord!
Tuesday: Acts 11:19-30
My friend Cristian, for whom some of you have been praying, was surprised to learn from me that the Spirit only dwells in Christians. He found that out because I asked him, “What more do you need to surrender to Jesus?” He said, I want to know what God would ask of me. I told him he couldn’t know that until he had the Spirit.
1. Optional: What thoughts do you have on my discussion with Cristian — agree or disagree?
I thought your response was truth spoken in love. I hope he has been giving that much thought. The Spirit is moving, and may Christian let Him in.
Dee, this gave me the surety of the Spirit’s power in my life as I pray: “…he couldn’t know that until he had the Spirit.” Spirit of God, move among your people in power and might.
2. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you from Acts 11:19-30 and why. Or just your God Shot.
The word of God is spreading in the midst of persecution and scattering of believers; first to the Jews and now to the Greeks. And many became believers.
Reinforcements came to Antioch in the person of Barnabas, who was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith
3. The moving of the Spirit seems so powerful. Give examples from this passage. Then pray it for yourself for today.
The spreading of the good news as the people of God scattered.
Barnabas was full of the Holy Spirit and faith.
Lord, I desire the power of the Holy Spirit to come and bring a fresh spiritual renewal inside of me. I feel depleted, but I know the source of strength and any provision I could have will only come from you. I have not, because I ask not. Sift through my motives, clarify my thoughts; I come humbly, and with the confidence that you hear and are answering my prayer according to your will. For in Jesus’ matchless name, I pray.
I love the way your prayer is so rooted in scripture.
Amen!
Wednesday: Acts 12:1-19
8. Do the SOAP method from Bev:
Summarize in a sentence Herod kills James by the sword & arrested Peter who is freed from prison by an angel, much to the astonishment of his friends and the demise of the soldiers guarding him.
Observations The church is in earnest prayer for Peter and God surprises them all with a miraculous jail break by an angel. Herod finding himself without someone to persecute, leaves for Caesarea “and spent time there”-was he on vacation??
Application We are to pray for our fellow Christians and expect miracles!
Pray it into your life
Lord, you have a particular work for us here, to make disciples of all nations. Help me to be bold and use the resources you have given me to share the gospel. Give me the words by your Holy Spirit. Help me to believe the wonders you can do and to look for your surprising answers.
Thursday: Acts:12:20-25
9. Yesterday we saw how God astonished Rhoda. Share a time when God astonished you by answered a prayer.
I am still amazed at how God saved my son from an accident on the road when he drove our tractor home from the parade. I distinctly remember praying for safety because he was only 15 and did not have a drivers license. I’ve told this story before here, how as they crossed the main road to come home my son heard a voice say, “you’re not going to make it.” He looked just in time to swerve away from a truck coming at him. He said he thought at first the voice was his dad, but it was not.. even if dad had looked back and yelled, it would not have been heard over the engines.
10. What do you learn from this scary passage and how could you apply it? We should not accept worship or credit that God deserves. Give God all the praise for everything. I said to a new mom with a child who had been so sick and hospitalized with a heart condition, how glad I was to see her in church with the baby doing well. She said how good it was to be back. I replied with “Praise God.” Of course, she did praise God for her son’s health, but we should do better to acknowledge Him and his work at every opportunity.
11. Pray you will hear! Lord, Jesus, as I am in this world, help me to always give you the credit you deserve. Amen.
Love that story of your son’s rescue.
Me too…gave me goosebumps!!
Amen! The power of God! Thank you for sharing again, Chris!
8. Do the SOAP method from Bev:
Summarize in a sentence
James Is killed and Peter is imprisoned by Herod, BUT, an angel of the Lord releases him from prison!!
Observations
Peter thinks he is dreaming.
The gate opens for him and the angel.
Herod is unable to find Peter.
Application
God can do ANYTHING. I need to wholeheartedly believe this.
Pray it into your life
Dear Lord, You know what I need. You know what my family needs. I can speak the words above but do I believe it in my soul? Thank You for revealing this to me today, as I work in a (basically) hostile work environment. I pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.
Laura – -despite the many hard circumstances in your life, you do not give up, but keep pressing into our only Hope.
