Pat's View: Inspirational stories

Have you ever noticed that some people seem impossible to stop? No matter what comes against them, they keep moving forward. That is Paul in Acts 28. The storm of Acts 27 is over. The ship has been destroyed. The passengers have barely escaped with their lives. Most of us would be ready for a long nap and a quiet season. Not Paul. The moment he reaches shore, he begins serving. When others would have focused on their hardships, Paul focused on his mission. Acts 28 reminds us that God's purpose is greater than our obstacles. Storms may delay us, shipwrecks may detour us, and hardships may challenge us, but none of them can stop what God has determined to accomplish through a surrendered life. As we come to the final chapter of Acts, we discover a powerful truth: when you belong to God and walk in His purpose, no storm, no snake, and no chain can stop His plan. Let look at this chapter beginning with verse 1 Once we were safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand. While, I don't like snakes, this is one that we have to check out. This one is not your garden, harmless variety, it is a viper, that means poisonous, and the snake bites Paul and then and remains attached by its fangs! That is a scary scene! SCARY SCENE!!! And the next verse please… 4 When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." 5 But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. What? 6 The islanders were expecting him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. What? Did you hear that. The Bible says: A viper came out of the fire. It fastened itself to Paul's hand. The islanders expected him to die. He suffered no ill effects. Think about it: Survived a hurricane. Survived a shipwreck. Swam ashore. Gathering firewood to help others. Gets attacked by a viper. And his response? He shook it off into the fire and kept serving. That's a picture of Spirit-filled resilience. The enemy attacks. The storm swirls around us. Discouragement tries to stop us. Paul's response: Shake it off and keep serving. 7 Nearby stood an estate belonging to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. 8 The father of Publius was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, and after praying and placing his hands on him, he healed the man. Un huh! You heard that right! That's what the Bible says!! God's healing power flowed through Paul and the man was healed. 9 After this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured as well. 10 The islanders honored us in many ways and supplied our needs when we were ready to sail. Acts 28:16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him. 17 After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. He explained why he was there and the chargers against him. 21 The leaders replied, "We have not received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the brothers from there reported or even mentioned anything bad about you. 22 But we consider your views worth hearing, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect." 23 So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 24 Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26 'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." 27 For this people's heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.' In Acts 27:24 Paul receives God's promise: "Fear not, Paul; you must stand before Caesar." God fulfilled that promise. The storm did not stop God's plan. The shipwreck did not stop God's plan. The imprisonment did not stop God's plan. Paul reached Rome. He preached Christ there. And eventually, after years of faithful service, he gave his life for His beloved Savior and Lord. That makes Paul's declaration during the storm even more powerful: "I believe God." (Acts 27:25) He believed God in the storm, and he continued believing God all the way to the executioner's sword and onto the streets of gold where he has seen Jesus. Because this book is about the Acts of the Holy Spirit, then we must realize Holy Spirit is still God's active agent in the Earth today. He is still partnering with BELIEVERS that dare TO BELIEVE GOD for signs, wonders and miracles in our life time…for our generation! Are you one of those believers! Want To Be Stronger? Join me every Saturday for faith-filled encouragement, inspiring articles, and helpful resources delivered right to your inbox. I'd love to connect with you! Or subscribe to this podcast on your favorite Podcast Provider.

