Acts

Our group of ladies in Chapter a Day continues to grow in the knowledge and understanding of our Lord. We are united together by His Spirit, like minded and of one accord. Our God is worthy to be praised!!

Taken from your Responses!

Acts 1

⁷ And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

⁸ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me

in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

It is not for me to know - How often do I catch myself trying to figure out what God is up to (How prideful of me to think that my mind could even begin to fathom)

Gods word says distinctively - it is not for me to know the times or the seasons. His word goes on to say what I am to do -

I am to be a witness - this is our commission: Get the Word out to the World. Begin at home and extend it into all the world. God wants people saved.

What is a witness - A witness is "someone who tells what he has seen and heard" Proverbs 14:25 A true witness delivereth souls.

The only way we will be able to get the word out and for the word to penetrate the hearts of the lost is through the Holy Spirit.

I also loved vs 14 - These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, - Oneness, prayer and waiting upon the Lord. It is John 17 in action.

The prayer that Jesus prayed that we would be one in spirit "one accord" and that they were. Christ was what brought them together.

Lord - Please let it always be on the forefront of our hearts and minds to seize the opportunities to tell the lost about their need of a Savior.

Introducing them to you Lord - the only one who can satisfy the void in their soul. To know You and make You known. Thank you that you

are a living God! In Jesus name. Amen

Acts 2

Penetcost marks the beginning of the church ( Matt 16:18). vs 1 " they were all together in one place" as Jesus had asked them to wait in 1:4. Not only were they in one place physically but they were of one mind, one heart and one accord. The Holy Spirit comes with the sound of a violent rushing wind ( Power) and there appears fire ( Passion) on each of them. They begin speaking in tongues, which proclaimed what they couldnt before through the Power and Passion of the Holy Spirit.

Over 3000 were saved that day and the church had begun! Vs 42-47 give us the ingredients of a great church.

vs 42 a devoted church

vs 43 an expectant church

vs 45 a sacrificial church

vs 46 a consistent church

vs 46 a loving and sincere church

vs 47 a worshipping church

Beloved, may we "be" all the above through the Power and Passion of the Holy Spirit!!

Acts 3

Verse 6: “But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

The lame beggar asked for something that offered him temporary help-money, but Peter gave him something much better and longer lasting- the use of his legs. God ALWAYS has the bigger picture. We often want something that is a “quick fix” but when we put our faith and trust in the Lord, he will give us what we need and it’s in his time, not ours.

Verse 19: “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away”. Peter was addressing the crowds telling them to change their ways and all they need to do is repent. What a sigh of relief this is, all I have to do is repent and turn from my sins. God will guide us through the rest.

Verse 20: “Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, and your appointed Messiah.” Once we repent and turn away from our sins we will be refreshed (to restore or maintain by renewing supply) from the presence of the Lord. Our slate will be as white as snow!!! PRAISE GOD!!!

Dear Heavenly Father I pray that you will forgive me of all of my sins. I am repenting and turning to you to be refreshed. I pray for each of the ladies in the group that whatever they are going through right now whether it’s a trial, or something that is exciting that you will pour out the Holy Spirit on us. Lord, your ways are far better then mine and I often get off track but I turn back to you now and ask that you will help be to better understand your Word and what you want from me. Thank you for the blessings you gave and continue to give. I want to glorify you in all that I do. Bless these ladies as we head into the weekend and keep us safe. In Jesus’ name I pray AMEN

Acts 4

How intimidating it must have been standing in the midst of the council (Annas, Caiaphas,guards and sadducees etc.) but Peter and John was full of the holy spirit meaning fear was replaced by boldness in Christ Jesus. They spoke as they were led, they opened their mouths and the holy spirit filled their mouths with His words. (v,12) Salvation is to be found through Jesus alone, in all the world there in no one else whom God has given who can save us." They were threatened to stop speaking in the name of Jesus of Nazareth but (v.20) says "For we cannot stop speaking of what we ourselves have seen and heard."

The proof is always in the pudding because the miracle was standing right there next to Peter and John; the lame man who was lame from birth. Not a kid but a 40 year old man, so the people believed and prayed for bolness as they spoke. They were one in mind and heart (one accord) and all were filled with the holy spirit and began to proclaim God's message with boldness. They shared everything they had (in cluding money, houses and property) with each other and no one in the group was in need. The apostles would distribute the money to each one according to their need.

The bible says God shall supply all our need according to His riches in Christ Jesus. His grace is sufficient.

Acts 5

Facing Opposition

The Apostles, through the Holy Spirit, performed many miracles...the Sadduces are filled with jealousy.

