Devotional Thoughts from God's Word

Text: Acts 5:12-16
Theme: God-anointed people have tremendous influence on others.
Key verses: “The church would gather as a unified group…” (v. 12b). “The church’s popularity was so great that when Peter walked down the street, people would carry out their sick relatives hoping his shadow would fall on some of them as he passed. Even people from towns surrounding Jerusalem would come, bringing others who were sick or tormented by unclean spirits, all of whom were cured” (v. 15-16).
What God said to me: Dwayne, warning: you are tettering on the edge of sin this morning. Your mind is toying with ungodly thoughts and ideas that you had better rebuke and turn away from. I can use you just as much as I used those early Christians in this passage–but you have to be just as humble and obedient to me. Notice that those Christians were unified. That’s the first step in having powerful shadows that others look to for help. You must love each other deeply. Next, see how popular my church was to those in Jerusalem. There was an excitement and awe in the air because of my people being the salt and light they were called to be. Peter was clearly anointed by me to preach and lead those believers. The non-believers around him also sensed his anointing–although they didn’t know what it was or what to call it. They just knew that Peter was my man and I was with him. Therefore, they wanted to get near him and be in his shadow. Dwayne, I still have men and women whose shadows make an eternal impact of others. I still have sold-out followers who demand the respect and attention of their family and colleagues. Here’s the question for you today: What kind of shadow are you casting?
What I said to God: Holy Lord, thank you for meeting with me this morning. Forgive me for my inconsistency. As I sit here, snow is falling outside my window. The frigid temps outside don’t bother me though, for I am sheltered in this warm house. In the same way, I am sheltered in you. May those I meet today notice something different about me. May my shadow of influence be something others will want to be near, to impact and change their lives forever. Bottom line, may the shadow I cast represent a man of God who is anointed and empowered by you, because I follow you carefully and find shelter in you only.

Text: Acts 5:1-11
Theme: It’s not healthy to lie to God.
Key verses: “Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, he brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your teart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?…You have not lied to men but to God.’ When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died” (v. 1-5a). “About 3 hours later his wife came in…Peter asked her, ‘Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?’ ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘that is the price’” (v. 7-8). “Peter said to her, ‘How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?’…At that moment she fell down at his feet and died” (v. 10a).
What God said to me: Dwayne, it never pays to lie to me or seek to deceive me in any way. It is devastating to your life and family. I will not stand for it or allow it to go on from my children. Furthermore, you must never lie to the “man of God” that I’ve placed in your life. Your pastor and your spiritual mentors must be given the highest regard and honest accountability. I want you to notice that Ananias and Shappira weren’t struck down while they were selling the land or scheming the deception in their minds and between them in their home. My mercy held back my judgment at that point. However, when they stood and bold-faced lied to me and my apostle, then they died because of it. That shows you how serious I consider deception, apparently more than any other sin. A heart that seeks to deceive and cover up sin is an arrogant heart–And I detest the sin of pride. Will you sin? Yes. Will you scheme sinful and deceptive ideas in your head? Yes. But you dare not ignore or downright lie about them when I confront your sin. You better own up to them and confess and forsake them. Or else…
What I said to God: Holy Lord, wow, thank you for speaking so loudly to me this morning. I’ve struggled for a week with this passage, not sure what to think of it or what you wanted to say to me through it. Now I know how much I needed to hear your still, small voice speaking so loudly to my spirit. Thank you for helping to put “the fear of God” in me about lying to you and to my spiritual mentors and accountability partners. I dare not.

