Pastor Mary Haley

Intro: The Bible is filled with many announcements of God’s purpose and many promises of his faithfulness. God wants his creation to know his intentions and plans about salvation, as well as judgment. Such is the case in our passage from the Book of Revelation today. The Apostle John has a vision in which the angel of the Lord is sent to make an announcement, but it is a bitter-sweet message for humanity—the final judgment of God is coming upon the earth. All of creation—sea, land, and sky—will experience the result of this judgment. Where the previous seal and trumpet judgments of God were limited, this judgment will be complete (Rev chs. 6-9).

In our passage, the Apostle John is instructed to eat the scroll of judgment. It reminds me of a vision Ezekiel had when he was also told to eat the scroll of judgment against the nation of Israel (3:1). We must always remember God’s judgment brings destruction to sin and selfishness, because God exalts the rule of Truth. He places (symbolic of eating) his Word in willing human vessels to issue his warning. For believers who “eat” and “live” the truth it will be a sweet and encouraging announcement. However, it is clear believers will also experience a burden/sour stomach for unbelievers facing the righteous judgement of God. That is why it is so important we witness the Truth of Christ with our lives, because God does not want anyone to perish (John 3:16-17). For those who reject God and his Word, it will be the final warning for repentance—turning to God for salvation.

Believers do not need to worry about tomorrow or about the future, because God has already revealed to us how we are to live in all circumstances. No fear; only faith in his love for us. We are to be people of the Word; to live revealing the Truth of God’s love with our lives in such a way that others want to know our loving and gracious God, too. It is not our place to make others eat the Truth we believe (symbolic of the scroll); however, our lives ought to reveal what produces the righteous fruit of God’s love and what does not. There should be a mark of excellence and integrity on God’s children; righteous influence should permeate believers because we are carriers of our divine Maker and Master. It saddens me when people make life solely about their rights for temporal pleasures and power, because God has made humanity for so much more—to enjoy divine fellowship as we carry his anointing and glory. God’s Word tells us how this is done and the Spirit leads the Way! Put your faith in God’s protective provision found in Christ.

Revelation 10:1-11 The Angel and the Small Scroll
1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, surrounded by a cloud, with a rainbow over his head. His face shone like the sun, and his feet were like pillars of fire. 2 And in his hand was a small scroll that had been opened. He stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. 3 And he gave a great shout like the roar of a lion. And when he shouted, the seven thunders answered.
4 When the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Keep secret what the seven thunders said, and do not write it down.”

5 Then the angel I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand toward heaven. 6 He swore an oath in the name of the one who lives forever and ever, who created the heavens and everything in them, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it. He said, “There will be no more delay. 7 When the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God’s mysterious plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just as he announced it to his servants the prophets.”

8 Then the voice from heaven spoke to me again: “Go and take the open scroll from the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.”
9 So I went to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll. “Yes, take it and eat it,” he said. “It will be sweet as honey in your mouth, but it will turn sour in your stomach!” 10 So I took the small scroll from the hand of the angel, and I ate it! It was sweet in my mouth, but when I swallowed it, it turned sour in my stomach.

11 Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”

Prayer: Lord, help us, as your children, to speak the Truth in love in order to influence others toward your protective salvation. We are desperate for your love and work of grace in our lives. Please empower us to stay strong and faithful amidst the raging tides of a rebellious and angry culture in which many hate your Word. May we joyfully live the Truth for your honor and glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage from the psalter today, this worship leader is inviting the singing worshipers of the Lord to come into God’s presence with exuberant praise. This is not a picture of a solemn and mechanical worship time; rather, this is like a love-filled bride running to the altar in order to merge life with her Groom. Worship should be joyful, because we are coming to enjoy our Lord who is our faithful and good Maker! We worship the Lord in a grateful way because we know who we are when we try to live WITHOUT HIM [empty and sinful creatures], as well as know who we can be WITH HIM [made new by his righteousness]. We cannot know ourselves and who we were created to be until we know God! We need the salvation offered by Jesus, because he is the One who connects us with our Creator! If you haven’t asked Jesus into your heart and life, you need to do so, today. Don’t wait!

