Tag: wait for the Lord
Gentiles added to the Church
Scripture reading for February 7th: Acts 11, Psalm 27, Proverbs 27
Acts 11: 20-26 “But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”
Jesus had told His disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel, making disciples of all nations. At first, these Jewish disciples and apostles were reluctant to go among the Gentiles. But God worked with them, and through persecution and clear direction took them before Gentile audiences. As they preached Jesus Christ, God worked with them as He promised and many turned to the Lord and were saved. These new believers were first called “Christians” in Antioch and they were discipled by Barnabas and Saul (Paul) who faithfully tended to the Master’s business: making disciples of all nations!
Psalm 27:11″ “Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. ” . . . 13-14 “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Prayer: Father God, I pray with the Psalmist, “Teach me Your way!” Keep my feet on Your narrow path and let Your grace and power of the Holy Spirit add many to Your Church family. I believe I will see Your goodness in the land of the living! Use me to teach new believers and to tend to the Master’s business. May the Name “Christian” be honored in my life as I wait upon You for courage and strength.
Proverbs 27:17-18 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored.”
Salvation experienced!
Scripture reading for April 19th: Ruth 3-4, Psalm 37, Acts 4
Acts 4:18-21 “So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the Name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.”
The religious leaders were perplexed at Peter and John healing the crippled man and teaching salvation and resurrection from the dead in the Name of Jesus. They tried to stop them from this endeavor with a strong warning. They would have liked to do more but they feared the people who were praising God for what had happened. Peter put the ball back in their court when he told them they must decide if these followers of Jesus should obey them or listen to God. Authority and threats cannot stop people who have experienced salvation and Jesus’ healing touch! They boldly challenged the religious leaders to consider!
Psalm 37:7-9 “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the example of Peter and John and the healing that came through their simple obedience and faith in the Name of Jesus. They are also good examples to believers of Your amazing patience with those opposing You and Your followers. Help me to listen to You in each situation and wait for Your instructions. Give me boldness to preach the Gospel message and trust You for results!
Ruth 4:13-15 “So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, Who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”
Thankful for Christ’s Blamelessness!
Scripture reading for December 7th: Colossians 4, 1st Thessalonians 1-3
Key Scriptures: 1st Thessalonians 3:12-13 “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.”
Paul desired greatly to come and minister again to the Thessalonians. He had asked God to make a way, and for God to increase their love for each other through His indwelling presence. Paul wanted them to be blameless and holy when Jesus Christ returned to earth with all His holy ones to take His Bride away! This prayer for them would inspire them to seek God for His righteousness and to live holy lives in expectancy!
Joyful in hope at Christ’s return: “Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your Name and renown are the desire of our hearts. My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:8-9)