Acts 26: The Testimony That Almost Persuaded a King Have you ever wished you could sit in the room and listen as Paul shared his testimony? Acts 26 gives us that opportunity. After years of false accusations, imprisonment, and delays, Paul finally stands before King Agrippa just like God told him! He is a prisoner in chains, yet he is not defeated. Instead of focusing on his hardships, Paul seizes the opportunity to tell the story of what Jesus has done in his life. This chapter is much more than a courtroom defense. It is a powerful testimony of God's grace, redemption, and calling. Paul recounts his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and explains the mission that has guided every step of his life since. As I read Paul's open, heartfelt story, my heart is stirred. Paul speaks with confidence and boldness, revealing far more than facts and details to King Agrippa. He opens the deepest places of his heart. He shares his past, his failures, his encounter with Jesus, and the mission that changed his life forever. As we walk through Acts 26 together, I hope you'll notice something important: Paul never lost sight of his purpose. His circumstances changed. His audience changed. His freedom was taken away. But his calling remained the same. Let's listen carefully. Paul's testimony still has the power to challenge, encourage, and inspire us today. Look with me. Acts 25:13 After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. Since they were going to be there for several days, Festus told King Agrippa about Paul's case and asked for his opinion. King Agrippa was intrigued and wanted to hear what Paul had to say. Festus told him that he would arrange that for the next day. King Agrippa and his sister Bernice entered the auditorium with a stately grandeur that gave the room a sense of heightened importance. Acts 26:1 Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense: 2 "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially since you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently. 4 Surely all the Jews know how I have lived from my earliest childhood among my own people, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion. 6 And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers, 7 the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews. Look at Paul's powerful, soul-searching question: 8 Why would any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead? Paul does more than tell us what he did. He unfolds the recesses of his soul as he describes the depth of his rage and anger against Jesus. 9 So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. 12 In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 'Who are You, Lord?' I asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 16 'But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.' 19 So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Wow! Can you say that? Just as Saul saw the great light, when you were saved you responded to the light of the revelation of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Have you been obedient to that heavenly vision? 20 First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance. Repentance is turning to God and away from sin. But Paul didn't stop with heartfelt repentance. He continues by saying your actions, behaviors, and the way you live need to be different. The word worthy here is related to a scale—the old-fashioned metal T-bar balance scale with cups hanging from each end of the crossbar. Paul is saying you need to weigh your actions. Does this action balance with what God has done in your heart? Does this action fall short of the way God wants you to live according to Scripture? Is this action congruent with God's plan for your life as revealed in His Word? Your actions matter. Guard your thoughts and your heart because they affect your actions. Your actions affect your testimony. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But I have had God's help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen: 23 that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles." Festus accused Paul of being insane. 25 But Paul answered, "I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety. 26 For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak freely to him. I am confident that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?" 29 "Short time or long," Paul replied, "I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains." 30 Then the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them. 31 On their way out, they said to one another, "This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment." Want To Be Stronger? Join me every Saturday for faith-filled encouragement, inspiring articles, and helpful resources delivered right to your inbox. I'd love to connect with you! Or subscribe to this podcast on your favorite Podcast Provider.

If you've ever waited impatiently at the microwave or wished it would hurry up, then Acts 24 is for you. (And by the way, if you do that, you and I are on the same "wavelength". Snicker. Snicker.") Five days later Ananias the high priest, the elders and Tertullus a lawyer and skilled orator arrived in Caesarea. First, he flatters Felix, then makes 3 charges against Paul. 5 We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, 6and he even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. 10When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, he began his response: "Knowing that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense. Paul was concise and confident. I arrived in Jerusalem to worship in the temple no more than 12 days ago. They never saw me arguing in the temple or stirring up trouble on the streets. They cannot prove I committed any of these accusations. 18 At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia 19 who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. 22 Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, "When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide your case." 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard, but to allow him some freedom and permit his friends to minister to his needs. Felix continued to call for Paul to speak with him, hoping for a bribe (Acts 24:26). Felix was deeply affected but never publicly acted on the gospel that Paul shared. His political delay stretched Paul's detention to two full years. So, day after day Paul WAITED. WAIT is a hard four-lettered word. It can fill days with… · Uncertainty · Impatience · Fear · Doubt · Pressure · Restlessness · Lack of Control · Silence · Delay But Paul had experienced hard things before, so I believe Paul learned to roll that HARD WORD "wait" over on Jesus. I believe that because, at his very core, Paul trusted God. His… · timing. · ability. · love. He believed God could use delays for His purposes (Romans 8:28) Paul never gives the churches a detailed emotional diary of his two‑year confinement under Felix, but he does write about his feelings, pressures, fears, and inner battles during a season of suffering. 2 Corinthians 1: 8 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers. When I tell you Paul's ministry was "hard", it was way beyond spilling your coffee on yourself as you're coming out of the drive thru! Look at his list of hardships. Paul lists his hardships in 2 Corinthians 11 23 …in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. 26 In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers, 27 in labor and toil and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst and often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief? Paul had plenty of opportunities to quit! But he didn't! How did he do it? Really, how did he do it? Were there some practices or beliefs that kept him going? I know the overarching truth is Paul simply walked with God--day by day, minute by minute and when he did, God did. Almighty God walked with Paul. He met Paul right where he was--day by day, minute by minute! In his letters I see some practical advice that I believe helped Paul to stand firm when life got incredibly hard. He saw hardship as a process that God uses to shape you, not an enemy to avoid. Romans 5:2–5 BSB …And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. He learned to receive God's Comfort 2 Cor 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. Don't worry Philippians 4:6–7 NIV Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Lean Into the Strength of Christ Philippians 4:12 I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation— to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength These truths were not abstract — they were lived. Father, help us to be strong believers that dare to believe you when troubles and trials come. Remind us that you have given us weapons that work, that you have already defeated satan and that we are overcomers through the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen. Want To Be Stronger? Join me every Saturday for faith-filled encouragement, inspiring articles, and helpful resources delivered right to your inbox. I'd love to connect with you! Or subscribe to this podcast on your favorite Podcast Provider.

