AnActsDevotional

 Acts 13:38-39   “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.   Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses." (such as obeying the ten commandments) Lord Jesus, the law is too much for us to remember please guide us with Your Holy Spirit and forgive us when we fail.  And when we do fail please help us to pick up the pieces and fix what we can, We need You Lord.  Amen.

Acts 13:13-43   Paul give a history lesson that leads to the resurrection of Christ.  In this message he quotes Habakkuk 1:5 “‘Look, you scoffers,      wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days      that you would never believe,      even if someone told you.’ So where do we stand?  Is God doing something unbelievable in our own lives?  Paul says "I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.   Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.   Paul highlights that we can't obtain perfection!  God's standards; we need a Saviour and His name is Jesus. I'm amazed as I'm reminded at Christmas time that God came to earth as a baby; a non-threatening creature; for you and for me.  Then at Easter I'm reminded that our sins of jealousy and pride had the...

Acts 13:6-12   There is no doubt that satan rules the earth.  When Jesus was told by the devil to bow down and worship him Jesus never disputed that satan ruled the earth.  What Jesus did do though is introduce God's Kingdom here on earth. "May Thy Kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven".  Thus we're left with this true story of some Christians who come across a Jewish wizard who enhanced their ministry, it seems, in the eyes of  the proconsul,  Sergius Paulus.  You see, God is in the habit of taking what satan means for harm and turning it around into good. Lord Jesus, we live in this world run by satan but we're in Your Kingdom here on earth.  Give us eyes to see what You see and work in and through us so that what satan means for harm You continue to turn into good.  Amen

  Acts 13:4-5 Barnabas, Saul and John were sent out as missionaries and they ended up in Cyprus.  There they taught in the Jewish  synagogues. To me these were brave men.  They were being persecuted in other location but here they went into the synagogues to teach and we can assume they were teaching about Jesus. Lord Jesus, help us to obey You and the body of Christ so that we can be effective in Your Kingdom.  Amen

  Acts 12:25-13:3 Here we see the church in action.  They pray together, sensed the Holy Spirit and then they do something.  They lay hands on a team and send them out. Lord Jesus we pray for our churches.  May we sense the Holy Spirit drawing us closer to You and as You draw us closer wipe away the dirt of this world.  Raise us up to be Holy people; set apart for You.  Amen

  Acts 12:19-24 Although Herod was a violent man God did not immediately give up on him.  God chose to work through him in helping other countries yet he refused to see this so his life was taken from him. Lord Jesus, please use us for Your honour and glory and help us to recognize it's You working in and through us and we're not doing things with our own wisdom and strength.  Amen

  Acts 12:18-19 Peter is gone and 16 soldiers who were in charge of guarding Peter are in trouble!  They couldn't find Peter so the guards were executed. Lord Jesus, I don't understand why you allow people like Herod to rule; yet You do.  Please watch over the authorities in our government.  Give them Your wisdom and help them rule in truth and humility.  Lord, I pray for each person who is living under a violent government.  Help them find that peace that is found with You.  Amen