Text: Acts 4:32-37
Theme: God gives grace to those who give and so they can give.
Key verses: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify…and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. From time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money…and it was distributed to anyone as he had need” (v. 32-35).
What God said to me: This is the picture of peace and life among my church that I envisioned from the beginning. Dwayne, you don’t deserve anything you have. It all comes from me and still belongs to me. Those early believers understood that. They were not dictated and driven by greed or selfishness or fear. They didn’t try to hoard up a lot of money for a rainy day, while they fellow brothers remained in dire need. As people had need, the need was met–not by some government agency or by a non-believer, but through my saints. And as they blessed others, they themselves were blessed and all their needs were met. You can’t outgive me period. Now mind you, this wasn’t socialism in any form. There were still “rich” people and middle class people and even poorer people among them. But no one went hungry and no one went without what they really needed. Who are you helping today?
What I said to God: Lord, I submit to your reminder to keep my hands open and to look around for those I can share with in our Church family. I don’t have much, but what I have is more than I need to help someone else. Please grant me grace to follow through and trust you.

Text: Acts 4:23-31
Theme: God honors bold faith from his people.
Key verses: “On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this they raised their voices together in prayer to God” (v. 23-24). “‘Why do the nations rage…’ (v. 25). “‘Indeed Herod and Pilate met together…to conspire against…Jesus’” (v. 27). “‘Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness…heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders though the name of…Jesus.’ After they prayed, the place where they were metting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (v. 29-31).
What God said to me: Son, I always respond to bold confident displays of faith from my children. There is much to learn from this story. 1. Notice the believers immediately and firstly reacted by praying, when they got the grim news of threats from the religious leaders. They didn’t cower in a corner or sit around and worry and fret. They took it to me in prayer. 2. They quoted scripture. 3. They looked back and “reminded” me of how those religious leaders had treated my Son. Then they reminded themselves of how I was in control of that entire situation, having planned it in advance. 4. They prayed not for themselves first but for healing and wonders in my Son’s name. No wonder I shook the place. Can you begin to imagine how moved I was by their faith and their faithfulness? I confirmed my approval by a physical sign and the filling of my Holy Spirit. So it still is today, Dwayne. When you include all four of those essential elements in your responses to life’s situations, I will hear and answer your prayer for help. Don’t be surprised if I shake the place up a bit. But at the same time, don’t wait for me to. Just trust that I will come to your aid for my Son’s name’s sake. And believe you are filled and empowered by my Spirit to accomplish what I’ve called you to do.
What I said to God: Lord and Savior, Jesus, I praise you for still meeting with me and speaking to me through your Word. I never ceased to be amazed by your mercy and faithfulness–even when I’m not faithful to you. Forgive my lack of faith and focus this week. Please shake me up inside and out if needed to move me forward in my faith and growth. Open the doors wide that you want me to walk through–for your name’s sake alone.

Text: Acts 4:1-22
Theme: Peter & John stayed strong despite threats and opposition.
Key verses: “So they arrested Peter, John, and the man who was healed and kept them in jail overnight…Peter and John already had convinced about 5000 more people to believe their message about Jesus” (v. 3-4). “The next morning, the Jewish leaders…called a meeting in Jerusalem” (v. 5). “They made their prisoners stand in the middle of the assembly and questioned them.” Jewish leaders: ‘Who gave you the authority to create that spectacle in the temple yesterday?’ Peter (filled with the Spirit):” (v. 7) “‘There is no other name under heaven given to any human by whom we may be rescued.’ Now the leaders were surprised and confused. They looked at Peter and John and realized they were typical peasants–uneducated, utterly ordinary fellows–with extraordinary confidence…” (v. 12-13). “The leaders brought the prisoners back in and prohibited them from doing any more speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus. Peter and John listened quietly and then replied, ‘…we cannot possibly restrain ourselves from speaking about what we have seen and heard…” (v. 18-20).
What God said to me: Son, when you are filled with the Spirit you will do amazing, even astounding things in front of others for my sake. You will stand your ground and speak my words with boldness and confidence that are far beyond your own abililities and intelligence. My servants, Peter and John, experienced something in this story that few Christians ever do. They allowed me to shine through them–with no concern for the outcome to themselves. Like Paul said in Ephesians, they stood in the evil day and having done all, they continued to stand. Be bold, be confident, be clear in your communication about me to those who need to hear the truth.
What I said to God: Holy and majestic God, great Counselor and Friend, I need thee every hour. I cannot remain consistent without Your grace and power operating in my life every day. Cleanse me of hidden sin and fill me anew with your awesome Holy Spirit. I love you and adore you. I lay my life before you right now.

