Devotionals

Some moments in our lives, those we share interacting with someone we love, can truly become unforgettable; the experiences are etched in our memories like a beautiful treasure. These shared moments and conversations are the easiest to remember and certain days, times, songs, or places trigger and recapture those unforgettable moments and bring them front and center in our thoughts. I can only imagine how many of these moments the disciples treasured in their memories during the three years of physically walking through life with Jesus while he was on earth; they witnessed so many miracles.

Today is celebrated as Ascension Day: commemorating the 40th day following Easter when Jesus ascended to Heaven. This is the day believers celebrate Jesus’ victory over death, the salvation he offers to all who believe, and the power of the ministry we each now share in Christ’s Spirit. We are witnesses and representatives of the Good News—because of Jesus there is life with God!

In our passage today, Jesus wants his disciples to remember his Word and commands. These early believers have watched Jesus perform many miracles, but they do not yet fully understand the fulfillment of Scripture, the Spirit of the Law, the totality of Christ’s mission, the power of the Spirit, and how it all connects by grace through faith in God’s love. In fact, although Jesus commissions them to go and make more disciples—telling others about turning from sin by turning to God—he instructs them to wait for the Holy Spirit or Helper. Ministry in human power may be religious in action; ministry in Spirit and Truth actually reveals the motives of the heart, grows Christlike relationships, and empowers our witness in the world. Big, big difference!

Remember to read the Introduction to Ten Days of Prayer to Pentecost, today. If you did not pick your daily prayer cards up at C2C last Sunday, you can find them at 10days.net. We are praying in one accord for the salvation of Israel and the Middle East, as well as the revival of believers across the globe! May the Spirit bring a consuming fire for our souls!

Luke 24:44-53 Expanded Bible
44 He said to them, “·Remember [This is what I said….] when I was with you before? I said that everything written about me must ·happen [be fulfilled]—everything in the law of Moses, the books of the prophets, and the Psalms [a way of referring to the whole Old Testament].”

45 Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “It is written that the ·Christ [Messiah] would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day 47 and that ·a change of hearts and lives and [repentance for the] forgiveness of sins would be preached in his name to all nations, starting at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 [And look/behold] I will send you what my Father has promised, but you must stay in ·Jerusalem [the city] until you ·have received [are clothed with] that power from ·heaven [on high].”

Jesus Goes Back to Heaven
50 Jesus led his followers as far as Bethany, and he raised his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he ·was separated [parted] from them and ·carried [taken up] into heaven. 52 They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem ·very happy [with great joy]. 53 They ·stayed in the Temple all the time [were continually in the Temple], praising God.

Prayer: Lord, we remember the many ways you have loved and cared for us. From the moment you came into our hearts, we have been storing up the Truth and precious memories in the Spirit. Help us to cling to your strength and power rather than rest in our own, because human strength is inadequate to sustain our witness. Holy Spirit, fills us with love and fiery passion to witness about the Lord to others. The world needs to know and we need to proclaim. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

After his resurrection and just prior to the Lord’s ascension into heaven, he gave his disciples the commission to preach the good news [he’s alive] to all creation (Mark 16:16). Jesus knew some people would believe and receive salvation in his divine love, but not all (Mark 16:17). Some people would reject the Truth, and prefer to live in the darkness of evil and hatred. Believers would be living in a world with unbelievers.

The Lord prepared his disciples, because he knew what they would be facing. He would no longer be with them physically; he would soon be dwelling with the Father in heaven as King. However, by the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus promises he will always be with his disciples spiritually which, in time, they learn makes them multiply in power as they witness. Christ performs powerful miracles through them to bring revelation of his life.

The first disciples—like us—received salvation by grace [G.R.A.C.E.= God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense] accepted through active faith in the love of Jesus. Now, every disciple is to continue to live by those same gifts as we go about witnessing to others the message of God’s love found in the Christ. Believers are given Christ’s righteous and loving power, so our lives testify to his presence within.

Let’s remember, Jesus was born as the holy and eternal living Word made human flesh; now, believers are human flesh being made holy by the living Word…one obedient step at a time! As a believer, you are a loving, faithful, and miracle carrying disciple being made in the image of Christ the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Take that knowledge with you, today, and share it with someone who needs to know their potential!

