Devotionals

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.

Intro: Most of the time, human flesh desires to be seen by others as good or respectable. I will go so far as to say many people in our present culture have a desire to appear or sound altruistic [be perceived as having a devotion to the welfare of others]. But, in Scripture, Jesus warns humanity about stepping into hypocrisy; evidently it is rather easy to do and religious attitudes and political agendas lead the way. The word hypocrisy has to do with “play acting.” Jesus knew the actors from the real deal; he always got to the heart of the matter and still does, today. In time, hypocrisy is always revealed.

In our passage today, Jesus wants his disciples and those listening in the background to allow the light of truth to deliver them from any inner falsehood. We are created to be authentic in the love of Jesus Christ. God’s children need to move beyond simply appearing respectable; we need to draw near to God and invite him to take any hidden sin away that is hiding from the light of Truth. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin; believers are to welcome this work. The Spirit is a Gift who wants to free us from living with a false image; he wants to fill us with God’s goodness so we actually live and reveal the Truth of divine love.

Luke 12:1-2 (NLT) A Warning against Hypocrisy
1 Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy.

2 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 3 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for knowing every heart and helping your children to be true to yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, David is excited and expresses his great joy over Jerusalem—the City of Peace. According to Scripture, after David and his men defeated the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5) they reestablished Jerusalem as the capital politically and religiously. David brought the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Testimony to its rightful and permanent home in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). God’s love and provision for His people increased their faith and trust; so, when they all got together for the feasts it was a joyous time. People were filled with joy to be able to come to the Tabernacle of the Lord and together praise and worship the goodness of God.

Worship should always fill us with joy; the glory and greatness of our God is unequaled. The world may remain a mess, but God is untouched by our human rebellion and chaos. Instead, we sense His sovereignty, power, mercy, faithfulness, goodness, and anointing in worship. Like David, I am filled with joy just thinking and writing about experiencing God’s presence in our worship. He is Amazing!

Back to our passage, remember three times a year God’s people (men) were commanded by the Torah to go up to Jerusalem to express their gratitude to God. They were not to come empty-handed. Three Jewish Pilgrimage Festivals were to be celebrated: Passover (celebrating the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt), Shavuot (Pentecost—an agricultural celebration, as well as entering into the covenant between God and Israel), and Sukkot (Tabernacles/Booths celebrating the Israelites’ wandering in the desert for 40 years relying on God for provision). These three festivals brought the people together to reaffirm their communal commitment to the Lord Yahweh.

Isn’t it interesting that Jerusalem—the City of Peace—has been in the midst of conflict and fights throughout history. This Holy City has been fought over more than any other city in the world. May we always remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. However, as believers, we know peace will remain elusive for Jerusalem until the love of God flowing from the Prince of Peace returns to set up His Kingdom.

Psalm 122:1-9 (NLT)
1 
I was glad when they said to me,    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 
And now here we are,    standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 
Jerusalem is a well-built city;    its seamless walls cannot be breached.
4 
All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—    make their pilgrimage here.They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord,    as the law requires of Israel.
5 
Here stand the thrones where judgment is given,    the thrones of the dynasty of David.
6 
Pray for peace in Jerusalem.    May all who love this city prosper.
7 
O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls    and prosperity in your palaces.
8 
For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,    “May you have peace.”
9 
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,    I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, today. I am not praying for a mere absence of conflict; rather I am praying for the wholeness only You can provide. May all Your children place faith in Your goodness and abilities, because only You can bring real Peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

April 25, 2022

When talking with fellow Christians about the book of Revelation, some get really excited to discuss it, others seem to get slightly frustrated, and a handful are fearful of it. Those who are filled with excitement tend to be eager to connect prophecies, while those who are frustrated tend to be confused about what is literal, what is symbolic, what is in the past, and/or what is in the future. And those who are fearful of it, seem to get caught up in the earthly meaning of the “apocalypse” and fixate on the catastrophic destruction of humanity and of the earth, rather than focusing on the book being God’s gracious outline for each of our lives during the end times which really is all about the loving return of Christ for His family, the church.

Regardless of our soul’s response to the book of Revelation, we must remember God’s promise, which can be found in the very beginning of this book, and we need to allow this Truth to speak to our spirit: “God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.” (Rev 1:3)

The word Revelation is a translation of the Greek work apokalypsis, which means an unveiling or a disclosure, and it is where the word apocalypse is derived. In this book, Jesus is “unveiling or disclosing” many prophetic passages from the Old Testament and foreshadows many future prophecies to yet be fulfilled. In the first 8 verses John greets his readers, he attributes glory and power to Jesus because of His love and redemption, and he sees believers as appointed by the Lord to serve the kingdom of God as priests.

