Good morning! It’s the first Monday of the month. While the past two months were filled with unexpected twists and turns, God was never surprised by what took place. In today’s reading in Acts, we know God had been preparing a few people for the promise that was coming. He prepared their hearts and they remained in prayer. However, those who weren’t prepared (aware of God’s promise) were perplexed by the things taking place. Join me as we continue our reading in Acts.

“⁵ At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. ⁶ When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

⁷ They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, ⁸ and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! ⁹ Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome ¹¹ (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” ¹² They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.

¹³ But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”” – Acts 2:5-13 NLT

Remember, this was the time when many Jews were in Jerusalem for the Feast of First Fruits. While many witnesses heard the Galilean’s speaking in many languages, they didn’t understand why? They were amazed by the apostles and others ability to speak in many languages. However, because many of the Jews didn’t understand, it was easy for the Jews to dismiss it as drunken behavior instead of an act by God – the Holy Spirit.

Sisters and brothers, there are many things going on around the world. Many things we might not understand or may even dismiss. However, I want to recommend that you not follow every newscaster, blog, conspiracy theory, etc. and focus on what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. The Holy Spirit helps us to discern and gives us wisdom to make wise decisions. As we begin to process all the events going on around the world, let us consult with the Holy Spirit before we begin to ridicule things we may not understand. Let us put our hope and fear in the hands of the One who holds everything in His hands and walk in obedience to the leading of the Spirit.

Before you ridicule – pray! Who do you need to pray for today? _______

Keep Trusting – make Holy Spirit led decisions.

Father God, you have given us knowledge of some of the things that will come to pass, we don’t want to be so involved with other things that we miss what you have been telling us in Your word. Lord, you know every detail of our lives and the concerns we have about our future, yet you still come beside us and walk with us through it all. You comfort us and guide us in the midst of our worry, in the midst of our sorrow and our loneliness. Lord, while this is a trying time for many, Lord we ask that you lead us to a place of peace and rest for our minds. Lord, guide the leaders of the world, our nation, governors, mayors, public health officers and city leaders to make decisions that will not cause further harm to families and communities. Lord, help the scientists to create or find the cure for the virus. Lord, we pray for those who had family members die from the virus. Lord, help them as they grieve. Lord, we also pray for those who had family members die (for other reasons) during this quarantine period and were unable to attend funerals or be by their loved ones side when they died. Lord, be with us all. Provide for those who are unemployed. Heal disfunctional homes. Restore marriages. Protect the children. Calm lonely hearts. Transform us into who you have called us to be. In Jesus name, amen.

#LivingBeyondAverage #20/20Vision #Refocus #StayFocused

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