Again the Apostles are put in jail...released by an angel...put in jail again....ordered (Again) to never speak in the name of Jesus...and flogged (Whipped!!).

Their response...vs29 "We must obey God rather that any human authority" ~Obedience to God. vs.41 "The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the the name of Jesus." ~Praising God

vs.42 Continued to preach and teach ~ "Jesus is the Messiah!!" ~Pressed On

God was there in the midst of it all!!!

vs. 14,26 The people believed and had a high regard for the disciples...which brought fear to the temple guards...protecting them from being treated with violence.

vs. 19 God sent an angel to open the gates of the jail.

vs. 21 God provided a way for them to teach in the temple. vs 29 He gave Peter and the apostles boldness and the right words in front of the temple council. vs.33 God softend Gamaliel's heart to let them go.

I am reminded of James 1...."Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

Acts 6

Acts 6: 3-4: Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

What I found interesting was the beginning of Church Organization. I did a “search” on the duties and required qualifications of a deacon. Unfortunately, I don’t think all of these qualifications and duties are followed in todays churches.

Qualifications:

· Men of good reputation,

· Be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom",(Acts 6:3) "And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit

· Deacons are to be capable of serving the Lord in spiritual ways

· The office of Deacon requires a firm grasp of sound doctrine

Duties:

· To be the ministers of mercy in the church. Providing for widows and orphans and needs of the local congregation.

· They are to visit the sick and those in prison.

· Deacons are to help disciple new converts

· Keep watch over the church members, reporting any who seemed about to fall away

· They are to also work at restoring those who are out of fellowship.

Acts 7

The first Martyr was Stephen. Stoned for proclaiming the Good News of Christ.

vs 60

And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this sin against them!

WOw, this brought me to tears. In the midst of being stoned he asked God to not hold them accountable for their actions. Throughout my life I have had people sin against me (as have you) some with severe consequences to me. Not once in the middle of the "stoning" did I ask the Lord to not hold this sin against them.

Lord, give us the heart and compassion of Stephen that we can see the bigger picture in the midst of our "stoning" and pray for the ones who need to have their "spiritual eyes" opened. For our trust is in You...

Ps 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?....My heart will not fear...I shall be confident

Acts 8

Simon wanted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. God's gift of salvation and the power of the Holy Spirit working in the believers life is a free gift if we believe in Jesus, ask for the Holy Spirit to empower us and receive in faith. This cost God dearly and there is no way it can be purchased with any amount of money and to even suggest such a thing is a huge insult to God. (v20)

The early church spread out due to persecution, allowing the message of the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout Judea and Samaria. God's purposes can not be stopped. This chapter twice notes the joy when the people were converted (v8 & v39). What a difference it makes to have God in our lives.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.

Acts 9
From Darkness to Light

Vs 1-2 - When Saul walked in darkness His great passion was to imprison and kill all those who belonged to the WAY - faith in Jesus Christ. Saul was blinded by hatred and sin.
Vs 3 - Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him
Vs 8-9 - He could see nothing. He was blinded for three days.
Vs 15 - Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.
Vs 17 - That you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Saul's eyes were opened and he could now see the Truth.
Vs 20 - And immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, saying, He is the Son of God.
Vs 23 - After considerable time had elapsed, the Jews conspired to put Saul out of the way by slaying him.
Saul went from darkness to light . He was a new man. He was no longer Saul he was now Paul. He had a change of heart. Paul was chosen by God to do a task - preach the word, Christ ans Him crucified. The path that was ahead of him was a path of suffering for the Lord. He no longer persecuted those who believed in The Way. Instead he was persecuted for his faith in The Way. Paul never looked back. Just as he was focused and passionate to do evil he now had the same passion to do good. Only now a strong dose of the Holy Spirit was added to his passion.
God give me the strength and the desire to be passionate and focused and to be obedient to do that which you have called be to do. Help me to be like Paul, to go when you say go and to not question or hesitate. To tell the world about your love and saving grace. To have a heart always that burns for you and to be more and more like you each day.

Acts 10
~ God shows no partiality. In every nation anyone who loves him and does what is right is acceptable to him. (vs.34, 35) We don't have to be a certain race, color or wealth category for Jesus to love us and accept us. Love it!

Acts 11

(v23) When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.

Purpose of heart describes a resolve of the will to make up one's mind about one thing. In this case, the resolve was to remain with the Lord. When Barnabas saw the grace of God in these converts, he was true to his name (he was nicknamed "Son of Encouragement") and encouraged them in their new faith. Such beautiful encouragement.

Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. Ephesians 4:1

Acts 12

I thought it was interesting that while Peter was in jail the other believers were at Mary's house, praying for him. And when the angel of the Lord came and lead him out of jail, he went to Mary's and Rhoda was the only one who believed it was Peter. Everyone else thought it was his angel.

Isn't that how we can be, praying and knowing God can and will answer our prayers, but when He does..sometimes we have a hard time believing it.

Acts 13

"Separate to me": Before Barnabas and Saul can do anything great for God, they must first be separated to Him. If you will separate to God, it means you must separate from some other things. You can’t really say "yes" to God’s call on your life until you can say "no" to things that will keep you from that call.

Acts 14

As I read this chapter I started to imagine Paul and Barnabas speaking in the name of Jesus to the gentiles and the jews and how they believed when they saw the crippled man jump up and walk. It reminds me of our testimonies today when we hear something so amazing that we rejoice with that person and we are encouraged too; because we know it was only by the grace of God that the person came through. I was also encouraged by Pauls courage to speak boldly even though he knew his life would be in danger because of some jews and gentiles who did not believe and they persuaded the people to think differently too. They took Paul out of the city and stoned him. They thought that he was dead and left him there but as soon as Paul came to, he went right back into the city, telling the good news.

God told Joshua in the old testiment of Deu. 31:6, "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you nor foresake you." And He will not leave us either. Paul and Barnabas said don't idolized us, we are mere men just like you, worship the living God. I also hear meekness and humility- controlled strength not weakness.

Acts 15
" Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing." This shows Paul had a heart to bring people into the body of Christ and also grow them! We must do the same. Check on those we brought to know Christ not just assume they are doing ok and we're done with our job there. Instead follow Pauls example of following up with them and encouraging them to keep running the race! We can always use a word of encouragement from another Sister in Christ!

Acts 16

⁶ Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. ⁷ After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit^[a] did not permit them.

We do not always know the plans God has for us but when the small still voice in us

prompts us or forbids us to go in a certain direction we must be obedient and go in the direction that

The Holy Spirit is leading.

As Christians - and children of God - we must allow the Holy Spirit to lead, direct and guide our lives and our steps.

Even when we don't understand what He is doing we need to obey His promptings!!

Acts 17
V:22 & 23 "So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you."

I should like to learn from Paul in this passage, how to share with "religious" nonbelievers, or people who say they are "spiritual."

I notice that he speaks the truth with respect. What I mean is he took the time to note something of their belief system and culture and incorporated it into his message, even quoting one of their poets in verse 28.

The result? Some mocked, some were interested, some believed.

Acts 18
As I read this chapter I was really drawn to the last part where we are told about the ministry of Appollos. We are told that he is an eloquent man and Mighty in the scriptures. "Mighty in the scriptures" Wow what a complement to this man! Despite being a scholer and already knowledgeable about the scriptures, we also learn that he received counsel (for lack of a better word) from Aquila and Priscilla who explained the ways of God "more accurately". This reminds me that no matter how much we know about the scriptures we always have more to learn. We need to stay humble and willing to listen and be taught with our hearts and minds open to learn.

We are told that when Appollos arrived in Achaia..."he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ." This sentence is a reminder to us all the importance of having knowledge of the scriptures, something that I have fallen away from in recent years, but that I am really focusing on know. I pray that the Lord continue to keep my heart and mind open, humble and focused on learning and sharing what I have learned.

Acts 19

Power in the name of Jesus

Paul traveled, built up new believers, baptized in the name of Jesus, preached boldly, argued persuasively, held daily discussions, performed miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were making a living claiming to heal and drive out demons. They were using Jesus' name in an effort to match Paul's power. Failing to see Paul's power came from the Holy Spirit not from incantations and magic formulas. They were attacked by a demon they were trying to drive out. They called on the name of Jesus without knowing Him personally.

There is power in the name of Jesus when we have a personal relationship with Him. May I use the power and victory that I have in Jesus to the fullest for His glory.

Acts 20

Paul finally arrived in Greece, where he stayed three months. Because the Jews made a plot against him. He says he is compelled by the Spirit and that he is going to Jerusalem, he doesn't really know what is going to happen, he only knows that in every city the Holy Spirit warns that prison and hardships are in his future.

Paul does this amazing rising from the dead, of this young man who went to sleep, while listening to him preach. i think it is funny and i have often told my son, don't fall asleep in church, you may wake up falling out a window. LOL

Paul tells them his heart, as he pores it out. Saying he served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although he was severely tested by plots of the Jews. They knew that he did not hesitated to preach anything that would not be helpful to them but have taught these Christian's publicly and from house to house. He has declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in Jesus. Then he tells them, "Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God, Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." He says be on your guard, men will come and distort the truth, and he says this with tears. Paul deeply loves these people. Paul reminds them how he worked not asking for any hand outs, he also gave while any were in need. He commits them to God, like Jesus committed us to His Father in prayer before He left, and they feel the love for one another, and how much they will miss Paul. And then they said their good-byes.

