Walking Through The New Testament

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Blessed are those who are called to Him. I thank you so much for your encouraging words to me, but it isn’t me…it’s the Holy Spirit.

It’s All Jesus! #JesusSaves

Have a Blessed Day!

You are the Salt and the Light…Amen!

Acts 5:12-16 (NIV)

12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.

All of them were healed! Amen. Did you catch that other verse? The one that says that many gathered just to have Peter’s shadow touch them so that they may be healed? It didn’t even require Peter to directly pray for them. They were healed by the presence of the Holy Spirit in Peter and with Peter.

There have been many times that I will see someone walking toward me looking like they are in the struggle and in the midst of a trial. I say hello and they look at me. If I don’t know their name I ask them and tell them mine. Many times I see them look at me in wonder, with astonishment. It could be that they aren’t used to people saying hi to them, but I know they see the Holy Spirit in me. They see Him in my eyes. They see love and caring, and they are drawn to it.

We have all been given that beautiful gift of the Holy Spirit with us and in us. The power to heal all sickness and overcome death resides with us because of what Jesus did for us. When He said, “It is FINISHED!”, He meant it. The finished work of the cross is real.

Let us walk today like Peter did. I pray that your shadow blesses someone today through the presence of the Holy Spirit in you. What a great gift. What a powerful gift. Use it. Today, when you see someone that you don’t know walking toward you, say hello. When they look at you, say your name and tell them to have a blessed day. Not all will care that you did that, but Jesus promised that they are here on this earth and they are looking for Him. You are the Salt, and you are the Light. Show Him to them by loving them, unconditionally. Today!

I could speak forever on this verse. It is beautiful! Instead I will pray for you. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that you will love today and be loved today, more deeply than you have ever thought possible, more unconditionally than you ever fathomed, and that we are all pressed out of our comfort zones and into the heart of God. Heavenly Father, I give you my heart this day for the benefit and expansion of your Kingdom here on earth. Let me be your light here for all to see You, and I pray this for all of us in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen
DK

Wow!

Acts 5:1-11 (NIV)

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

This happens at the time when all of the believers were praying together, and ll property and money belonged to all of them. Yet these two did not feel they had to give. Not only that, they felt the need to lie about it to the Apostles. Greed took hold.

If your confused, it’s ok. But scripture is scripture, and this is how it went down. They dropped dead on the spot. You can’t lie to the Holy Spirit. Greed is a strong enemy of man. An enemy that must iritste God, as all thing comes from Him and to Him. If that scares you, then you are on the right track. Fear God alone, and no other.

If you sell something with the intention of giving it to God, and knowing that the gifts of money made from that sale came directly from God, then give it to God. You will know.

Tough one to swallow,  but God has promised blessings as much as you could ever handle. Money is merely one His many tools that He uses to bless us. Look for yours. Even though the trials can be more obvious at times, it is in the midst of trial that He is most present. At that moment He is ready to bless you. For Annanias and Sapphira, the time was there’s to give, and they withheld it and lied about it. I am sure that even this is a blessing to many.

Amen
DK

What would this world be without it?

Acts 4:32-37 (NIV)

³² All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.³³ With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), ³⁷ sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Thoughts:
A period of great sacrifice. They gave all to each other, and all they owned belonged to each other. What a moving scene this is. So many times I wish this existed, as it has always been the things of this world that distract us from Him. It would be nice if it would all become mute…the want that is.

I enjoy my stuff, don’t get me wrong. Personal possessions are a part of pur economy, I realize that. Imagine though if we could all take what we need and make do. Chances are, at least in my view, that many troubles would go away. I could really go off on this topic, but I will focus on where we are now. Many of us are stuck.

These believers were all in. They held nothing back. They gave all. They were truly bought in to the Kingdom. I can’t help but to go towards the belief that this world would be a better place if we all just took what we needed, and placed the surplus in the hands of God. These believers did. What a blessing! At this moment in the Bible, life was truly perfect. The power of the Holy Spirit. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

They faced a challenge from those in”power”. Upon their release they immediately went to those that were in the Spirit as well, and they prayed…

Acts 4:23-31 (NIV)

²³ On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. ²⁵ You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
²⁶ The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.^[b]’^[c]

²⁷ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus,whom you anointed. ²⁸ They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. ²⁹ Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰ Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

³¹ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Thoughts:
They raised their voices to God in prayer. Together they prayed! This happened as soon as they were released. They thanked God together as a church. Power is truly found in prayer, and in prayer together. What an awesome view we are given. This is our model to follow. An example that we must follow I’m order be strengthened.

John and Peter did not waiver. They held strongly to the teachings of Jesus. It is through this demonstration of faith against all odds that the Kingdom is more powerful than any earthly entity. Those that sought to destroy than and Jesus did not stand a chance.

In this verses we are given instructions to stretch out pur hands and heal I’m the name of Jesus Christ, the risen Savior. Speaking the Word of God boldly summons the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in all believers. If God is for us, who can stand against us. No man can hold back this mighty power that resides in us.

