WITNESSES TODAY

READING: ACTS 1:1-8

Verse 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.”

The statement above made by Jesus to the disciples must have been very mysterious to them. However, as they obeyed they were granted all of the understanding and direction they needed. Then the disciples were faithful to the expectation that the Lord Jesus had established for them. Very soon after Jesus spoke to them, Peter was a powerful witness in Jerusalem when 3,000 people were saved after his first sermon. About five years later, as recorded in Acts 8:1, those who were of the church of Jerusalem were scattered because of persecution. They became witnesses to all Judea and Samaria as Jesus had ordained. The apostles were well traveled with regard to the remainder of the prophecy to be witnesses to the end of the earth. There are parts of the earth as we know it today that they did not personally reach as they preached the gospel. However, the Spirit of their faithfulness lives today and is expressed in the contemporary Church as today's Christians carry on the faithful witness. The prophecy of the Lord that established the witness to the end of the earth continues. That Spirit still serves, motivating the people of God in that enduring witness. That’s a thought – about God’s word.

RESPONSE

1. What is your role in being a witness?

2. What do you think there was about Peter’s sermon that resulted in so many being saved?

THE FRUIT CHALLENGE

READING: GALATIANS 5:16-26

Verses 22, 23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Against such there is no law.”

The characteristics listed in this verse should dictate the motivations and behaviors of Christians. Then interactions among Believers should reflect them. Today, instead of the usual type of reading, here is a challenge. Would you like to know how your responses compare and stack up to the fruit of the Spirit? Would you be willing to take a risk to determine the qualities of your behaviors in the light of the fruit of the Spirit? This is not an offer of a written test to accomplish this evaluation. It is really all up to you and your honesty in examining yourself. Just consider yourself in terms of how much your daily responses reflect the characteristics that are listed and the results that are present. You are invited to this kind of frank self inspection so that you can determine what fruit is evident. If you want to take an even further step, you can have someone you trust to tell you what they see. If done, either process could cause a person to be stretched or discomforted. Even if that is the result, it is good to do what we can to refine our display of the fruit of the Spirit. “Against such there is no law.” That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

No questions this time. The opportunity to respond is the challenge offered in the reading.

FROM “GOOD” TO “VERY”

READING: JOSHUA 1:1-9

Verse 6: “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.”

This verse states God’s instructions for His servant Joshua. It constitutes the first part of the assignment the Lord had for him. Then, as recorded in verse 7, Joshua was given the second part. As God spoke to him, another requirement was added. This consisted of a command to uphold the law that had been given to Moses. Instead of being only “strong and of good courage” as first instructed in verse 6, in verse 7 Joshua was then expected to be “strong and very courageous”. It seems that the first demand on Joshua was what it took in order for him to acquire the land and divide it among the tribes. However, in order for him to enforce the law, more was required. For this mission he had to be very courageous. The difference between the two types of courage speaks volumes about God’s priority and emphasis for Joshua, for the Israelites, and by extension, even for us as modern Christians. Based on verse 6 a conclusion can be reached that there are things that deserve to be done well. However as in verse 7, when it comes to opportunities to relate to the Lord, they need to be done very well. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What does it take to be very courageous in relating to the Lord?

2. What does this passage demonstrate about God in terms of keeping His promises?

DO THE RIGHT THING

READING: DEUTERONOMY 30:15-20

Verse 19: “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendents may live;”

One of the distinguishing factors of contemporary living, is the staggering array of choices that we constantly face. There are choices about places at which to worship, cars to drive, clothes to wear and food to eat; even which Bible translation to use or missions agency to support. We choose occupations, how to use our income, and what to do for recreation. Now the advent of computers and electronic devices has presented (maybe I should say “confronted”) us with a new universe of choices. As important as they can be, these countless choices lose significance when compared to the option offered in today’s verse. By declining the lordship of our Jesus, millions are choosing death and cursing. As you read about this choice, I pray you are not one who is living under the influence of that most tragic error. For those who are choosing blessing and life, how wonderful it is for you to join so many others who rejoice along with you. If you are not already embracing the choice of life, I urge you to make that choice. It is acceptance of the grace, mercy and forgiveness of the Holy Father, through Christ, that allows you to elect salvation and abundant life over death and cursing. Choose Life! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please contact a Bible believing church and ask for help.

2. If you are saved, please pray a prayer for the lost to join you in your salvation.

WHEN WE’RE IN THE CONDITION

READING: ROMANS 8:18-28

Verse 28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Christians frequently seek the comfort that is provided by faith in the truth of today’s scripture verse. This verse, which conveys the power of God’s grace, is one of our favorite and most quoted. When our situations become difficult to bear, we seek the peace and assurance promised by Romans 8:28. Unfortunately, the importance of the condition that is included in the verse is not always considered and accepted as applicable. This condition is that the last part of the verse reserves the promise made in the first part, for those who love God and are the called according to His purpose. The verse certainly provides power and substance in a manner that comes only from the word of God. However, ignoring the  condition and using only the first part, reduces that power to a platitude. It must be acknowledged that the condition of the verse needs to be respected in order to experience the promise of the verse. Without the power that comes from the condition, just soothing words remain. Only proper recognition of the entire verse allows a person to walk in power, not in platitudes. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What other verse that is important to you also has a condition?

2. Are you aware of a purpose to which you are called?

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS

READING: PROVERBS 3:1-8

Verses 5, 6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

There are many different opinions about decision making by Christians. Among them is the opinion that God has given us intellect to use in making our decisions, so we are well equipped for that function. It is true that there are times when the Lord’s intent and purpose are for us to use our minds in ways similar to that. However, the major biblical theme about decision making, is to accomplish it by depending on the Lord. Today’s verse is classic in its application to, and agreement with, that theme. Also Psalm 119:104 provides wisdom to the effect that people get understanding through the precepts of God. Further, 1 Corinthians 19 enlightens us with the following truths:
1. God will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
2. God has made foolish the wisdom of this world.
3. The foolishness of God is wiser than men.
4. Not many wise according to the flesh are called.
In decision making, the best role for our human intellect is to use it to search out the far superior mind of the Lord. He is the ultimate decision maker! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How do you know when you’re leaning on your understanding?

2. How should a person respond when found leaning on their understanding?

THIS IS SERIOUS

READING: Romans 6:17-23

Verse 23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The most serious issue faced by any person, rests on that person’s response to authority. Now that’s a pretty bold statement since many people face many serious issues. But it is a statement made with intent, purpose and forethought. The truth is that the Living God is the ultimate authority! The manner in which each person relates to Him, establishes that person’s future of eternal peace or everlasting torment. This truth is established by the verse above as an example, along with numerous other scriptures. No issue could possibly be more serious, or even as serious. My sincere hope is that as you peruse this reading, you are properly resolved in the matter of your response to the authority of Almighty God, the Lord of all. If you are, may you furthermore be led and positioned by the Holy Spirit to be instrumental to someone else in their acceptance of the Lord’s ultimate authority. Nothing matters more than receiving gift of salvation which is made possible by His supreme authority. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Are you motivated by this reading to take any action?

2. What do you see in the contrast between “wages” and “gift” as expressed in verse 23 above?