In today’s passage, Jesus appears to John, who finds himself on the island of Patmos, where he was exiled, he is alone, and by this time most of the apostles have been martyred. Within this place of suffering, and being completely stripped down from the world, Jesus appears to John with a message for the churches. It is important to note two things, first is that even though John was suffering, Jesus appears to him during a time when he was worshipping in the Spirit. So, no amount of earthly pain, emotional, mental, and/or physical, could keep John from worshipping Jesus. Also, Jesus appears to him from behind with “a loud voice like a trumpet blast.” (Rev 1:10) Jesus told us that when He returns for His family (the church) that “He will send out His angles with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather His chosen ones from all over the world.” (Matt 24:31)

John goes on to record what he saw when Jesus appeared to him and asks him to write to the 7 churches, which are the 7 gold lampstands, and Jesus is standing right in the middle of them. Jesus is in His glorified form during this encounter, and what John sees points to Jesus as powerful, noble, wise, divine, majestic, glorified, righteous, and fair in judgment. This returning version of our Lord is much different than when He came as a baby. John fell to the Lord’s feet, with reverence, when he saw Him, just as you and I will do when He returns.

Revelation 1:9-20 NLT
Vision of the Son of Man

9 I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus. 10 It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast. 11 It said, “Write in a book everything you see, and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

12 When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. 13 And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. 14 His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

19 “Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen. 20 This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for providing such a loving outline of what is to come. Thank You for all of the prophecies that have been fulfilled, and I look forward for those still yet to come. Lord, I need Your guidance as I continue to grow in my understanding of Your heart through the book of Revelation. I am so thankful to be a part of Your family, the church, and so I want to be ready for Your return. I ask this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

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

Intro: For the past three weeks in our L.I.F.E. (Living In Fellowship Everyday) Lessons Class, I have been teaching a series on the Fruit of the Spirit. Scripture reveals the truth of Christ’s pure character and holy love; therefore, as believers in Christ’s salvation, we are to allow ourselves to experience the necessary change to our fallen nature that only God can bring to pass. God does the work of producing fruit in us, so his righteousness can be revealed through us; then, he receives the respect, honor, and glory. That means we must be open and let go of the selfish corruption of our human nature in order for God to bring spiritual regeneration; produce righteous fruit in our lives. We must stay connected to the Vine—Jesus—if we are going to benefit from the work of God to recreate us in the image of Christ (John 15:5).

Today we continue our passage that began yesterday as the apostles move forward to share the gospel message [Good News] of salvation. The apostles prayed and asked the Father to empower them to perform signs and miracles as a way to share the gospel of grace; a way to make the presence of God known. God answered their prayers and they began to bring healing, deliverance, and revelation to the people. Attitudes and lives began to changed; people wanted a relationship with this life-changing God. This spiritual growth empowered by God, angered the religious leaders who desired the credit for teaching and modeling authentic piety and holiness.

We see how fruitless religion can be as we witness the jealousy of these religious leaders in our passage; the leaders are hypocrites of the faith and they are afraid the people are beginning to see it. The apostles were given more respect than these leaders, because the purpose of the apostles was to help people connect with God and learn to live giving Him respect, honor, and obedience. The religious leaders wanted respect and honor for themselves; actually, they demanded it. Even though the apostles were not free from opposition or persecution, they made obeying and pleasing God their highest priority and fear did not stop them. They knew their part was to bear the fruit of the Spirit; love that would draw others to God. Truly, not only did God work miraculously through these men, he demonstrated His power to take care of them so they were able to fulfill the purpose God had for them. Make pleasing God your highest priority and allow the Holy Spirit to produce supernatural and righteous fruit in you. Others need the spiritual nourishment from the fruit you bear.

Acts 5:17-25 (NLT) The Apostles Meet Opposition
17 The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, 20 “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!”

21 So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching.
When the high priest and his officials arrived, they convened the high council—the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail for trial. 22 But when the Temple guards went to the jail, the men were gone. So they returned to the council and reported, 23 “The jail was securely locked, with the guards standing outside, but when we opened the gates, no one was there!”

24 When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end. 25 Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!”

Prayer: Father, thank you for being the Source of my salvation and righteousness. I yield to the work of the Spirit to make me grow toward maturity. Let the fruit of the Spirit be apparent in my life, so others will want you, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: King Herod the Great built a porch—Solomon’s colonnade—as a way to improve his relationship with the Jews. It was beautiful with amazing columns and sheltering areas. Jesus taught there and performed many miracles on the porch. After Jesus died and ascended, the apostles began to teach in this area once again. However, the people were hesitant to align themselves with the apostles for fear of suffering the same persecution. Fear always comes to stop the gospel; for this reason, we must allow the love of God to rule in our hearts. As well, some of the people had heard about how the Holy Spirit dealt with the sins of Ananias and Sapphira—they died because they lied to God and other believers. This passage remains a great lesson for believers; being a Christ follower is a serious commitment to the gospel of Truth that requires integrity.