Laura, I agree with Dee. In fact my payer for you last night was that you would keep pressing into the Lord as your perseverance on this blog has been an encouragement to me.
Laura, yes, keep pressing into our Savior who loves us!
Guess what?!!! The Lord answered my prayer about school today. I have some students who have basically picked on me all year. I typically ignore them. However, Tuesday was senior skip day and these juniors were in rare form. They were discussing something entirely inappropriate instead of doing their work. I asked them repeatedly to stop, but it kept getting worse and worse. I finally called for a dean but no one could come. I ended writing them up.
Today, as one of those students was complaining about the class, another stayed after the class and wanted to talk about me and my education. She was interested in my masters degree and told me she wanted to be a doctor and felt like the kids were missing opportunities to learn because they act so immature. She said she absolutely loves to learn and even goes to work with her mom to talk to real scientists about their jobs. We discussed what happened in class the other day and she said she didn’t understand how I could “take” their disrespect. I told her I only answer to one being, that was God. We had quite a lot more to discuss, and I ended up spending my whole lunch with her! I was SO blessed and I hope I made a difference in her life. I truly felt like God gave me that wonderful opportunity. He was reminding me that He is in charge. He will protect me. He will guide me. And He will not let the enemy in. Thank you Lord!
Praise God for this spark of His light in your life, Laura! I love when this sort of beauty comes through as we are weighed down with much in this world. This student shows that your faith is seen! Despite all the trials, fruit is being produced and God sees you. I Cor. 8:3 “..if anyone loves God, he is known by God.”
It is true what the others have said. This is a great encouragement to us as believers to see your prayers being answered. As we struggle with our own, perhaps less difficult trials, we can see His work in your life and know, yes, He is also working in ours. I love that He showed Himself to you in this way. ❤️
Thanking God for this acknowledgement and blessing from your student, Laura. I know that she was very blessed by you and all that you shared with her. I am so thankful that great teachers like you are able to endure the classroom “sassy” kids. The lack of rules and respect in public education is disheartening.
Amen to Chris’s sweet comments. Thank you for sharing this. It gives me hope that there are respectful students, who appreciate what you are doing and can see the importance of a good education. I love that you told her that you are accountable to God. You are touching lives and I am sure she represents the good opinion of many others. May God bless you and keep you in His care every moment of your day. Praising God!
Monday: Acts 11:1-18
2. First, read it aloud to yourself, asking God to help you truly see. Share one thing that stands out.One thing I noticed was that Peter had six eye witnesses to what had happened at the home of Cornelius. It was not just Peter’s report/
3. Summarize and make observations. News travels fafst, and the believers in Judea heard about Peter entering the home of Cornelius, a Gentile soldier. When Peter returned to Jerussalem from Ceaserea, he was confronted by some Jewish believers who upbraided him for going there. Peter responded by giving an exact acccout of what had happened (his vision, the command of God, the arrival of men from Cornelius, etc). Peter told of how the Holy Spirit came, as at Pentecost, upon Cornelius’ household. Logically if God accepted these Gentiles, who was Peter to argue? The Jewish believers at Jerusalem then praised God for what had happened and rejoiced that Gentiles also could be saved.
My observations: Rumors and gossip can create strife when believed without knowledge of the facts. Peter recognized that these believers had legitimate concerns, which he had also had. Peter was convinced only by the repetition of his heavenly vision and the words of God to him. Peter patiently tells them the whole account, with supporting witnesses, and he draws a comparison between Pentecost and what had happened. I love the logic here: If the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost and we spoke in different languages AND if the same thing happened at the home of Cornelius THEN that’s proof that God accepts both Jews and Gentiles who believe.
4. Meditate on the criticism of the “circumcision party.” How were they adding to the gospel? What are some other ways people have added to the gospel? I think they felt that salvation was only for the Jews/Israel, basing their supposition of past history of the nation. After all, Jesus was a Jew and THEIR Messiah. They could not fathom anyone outside their religion as being saved/accepted by God, and so it was thought that only those who were circumcised were eligible.