Father God, who is Love and Life, made us in his image (Gen 1:26). Therefore, we belong to him and our love and worship is due him. It is much easier for me to believe the Scripture, as Truth, which proclaims we have been fashioned and knit together in our mother’s womb by a loving Creator, then to believe that we were developed by a long chain of natural selections from floating atoms which mysteriously assembled and organized themselves into a human being [Psalm 139:13-16]. If I purchased every piece of building material to make a whole house and threw it on my empty lot, would it organize itself and begin to fabricate the house without a builder? Perhaps that is a ridiculous example, but for me it is equally ridiculous to think there is life apart from God (Gen 1:27).

For this reason, I believe at conception a living person is already being formed by the hand of God in a woman’s womb. A baby is the miraculous and glorious workmanship of Creator God; a blessing and life fashioned by love and for love. We did not create ourselves; it is God who is at the center of creative life and it is God who forms us and gives us our unique personalities, abilities, and gifts. Therefore, when we begin to really know and love God, as well as the life he alone can bring, we worship him with joy and gratitude because he alone is our Maker and we live for him!

Psalm 100 A psalm of thanksgiving
1 
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
2 
    Worship the Lord with gladness.    Come before him, singing with joy.
3 
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!    He made us, and we are his.    We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;    go into his courts with praise.    Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 
For the Lord is good.    His unfailing love continues forever,    and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Prayer: Father, thank you for being the Creator of love and life. I acknowledge you as my Creator and Lord. Hear my praise and receive my gratitude, because I treasure the life and breath you gave me. I worship you and spiritually run to merge life with you each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, Peter leaves Jerusalem and travels to Lydda—about 28 miles from Jerusalem. We know it is God’s plan for evangelism, because the inspiration and power of the Spirit rests on Peter. He goes around and visits with groups of believers near the Mediterranean coast. While Peter is in Lydda, God gives him the ability to perform a miracle with the spoken word of faith, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” Some translation read, “Jesus Christ makes you whole! Arise and make your bed!” As this paralyzed man, Aeneas, responds to this miraculous gift of healing, the people witnessing the miracle begin to desire Jesus, as well. The news and impact of this healing for salvation travels fast.

After the miracle with the paralytic, the Spirit leads Peter to Joppa (about 10 miles away) to perform yet another miracle. Tabitha, (aka Dorcas), a woman who has ministered greatly to the poor through her many acts of kindness, has died. Peter is asked to come to her bedside. This time, Peter kneels, prays, and speaks a word of faith, “Get up, Tabitha!” As she responds to Peter’s words, not only do those witnessing the miracle get a new revelation of faith, but this changes everything for Tabitha. Think about it; one moment she is enjoying the supernatural presence of the Lord and all of a sudden she is translated back into the natural realm, opens her eyes, and sees Peter. What an amazing account of happenings she must have been able to share.

These lessons for the work of faith are amazing and should lead us into a deeper relationship with the Lord. Peter spoke a word of faith and miracles happened. You and I can speak a word of faith and watch the power of God bring salvation and wholeness to others, as well. However, we must remember the Lord may choose to do his work differently in every one of his children. Salvation will always turn someone’s life around; from bondage to sin and death into life eternal. I may never speak to raise someone from physical death, but I pray my very life example lifts people out of spiritual death into life with God. That’s salvation! That’s a miracle! Never forget, if God sends us to do something he will empower us, as well. Grace provides all we need. The Spirit leads the way. “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Eph 3:20).

Acts 9:32-42 Peter Heals Aeneas and Raises Dorcas
32 Meanwhile, Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in the town of Lydda. 33 There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. 34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly. 35 Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas walking around, and they turned to the Lord.

