After God’s Heart

After God’s heart. Does that describe you?

The Apostle Paul quotes God – “I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.”

And Paul also sought to know and understand the heart of God – how God thinks…how God acts…how God wants His ways known.

Let this be the central focus of your life. May your interests and ambitions have one central desire – to know the heart of God.

But how do you get to know His heart? By carefully studying God’s Word.

For example. The purity of God’s heart is revealed in the ways He judged His people when they were involved in idolatry and promiscuity.

God’s Word shows His heart. Seek to know it…and emulate it.

Faith and Fear

Faith and fear. They often seek to occupy the same space.

The church gathered to pray. But when God answered…they were astonished.

Why? Because of the mixture of faith and fear.

The early church was under persecution. Peter was imprisoned…so the church prayed. But when Peter was miraculously delivered…the church was astonished.

Why? Because their hearts were filled with faith – yet they were afraid. In fact…Rhoda failed to unlock the door and let Peter join them.

This is often true for us. The church prays…but the faith of the believers is marked with fear.

Is this where you are? You are doing your best to believe…but fear has put a grip on your heart?

Today…push back fear – in the name of Jesus. And let faith rule your heart.

Faith is greater than fear.

Stealing God’s Glory

Stealing God’s glory. That is both arrogant and impossible.

King Herod gave a public address. It was so impressive that the people said – “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.”

But since the king “…did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down…”

God’s glory is not divisible – to be divided and shared.

But why? Why does God refuse to share His glory with man? Because left unchecked man’s pride will destroy him.

History is filled with examples. Kings and potentates have allowed their pride to destroy them.

Today…determine to never touch God’s glory. Yes…He longs to use you greatly. But never take the credit. Always direct any praise back to God.

He alone is worthy.

A Memorial to God

A memorial to God. That’s what your good works can be.

Cornelius was a Roman centurion who loved God and gave to the poor.

An angel appeared to him saying – “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.”

Then came the instruction that he should send for Peter. It is as if Cornelius’ good works had gotten God’s attention.

Here is proof that God is watching…and that your good works and devotion matter to Him. When you are faithful in little things…He rewards you with greater things.

It’s not only that you lay up treasures in heaven when you do good works…but they matter in this life as well.

So…what are you doing that is a memorial unto God?

God or Man

God or man. Whom will you choose to obey?

The apostles faced great opposition. The religious leaders threatened them if they did not cease to preach Christ.

Their response – “We must obey God rather than man.”

As society becomes increasingly more resistant to the gospel…you may face the same choice. Will you obey God or man?

The pressure to conform is growing in intensity — the demands of the culture ever more blatant. Disregard for life…gender confusion…same-sex marriage…relativism…godlessness – they demand both acceptance and even promotion.

More and more you will feel like an outsider…if you give voice to Biblical truth and its values.

As the pressures increase…so must your resolve intensify. At every turn…declare yourself. Choose God before man.

Be faithful – heaven awaits you.

Silence Can Mean Acquiescence

Silence can mean acquiescence. If you say nothing…others might well assume that you are supportive.

When Stephen was being stoned…the false witnesses laid their garments at the feet of Saul. Luke the historian records – “…Saul was there, giving approval in his death.”

Saul’s silence was interpreted as approval.

If you find yourself in a setting where the decision under consideration is wrong…and you remain silent — your silence may be interpreted by others as approval.

Yes…it’s hard to stand alone in opposition. But…so is the realization that your silence may well be interpreted as approval.

Did Saul have an opportunity to spare the life of Stephen? Perhaps.

Instead…his silence was taken as approval.

Leadership in the Church

Leadership in the church. And that includes both pastors and laity.

Here are the qualifications for lay leaders – “…to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.”

Here is the assignment for pastors – to “…give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

The church is weakened when lay leaders are not full of the Spirit and wisdom…and when pastors do not give attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Take a close look. Does it not seem apparent that these requirements for church leadership are sometimes ignored?

There are lay leaders who do not demonstrate Spirit fulness and wisdom – they govern by their own ideas and interests.

Then pastors – some fail to make prayer and preaching the number-one priority.

Be a voice for renewal and revival.

What’s in Your Shadow?

What’s in your shadow? Is it something others seek?

“…people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.”

Peter’s shadow represented the presence of Jesus…and it was that presence that people craved.

What’s in your shadow? Do people seek you out because they know that you represent that presence?

There is a magnetism that goes with a life that is filled with the presence and power of Jesus.

People know that it is Jesus that can makes their lives whole.

Do you represent the presence of Jesus? It calls for purity…strong devotion…and a heart after God. Only then can the presence of Jesus be seen in you.

What’s in your shadow?

The Narrow Way

The narrow way. There is no flexibility when it comes to salvation.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

To the ungodly…such a narrow way is unacceptable. It is considered judgmental…prejudicial…and arrogant. Indiscriminate inclusiveness is for them the rule they obey.

Many believe that all roads lead to heaven. Religion is a personal choice. No one way is to be preferred.

But the gospel is exclusive and limited. There is salvation in Jesus Christ…and only Him. It is His name…and His alone…that opens the door to eternal life. One way – and only one.

Embrace this one way. Do so with love and grace…but stay with truth.

Living an Empowered Life

Living an empowered life. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit in your life.

“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”

And the promise? To equip you to be an effective witness. And what does that mean? That you can live an empowered life of service.

With that power — you will then know Jesus more intimately…and reflect His likeness more fully.

Are you living this empowered life? Are you desirous of seeing a greater flow of His power through your life?

Jesus speaks of being “…baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Let Jesus immerse you in His Holy Spirit.

An empowered life.