Other ways people have added to the gospel (by grace through faith incheryl Jesus ALONE): you MUST be baptized, you MUST follow certain rules, you MUST dress a certain way, you MUST associate with only Christians
I like your gracious response, Cheryl, on why they would think the gospel was just for the Jews.
Cheryl, I agree with Dee. Thank you for your great insights.
Tuesday: Acts 11:19-30
6. Read, highlight, and share what stood out to you from Acts 11:19-30 and why. Or just your God Shot. Persecution again result is the spread of the Gospel as believers are scattered. Barnabas has grown in the faith and has gained position in the church at Jerusalem. He is sent to Antioch to confirm reposrts of the new group of believers there. Like Stephan, he is a good man filled with the Holy Ghost, and he encourages/preaches to them. Barnabas leaves Antioch searches for Saul, brings Saul to Antioch to teach/strengthen the young church.
7. The moving of the Spirit seems so powerful. Give examples from this passage. vs 21 many believed and turned to the Lord, vs 24 Barnabs was filled with the Holy Ghost and faith and many people were added unto the Lord, vs 28 a prophecy by the Spirit about coming famine/hunger, vs 29 doesn’t exactly state this, but I can see how Christians were led by the Spirit to send relief to the church at Jerusalem
Wednesday: Acts 12:1-19
8. Do the SOAP method from Bev:
Summarize in a sentence
James, the brother of John is killed and Peter is broken out of prison by an angel and went to the house where they were praying for his release.
Observations
King Herod Agrippa persecutes believers.
Had James, John’s brother killed with a sword.
He saw how much this pleased the Jews and had Peter imprisoned.
He intended to have a public trial for Peter after the Passover.
The church was praying earnestly for Peter while he was in jail.
Peter was fastened between 2 chairs between 2 soldiers while others stood guard at the gate.
A bright light appeared in the cell and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter, struck him on the side to awaken him telling him to get up and the chains fell off. The angel told him to get dressed, put on his sandals, coat and follow him.
While Peter left the cell with the angel he thought it was a dream and didn’t realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard post and came to an iron gate leading to the city which opened for them. They stared walking through the street and the angel suddenly left Peter. Peter finally came to his senses saying, “It’s really true!”
Peter went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark where they were praying, knocked on the door and Rhoda, the servant girl came to open it. When she recognized Peter’s voice she was so overjoyed that instead of opening the door ran and told everyone that Peter was standing at the door. They told Rhoda that she was crazy and when she insisted they decided it must be an angel. Peter kept knocking and when they finally opened the door they were amazed. Peter quieted them down and told them what happened and to tell James and the other brothers what took place.
At dawn there was a great commotion among the soldiers when they realized what had happened. Herod Agrippa ordered a thorough search for Peter and when he couldn’t be found Herod interrogated the guards and sentenced them to death.
Herod left Judea to stay in Caesarea for a while.
Application
Never underestimate the power of prayer!
Pray it into your life
Lord, there are so many prayer requests that I am lifting up to You and this passage has made me ask what are my expectations in praying. I have a nephew with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and have been praying if it be Your will, heal him and I thought while praying that, would I be surprised if You did heal him? There are many friends and family that I’m praying either for salvation or a restored relationship with You. Help me to continually trust in You in persevering in prayer and know that Your timing and will is perfect…You’re a good, good Father!
Sharon, love this: Never underestimate the power of prayer! And praying for your nephew, who has Duchenne. I had a former student who had it; I am not sure how she is at this point. She was managing her condition when I saw her last, which would have been several years ago.
Amen to Never underestimate the power of prayer
Thank you for your prayers Bing.
Thank you for praying for my nephew Bing.
Sharon, your thoughts on prayer and your nephew have sparked a thought in my mind about my own health. I’ve been praying for healing for years. There are so many ways that my health interrupts my day or causes me to be “downcast” as the psalmist says. It takes over my thoughts! So what if the Lord has no intention of healing my body, but is using my body to “cure” my soul? Of course, I expect the Lord to use everything in my life towards my sanctification and have known He is using my health to soften edges, but maybe my prayer should not be for healing of the physical symptoms but instead my prayer should be that I might witness to others that his grace is sufficient in my weakness? He is gently helping me to accept my weakness and rely on His strength and grace in this battle we call life. Oh, how I fight for my strength and wish it back, but I must instead accept my weakness and seek His strength.