Acts 21

In chapter 21 I'm amazed at Paul's willingness to go to Jerusalem even though he knew what awaited him. I'm also saddened that many Jews missed Jesus because of their zealousness for the law and customs. They were even willing to kill Paul over it, as was Paul until he came to know the grace of God and was then willing to die to teach it to others.

Acts 22

As Paul recounts his conversion; as a persecutor of Christians to a Disciple
teaching Salvation through Jesus Christ, the verses brought to my mind how
God uses all people. God can turn the worse sinner around and use them, it
is not for me to judge. We all were something else before we accepted Jesus
Christ as our Savior. I am not what I should be, but I thank God I am not
what I used to be.

Vs: 25-30: Paul a Roman Citizen: I saw these verses as a parallel to Paul
being protected as a Roman Citizen to we as Christians being "Citizens" of
God, we are Children of God, protected by the Holy Spirit .

Acts 23
V:23 "I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. I soon discovered it was something regarding their religious law--certainly nothing worthy of imprisonment or death."

Paul had done nothing worthy of imprisonment, yet he continued to be held captive. As we read on into the next chapter we will see he is held prisoner for more than 2 years without a just cause.

When we believe we are being held captive in an uncomfortable situation in life we can remember that the Lord is at our side, and perhaps if we can tune out the noise and chaos around we can hear Him speak softly to our hearts saying "Take courage..."

Acts 24
(vs16) This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense towar God and men.

Our conscience is that inner voice that tells us if we are pleasing or displeasing God. Praise God that the Holy Spirit brings our consicence to life. We have the responsiblity to keep it pure. Paul declared, "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (Acts 23:1). This is Paul's bold and consistent claim.

God always instructs us down to the last detail. I pray that my ear will always be sensitive enough to hear even His softest whisper. I know that the only thing that will keep my conscience sensitive to Him is to daily stay in the word of God.

Acts 25
⁸Then Paul made his defense: "I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar."

When we accepted Christ we asked Him to be our Lord and Savior..our Master! What freedom we have in our life as a believer.
When we are "full" of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead us throughout our day we can look back over the day and have no regrets.
We can stand with confidence knowing that we spent our time being obedient to His prompting. Paul could stand with confidence before his
accusers knowing that he was completely in the will of God - He knew that he had done nothing wrong!

What freedom we have in Christ

Acts 26
In vs 28 Agrippa asks Paul if he thought he could pursuade him to become a Christian in such a short time? Paul responds that his prayer is that all who were listening would become Christians whether it was in a short time or long time. Paul's prayer for these people was simple, That they would Know God like he did.

Sometimes I find myself in judgement of others, in the way that they live, the decisions that they make, the way they speak or even dress etc... I have even on some occasions found myself praying that somebody would change to better suit what I believed to be a better way, I am reminded by Pauls' simple words that what I should really be praying for is that these people will know Jesus like I do. I pray today that God helps me to understand what is really important and to be a light to help others find him and also for patience as just like Paul mentioned, it may take a short time or a long time...

Acts 27

So take courage!! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.

The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone. The crew was so worried that they hadn't touched food for two weeks. There was 276 passengers aboard.

Paul used this opportunity to bring God Glory. He told them about his God. That God had sent an angel that told him not be afraid. This is the second time God had told Paul he would make it to Rome. That everyone on the boat would be safe. They were worried...they had lost hope. Paul used this opportunity to give them hope. Hope in what God had promised.

From this passage I am reminded that in the storms we face in life. We hold on to the promises of God to sustain us...we look for ways to encourage others and bring God glory. So take courage!! For I believe God. It will be just as he said.

Acts 28
Reading this Chapter has really opened my eyes to Paul's dedication to
preaching the Word and enduring trials to do so. I have been inspired to
look inward at my walk.

Stand out verses for me:

Vs.28: "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to
the Gentiles, and they will listen!"

Paul is saying to the Jews: I have shown you the way- it is up to you to
believe.

Vs.30: For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and
welcomed all who came to see him. Vs.31 : Boldly and without hindrance he
preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

At the end of Paul's journey God made sure he had somewhere to lay his head
and still continue to teach. Through all of our trials God will always
provide a way out.


Blessings!!!