1 Kings 8:14-21 – Prophecy Fulfilled

Read 1 Kings 8:14-21

2 little girl hands doing a pinky promise

Is it just me, or have you been hearing a lot of prophetic declarations being made these days? I’m not sure if people have more time on their hands to hear from the Lord due to the pandemic or if they are just more in tune. Sadly, what I’m hearing most seems to be doom and gloom being spread as a word from God. Not sure how I feel about that!

Do I believe it? Is it credible? I’m sure even the great prophets from the Bible struggled. The message they were getting wasn’t all sunshine and daisies! They were not popular glimpses into the future. However, the words spoken to David were not only a prophecy but also a promise. Remember a prophecy is not “foretelling” but forthtelling announcements of promise, warnings of punishment and woe.

Continue reading “1 Kings 8:14-21 – Prophecy Fulfilled”

Acts 28:1-10 – Hand of Protection

Read Acts 28:1-10

For being a prisoner, Paul seems to get along pretty well. He doesn’t have total freedom, but I don’t get the impression he’s in shackles or chains. I loved the snake bite story. The people jumped to conclusions that justice would prevail – death for his bad deeds. But miraculously God saved him again.

This just goes to show us how God’s hand of protection was on Paul’s life to complete the purpose he had for Paul. That same hand of protection is on our life, too. This brings to mind people who are killed by accident or in a mass tragedy. You might ask if their missions were complete or if God is now moving on to plan B to make something good out of the tragedy.  Continue reading “Acts 28:1-10 – Hand of Protection”

Luke 9:1-6 – Go!

Read Luke 9:1-6

This was quite a moment for the disciples. Jesus’ command required them to be bold, both in their witness and their faith.

When we get ready for a trip, or even a day’s outing, we prepare with packing, having enough money, maybe taking a jacket, snacks, etc. Can you imagine leaving the house for a mission with nothing?

The difference? Jesus’ power. When he called them together, it says he gave them power and authority. Their mission was to tell everyone about the kingdom of God and to  heal the sick. We’ve been given a similar mission, have we not?

So how are you doing in your mission for Jesus? How many people have you exposed to his loving promise this week? How are you helping to further the kingdom? God’s grace is for everyone, but not everyone knows that yet!

Maybe you need a little nudge. This will be a good reminder that you also have the power of God at your disposal. He is encouraging you and providing the guidance you’ll need. Our problem is us. We think we need to be Bible scholars, or have  some amazing conversion story. Am I right? Is that what’s holding you back?

What did the disciples have? Only the power of Jesus. We have that and more. We have our stories of how Jesus  has transformed our lives. A true “before and after”. In marketing, we talk about our life before the product, and of course how much better things are after using it. Not that Jesus is a “product”, but he is “everything” we need to live a transformed life.

Jesus gives the instruction to stay where you are welcomed. And should you not be welcomed – no worries! Jesus said, “And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.”

In ministry, there were times, and I’m sure there will be more, when I have felt less than welcome in a community. I can remember one instance when I told our daughter, Sarah, “we just have to shake its dust from our feet!” In other words, walk away and forget, don’t dwell on it. Easier said than done.

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.” Sometimes I have adopted this into my own ministry and now business. While I know that Jesus is the way, and I’m looking for all sorts of ways to make that known, some folks just won’t get it. I’ve planted the seed. Maybe I’ll get the opportunity to water it. For sure, I’m praying for those to come along that will water it until it blooms.

Take a moment to thank God for the power he has given you.

Let’s pray. Father God, you have given me a task to spread the Good News to others. Please use this devotional and the testimony of my life to speak to others, creating a curiosity to know you. May my own walk with you only go deeper as I yearn to know you better and walk in your way for me. Help me not to let the nay-sayers or those who ignore me bother me.  I am trusting in you today to bring about a miracle. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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