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Paul Went Through Many Challenges, But He Never Gave Up
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Acts 16:22-23, NIV When Paul cast out the evil spirit inside a woman, a group of people complained and attacked them because their hope of making money was gone. Because of this, Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and severely flogged. Aside from that, they were also thrown into prison. Indeed, doing God’s will was not smooth and comfortable, especially in Paul’s life. There were instances when…
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He Chose To Pray And Kept His Faith Despite What He Experienced
To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Psalms 28:1-2, NIV Every time David was in despair, he would call upon the name of the Lord and remind himself that He was his rock. He believed with all his heart that God would be his source of strength, stability, and foundation. Even though he went through difficulties in life, he knew that he could count on God. He chose to pray and kept his faith despite what he experienced. His life may not have been…
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It’s Because Of Faith
God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Acts 15:8-9, NIV The Jewish Christians were trying to impose the law of Moses on the Gentiles, which led to an argument between them and Paul and Barnabas. Peter reminded them that God purified the hearts of the Gentiles by faith and not by works. He has no favoritism. Instead, God treats His children equally. He showed that He accepted them by giving them the Holy Spirit. Peter simply acknowledged God’s unexplainable…
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Let’s Not Discredit The Works Of God In Other People’s Life
Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” Acts 15:1, NIV A group of Jewish Christians came down from Judea to Antioch and tried to impose their customs on the Gentiles, who had a different cultural background. They don’t believe that these new believers were saved not unless they are circumcised. They wanted them to follow the customs that Moses taught. It seemed like this group of Christians discredited the grace that God poured out to the Gentiles, and they tried to insist that they should follow the law. Have…
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The Man Was Healed Not Because Of His Own Effort, But Because He Listened And Kept His Faith
In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. Acts 14:8-10, NIV There was this man who knew how it felt like to lack something. Perhaps, all throughout his life, he was looking for hope and healing. And here comes Paul, trying to present him the possible answers to his prayers. He listened to his message and received the hope…
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God Is Your Strength
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalms 28:7, NIV Have you ever experienced those moments when you just don’t know what to do? You feel overwhelmed by the situation around you to the point where you can’t find hope and peace. If you are in this situation right now, this verse is a perfect reminder to trust God. The Lord is your strength and shield. If you think that nobody cares for you, then God is there to help you. In these moments, when you surrender your…
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When God Gives Instructions
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Acts 10:19-20, NIV God instructed Cornelius to send men to Joppa. He didn’t really explain everything that would happen to him. Instead, He merely gave him a simple instruction. Without a doubt, Cornelius followed what the Lord said. And true enough when his men went to Peter. God already instructed him to welcome and go with them. He already prepared everything ahead. Indeed, it was the Lord who spoke to Cornelius simply…
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Peter Had Faith In Jesus, And Not In Himself
“Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. Acts 9:34, NIV Peter healed a bedridden man in the name of Jesus. He knew that the power of Jesus was more than enough to restore someone’s health. He proclaimed His power, and the disciples witnessed what happened. Peter identified himself as God’s instrument. Aeneas was healed not because of Peter’s own effort or skills but all because of the power of Jesus. Peter had faith in Jesus and not in himself. Sometimes, we tend to forget that we are just merely instruments of God. We focus on the blessings…
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Let’s Pray That God Will Teach Us How To Let Go Of The Grudges Inside
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7: 59-60, NIV Stephen died with faith in his heart. He chose to pray even when he was in pain and suffering. In fact, he didn’t hold grudges. With a humble heart, he asked God to forgive those people who stoned him. If I experienced the same pain, most probably I would complain and ask God for questions. But Stephen did the exact opposite. His life is a great reminder for me…
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David Put His Trust Not In Mere Humans But In God
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalms 56:3-4, NIV There are days when we experience betrayal, lies, and negative things from the people around us. And most of the time, fear comes because of the pain we receive from them. Fear is dangerous. It keeps us away from experiencing the great things of God. When extreme and negative emotions consume our hearts, it prevents us from hearing God’s words and instructions. That’s why David put his trust not in mere humans but in God. We…