We are beginning with Acts 21 and continuing the story into Acts 22. I love Scripture, but so often I wonder how the person in the story felt when they walked through the events that Scripture unfolds. In this story, I wonder… Did Paul tremble when he arrived in Jerusalem? Jerusalem! Oh Jerusalem! Such a SPECIAL place! The temple was here. Jesus walked here. He had precious relationships here. Paul had so much to tell them. He was excited to share that thousands of people had been saved. He told them about the miracles, the healings and the spiritual growth that had taken place. Paul's friends were thrilled to hear how quickly the gospel was spreading throughout the world. Their excitement was not shared by everyone. Paul wasn't in Jerusalem very long before he was recognized in the temple by people that believed he was teaching against Moses and the law. Some yelled, "This is the man that is teaching people everywhere beliefs that are against our law. He has brought Greeks into our holy temple. They have polluted our holy place of worship." Their fury ignited a mob that drug Paul out of the temple into the streets. They had only one intention, getting rid of this trouble maker once and for all. They were going to kill Paul. The whole city was stirred up. When the chief captain received the report of the turmoil, he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the Jewish people saw the chief captain and the soldiers coming, they stopped beating Paul. The chief captain arrested Paul. Paul was chained between two soldiers. "Tell me, The chief captain yelled, "Who are you? What have you done?" The crowd answered for Paul. Some yelled one thing. Others yelled something else. When the captain couldn't understand anyone, he ordered the soldiers to bring Paul to the barracks. Acts 21:35 When Paul reached the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob. 36 For the crowd that followed him kept shouting, "Away with him!" 37 As they were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, "May I say something to you?" "Do you speak Greek?" he replied. 39 But Paul answered, "I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people." 40 Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps Here I go interrupting another verse! Put yourself into the scene. Now look at Paul and all that has just happened to him. Describe Paul for me. What do you see? I see… A man aching with pain! Bloody. Dirty. Clothes torn. More important, does Paul really believe he can defuse this crowd with his words? But why would he even try? He is literally steps away from quiet and safety…why bother with the mob that is trying to kill him? Why? There could be dozens of reasons, but I believe his choices were fueled by Holy Spirit inspired purpose and not comfort. (Acts 20:24) God had warned him that he would experience trouble in Jerusalem. His inner prompting of the Holy Spirit was confirmed by numerous prophecies. But Paul didn't run from the trouble. I am convinced that the same Holy Spirit that warned him, strengthen him, empowered him to face it with wisdom and courage. Isn't that what Jesus was saying in Mark Mark 13:11 But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Acts 21:40 Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. A great hush came over the crowd, and he addressed them in Hebrew: Wow! I see Paul's wisdom and God's goodness here. God saw beyond the angry mob to see each person standing as an individual with a name, with their own story. Individuals that needed to experience the saving grace of Jesus. I am inclined to look for God in every story, so I believe the great hush was a holy hush, God was with Paul. God didn't just warn Paul, He was with Paul to help him, regardless of why they grew so quiet. Acts 22:1 BSB the story continues..."Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you." 2 When they heard him speak to them in Hebrew, they became even more quiet. Then Paul declared, 3 "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. (He is establishing himself as one of them.) 4 I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 8 'Who are You, Lord?' I asked. 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' He replied. Wait a minute!! Do you hear what Paul is doing? He is preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to these people. He is sharing his testimony of the transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ. He understood the power of sharing what God had done for him. Let me ask you, do you realize the intrinsic power of God's Word when it is shared with wisdom and love? Why did God inspire Luke to share this story with all the painful details- the beating-the pulling-chains? Do you think maybe God is allowing us a glimpse into Paul's story so we can see Spirit filled living modeled for us? Do you come to Scripture with that kind of bold faith? Listening, looking and searching to hear God's voice speaking to you in a personal way so that it shapes your beliefs, but also shapes the way you think and live. What does Spirit filled living look like? Are you reading your Bible with Precious Holy Spirit? Ask Him to speak to you. For Paul it meant preaching the gospel to an angry mob when he was steps away from safety…what does it look like in your life. What is God saying to you? Get quiet and listen. Want To Be Stronger? Join me every Saturday for faith-filled encouragement, inspiring articles, and helpful resources delivered right to your inbox. I'd love to connect with you! Or subscribe to this podcast on your favorite Podcast Provider.

