Good morning! The word of the Lord is active and living. It pierces our heart, it convicts, it heals, it comforts, and it guides us through every circumstance we face. Join me today as we finish Acts chapter 17. May the Lord be with you and your loved ones today.
Bible verse
“30 “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. 31 For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.”
32 When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.” 33 That ended Paul’s discussion with them, 34 but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council,[h] a woman named Damaris, and others with them.” – Acts 17:30-34 NLT
Reflection
Paul was explaining that before Christ came, people were living without knowledge of God. But when Christ came he made away for everyone to have an opportunity to know God and come into relationship with him.
- John 5:22a says, “In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge”
- John 16:5-11 says, “5 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. 7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate[a] won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.”
Sisters and brothers, there will be those who do not believe. There will be those who listen, but do not hear. Then there are those who hear and believe. While Paul experienced all the above, he didn’t lose heart. Sisters and brothers, we should not lose heart either. If we spoke to a crowd of a 1,000 people and only one accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, that was the one we were sent to share the message with. For others we have simply planted the seed. Do not be discouraged or disappointed by numbers, be faithful and allow the Holy Spirit to work through you.
BELIEVE
Prayer
Father God we thank you for another beautiful day in the Lord. We know that in and through you there is redemption, abundance of life, peace, and joy. Lord, you know our hearts and understand our desire to serve you. Lord, we are praying for our sisters and brothers who are believers and ask that you strengthen their faith. Lord, touch them and give them godly wisdom and discern on the things that are on their hearts. Lord, as they bring them to you soften their hearts and allow space for your Holy Spirit to work in them and guide them today. Lord, we pray for those who do not know you, but know of you. Lord, we ask that you continue your work of revealing who you are to them. Lord, help them to see you, believe, repent, and follow you for the rest of their days. Lord, awaken us all to be more aligned with you. Remove any idol that we have been worshipping (e.g., political parties, other human beings, finances, and status), instead of worshipping you as the One true God. Lord, our allegiance is to you first. Help us to keep our priorities straight. Lead us in your perfect love and peace. Lord, when the day of judgment comes we want to found in you. Lead us and continue to heal our land, our hearts, and your church. Lord, we pray for the organizations who have been started to create terror among your people. Lord, the are plotting to murder your innocent children in the name of themselves. Lord, you are more powerful than those plots. Lord, we ask that you go before the elections and begin to disrupt the plans in those camps. Lord, we ask that you send your army (Heaven’s army) to defeat them and destroy their false idols. Lord, send them today and continue until the camps are no more. Lord, may we all repent and turn to you. Shield us from the plots of the enemy. In Jesus name, amen.
Events
Our next virtual Women’s Retreat is Saturday, November 14, 2020 . In order to participate in the arts and crafts session and receive your supplies on time, we strongly advise that you register at least two weeks before the event.
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