Text: Acts 3:17-26
Theme: Before God judges He always extends mercy.
Key verses: “Listen, friends, I know you didn’t fully realize what you were doing when you rejected and betrayed Jesus” (v. 17a). “God was at work in all this..that His Liberating King would suffer. So now you need to rethink everything and trun to God so your sins will be forgiven…” (v. 18-19). “So when God raised up His Servant, God sent Him first to you to change your path from evil ways to God’s ways” (v. 26).
What God said to me: Dwayne, you will have a difficult job trying to imagine the magnitude of this sermon and the significance it holds. Do you understand who Peter is speaking to here? He’s not only talking to Jews, but to some of the very Jews who were present and involved in my Son’s murder. Peter started with a bold and clear indictment; yet he suddenly softened his tone and called them “friends.” Friends! He was speaking on my behalf and he treated those murderers like he cared for them! How appropriate. Peter was simply mirroring my heart and desire for those who put my Son on the cross. I loved them. I wanted to forgive them and extend my undeserved mercy and grace to them. That continues to be my greatest hope and desire. I want none to perish but all to come to repentance. Show mercy first and foremost Dwayne–just as I do to you.
What I said to God: Holy Lord, you are amazing, astonishing, all-powerful God. Yet your mercy endures forever. You withhold your judgment on us to give us an opportunity to turn from our evil and toward you. Thank you for such love and grave! I am overwhelmed and thankful you love me–despite my serious shortcomings and evil tendencies.

Text: Acts 3:12-16
Theme: God sees and honors our faith and obedience.
Key verses: “Why are you so amazed, my fellow Israelites? Why are you staring at my friend and me as though we did this miracle through our own power or made this fellow walk by our own holiness? We didn’t do this–God did!” (v. 12-13) “…you killed Him–the very Author of life! But God raised Jesus from the dead, whom my friend John and I have seen with our own eyes. So that’s how this miracle happened: we have faith in the name of Jesus, and He is the power that made this man strong–this man who is know to all of you. It is faith in Jesus that has given this man his complete health here today…” (v. 15-16).
What God said to me: Dwayne, I know you are cumbered about with much serving and that you are anxious about some upcoming plans. I know you are wondering about finances and whether the books you’re working so hard on will really make a wide-spread impact. The point is, I know all about all of this. I have not left you to fend for yourself. I have not taught you to swim to let you drown. I have not brought you this far to let you down. Be very careful to not act and react out of fear, but rather from faith. Peter understood the awesome power and necessity of faith. It was his faith that healed that crippled man. It was my power working through his faith to heal and bring glory to my Son. Peter acted in faith, and look what happened! I honored his faith. He could have said to that crippled man (in front of everyone watching), “Rise up and walk” and then nothing happen. But I saw his faith and healed that man to whom he spoke. Dwayne, you are on the verge of miracles. But you must do what is customarily good and you must have faith and act in obedience at every opportunity. Then when the miracle has occured, you must give honor and glory to me.
What I said to God: Lord, once again, you’ve blown me away by your Word and your peace. Forgive me for doubting you. I love you so much, and I am so thankful I have you to walk this journey with me. Thank you for my wife who supports me and encourages me with her faith. You deserve all glory! I will not fear, but simply trust and obey today.