Mark 16:19-20 NLT
19 When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 20 And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your miraculous love and the revelation of Truth we carry within. Please continue to shape us as we walk in obedience to your holy Word. We know as our character grows more Christlike, you will do even more miraculous works through us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This morning, it’s important we refresh our focus on agape [God’s binding and selfless love], because it is so easy to lose track of just how unconditional and self-giving God’s love is for us. God is always focused on the well-being [wholeness] of his children. According to 1 Corinthians 13, God’s love is “patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices when the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” (vv. 4-7).

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” C.S. Lewis

Agape is the pivot point for balancing God’s amazing gifts of grace and faith to his children. Everything rests on divine love, because it never fails. Without receiving God’s love through Jesus, we don’t have grace (Ro 6:11). Without using faith, it is impossible to receive the love of God or please him (Heb 11:6). The need for obedience to God’s commands of love fill the Old Testament, but does the gift of grace with faith in Christ change the believer’s need to continue in obedience to God’s love commands?

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus sums up his Ten Commandments in this way: Love God wholeheartedly and love your neighbor like you love yourself (22:37-39). So, obedience to love is still our command. Grace—the power for living—is provided by Christ. He taught his disciples, “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth” (John 14:15-17). Therefore, we must put our faith into motion by believing in Christ’s love for us and the Spirit’s desire to help us.

Remember today, love is always the pivot point upon which to balance grace and faith. When we become irritable with difficult people, act rudely, prideful, or keep a score sheet for every wrong thing done to us, we diminish God’s love, as well as his gifts of grace and faith operating in our lives. When we choose to walk in love and refuse to allow ourselves to react unkindly, we defeat the enemy. Let’s win the battle, today!

1 John 5:1-6 NLT Faith in the Son of God
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ [Messiah] has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding us about your pure love and how you are teaching us all the time through the Spirit to walk in it. Thank you for your love, grace, and faith. We need your strength and your wisdom to be victorious. So, please fill us with love today, Lord, and help us win the battle against evil. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus are believed to be the last letters that he either wrote himself or used scribes to compose prior to his death. Paul’s letters, to both of these men, are referred to as pastoral Epistles. This classification is due to the fact that these letters were from one pastor or shepherd of God’s people, being Paul, to another pastor or shepherd of God’s people, being Timothy and Titus. Prior to these letters, both men had been important missionary companions of Paul as they assisted him at different times of his ministry and while he wrote letters to many of the other churches.

In today’s passage we are looking at a portion of Paul’s closing remarks to Timothy in the last chapter of 1 Timothy. Paul is instructing Timothy to run away from sin so he can live a godly life, to fight the good fight of faith, and to hold on tightly to eternal life. This message was not only for Timothy, or for him to share with the Church at Ephesus that he was leading at the time…no, it was, is, and will be for the entire Church of Christ, which includes you, me, and ALL believers.

Paul understood, just as you and I understand, how sin messes with our souls, it seeks to ruin our relationships, circumstances, life, and ultimately, Satan, tempts us with sin, 24/7, and his intension is to pull us away from Jesus and our godly way of living in connection to Him. Paul reminded the Church in Corinth, as well as he reminds you, me, and ALL believers, that “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Cor 10:13)

Paul also understood, just as you and I understand, that we must finish our earthly life connected to the One Who offers us eternal life, Jesus, no matter what hell on earth comes against us. In order to do that our faith must be rooted in Jesus, and we need to be feeding our souls (our minds, wills, and emotions) His Word daily, because it is the ONLY Truth and light in this dark world. Remember what Paul wrote, and keep in mind this is just before his life would be martyred for Jesus, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for ALL who eagerly look forward to His appearing.” (2 Tim 4:7-8)

Finally, Paul cautions ALL believers to hold on tightly to the gift of eternal life in Jesus. Friends, we need to remember what Jesus, Himself, tells us about eternal life, “I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believer in God Who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” (John 5:24) In this life, you and I will hold tightly to A LOT of people, things, positions, places, maybe our earthly lives, etc. But absolutely, NOTHING should compare or even come close to us holding tightly to JESUS, the ONLY ONE WHO OFFERS US ETERNAL LIFE!!!

