Ironic Sign of True Awakening

Text: Acts 6:7
Theme: Only God can cause even preachers and priests to obey the truth.
Key verse: “The message of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples continued to increase significantly there in Jerusalem. Even priests in large numbers became obedient to the faith” (v. 7).
What God said to me: Dwayne, those who study my Word and know my law are more apt to fall into traps of pride and overconfidence. Far too often my supposed leaders are so distracted by their own agendas and traditions that they fail to see the real message of faith and hope and love that’s pervasive throughout the Bible. They know a lot about me, but they don’t really know me at all. My Spirit was moving so strongly among those early saints in Jerusalem that even some of the Jewish priests were laying aside their traditions, prejudices and pride to follow my Son. They literally and finally became obedient to the faith. Up to that point they had a form of godliness but they denied its inherent power. Their understanding of me and my ways was a clouded one in their minds. But when they embraced the true Light of Christ, their hearts were ignited. Now that’s true awakening–an awakening that can spread like wildfire from the religious leaders to the general community.
What I said to God: Precious God, hallowed by your name. Thank you for meeting with me this morning. I confess that I’ve lost part of my passion and focus over the past few days. My love for you has waned. I want to know you in the fellowship of your suffering and the power of your resurrection. I don’t want dead religion. I desperately need the living Lord to ignite my spirit and set my ablaze to do your will. Lord, grant me more than lip service out of forced habit and obligation. May I fall so deeply in love with you that I meditate on you day and night and truly long to see you face to face. Please bless my family and protect them today.