Welcome! I'm so glad you are going me on this journey to pray through Acts. In Acts 10 we see 2 devout God-fearing men. Both were men of prayer. Each of the two men experienced a powerful vision which included clear instructions. Their obedience would take each of them out of their comfort zone. They were about to learn something on a personal level that they needed desperately. God was preparing both men for what He was about to do. The first man is Cornelius, a centurion in the Italian Regiment. In his vision he was told Acts 10:5 Now send men to Joppa to call for a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea." Cornelius obeyed quickly by sending 2 servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants. Did he feel a soldier was necessary for his servant's protection??? The next day as Cornelius servants were entering Joppa, Peter the second man in this story, you already know as one of the disciples of Jesus. He is on the roof praying. He's hungry and it seems that God is using his hunger to teach him a truth that would change his ministry. Scripture tells us "he fell into a trance". I don't understand the ins and outs of how this is different than a vision, but I can tell you it was a powerful God encounter. He saw heaven open and something like a sheet filled with all kind of animals, reptiles and birds. Some that could be eaten and some that were forbidden by the law. Acts 10:13 Then a voice said to him: "Get up, Peter, kill and eat!" 14 "No, Lord!" Peter answered. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." 15 The voice spoke to him a second time: "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." 16 This happened three times, and all at once the sheet was taken back up into heaven. 17 While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon's house and approached the gate. Notice Peter's response to his vision. He doesn't understand what God is saying to him, so he tries to process what he saw. This is an important step that we need to take when God speaks to us in other ways as well. Acts 10:18 They called out to ask if Simon called Peter was staying there. 19 As Peter continued to reflect on the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up! Go downstairs and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them." 21 So Peter went down to the men and said, "Here am I, the one you are looking for. Why have you come?" 22 "Cornelius the centurion has sent us," they said. "He is a righteous and God-fearing man with a good reputation among the whole Jewish nation. A holy angel instructed him to request your presence in his home so he could hear a message from you." God was opening Peter's eyes. Moses had given the law that the Jews should not marry a Gentile, but the traditions of man broaden the influence of that law to limit contact with Gentiles to business transactions only. Their traditions and beliefs prevented them from eating with or holding a friendly conversation with a Gentile. The apostles confined their ministry to the Jews and people that had become circumcised proselytes. This was a dangerous mindset for the church with a global mandate. Three times God repeated the vision Peter saw. Three times he heard the voice say, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." God was telling him that the prejudice, the barriers between the races had to come down. The old traditions of man had to go. Acts 10 23 So Peter invited them in as his guests. And the next day he got ready and went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa. Peter was listening. Peter went to Cornelius house, disregarding the religious traditions that he had kept since childhood. He didn't go alone; he took witnesses with him. Acts 10:27 As Peter talked with him, he went inside and found many people gathered together. 28 He said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. The Gospel was not for the Jew only, but for the whole world. (Romans 3:29) What a powerful revelation! Does that hit you like it does me? Do not call any man impure or unclean. Oh Father, help us to walk this truth out in a practical way. Help us to see everyone through the lens of your love. Not compromise, but who they can become through faith in Jesus. Help us to overflow with Your love. You said in Romans 5:5 BSB "…God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Help us to love each other the way you love us. (John 13:34) 29 So when I was invited, I came without objection. I ask, then, why have you sent for me?" Cornelius needed Jesus. He and all his family and friends needed to hear the message Peter carried. They needed to hear the salvation message of the saving grace and power of Jesus Christ! Jesus is the only way to be saved. There are people that need to hear the message you carry too! Your testimony of the faithfulness of God needs to be heard. Are there barriers that hinder that message? Cornelius told Peter what had happened to him and why he had sent for Peter to come. 33 So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has instructed you to tell us." 34 Then Peter began to speak: "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, 35 but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. 36 He has sent this message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Then Peter unfolded the message of Jesus, the anointed one, the healer, deliverer and forgiver of sins with the group that was gathered. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. 45 All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Thank you, Father, for giving this group of Gentile believers, the Gift of the Holy Spirit. They spoke with tongues. Lord, the Jewish believers were shocked. But help us not to be shocked or surprised when you give believers the Gift of the Holy Spirit today. Cause us to be hungry for more of you to like Cornelius wanted more. Stir our hearts because when we seek You we will be filled. Thank you, Father. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen. Want To Be Stronger? Join me every Saturday for faith-filled encouragement, inspiring articles, and helpful resources delivered right to your inbox. I'd love to connect with you! Or subscribe to this podcast on your favorite Podcast Provider.