36 There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. 37 About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. 38 But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, “Please come as soon as possible!”

39 So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. 40 But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! 41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive.

42 The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the inspiration of the Spirit who will help me not only know what to say and do, but will bring the power to impact the lives of those around me for the work of salvation. Thank you that every one of your followers is given the same promise in Jesus’ name. Amen.

May 9, 2022

When you hear the word “vindication” what comes to mind? Do you automatically think that if harm has been inflicted that harm must be returned, similar to an eye for an eye situation; and if so, do you think that you have the right to avenge another person? Or, when you hear the word “vindication” do you immediately think of justice, and if so, who provides that justice?

We must remember that God wants to be our Vindicator. He is the only One who brings all injustices into His Light of Truth, and we must be in the right relationship with Him.

So, what does the “right relationship” look like? It is our faith! God cannot work on our behalf, in and through ALL circumstance, if our faith is not firmly rooted in trusting that He is working for our good. The Apostle Paul reminds us of that the great mystery of our faith is that “Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed-in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.” (1 Tim 3:16)

If God vindicated Christ by the Spirit and took Him into heavenly glory, you and I must trust and believe that He will also vindicate us against injustices because we contain the Spirit of Christ. With this being said, we must also remember what Christ endured in the earthly realm. At times, you and I will experience loss and walk-through disasters within this realm, but what we may not realize is that those moments are really victories within the heavenly realm (re-read the great mystery of our faith to see how Jesus is truly vindicated…from flesh by the Spirit and into heaven…the flesh part was painful). God’s economy isn’t always understood by human understanding, because His ways are far greater than our ways, and “we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Rom 8:28)

In today’s passage from Revelation 15, we are being prepared for the pouring out of the bowl of God’s judgement in chapter 16. Today, the beast thought that he got rid of his enemies, but they came back with their sovereign Lord for His vindication. The Holy Spirit gives John another sign of the future world dictator and his religious system. The seven angels seen here are different from previous chapters, and the seven plagues completes the Tribulation period. Next, in chapter 16, the bowl of judgements will conclude God’s judgment on the world. But, for now, the martyrs who conquered the beast stand by the sea of glass and enter into worship for the Almighty Lord God, the King of all nations, for He ALONE is holy, and only His righteous deeds are revealed (because He is the true Vindicator against ALL evil).

Revelation 15:1-4 NLT
The Song of Moses and of the Lamb

1 Then I saw in heaven another marvelous event of great significance. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God’s wrath to completion. 2 I saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing his name. They were all holding harps that God had given them. 3 And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:

“Great and marvelous are your works,
O Lord God, the Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
O King of the nations.
4 Who will not fear you, Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come and worship before you,
for your righteous deeds have been revealed.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Vindicator. Even when I cannot see it, I know that You are working within the heavenly realm on my behalf and for my good. Help me to grow in my faith, and to press even firmer, into You, when things are hard. Lead me, Father, to bring more hearts to Your Kingdom. I ask this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Intro: Last night in our Embrace Grace discipleship class we talked about anxiety, fear, and worry. It is easy to be afraid of the unknown; certainly, for these brave young girls who are facing unplanned pregnancies there are many unknowns. They must face the challenges ahead and our prayer is for them to face each difficulty with faith in the love of the Father. He loves his children and wants to care for each of us.

In our passage today, Jesus is teaching his disciples about being concerned or worrying about life. He turns the disciples’ attention toward creation and how God orchestrates even the growth of the lilies. If God cares for the flowers, he will certainly care for his human creation. He challenges his disciples to act in faith. Then, Jesus calls for his disciples to focus on something very specific; where they place their attention will give them power to handle their worries in life. Jesus gives them directions for what must be their first response to any challenge. He tells them to pray/seek the Kingdom of righteousness, peace (wholeness), and joy in the Holy Spirit. Then, their act of faith will please the Father and he will meet the rest of their needs. This is wisdom for us all, because worry is a thief.