Chris, thanks for sharing this, praying for God’s will in your life. My husband and I often pray that whatever He chooses to do in our nephew’s life that He would be glorified.
Sharon, I think of this often, too. I join the others in praying for your nephew. I struggle with the same thought. Would I be surprised if Jesus answered the many prayers for my dear friend, Brittany?How I need to trust in Him more fully. He answered a couple of huge prayers yesterday, in ways I did not expect. Both were wonderful. I remember thinking how He has brought me through very trying and lonely times this past year, yet I was pleasantly surprised by the good answers yesterday, and felt guilty for the time I wasted fretting. I need to speak Jesus to my soul. His will not my will and rest in His will.
Thank you Patti.
Thursday: Acts:12:20-25
9. Yesterday we saw how God astonished Rhoda. Share a time when God astonished you by answered a prayer.
When we lived in Oregon we were driving to my parents house for Christmas in Eastern Oregon and we had to make a rest stop. Jim turned off into the rest area and didn’t realize we were driving on black ice and the car was heading right for a big boulder and wasn’t stopping or turning and I remember asking God, please keep us from hitting that boulder! The car came to a stop just inches away and Jim and I looked at each other for we both felt the car being pulled from behind to a stop, it wasn’t the brakes! I can honestly say, I was astonished because I was bracing for the impact, but God!
10. What do you learn from this scary passage and how could you apply it?
Herod was angry at the people who were dependent upon him for food and they made friends with Blastus, Herod’s personal aide asking for peace. Herod came out to the people,who were eager to please him and gave them a speech. They shouted, “It’s a voice of a god, not of a man!” Herod was instantly struck by an angel of the Lord with a sickness! Why? He accepted the people’s worship instead of giving glory to God.
Do I want man’s approval or God’s?
11. Pray you will hear!
Here I see the idol of approval…Lord You know how I struggle with this in so many ways. Open my eyes to see when it creeps in and my desire is for the praise of man rather than glorifying You. Keep this at the forefront of my thoughts in all that I do and say for my desire is that You be glorified in my life.
I love the way God stopped the car and your faith to ask for that protection.
Your humility and vulnerability in the idol of approval are a great example to me. I know that I struggle with this as well.
Oh, Sharon! Your car story gives me chills! I know that feeling that something other that the brakes are stopping your car. I had a similar experience many years ago in Seattle ( I shared it long ago) and I remember every detail. I would have hit a pedestrian, but God! 🙏
I did not realize how much I hated Herod until we got here!
Wednesday: Acts 12:1-19
8. Do the SOAP method from Bev:
Summarize in a sentence
The persecution of the church by Herod and Peter’s miraculous deliverance from prison.
Herod went on a rampage, persecuting the church through murder or imprisonment. Peter was miraculously released from prison and went back to the house of John Mark’s mother.
Observations
Herod is insane! I thought it was ironic that he observed Passover (waiting till it’s over to bring Peter to trial) yet he did not give much thought to his acts of murder and imprisonment of God’s people.
Herod must have been afraid of Peter or something, that he reinforced several layers of “security” around the latter, judging by the number of guards. Two guards, and 2 chains, and sentries at the entrance.
v. 8-10 Almost sounds like a movie, Peter walking out of prison, and no one saw him.
v. 10 When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
God will always take us to a place of safety. Still, Peter had to walk in faith to go to the house of John Mark’s mother, Mary.
v. 12 People were praying! And their prayers were answered!
Vs. 18-19 The guards were just “collateral damage” for Herod. He did not care about them when they couldn’t explain what happened to Peter. When the devil has your head(thinking) in his clutches, he does make a heyday of it to his advantage. Herod was perhaps thinking only of how his reputation would suffer from Peter’s inexplicable release from prison.
Application
Being a Christian does not preclude suffering. But no matter how our enemy thinks he has done an all-proof method to cause our downfall, God is the one in control. He is our safety, our sure rock, and our salvation.
God rescues us on time, through His ways.
God hears and answers our prayers.