1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NLT)

Paul’s Final Instructions

11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for ministering through the Apostle Paul to us. Thank You for eternal life with You! Holy Spriit, please continue to help each one of us with being quick to flee from sin. We want to live godly lives that are pleasing to the Father. Guide us with Your holy wisdom and shield us with protection from Satan as we stand on Jesus, the Word of God, and fight the good fight of faith. We look forward to eternity with You, Jesus. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Creator God is the Living Word who leads believers through life. Depending on how long we have know Jesus, we can have many, many amazing experiential pictures of his love in action planted within our minds. According to Scripture, in the beginning the Lord spoke and there was Light and he became the very Light he created in order to open humanity up to a vast picture of his existence, the miraculous grace he offers for living, and to be an example of faith in action.

In our passage today, we can connect the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah with the New Testament gospel of Matthew, because Jesus begins to fulfill the prophet’s picture of Messiah perfectly as he sends his Word to heal a man’s withered hand on the Sabbath (12:9-21). Remember, in our lesson yesterday, God sent Messiah to capture Israel’s attention; to see and embrace his provision through the Son for salvation. Jesus is now the believer’s model of righteousness and the Helper desires to connect us in all the works of his pure love. We just keep on planting more experiential pictures of God’s love and goodness in our minds.

So, if you are struggling today with a life experience that seems overwhelming, please allow your mind to embrace the vastness of God who is not limited by any created thing. If you are open to the righteous ministry of Christ in your behalf, he will guide you through what seems impossible to fix and he will make you and that mess a message you can share. We tend to think God’s faithfulness is only about all the blessings and certainly that is true; but, Christ is not limited like our minds, he knows things before they happen. Therefore, Christ is the Answer to bring healing, wholeness, and leads us to witness to his goodness even in the midst of overwhelming life experiences. He is the Lord of every need!

Isaiah 42:5-9 NLT
5
God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out.
    He created the earth and everything in it.
He gives breath to everyone,
    life to everyone who walks the earth.
And it is he who says,
6 
“I, the Lord, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness.
    I will take you by the hand and guard you,
and I will give you to my people, Israel,
    as a symbol of my covenant with them.
And you will be a light to guide the nations.
7 
    You will open the eyes of the blind.
You will free the captives from prison,
    releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.
8 
“I am the Lord; that is my name!
    I will not give my glory to anyone else,
    nor share my praise with carved idols.
9 
Everything I prophesied has come true,
    and now I will prophesy again.
I will tell you the future before it happens.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for every fulfilled prophecy found in your Word. There are several more yet to be fulfilled, but we know they will happen just as you have spoken. Thank you for opening our spiritual eyes and liberating us from evil’s blinding work. We praise you for every picture Scripture paints of you, because otherwise our minds just can’t comprehend the magnitude of your presence, love, and grace. Be glorified! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We must never forget God is the true Rescuer from the things that exile His people from His presence [our home]. The Lord rescued Israel from bondage—slavery to the oppressive governing of Egypt. He rescued Israel from exile [a forced journey] imposed by the governing Assyrians and the Babylonians. When God’s people were rescued, God was the Rescuer who came to bring his people back home under His righteous rule. But, let’s not forget it was Israel’s unfaithfulness [unbelief—lack of trust] that caused their exiled situation in the first place. God’s plan for Israel was to be an example to the nations as they lived by faith in Creator God—to be His worshipers.

What can we learn from things like the exile, bondage, and oppressive governing? Honestly, our biggest take away from reading Scripture should be the revelation of God’s stedfast faithfulness for His unfaithful creation. From the beginning of time, God was determined to be creation’s Rescuer by being humanity’s Redeemer. The Messiah was always the planned Way to salvation for Israel (a covenant people who let God’s holiness prevail). God chose to work through an unfaithful Israel to provide revelation and redemption for the nations of the world. For this reason, Israel has historically been in the spotlight, suffered greatly, and continues to suffer, today. Believers must pray for and support Israel, because when we do we are aligning with the plan of God to bring salvation through the Messiah or Christ to not only them, but to an unbelieving global world.