“Worry is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength—carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” Corrie ten Boom (Holocaust Survivor—author of The Hiding Place)

Luke 12:29-32  “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things.  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the Truth that sets us free from anxiety, fear, and worry about the unknown. Help us to focus on the Kingdom of righteous living that brings wholeness and joy to our lives. I pray for these brave girls that you have entrusted to us. Thank you for each one. Help us to lead them toward you, so you may love and care for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: When it comes to us approaching God in a jubilant spirit of praise and gratitude, David truly paints for us a beautiful path. For David, he experiences contentment when he allows the Shepherd to lead his life. David tells us God comes to lead him specifically which brings fullness to his emptiness. God provides rest for David’s weary soul. God leads David from brokenness into the wholeness of shalom. God renews David by bringing divine strength and exchanging it for his human weakness. Finally, God guides David’s life to reveal the divine holy presence with him.

As human beings, we all have a strong will to see things go in the direction we feel is best for us. Surrendering our lives to the will of God can be a big challenge, because we cling to our own autonomy—self government. Actually, our culture fights for the right of autonomy all the time. If people feel coerced about anything—even when challenged to act responsibly—they are ready to do battle. However, by not trusting the shepherding [leadership] of the all-knowing, all-present, and all-powerful God, human rebellion can position us where we are actually working against our own best interests. We can blindly lead ourselves into perilous environments and danger. Then, we have to eat the fruit of our poor decisions.

We all need to rest ourselves in God’s care, by trusting in his great love for us. So trust God to take you forward and make you whole. God’s power is made perfect in your weakness. We all greatly need him. Like David, may the world come to that revelation and ask the Shepherd to lead us all into truth.

Psalm 23 A psalm of David.
1 
The Lord is my shepherd;    I have all that I need.
2 
He lets me rest in green meadows;    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 
    He renews my strength.He guides me along right paths,    bringing honor to his name.
4 
Even when I walk    through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,    for you are close beside me.Your rod and your staff    protect and comfort me.
5 
You prepare a feast for me    in the presence of my enemies.You honor me by anointing my head with oil.    My cup overflows with blessings.
6 
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me    all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for promising that you will shepherd, guide and protect my life until one day you call me home. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In January 2012, I enjoyed a trip to Israel with forty-one seminarian friends. One of my favorite places to visit on the trip was the region of Galilee. We hopped on a boat and went out onto Lake Gennesaret [Sea of Galilee; aka Sea of Tiberias]; a freshwater lake, over 690 feet below sea level. This lake serves as the main source of water and commerce for the Galilee region. We watched as fishermen threw their cast nets out while one of our professors recounted the stories of Jesus with the Galilean fishermen. We were there…no guessing what it was like…with those around me…I was a disciple living the truth. I remember the cloudy sky, the green mountainous terrain around the lake, the smell of approaching rain, and the gentle breeze. We ate fresh fish [fried whole St. Peter’s fish—tilapia] caught from the lake at a restaurant [St. Peter’s Restaurant] along the shore as we continued to listen to the Word of God. That trip was full of revelations for me; I have never been the same.

In our passage today, Jesus notices the fishermen are washing, drying, and mending their nets. They have just come in from an unsuccessful night of fishing. Jesus tells the disciples to head out in the daytime to do some fishing with him. For Peter, this must have made zero sense since the fish tend to go into deeper water during the daytime where the nets cannot reach them. But, therein, Peter was about to witness a miracle. Beyond a person’s ability and natural resources, beyond what makes sense to the natural mind, beyond what one may think about proper timing…rests the grace of God. So, Peter chooses to obey the Word of the Lord and that obedience opens the door to a miracle. Peter realizes the presence of God with him; he knows Christ’s divine power has caused this haul of fish. Peter will never be the same.