In spite of any danger of persecution, the apostles prayed and asked the Father to allow the Holy Spirit to use them to do amazing miracles in Jesus’ name—healing, deliverances, blessings to bring wholeness—in order to reveal Christ to the people. Don’t miss the apparent oneness—integrity—of the apostles’ faith and connection with the Spirit, because God answered that prayer. Through the righteous prayer of these believers, the Spirit brought joy to people through miracles and many were brought to salvation. These miracles of healing and deliverance worked to convince people of the power of Christ’s Spirit to change lives. Luke reports in our passage people were supernaturally healed. Luke was a doctor, so we can trust he knew when a person had been touched by God. These miraculous signs and wonders performed by the apostles drew multitudes of people into saving faith in Christ. Throughout the book of Acts, people are draw to Christ through miracles that reveal God’s love, forgiveness, and outstretched hand to them. Have you prayed and asked the Spirit to use you in miraculous ways in order to draw people toward salvation?

Acts 5:12-16 NLT The Apostles Heal Many
12 The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. 14 Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord—crowds of both men and women. 15 As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. 16 Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.

Prayer: Father, I pray for believers worldwide to have the ability to perform miraculous signs and wonders that lead others to saving faith in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Several weeks ago, we looked at this passage as we explored the mercy, holiness, and grace of God flowing from the cross of Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches God is holy and when we do not acknowledge his sacred sovereignty and holiness we demonstrate irreverence toward him. In the past, God had already set up and communicated the system of how his presence—the Ark—was to be carried; poles on the shoulders of the Levitical priests. However, in our passage, God’s system is not being followed. Instead, David does not consult God and decides to move the Ark consistent with the methods of the Philistines—an ox cart. As a result, God’s anger brings death to the innocent yet irreverent actions of Uzzah. What started out with great joy ended in sorrow; instead of blessing a curse. It’s a picture of the Old Testament Law and God’s response when his people are unwilling to obey.

David, upset with God’s judgment, decides to leave the Ark at Obed-edom’s home; a Levitical priest. David finds himself confused because he thinks since his intentions were good that should have been enough. Sometimes, we can be tempted to think God doesn’t care how something is accomplished; just git ‘er dun! However, that is not the truth. God cares that we honor his holy words of wisdom and instruction. Uzzah’s death was unnecessary and came because of disobedience to God’s Word. This is a great lesson all by itself as to why we need the work of the New Testament message of repentance and grace. But, there’s more…

Today, as we look at the same passage, our focus will be on the blessing that flows from the presence of God—the Ark—that is being stored at Obed-edom’s home for three months. When God’s presence moves into Obed-edom’s home, goodness rolls in with him. God abundantly blesses the whole household; because God’s presence is honored. So much so that David hears about this blessing in Jerusalem and decides he wants that blessing for the whole nation of Israel. So, David humbly returns to where the Ark is being stored at Obed-edom’s home and moves it back to Jerusalem; but, this time in the proper manner following the commands of God. Lesson learned.

Blessings come in a grace bathed relationship with God through the sinless Son, but we need to understand the love and honor that God deserves and requires. Christ makes grace abundant and our place is to follow the Word, worship and glorify the Lord with our lives. Now, the Lord is present in his people and grace is available for our every need. Blessings upon blessings are found in God presence.

2 Samuel 6:1-15 (NLT) Moving the Ark to Jerusalem
1 Then David again gathered all the elite troops in Israel, 30,000 in all. 2 He led them to Baalah of Judah to bring back the Ark of God, which bears the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. 3 They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house, which was on a hill. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab’s sons, were guiding the cart 4 that carried the Ark of God. Ahio walked in front of the Ark. 5 David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals.

6 But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. 7 Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this [irreverence]. So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God.
8 David was angry because the Lord’s anger had burst out against Uzzah. He named that place Perez-uzzah (which means “to burst out against Uzzah”), as it is still called today.

9 David was now afraid of the Lord, and he asked, “How can I ever bring the Ark of the Lord back into my care?” 10 So David decided not to move the Ark of the Lord into the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. 11 The Ark of the Lord remained there in Obed-edom’s house for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and his entire household.

12 Then King David was told, “The Lord has blessed Obed-edom’s household and everything he has because of the Ark of God.” So David went there and brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with a great celebration. 13 After the men who were carrying the Ark of the Lord had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. 15 So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the many lessons you always bring your children about your heart and the revelation of your ways of living in Christ. Holy Spirit, help us to obey and enjoy every blessing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today from Revelation, the Woman represents God’s faithful people—Israel—who are waiting for Messiah; the crown of twelve stars represents the twelve tribes of Israel. The Child is Jesus Messiah—Satan, according to the gospels, certainly tried to use Herod to kill the world’s Savior (Mat 2:16-18). The Dragon is Satan and his horns and crowns represent his power over the kingdoms of the world that allow him to rule. The stars that plunged to the ground represent the rebellious angels who fell with Satan. The desert represents a protected place from Satan.