In our passage today, the prophet Isaiah is used by God as a mouthpiece of preparation to reveal to Israel [and to us] the Rescuer and Redeemer is coming to deliver His people from sin. Jesus is that Servant who was sent by the Father to be a Light [revelation] to guide the unbelieving nation of Israel back “home” to God’s presence. He is also the Savior who came as a Light so a lost and unbelieving world could find “home” (Luke 2:28:32; Acts 13:47; Acts 26:22-23).

In spite of the struggles, genuine believers are those who remain faithful in the strength of the Lord by obeying the Word and the Voice of God’s Spirit. We can never remain in God’s presence apart from Jesus, but let’s never forget Jesus is Lord! He takes sinful, unbelieving and selfish humanity who have been separated by sin from His presence, draws them by salvation near to His holiness, and works to transform unfaithful people into worshipers.

Isaiah 49:5-6 GNT
5
Before I was born, the Lord appointed me;
    he made me his servant to bring back his people,
    to bring back the scattered people of Israel.
The Lord gives me honor;
    he is the source of my strength.
6 (A)The Lord said to me,
“I have a greater task for you, my servant.
    Not only will you restore to greatness
    the people of Israel who have survived,
but I will also make you a light to the nations—
    so that all the world may be saved.”

Prayer: Father, we know no weapon formed against believers can prosper, because you hold all authority and power in your righteous Hand. Thank you for your saving work through the nation of Israel and thank you for bringing salvation to the gentiles so we can be the people who also allow you to prevail. We pray Messiah’s peace for Israel and the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I truly had the most wonderful parents when it came to loving me and wanting the best for me. I realize this is not always the case for others and it saddens me when parents miss the opportunity to express God’s tender love for their children. My dad certainly had a tender heart, but he was strict when it came to discipline; he carried high expectations for us. Although he rarely said it, some times when I would ask why I couldn’t do something, he would answer, “Because I said so!” End of discussion.

In our passage today, John wants us to understand the power of obeying the words of Christ, because he is the One who opens the door and pulls back the veil to connect us to the Father who is omnipresent (present everywhere), and omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipotent (all-powerful). What a wonderful and powerful relational CONNECTION! Our heavenly Father, as loving and merciful as he is, says what he means and means what he says. When we honor God’s commands, we are demonstrating our love, respect, and trust in him. God is not double-minded like human beings. We know Christ, as our example, understood the powerful authority behind the words of our heavenly Father which could be translated, “Because I said so!”

I am praying for our hearts—the core of our beings—to be filled with God’s loving presence today, because when we are full we desire to remain in Christ and crave the peace he alone gives our lives. We can trust our Father, his Word, and our Helper.

John 14:18-31 NLT Jesus told his disciples, 18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. 19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. 20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

22 Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”

23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. 25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. 29 I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.

30 “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, 31 but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your promise to make your home in our hearts as we do what you say. And, thank you for the peace you give, because we need it more every day as we live in this fallen world. Holy Spirit, please continue to remind us of your word, and bring us the power we need so we can obey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I enjoy my walks each day with our sweet little dog, Gracie. She explores everywhere we go with great tail-wagging passion. Even though I typically walk the same path with her, Gracie acts like there is always something new to smell and discover as we walk.

While I was out walking Sunday evening, I noticed a neighbor sitting outside alone. He was deep in thought as he stared up at a beautiful American flag flying majestically in his yard. As soon as I greeted him, a wonderful conversation about life, moral integrity, and concern for our country ensued. It was a great discovery for me as Gracie and I walked.

In our passage today, James teaches us about God’s wisdom; divine wisdom or applied Truth is essential if, as believers, we are going to manage our lives well. For this reason, Jesus has been made Wisdom for believers. We need godly wisdom for our physical health. We need godly wisdom for our emotional well-being. We need godly wisdom for our spiritual wholeness. The righteous fruit of wisdom which James mentions in our passage today, becomes evidence for the world that we follow Christ.

God does not ask us to agree with the world’s way of doing things; however, he does asks us to live in peace as much as possible while standing on the undefiled character and Cornerstone of Christ. The Apostle James encourages us to differentiate between worldly wisdom and divine wisdom: worldly wisdom is controlling and void of God’s influence whereas divine wisdom is void of evil and focuses solely on the abundant and liberating Life Christ offers.

