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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…
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When People Speak Before They Listen
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Proverbs 18:2, NIV The book of proverbs is filled with practical wisdom that could help people live a fruitful and blessed life. There, you will learn how to identify the wise or foolish people. One of the things that King Solomon mentioned about foolish people was that they find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Sometimes, they speak before they listen. They judge before they check the background of the story. They are quick to misinterpret the situation or other people because they choose to value their own opinions. Sometimes, I am…
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Because Of The Holy Spirit, We Will Experience Jesus In Unexpected Ways
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55 -56, NIV Stephen was accused and condemned before the Sanhedrin. People treated him as a threat. They felt furious the moment he finished explaining himself. He was in the middle of an interrogation, and when he was full of the Holy Spirit, he chose to look up to heaven. That’s when he saw the glory of God. In the midst of a difficult…
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Keep Your Faith Even When You Are Accused Or Misunderstood
All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:15, NIV Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He boldly testified about who Jesus is. He also performed miracles and wonders among the people. Because of this, opposition arose, and some members of the synagogue argued with him. He was brought before the Sanhedrin, and he heard false accusations from people who opposed his beliefs. They were looking intently at Stephen. And instead of seeing a terrified man, what they saw was a face of an angel. Perhaps Stephen was…
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Romans 12:13, NIV
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13, NIV Focus on the blessings and not on the negative things that are happening around you. Only then will you slowly see the needs of the broken and wounded. When you set your eyes on God, His love will compel you to serve and care for others. The Holy Spirit will teach you how to practice hospitality even in seasons when you are not okay. Choose to connect to Him every single day, and He will remind you to love others despite what you feel. Share what you have. Remember that you are God’s vessel. Allow Him…
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Never Rely on your own Thoughts
Humans have limited understanding. We have so much to learn. This is the reason why we should never rely on our thoughts. Just because something is in our minds doesn’t mean it’s the truth. We need to carefully assess them first and align them according to the ways of God. Please do not depend on your own judgment. You need to learn how to weigh things first, and the Holy Spirit can absolutely help you. Seek His wisdom and before you fully believe in your thoughts, filter them first according to God’s principles; only then will you be guided. This is very important simply because your thoughts will affect your…
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Acts 21: 35-36, NIV
When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!” Acts 21: 35-36, NIV This is what happened to Paul when He reached Jerusalem. The people persecuted Him and treated Him as if He was a sinner who did things against God’s will. He received harsh words. The crowd followed and kept shouting at him. Soldiers are carrying Him, and He has already experienced violence. Paul’s suffering is not easy. And the amazing thing about this is He knew all about these things. The Holy Spirit already informed Him…