Speak and pray boldly the Word of God. Say the! Aloud and proclaim the righteousness that was freely given to you today. Through prayer, you too are empowered with mighty gifts when you ask, seek, and knock in search of God. He hears you. Don’t stop praying. ASK Him for what you need. It will come. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Just “regular” guys…with the Holy Spirit with them…POWER and AUTHORITY!

Acts 4:13-21 (NIV)

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Wow! Keeping up appearances hits hard here, at least for the Pharisees. They could not deny the miracle that had just I’ll lloccurred, so they sought to hide it from all others. They wanted to sweep it under the rug because it did not fit what they wanted. Amazing.

So Peter responds with the question we all need to ask ourselves as we are given an ultimatum by those who seek to stifle our fire. Do what is right for man, or do what is right for God? You know the answer, but the path is narrow and difficult. It is the road less traveled, even by believers.

The Pharisees were astonished and they took not that Peter and John had been with Jesus. Then they tell everyone to be quiet. Fear was crippling them, but such is the way of this world. Sight will mess you up and fool you every time, but Faith in God never fails.

Today I pray that you make a decision for God, and forget about yourself. Deny yourself today, and live for God today. I pray for daily bread enough for this day. I pray for faith that tomorrow is in the hands of God, and that bread enough for today is truly enough. Thank you Jesus for all you have done for me. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

The Authority of Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:5-12 (NIV)

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is
“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’[a]
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Amen! Hallelujah! Pure Faith spoken by Peter before persecutors. For all to see. The Holy Spirit did not fail. The perfect and beautiful words given to Peter just at the right time.

There is no other name by which we are saved. JESUS! It is so awesome to know that we are given such a gift every day. To know that every morning we can breathe in New Air, see the New Light, and know that we are born again today. All sins wiped clean by the blood of Jesus Christ.

The stone the builders rejected…has become the Cornerstone! #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

The number of Believers grows through miracles in the name of Jesus…

Acts 4:1-4 (NIV)

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

Peter and John kept on preaching the Word of Jesus Christ as the Risen Savior. It is obvious that there were many that were not buying it. That would be the reason they were thrown in jail. Or was it fear from those that didn’t understand.

Fear can be a powerful weapon formed against us by the devil who seeks to kill, steel, and destroy us every day. If we are to believe in Jesus as our Savior, then we must not put fear above God.  Instead we are to place God above fear, as it is He who sent Jesus to conquer fear and sin. Through Jesus, no weapon formed against can harm us.

This weekend I saw 387 high school and junior high students worship Jesus powerfully at Camp Zephyr. I saw fear. I saw questions. I saw doubt. I saw ignorance. All this I saw in the eyes of these kids as they walked towards the first worship session on Friday. Then I saw Jesus break through all of that in the lives of these young believers. The walls came down, and the Holy Spirit entered their hearts. Close to 200 kids welcomed Jesus into their hearts and proclaimed Him as their personal Lord and Savior. It was beautiful.

Many of these kids, like John and Peter in these verses, knew that they were to step into the world to share what Jesus has done for all of us. They asked questions as to what their next step was, and the Holy Spirit came through and gave them answers because the did Seek Him. They did Ask. They did knock, some of them for the very first time.

As Peter and John walked and taught, the number of Believers grew to over 5000. This happened when they were thrown in jail that night. This weekend, 200 were added to that number. The Kingdom is growing. Do not be fooled by what you see in the news. The Liberation of Souls will not be televised. John and Peter knew this. Now we do as well. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

Another opportunity presented to the Israelites. Another opportunity…

Acts 3:17-26 (NIV)

17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’[a]

24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’[b] 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

All of those people that Peter was speaking were considered to be the knowledgeable and educated in the religion of Judaism. How then can Peter stand and call them ignorant? The reason is Jesus Christ. Peter now stood directly on the authority of Jesus.

Repent today and turn to Jesus. Peter emphasizes the fact that prophets had been presented to the Jews, and that they refused to accept Him. Even so, Jesus tells us that no matter what had been done, they would still be accepted if they repent and confess that Jesus is Lord.

Peter was pushing it. Peter believed though, and as such did not have to deal with his doubt. He lived with God in him. As we all should. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK

After the miracle of healing the lame beggar, all of those that saw it happen were dumbfounded and knew not how to act…

Acts 3:11-16 (NIV)

11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Peter hits the nail on the head. He asks why the crowd is looking at him. He knew that it was God not him that had performed the miracles. It was a very matter of fact statement Peter made.

There is no doubt that Peter could not have performed this miracle of healing without Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He states it very clearly. Peter is humble, and because of this he would do great things with the Holy Spirit in him.

We have been gifted and commissioned to spread the Gospel. We have been made worthy. We have been cleansed. It is by grace alone that you have been made whole and righteous. #JesusSaves

Amen
DK