Pray it into your life
Lord, help me not go under when I am persecuted or when I feel like there is no way out, (pardon the pun, Peter!). When the world seems to be getting worse and my circumstances, or especially those of the ones I love, let me look to you as our RESCUER. (serious health-related issues all coming either at once or one after the other on top of what is already on hand). You are our MIGHTY WARRIOR. And there is nothing too hard for you.
Bing, your observations and application are so powerful! I love that you brought out that Herod “observed” Passover, but did other terrible things. The irony of our world comes out in people pleasing and selfish desires.
Thursday: Acts 12:20-25
9. Yesterday we saw how God astonished Rhoda. Share a time when God astonished you by answered a prayer.
I was in the Philippines and was on my way that day to visit a friend. While I was in a taxi, I felt this prompting to go see another friend (she has cerebral palsy and is pretty much a recluse since I have known her), whom I have not seen for years. My time was short, and I hesitated as I wasn’t even sure if she was at home or if she still lived where I thought she did. The prompting was so strong that I prayed and followed it. When I got to her door and rang for a few minutes with no response, I got ready to leave when she opened the door. Her eyes looked like she was mightily surprised to see me! She then apologized for looking so startled. Then she burst out crying. She welcomed me, and we sat down to talk. I gathered that her husband was out as a seaman for many months by then. She was extremely lonely and felt isolated.
She told me that minutes before I came, she had prayed to God to send somebody to bring her a word of encouragement. It took a while for her to answer the door because she thought it would just have been a mailman or a solicitor. And she never thought that the answer to her prayer would be somebody she least expected, all the way from the U.S.! Needless to say, we both were astonished at God’s ways! We had the most wonderful time catching up afterward.
10. What do you learn from this scary passage and how could you apply it?
Yikes! “Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.”
I thought of this verse from Isaiah 45:5a I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
11. Pray you will here!
Oh, Lord! Save me from the destruction and fall because of pride. Help me see that you are the only source of everything I am, have, and am able to do. You are not only my Savior, but my Lord. Apart from you, I cannot do anything.
Help me also be a conduit of the flourishing of your word. Help me not to “stay” sheltered in place, afraid of what is out there. Instead, to step out in faith, led by You and expectant of your wonderful work.
Love your prayer, Bing.
I love how the Holy Spirit prompted you to visit your friend and how God used that to answer her prayer for encouragement…we definitely serve a God beyond our comprehension!
And this…” Help me also be a conduit of the flourishing of your word.” Amen!
Great post! I want to heart promptings like this and respond.
9. Yesterday we saw how God astonished Rhoda. Share a time when God astonished you by answered a prayer.
Yesterday, when my student sat with me and discussed her future plans and our class. See what I described above👆.
10. What do you learn from this scary passage and how could you apply it?
Well, Herod was not a believer in God, right? So the idea that the people gave him the praise instead of God, and he received it doesn’t surprise me. What does surprise me is that the people didn’t get struck down because they were believers too, right? Or maybe they weren’t believers so the whole thing is odd to me. Shouldn’t they all have gotten struck down because of their actions? Confused.
I guess if I give/take credit in places where credit is not due, then I will have consequences.
11. Pray you will here!
Dear Lord, please help me be humble and not boast about things. Help me remember that You are the One in charge and that everything I have in my life is because of You. Thank You for that. Amen.
I always love your questions — they make me think. I think of the verse “To whom much is given, much is required.” That must be true whether you are a believer or not.
Wednesday: Acts 12:1-19
8. Do the SOAP method from Bev:
Summarize in a sentence James is killed, Peter is imprisoned, and an angel miraculously delivers Peter from prison at night.