Acts 8:1 And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen's death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. And those that were scattered preached the Word ever where they went. Phillip went to a city in Samaria and began to preach Jesus to the people. Most commentaries believe that this was not the apostle, but one of the 7 elders listed in Acts 6:5. That might be true because Acts 8:1 says "all except the apostle were scattered" which leaves me to believe that the apostles remained in Jerusalem. Peter calls Phillip an evangelist. Acts 21:8 6The crowds all paid close attention to Philip's message and to the signs they saw him perform. 7With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many of the paralyzed and lame were healed. 8So there was great joy in that city. This makes me so happy to see that the Holy Spirit is using an ordinary man to deliver the captive, heal the sick and perform mighty signs. 12But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed. Luke gives us some important details about Simon. He practiced sorcery. He did some things that completely astounded the people. He claimed to be someone great and the people from the least to the greatest heeded his words and called him the Great Power. This was before he knew Christ. After he believed and was baptized, he followed Phillip closely. It was Simon's turn to be amazed! Simon saw Precious Holy Spirit at work through a man that loved Jesus…great signs and miracles. 14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. (The Word has to be received and mixed with faith to transform us.) 15 On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. 16For the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. This is one of 5 initial outpourings of the Holy Spirit. By that I mean the first time they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. They were already believers, they were born of the Spirit, but they had not received the Gift of the Holy Spirit. 17Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. The Gift of the Holy Spirit must be received and these people received. Did they speak in tongues? The Bible does NOT say they spoke in tongues, but I believe they did. Let me tell you why? Scripture shows us 5 times where people are filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2; Acts 8; Acts 9; Acts 10 and Acts 19. Scripture plainly tells us in 3 of the 5 times that we see the initial infillings that they spoke with tongues. One of the 5 times is when Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit. While it does not mention that he spoke in tongues in the verses there, he tells us later that he speaks in tongues more than you all. Back to Simon. Something extraordinary happened because Simon saw that the Spirit was given. 18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money. His desire was wrong! Very wrong. It pointed to a deeper issue in his heart. Peter called him out and warned him strongly! I'm going to stop here, because I want to point out something that I think is often missed. What happened when the believers received the Holy Spirit that was so extraordinary that Simon would actually pay money to have the ability to lay hands on them so that they would receive the Holy Spirit??? What did he see? What did he hear? What did he experience that made him want that power? I believe he saw something that would resemble the Day of Pentecost. And one of the things that was happened and has continued from the day of Pentecost was speaking in tongues. You can go to Acts 8:20 and beyond to read the rest of the story. Father, thank you for the example that Phillip set for today's believers. I pray that Precious Holy Spirit would fill us to overflowing so that we can be a bold witness, see people born again, captives set free and the sick healed. Help us not to miss your best. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.

