Just last week I think I may have said this was the shortest passage. Well things changed and instead we are looking at 2 wonderful verses, 29 words (NIV) to challenge and encourge. Two sentences that elicit worship of our Almighty God!
Acts 12:24
But [in spite of].
You know that applies to the time in which this was written. There is a great deal of chaos going on. The Romans will continue to do what they must for control. The Jewish religious groups also are doing what they think they need to for their people to co-exist and wait for a messiah who had already come. The Christians are doing what they can to spread the good news as they have been told while they try to stay alive!
I dont know what circumstances you are facing today, BUT God does. His message continues. His work continues. He remains sovereign, unchanged, and all-powerful.
The word [message/story/saying] of God continued
Not only did it continue, it continued to increase and spread.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 says that the Word of God continues to work in all who believe.
Jeremiah 23:29 likens the word of God to a fire.
Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as living and active.
God repeatedly tells us how powerful His Word is. Why? Because He Is the Word (John 1:1).
Acts 12:25
When Barnabas and Saul returned…. [remember from last week they had been sent with money to help the Christians in Jerusalem] they brought John Mark with them.
Who are you helping?
Who are you inviting?
Who are you discipling?
Who are you encouraging?
Who are you challenging?
Who are you sharing God’s word with?
Who are you loving on?
1. God’s word is powerful enough to turn lives around. It’s powerful enough to continue to spread. The question is not about God’s word or His will. The question is are you going to participate?
Are you allowing God’s word to shape you?
Are you sacrificing anything to live for Him?
Listen, God’s will and His plan will come to fruition with or without your help. He doesn’t need you. He WANTS you. It is a joy and privilege to take a role in what started a long time ago and will soon be finished.
Don’t delay. Let God’s word change your life and help spread the love, truth, and hope of it to the world.
Every day this week.
Read, study, and/or meditate on a segment of God’s word AND implement what it’s saying.
2. Who are you bringing alongside you?
P & B brought J. [Ha! Ha! #bettertogether]
There is a list above of 7 “who are you” questions.
Use one for each day of the week, or use whatever method works for you but use something! I need the encouragement just as much as you do today, but let us not waste time. Let’s reach out.
challenge
Every day this week.
What is God’s word telling you to do today?
Who are you going to reach out to today?