James 3:17-18 AMP
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping us ponder your divine wisdom, today. Through the work of the Spirit, please help us hold fast to godly wisdom, so we can produce the righteous fruit that comes with spiritual maturity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friends, if we are being completely honest, you and I have found ourselves at moments moving ahead without God’s guidance. When we have done this or will do this, we are operating in our flesh while grieving the guidance of the Holy Spirit. During these times, we are often moving so fast that initially we might not even realize that we are moving without the Holy Spirit, and that is exactly where Satan wants you and me. He wants us to act alone, to leave our relationship with Jesus aside, so his spirit can creep in with worldly desires that he uses to appeal to each of our sinful nature.

If you were not able to worship with us yesterday, please watch Pastor Mary’s sermon because it divinely connects to Paul’s message within today’s devotional passage. Friends, we cannot forget that Jesus is the Vine and as believers, we are connected to Him as the branches, and we cling tightly to that loving connection we need to keep seeking to grow in our relationship with Him. When we do this, the Holy Spirit can work within us to produce righteous fruit within our lives that can then be shared with others. When you and I chose to follow Jesus, we laid down our sinful nature, and Satan absolutely hates that we made that decision. He spends every second looking for moments when he can try and appeal to that in which we left behind. Don’t allow Satan a foothold, cling to your relationship with Jesus, pray all of the time and ask the Holy Spirit to produce more righteous fruit within you. Remember, if what you are doing, saying, thinking, or believing is not in alignment with what Jesus would do, say, think, or have us believe, than Satan is messing with your soul (mind, will, and/or emotions), turn quickly back to Jesus, ask for His forgiveness, seek other believers to pray with and for you, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, and remain in the Word all of the time and ask for wisdom and revelation.

Galatians 5:16-26 (NLT)
Living by the Spirit’s Power

16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being our Vine. Help us to remain connected to You and to continue to grow in our personal relationships with You. Holy Spirit, please continue to work within us to produce more righteous fruit and guide our every step. Quicken our spirit to know when we are not in alignment with Jesus and allow the Word to rise up within us. We ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.

One thing that I have found out real quick is that there are those who are not going to like the word of God being spoken before them.  In other words, persecution is a real thing.  According to Dictionary.com, the definition of persecution states “A program or campaign to exterminate, drive away, or subjugate people based on their membership in a religious, ethnic, social, or racial group.”  The more biblical definition states this according to study.com: “mistreatment or ridicule of a person or group based on their religious beliefs or lack of religious beliefs.”  Persecution is out there and it is real.  All we need to do is to turn on the television and see all the chaos and madness this world is producing.  Because of it, it is slowly impacting the church.  Not only is there persecution, but there are those who claim that they are a prophet from God but would use that for negative reasons.  This is one of the reasons why cults start and form.  

In today’s passage from Acts 8:9-25, we read about a sorcerer named Simon who people claimed that he was “The Great One-the Power of God” (Acts 8:10).  When Philip came and started telling those in Samaria about the gospel message of Jesus Christ, Simon believed in it so much that he was soon baptized and started to follow Philip wherever he went (Acts 8:13).  Later on in this passage, we see that Simon wanted to be equipped with the Holy Spirit and wanted to perform the same miracles that Philip was performing.  Peter, who basically speaks his mind on more than a few occasions, told Simon that he could not have any part in this whatsoever because his heart was not right with God.  How many times have we been like Simon and wanting to be part of something for the Kingdom and our hearts not being right?  If we, as brothers and sisters in Christ want to be part of Kingdom work, then we have to go under self-examination and see how our hearts are.  If our hearts are not where it should be, then nothing is going to get done.  I challenge  you to not only read Acts 8:9-25, but also go under self-examination to see how your heart is with God.  Make sure that your heart is for Him.  

Dear Heavenly Father, 

I pray for Your family.  You know that we struggle with a lot of different things in our lives.  I pray that we would continue to press forward towards You and not the things of this world.  Help us to grow with You and be more in tuned and engaged with You.  When things begin to surface, help us to not be distracted nor be consumed by the things of this world.  Help us grow each and every day in Your word and in Your wisdom.  

In Jesus name, 

Amen