As disciples moving forward with Christ, we must always keep in mind his ways are wiser, because he sees the will of the Father from a heavenly perspective. Therefore, like Peter, by faith we might need to move a bit beyond our analytical interpretations of the opportunities before us as we are led by the Spirit. If Jesus calls us to share in his righteous acts for salvation, then we must act quickly in the anointing—influence and power of the Holy Spirit. We know the difference between righteous and unrighteous connections (John 15:5). We know the Voice of our Master (John 10:4). We know when we have the shalom [peace] of God and a desire to obey (John 15:27). Jesus wants to work in the lives of his disciples; he wants to teach us about trusting in his power to bring the abundant resources we need and the victory we truly desire over our flesh of unbelief. Discipleship is about living with a humble and obedient attitude as we trust in God.

Luke 5:1-11 (NLT) The First Disciples
1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the abundance of mercy and forgiveness you always bring my life. Thank you for the revelations and the experiences that teach me to trust you in a deeper way, because every moment from the past has the potential to strengthen my faith for future opportunities. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Just to give a bit of background and context for our lesson, Luke lets his readers know Paul has suffered greatly because of Christ’s call to share the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul has traveled to many of the countries north of the Mediterranean Sea. He has shared God’s story of redemption through personal testimony, preaching, and even by giving a defense to those in authority ready to destroy him.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is in prison. He stands before King Agrippa [of Jewish descent], along with other military and political leaders. Paul is invited to present his case against the charges waged by the Jewish community who are calling for his death. King Agrippa’s great-grandfather tried to kill Jesus when he was a baby. The King’s grandfather had John the Baptist beheaded. The King’s father had martyred the apostle James. Yet, Paul sees this whole situation through the lens of faith in God’s love and redemption. Paul knows this is a great opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ with the highest officials in the land. Knowing all these facts, would you be inclined to see the opportunity or the problem?

The Apostle Paul did not complain about the situation in which he found himself; rather, he joyfully seized the opportunity to present the Good News about Christ even though it came through opposition. Paul knows it is useless to fight against the will of the Lord; he only finds power in obedience [26:14]. God can work through any and all opposition if we are willing to stand in those places as faithful witnesses. A Christian is a person who has chosen to be a part of God’s plan to reach the world through God’s love and share about his mercy and forgiveness offered in Christ. God has given us the Holy Spirit who makes us more loyal to Christ and less worried about the problems and opposition. We must use our faith to call for the Holy Spirit’s power to share in the work of Christ.

Acts 26:9-18 (NLT)
9 “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. 10 Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. 11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse [blaspheme] Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.

12 “One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. 13 About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14 We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,[Hebrew] ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’

15 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. 17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’

Prayer: Father, help me to see each day through the lens of opportunity for sharing the Gospel. If I am not working with you in such a way, Lord, I may find myself fighting against your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

May 02, 2022

The ninth chapter of Acts opens with Saul of Tarsus, on the road to Damascus, eager to kill the Lord’s followers. “As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?’ ‘Who are you, lord?’ Saul asked. And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!’” (v.3-5) This moment changed the course of Saul’s life for eternity and as a reminder God changed his name, and so Saul became the Apostle Paul. Through Paul, God penned almost half of the New Testament, which continues to change the course of many lives.

On the road to Damascus, Saul chose to become a Christian. Jesus tells us to, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28) This is the first step to Christianity; we come to Jesus, we bring all of our sinful baggage, He takes it, and He provide us with His rest. Saul did this in the beginning of chapter nine, and now he begins the next step of Christianity, which Jesus tells us is to “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:29) So, we become a Christian by coming to Christ, and then we must learn how to live as a Christian by taking Christ’s yoke upon us. If you don’t know what a yoke is, I suggest using Google so you can see one. It serves as a reminder that when we take on the yoke of Christ, we are submitting to allow Him the full leadership of our path, and the ultimate Lordship of our life.