I cannot imagine how the apostle John was able to emotionally handle all the things he saw when the Lord allowed him a vision of heaven; he had to have been covered by the grace of God. John sees the conflict between good and evil; between God and Satan. John also sees the source of all sin, evil, and the wickedness of Satan. As well, John witnesses the persecution and suffering of people who await God’s deliverance; to be taken away from the temptation and effects of evil against God’s people. Michael, the high-ranking archangel of God, has an assignment to guard believers. Satan and his angelic demons used free will to rebel against God (2 Peter 2:4). Keep in mind every living creature has free will to either choose or reject God.

With Christ’s death on the cross and his resurrection, Satan—the accuser—was defeated. You do not need to fight with Satan; you do need to resist him which is very different. We cannot serve two masters, so like the holy angels we will always need to choose to stand with Christ. Satan comes against God’s children because of their faith in Christ as Savior. We must call upon the Lord to fight our battles as we stand strong by faith in God’s promises. The Holy Spirit brings us the power to submit ourselves to God; then, we resist the devil and he will leave us (James 4:7). The key to gaining victory over evil is drawing near to God, because when we do so God draws near to us. Satan, a fallen angel, is not God’s equal; God is the all-powerful Creator, so as we draw near to God he surrounds us with his love and protective care.

Revelation 12:1-12 (NLT) The Woman and the Dragon
1 Then I witnessed in heaven an event of great significance. I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because of her labor pains and the agony of giving birth.

3 Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event. I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. 4 His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born.

5 She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place to care for her for 1,260 days.

7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.

10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,
“It has come at last—
salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
has been thrown down to earth—
the one who accuses them
before our God day and night.
11
And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by their testimony.
And they did not love their lives so much
that they were afraid to die.
12
Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!
And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!
But terror will come on the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you in great anger,
knowing that he has little time.”

Prayer: Father, thank you for your Word, because so many things in it point to my need to stay focused on you as Savior and Master. Holy Spirit, please continue to give me the power to resist anything that you say is unrighteous; help me to be inclined toward holiness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

April 18, 2022

Today we are going to look at verses 6-8 from chapter 5 of 1 Corinthians. It is important to know that up to this point there is a man from the church at Corinth that has been having a sexual affair with his father’s wife (5:1). Apparently, everyone at the church knows, but their own prideful lives keep them moving forward and not addressing their fellow brother (5:2). So, Paul has instructed them to remove the man from the church and to turn him over to Satan in the Name of Jesus Christ (5:3-5). This removal might seem harsh at first, but we must remember that these believers, who are godly did not “gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path,” so now they too must “be careful not to fall into the same temptation” themselves (Gal 6:1).

As we look at this situation, are you asking yourself…wait, why is this spiritual family all not mourning for their brother’s hard place of sin, and why are they not praying for him to repent and turn back to Christ? Well, Paul identifies the cause of their indifference to the man’s sin as their own arrogance (5:2), which is now why we see that they are boasting for their own “success” (5:6).

The “success” of the church does not reside in one message, or in one performance, or in one person. Rather, the “success” of the church resides within the collective hearts of its believers as one spiritual family connected to Christ. Also, sin is sin…having an affair is sin and intentionally turning a blind eye to your own brother’s affair is sin.

Paul describes it perfect in an example of yeast (or in many translations as leaven). Yeast is used in making bread, when a little is added to flour it spreads throughout all of the flour. Paul uses the Passover celebration as an example, in today’s passage, because he knew it would be familiar to many. In preparation for the celebration, Jewish households remove all yeast (leaven), and they make and eat only unleavened bread. Much like the dough, Paul wants us, as Christ followers, to cleanse out all of the old dough (that contains yeast…or sin) and replace it with new dough (that does not contain yeast…or sin).

So, yesterday was Easter, let’s commit to throw out the old, wicked bread of sin and move forward with only the new bread of life, Jesus.

1 Corinthians 5:6-8 NLT

6 Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. 8 So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being my new bread of life. Help me to live for You each day, and to be repulsed by sin in my life. Help me to be an encouragement to my fellow brothers and sisters, and to shine Your loving light on areas when they need help with their sin. Please allow my spirit to be open when my brothers and sisters shine a light on my sin. I pray for Your church, Lord. I pray for C2C Church, Lord. May You connect us to one another more than we’ve ever been connected, because You want us to be connected as one to you, Jesus. I pray all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

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