Text: Acts 3:1-11
Theme: When good habits and strong faith are present, miracles follow.
Key verses: “One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, a customary time for daily prayer, Peter and John walked to the temple. Some people were carrying in a man who had been paralyzed since birth. Every day they brought him to a place…so he could beg or money from people entering to worship. He saw Peter and John coming and asked them for a contribution” (v. 1-3). Then Peter took the man’s right hand and lifted him to his feet. Instantly the man’s fee and ankles grew strong” (v. 7). “Everyone was absolutely amazed at this wonderful miracle…” (v. 11).
What God said to me: Dwayne, what you are doing right now, meeting with me, journaling our time together and the prayers you are constantly lifting to me–I notice each and every time and every act of faithfulness. Peter and John were going to pray at 3:00 as was their custom. I like customs and traditions that keep my people praying and seeking my face. What if they had not observed that custom? What would have been the chances then that they would have encountered the crippled man? I honor habits that honor me. Did Peter and John have any idea they would see such a miracle that day? Could that have been any part of their motivation for going to pray in the temple? Not at all. They were doing the ordinary, but I was up to the extraordinary all along. That crippled man had a habit and custom of coming to beg. The people who brought him everyday had a good habit of helping. Peter and John had a better habit of praying. But I orchestrated the intersecting of these habits and performed a miracle in my time in my supernatural and wonderfully surprising way. But it all flowed from normal everyday habits.
What I said to God: Father, I needed to be reminded of the huge importance of daily habits–especially of seeking your face and of reading your Word. I am discouraged. You know that. I could really use a miracle. But my job is to daily seek you and lift my petitions to you. My responsibility is to stay faithful in the simple sometimes mundane habits of life–habits which honor you. Then I know that your miracles will follow, maybe not so much for me, but for those I come across. Perhaps in the end that’s really the kind of miracles I need anyway–those which flow through me to others, rather than only to me.

Text: Acts 2:42-47
Theme: When my Holy Spirit is welcome and present, my people experience the best life has to offer.
Key verses: “The community continually committed themselves to learning what the apostles taught them, gathering for fellowship, breaking bread, and praying. Everyone felt a sense of awe because the apostles were doing many signs and wonders among them. There was an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed; they shared all their material possessions in trust” (v. 42-44). “They were unified as they worshiped at the temple day after day…The new disciples praised God, and they enjoyed the goodwill of all the people of the city. Day after day the Lord added to their numbers…” (v. 46-47).
What God said to me: Dwayne, so glad you could join me this morning on your back porch. Fall is a wonderful time of the year, and I love it when you soak up the environment I’ve provided for you to enjoy. Speaking of enjoyment, try to wrap your mind and emotions around the joy and peace and euphoria that those saints of mine experienced during those early days. My Holy Spirit had just come on them and among them. Thousands of people had just been saved. You know how exciting it is to be around just one or two new converts. So imagine how it must have been to be there with 3000+! Note a few things they experienced: 1. A sense of awe. Any great move of mine must begin with awe and wonder from the believers. There’s no room for pride and glory-seeking. I’m the only one worthy to be awed, and I will do miraculous things when my people get out of the way and let me work. 2. A sense of intense fellowship. They will know you are Christians by your love. And when my Spirit moves freely among you you will love each other and genuinely enjoy each other’s company–not for selfess reasons and inappropriate motives, but rather because you are one in me. 3. A sense of worship. When my people are awed and unified, they will supernaturally, deliberately, and unashamedly praise and adore me. 4. A sense of peace among the community. Even those outside the church will see the love of my saints and appreciate the benefits to the community at large. There will be “good will” toward my people (at least for the most part). 5. A sense of excitement and expectation. Any time I’m adding people to the local church through salvation, there will be much reason to rejoice! Believers will hardly be able to wait to come together to hear the reports of what I’ve done and the people who’ve been saved. Does all this sound too good to be true? Think this might never happen again, like it did in Acts 2? Welcome my Spirit among you; pray and faithfully wait on me to move. Then watch and see…
What I said to God: Wow, thank you, Lord, for a powerful and insightful study today. Forgive me when I get caught up in my everyday things-to-do list and forget the simple joy of praying and waiting on you to show up and show off. Thank you for this perfect weather you’ve provided. And thank you more for your Word which so encourages and guides me.