It might appear from the first part of today’s scripture that Saul came to Christ and within that same timeframe that he was on his way to leading many to Christ. But he too was being taught how to take the yoke of Christ upon himself, and his own time and plan for his life was not the Lord’s time and plan. We see where the Jews are plotting to kill him, and even when Saul arrived in Jerusalem, and he tries to meet with believers, they are afraid of him. Barnabas had to vouch for Saul with the apostles. So, although Saul might have thought that his influence would be best served to convert the Jews because of his past and his own conversion, that was not God’s plan, He wanted Saul to be the apostle to the Gentiles and that would take time. When the apostles sent Saul home, we find in other parts of scripture where that time at home was about a seven-to-ten-year period. So, God allowed Saul time to take His yoke upon him, and Saul…or now Paul, learned the essential lesson, that without Christ he can do nothing, and so he says that “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13) Paul also says, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20) Friends, never forget that Christ gave Himself for you and me, just like Paul.

Acts 9:18-31 (NLT)

18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem

Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”

21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25 So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.

26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

28 So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him. 30 When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown.

31 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the many lessons we learn from our brother, Paul. Help us, Lord, to allow You full leadership of our path, and the ultimate Lordship of our life. May we submit to Your timing and plan for our lives. We ask this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Intro: We live in the time of grace—the age of the Church. Never forget, it is a very exciting time in which we live, my friends. Scripture teaches there will be a prophetic apocalypse (Greek name for the Book of Revelation] when the veil between heaven and earth will be lifted to reveal God’s rule, his plan for the world, and his victory over evil. Keep in mind John has a supernatural vantage point in this moment to see two realms—heaven and earth [earth is just a piece of a greater reality].

During the apocalyptic time preceding of our passage, there will be a revelation [unveiling] of God’s children of Light. Darkness must increase, so the Light of Christ in the Church [covenant believers] will be revealed—become clearly visible. As believers we live in the sphere of God’s rule—the kingdom that is ruled by grace through faith to reveal righteousness, wholeness, and JOY. Grace is the “right” or entitlement granted to us by our loving, merciful, and generous God. This entitlement is based on the work of Christ for salvation and has zero to do with our own merit. We deserve death, but God is merciful. Forgiven believers covered by the blood of Jesus now have the “right” to enter God’s presence to make our requests known before the throne, so the revelation of Christ in us is seen by the world [unbelievers]. This is the gospel of wholeness coming to earth; the Good News for those suffering beneath the load of evil’s oppressive rule.

In our passage today, God unveils worship in heaven to the apostle John. In his vision, John sees the redeemed—the Church—gathered around the throne of grace. The number twenty-four is symbolic of the priesthood of believers (1 Pet 2:9). They are casting their crowns at the feet of the Lord and praising him, because each person knows God alone is responsible for the rewards being granted. For those born of new life from God [believers] our very spirits are indebted to the vibrant life and power of the Holy Spirit that will one day take us home to our Father. For context, this passage does not yet reveal the Jews who will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Messiah or the believers who will accept him during the Great Tribulation. Never forget, it is our Creator’s purpose to redeem his creation; however, some will refuse to take God’s righteous hand extending salvation. It will take place…it is written. Therefore, may we as believers draw near to God and live ready for every opportunity to reveal the Light of Truth within us—the Gospel of Peace [wholeness]. Worship is oneness of devotion and wholeness with God. God is devoted to us and when we become genuinely devoted to him and his purpose for our lives—worship!

Revelation 4:1-11 (NLT) Worship in Heaven
1 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—    the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 
“You are worthy, O Lord our God,    to receive glory and honor and power.For you created all things,    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Prayer: Father God, one day you will receive the honor you are due from creation. I pray for the world to wake up to your glorious Gift of Christ; to bow to your goodness and willingness to make us whole. Today, may you receive the honor and worship of my heart. I praise you, Lord, for your unfathomable goodness operating in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.