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Doing The Will Of God
When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Acts 21: 12-14, NIV The Holy Spirit already revealed to Paul that he will experience suffering in Jerusalem. This is the reason why the other disciples pleaded him not to go there. But even though it breaks Paul’s heart to see them weep, still…
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Those Who Are In The Realm Of The Flesh Cannot Please God
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:6-8, NIV Since we live in this world, we are sometimes governed by standards and desires that will only satisfy our flesh. We seek temporary riches instead of focusing on Heavenly things. When the flesh governs our mind, it means that the worries and desires of this world occupy it. It’s okay to dream of a…
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They Chose To Intentionally Seek God In Making Wise Decisions
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:23, NIV When Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, they made sure that someone would take good care and administer to the followers there. They didn’t leave them empty-handed. Instead, they properly arranged and prepared everything they could in order for them to be guided. One of the notable things they did was pray and fast. The moment they appointed the elders, they acknowledged the truth that they needed God’s guidance in doing it. Prayer and fasting were the…
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Learn To Let Go Of The Bad Things And Allow The Holy Spirit To Move
So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13: 51-52, NIV When Paul and Barnabas went to Pisidian Antioch, a great number of people followed them after they shared about Jesus. The word spread all throughout the region, but the Jewish leaders tried to persecute them. And so, Paul and Barnabas shook the dust of their feet as a warning to them. After that, they went to another place. Jesus also commanded His disciples to do the same thing when He sent out His twelve disciples. In Matthew…
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Rely On The Holy Spirit
The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. Acts 13:4, NIV Barnabas and Saul were sent by the Holy Spirit for a special mission. This calling wasn’t just something that is made up of human desires, but God Himself anointed them to preach the gospel to other places. It is important to note that they didn’t simply came up with their own plans, but instead, they choose to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and lead them. This is a powerful reminder for us to seek the Holy Spirit. We may have our plans, but…
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They Pursued God’s Presence Above Anything Else
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2, NIV When Barnabas, Saul, and other leaders in Antioch gathered, they worshipped the Lord and fasted. While they were on their knees, and while their hearts were in a posture of worship and surrender before God’s presence, the Holy Spirit instructed them about what to do next. These leaders may have experienced many supernatural things with God, but they didn’t fully rely on what they already received. Instead, they continued to seek God’s instructions and guidance. They still ministered before…
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God Gave All Of Us The Chance To Connect With Him Through The Holy Spirit
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. Acts 10:44-45, NIV Peter visited the house of Cornelius, a centurion who lived in Caesarea. He was surrounded by Cornelius’ relatives when he started preaching about Jesus. These group of people were known to be Gentiles and Jews tend to treat them as strangers. But something wonderful happened the moment Peter wholeheartedly welcomed these people and shared Jesus to them. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard…
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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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A Heart That’s Willing To Trust In God’s Word
When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. Acts 10:7-8, NIV Cornelius unexpectedly received an unusual instruction from God. He called him by name and asked him to send some men to Joppa and bring back Peter. Now, this centurion doesn’t know Peter. But without any doubt, he followed the voice of God. There are times when we are given instructions by the Lord and tend to doubt or hesitate to obey Him. Maybe this is because we don’t have faith…
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Things That Can Never Be Bought With Money
When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Acts 8:18-21, NIV When Philip shared the gospel in Samaria, a sorcerer named Simon believed and followed him. He was so astonished by what he witnessed that he desired the power of…