Observations
Herod begins to persecute Christians and executes James
The execution pleases the Jews (gathered for passover week in Jerusalem), so Herod goes farther and has Peter arrrested/imprisoned
The church prays unceasingly for Peter
The night before Peter is to be executed (after pasover), he is sleeping, chained between two guards, with guards at the doors of the prison
An angel awakens Peter, Peter thinks he is having a vision (like in Joppa)
The angel opens the prison doors and leads Peter to the gate leading into the city
Peter realizes it’s not a vision/dream (the Lord has delivered me) and goes to Mary’s house (sister to Barnabas) where Christians are gathered praying and fully awake
Peter knocks at the door and speaks
Rhoda goes to see who it is, recognizes Peter’s voice, and is so excited she leaves him standing outside the door and rushes to tell the others
They don’t believe her, Peter is still knocking, and someone finally lets him inside
They all begin talking at once, Peter signals for them to be quiet, and then he tells them everything that happened, tasks them with telling James (the brother of Jesus), and then leaves afterwards
The next morning Herod sends to the prison for Peter, he’s not there, the soldiers don’t know what happened and have no explanation to give Herod
Herod has these soldiers killed and leaves Jerusalem
Application God’s purposes cannot be thwarted by man’s design. God answers prayer in ways we may not expect.
Pray it into your life Dear Lord, You are the Creator of all, loving, faithful, and full of mercy and kindness. I am not in the habit of praying with an expectant heart, Lord. Forgive my doubts and complacency. Holy Spirit, renew my sense of wonder and open my eyes to see and recognize Your Hand at work as You answer my prayers in ways that I might not be looking for, but all is according to Your plan and purpose, not mine. In Jesus’ name, amen
I do love the ways God does miraculous things that people are not at all expecting. I’m praying your prayer for myself. ❤️
Thursday: Acts:12:20-25
9. Yesterday we saw how God astonished Rhoda. Share a time when God astonished you by answered a prayer. I go back in my thoughts to the first weeks after my daughter died. I was speaking to the Lord continually but not formally as at a prayer meeting. I was mourning the loss of future things and had many depressing thoughts. One thought, as I cried out to the Lord, that haunted me was, “Oh, Mary, were you scared during the accident?” How could anyone ansr that question for me? Impossible to know if someone was scared right before death, because they are dead and can’t speak. This thought weighed heavily on my mind until the Lord answered the question. I recieved a sympathy card and note from an acquaintance who was NOT a believer (I still have it in my Bible). She told me that she had been in a similar car accident but survived, with many stitches in her face. “I want you to know that it happened so fast that I DIDN’T HAVE TIME TO BE SCARED.” That was God answering my heart cry.
10. What do you learn from this scary passage and how could you apply it? God is a jealous God, and He will not share His glory with anyone else. Herod should have known better than to allow people to worship him. Since Herod was Jewish, he should have had more knowlegde, but he was more concerned with popularity and his own pleasure. I can see many public figures with the same attitude as Herod, and I’m quick to point at them. But the Holy Spirit is convicting me that I, too, can have this attitude, and I need to be very careful that what I say or do is for God’s glory, not mine.
11. Pray you will here! Dear Father, as You continue to work in my life, break down any thought/motives that are not pleasing to You. You alone are worthy Jesus, and I am but a reflection of You. Holy Spirit convict me of anything I say or do that does not bring glory to God.
Cheryl, what a wonderful answer to prayer!
Dear Cheryl,
The way the Lord answered your prayer through the letter of an unbeliever! It bring tears to my eyes to think of the way that He loves us. He knows our anxious thoughts. He holds our tears in a bottle. His love is too wonderful for me.
Oh, wow, Cheryl! God is so good to hear your prayers and answer them to give you the peace you need. He is the wonder-working God for his beloved ones!
Cheryl, I love how God heard your cry and answered in such a specific way. And your prayer is so beautiful and meaningful. Amen!
Dear Father, as You continue to work in my life, break down any thought/motives that are not pleasing to You. You alone are worthy Jesus, and I am but a reflection of You. Holy Spirit convict me of anything I say or do that does not bring glory to God.
Sorry…this prayer was your prayer ….I should have puts quotes. So sorry
Friday:
12. Watch, take any notes, and share your “God Shot.”
The early church had growing pains. How do we maintain being set apart? They wanted to protect their culture for thousands of years. So much to learn. But the Holy Spirit was working in their midst, and they were making converts. I love their wisdom in seeking verification, but they are open to reason.
The Holy Spirit is the mark of the Christian, not circumcision.