I hope you are doing well. I'm always so thankful to have this time with you. Have the last few weeks (months) been hard? Problems? Dizzying situations that make your mind swirl? Frustrating people? Heartbreaking circumstances. All around you? Every whicha way you look? World Problems. Political Problems. Church Problems. Family Problems. Sickness. Loss. Anger. Sin. Just plain ole debauchery in the news, cities, played out in movies, television shows and conversations! Fear. Worry. Get on Facebook…you see it. You hear it in the grocery store... high prices, poor quality, What should we eat? What's a person supposed to do? I'm so glad you asked. I can answer quickly because I'm feeling the heaviness too! Everyone tells us it is just the last days, there's nothing we can do. But there's one thing that isn't being mentioned very often, but before I tell you what that one thing is… Can I please explain what I mean with a story? Years ago, we were in the Grand Canyon. I am one of those people that wants to read every sign and see everything there is to see. One sign showed a specific mountain peak that could be seen from that spot. It gave some brief details about the peak. I looked, but I couldn't see it. Everything looked all alike to me. A viewing scope! Then I noticed what l thought was a viewing scope or monocular of some type pointed across the canyon on a nearby platform. But when I got there it was only a piece of pipe fixed in the exact direction of the peak. I looked through the pipe and saw the peak perfectly! I didn't need a special lens. I just needed a refocus in the right direction. It's easy to focus on what is wrong with the world! It's Loud. Pushy! Chaotic! But it's life changing when we focus in the right direction! Lift your eyes! Focus on the answer, Yes, it's end times. I believe that. Do you? Scripture tells us there will be some terrible things that would happen. That's true and we are seeing some heart breaking stuff. But… Can we refocus here for just a minute… cause if we don't, we are going to miss a wonderful opportunity. We can't afford to get discouraged and fail to accomplish what God has for us to do. Here's something to focus on, and here's what not enough folks are talking about Joel was given a prophecy that Peter declared in his sermon on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:17 In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Refocus on this truth! "I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT" There isn't a single problem that doesn't have to bow to the Name of Jesus! Philippians 2: 9 BSB Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father Jesus is still the answer. God hasn't fallen off the throne. Almighty God is still all powerful. He still answers prayer. Nothing! Nothing is too hard for Him! He is Jehovah Jireh!!! Amos 4:13 For behold, He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind and reveals His thoughts to man, who turns the dawn to darkness and strides on the heights of the earth— the LORD, the God of Hosts, is His name." When I look for problems I find them, The other side of that is also true! When I look for answers, I find them. And when I know the answer to the problem, I get excited. I was one of those kids that waved like crazy when I knew the answer! My dear friend, you know the answer, so shake off the heaviness, Pray. Release your faith and Give God praise! Don't wait to 'FEEL' excited! Praise Him until His victory "fills" the situation. Praise Him for the victory, because He has already won!!! Nehemiah 1:5 Then I said: "O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments, Do you realize… The doctor doesn't have the final word. Your bank account doesn't have the final word… Your enemy doesn't have the final word… unless you lay down and quit. Believe God. Pray the Word of the situations you are facing or those God puts on your heart!!! Pray and praise. There is power in prayer. There is power in the Word of God! We need His Holy Anointing on us and flow through us to bring light to a dark, dark world. Matthew 5:14, 15 14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house

Acts 5 gives us a vivid close up of three very different groups of people. There is lots we could say about the deceptiveness of Ananias and Sapphira. Or the blindness and jealousy of the religious leaders. Their stories are important because they warn us to make different choices. But I want to take you to a wonderful miracle in this chapter. It is one of those events that when I get to Heaven, I want to hear every little detail. Do you have some people you are anxious to listen to when you get there? Acts 5:12The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon's Colonnade. 16Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed. Fueled by jealousy the Sadducees arrested the apostles. Not just one, but all of them. Are you ready for this? 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, 20"Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life." 21At daybreak the apostles entered the temple courts as they had been told and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. When they got to the prison, the guards were still standing their post. The doors were still locked. But the apostles were gone. I can only imagine how shocked they were! It was unexplainable. How does something like this happen? They must have felt confused and frustrated. I wonder if the room was filled with both angry comments and fearful, whispered discussions. In the middle of the confusion, someone burst in the door announcing, "They're at the temple courts. The men you put in jail! They're teaching the people! 26At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them. 27They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. 28"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man's blood." Can you hear the hatred for the Gospel in their warning? Or their fear in accusation "are determined to make us responsible for this man's blood." How could these leaders be so blinded to Jesus? It's tragic. They knew the Scripture so well, but missed Jesus. But I have some great news. Acts 6: 7 "So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith." (That's just one example of why we can't quit.) 29But Peter and the other apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than men." That truth has not changed, "We must obey God rather than men." Father, help us not to be hearers only, but to be doers of your Word. Help us to live daily, choice by choice, with the desire and priority, "We must obey God rather than men." In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.