Saul and Barnabas stayed at Antioch and continued teaching the Christians there for a year. This just spoke to me as we await a new pastor, and the year of obvious waiting will be over next month. I am expectantly waiting, Lord. I know you can do the impossible. There is nothing too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:27
HUMOR TLC style: Peter was punched on the side at 8/7 central. No Ambien here! Hahaha
Love, love, love TLC’s God shot: God grants repentance to us as a gift. I am praying this for everybody I encounter from now on! Open the eyes of their hearts, Lord, and receive your gift of repentance.
That is such a good insight on repentance being a gift — so we pray!
Friday: TLC
12. Watch, take any notes, and share your “God Shot.” My GS is that “the Holy Spirit is the marker of God’s people..” It’s not circumcision, baptism, church attendance, tithing, dress code, traditions, political party, or anything else.
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Good observation, Cheryl!
Friday: Tara, God Shot
12. Watch, take any notes, and share your “God Shot.”
Through God welcoming the Gentiles…
TLC says, “that this is where we start to see that more than anything else the Holy Spirit is the marker of God’s people not circumcision…He is the unifier of His people across all racial and cultural divides.”
Those in Antioch is where believers are called Christians for the first time. One of the three times Christian is used in all of scripture.
Peter is put between 2 guards being watched by guards to which TLC says, “I guess they didn’t know with Peter you need 3’s!”
God shot…
I really liked TLC’s God shot from Acts 11:18b, “We can see that God also has given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.” She said, “we often think of repentance as something that we offer to God (I always thought that) but this verse says it’s something He gives to us, He is the one who initiates our repentance, repentance is a gift from Him. What an incredible gift to be given eyes to see and ears to hear and a heart to know the truth and surrender to it.”
I am so grateful for His gift of repentance in my life and pray that others will receive this incredible gift too.
The following is from Matthew Henry’s commentary. Sorry it’s so long but it’s so good.
“Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life! He hath granted them not only the means of repentance, in opening a door of entrance for his ministers among them, but the grace of repentance, in having given them his Holy Spirit, who, wherever he comes to be a Comforter, first convinces, and gives a sight of sin and sorrow for it, and then a sight of Christ and joy in him. Note,
(1.) Repentance, if it be true, is unto life. It is to spiritual life; all that truly repent of their sins evidence it by living a new life, a holy, heavenly, and divine life. Those that by repentance die unto sin thenceforward live unto God; and then, and not till then, we begin to live indeed, and it shall be to eternal life. All true penitents shall live, that is, they shall be restored to the favour of God, which is life, which is better than life; they shall be comforted with the assurance of the pardon of their sins, and shall have the earnest of eternal life, and at length the fruition of it.
(2.) Repentance is God’s gift; it is not only his free grace that accepts it, but his mighty grace that works it in us, that takes away the heart of stone, and gives us a heart of flesh. The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit; it is he that provides himself this lamb.
(3.) Wherever God designs to give life he gives repentance; for this is a necessary preparative for the comforts of a sealed pardon and a settled peace in this world, and for the seeing and enjoying of God in the other world.
(4.) It is a great comfort to us that God has exalted his Son Jesus, not only to give repentance to Israel, and the remission of sins (ch. 5:31), but to the Gentiles also.”
I love you “God Shot” Sharon. I loved that too and had never thought of it that way. Thanks for sharing these points from Matthew Henry’s commmentary! So good.
I love this perspective. Praying this gift for my DIL.
Saturday:
13. Any questions you want to ask of your sisters? Or comments on something one shared?
I was really comforted by what our Sharon quoted from Knowing God: “It is not for us to imagine that we can prove the truth of Christianity by our own arguments; nobody can prove the truth of Christianity except that the Holy Spirit, by His own almighty work of renewing the blinded heart. It is the sovereign prerogative of Christ’s Spirit to convince men’s consciences of the truth of Christ’s gospel, and Christ’s human witnesses must learn to ground their hopes of success not on clever presentation of the truth by man, but on powerful demonstration of the truth by the Spirit. (See 1 Corinthians 2:1-5) Without the Holy Spirit there would not be a Christian in the world.”
Oh, Lord, open the eyes of the hearts of people we share the gospel with. May it start with people we love. Renew their blinded hearts, convince them of the truth of Christ’s gospel. And may we give you all the praise, even as we await your answer.
Agree, 100%-I can’t add anything to all that you sisters have shared for learning this week.