He Give Quietness (Job 34:29)
Job had days when earth and hell seemed set against him. Many of us have felt overwhelmed and near drowning with each wave after another of conflict, sickness, or financial challenges. How we long to hear Christ’s voice above the screams of the wind whipping through the cords holding the sails of our little boat. “Peace, be still!” He draws near and whispers the assurance of His presence. When He does, an infinite calm keeps our hearts and minds in peace.
Prayer by Righteous People Gets Things Done
Herod Agrippa I, king over Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and territories east of the Jordan River, beheaded the apostle James and arrested Peter. He plans on executing Peter, as well, to reinforce the support of the Sanhedrin for his rule. But it is the weeklong Feast of Unleavened Bread, the time when the Jews celebrate their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. For whatever reason, Agrippa will wait until the holidays are over.
Although Peter has been arrested by the Sanhedrin twice, this is his first recorded altercation with the Romans. In fact, until this point, the Romans seemed to have ignored the church, thinking it was just another Jewish sect and posed no political threat to order. Between eight and fourteen years prior, the Roman governor Pilate crucified their leader, Jesus—not because He threatened any disruption to Rome’s rule, but because the Sanhedrin threatened unrest if Pilate let Jesus live.
Pilate was indifferent to the wishes of the Jews so long as they didn’t interfere with the performance of his job. Agrippa, however, is more invested in the people he rules and their religion. He kept Caligula from installing a statue of himself in the temple and read to the people from the Mosaic law. He plans on killing Peter not to ensure rest but to build goodwill.
But the church is praying. God promises to hear, with a mind, to act on the prayers of righteous people. Around this time, James, Jesus’ half-brother, wrote, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Peter will later affirm the sentiment. Peter will be rescued unscathed. That doesn’t mean God grants all the requests of His followers, and crucifixion is still in Peter’s future. But, like the night of the storm, Jesus still has plans for Peter on earth.
This is a story about the power of earnest and fervent prayer by righteous everyday people. Bibleref.com
Agents of Blessing – Proverbs 11:10-11
“Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted.”
~~~ Proverbs 11:11, NIV
YOU ARE STRATEGICALLY PLACED in this world to make a difference. You probably know this by now, even if, at times, you struggle to see how. Perhaps you spend much of your mental energy focusing on the problems you face or on the people who created those problems and the ways you wish you could fix them. Or maybe you’ve had seasons of seeing your life as your own, wondering how to find fulfillment or manage the tasks at hand. Perhaps there are times when you exist—moment by moment, day by day. Even so, you’re aware of bigger things. You recognize a calling from the Spirit within you. You want to live with a sense of destiny.
On the one hand, we can sometimes be so focused on the big picture that we miss the opportunities in front of us. On the other, we can become so focused on the details of daily life that we miss pursuing the more significant relationships we have already been given. In between those two points of focus, the macro and the micro, we live and work among people who could be influenced in one way or another by a godly attitude. We have many opportunities to pray blessings on those around us—people at the office, in a classroom, standing in line, commenting on social media, passing by on the street—all of whom need, as we do, regular touches from God.
We have platforms from which to improve lives, encourage hearts, and demonstrate Kingdom values and ways. Our calling is to impart grace, and we have open doors to do so—through prayers, words, favors, and acts of kindness and compassion. We are living, breathing, walking agents of blessing.
Listen to the voice that reminds you of all the people placed in your path who need a priestly touch from a son or daughter of God. Be an advocate before God’s throne on their behalf. Ask him to meet their needs. Let your city—or office or neighborhood or school—be exalted through the blessings you bring.
Ask God to show you your potential. How can I bless the lives that cross my path? What words can I speak and pray? What deeds can I do? May every circle of my relationships be lifted up by whatever blessings I bring. All God’s people said, “AMEN”.
~~~ copied from The One Year Salt and Light Devotional by Chris Tiegreen
Relax, God’s Got Your Back
All of us have been affected at some point along the way by the thoughtless words and hurtful actions of others. And no matter how much we have heard about God’s love for us, we sometimes struggle to believe that we can actually experience that kind of love.
Whether you realize it or not, God has created you with unique gifts and abilities, called you to a fulfilling purpose, and plans to use you for extraordinary accomplishments. Maybe there seem to be too many obstacles to get over—or you’re in a situation that seems to have no way out or room for growth. Or maybe you think you’ve made too many mistakes. But God isn’t limited by these things, and neither are you. The God who created you is still there and loves you with an unending love.
Regardless of how people have treated you or tried to define your worth, God stands ready to walk with you for the rest of your life. He will help you draw a line between your past and your future, and He will help you forgive and move into all the fullness and freedom of a brand-new day.
His Promises:
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.
Philippians 4:7
This is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
1 John 4:16
~~~ borrowed from a devotion in the Tecarta Bible
Real or Fake? You Must Decide.
Have you heard, “There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!” We all have over the last few years. Instead of a lion, you can insert whatever keeps you afraid.
Are you one to dodge your duties and responsibilities with lame and crazy excuses? Matthew Henry stated (my paraphrase) something like this, “It’s foolish to frighten ourselves from reality by imagining false dangers.” It was true in ancient times and even today. Some folks will not leave their houses to work or buy groceries. They are afraid because someone told them to be frightened. Listening to “experts” who pretend to know anything is now problematic. We see people fearful of catching a virus, cold, the flu, etc., which are all invisible because sickness or even death may occur. All types of masks are worn (however incorrectly). Some keep a six-foot distance between themselves and others. Every shot and booster containing unknown and untested substances is injected into their bodies. All this to keep from getting sick or dying. Yet, in all their vain attempts, they still get ill and die…usually alone.
God has not called us to a life of fear. Even this Christmas season, we remember the angelic voice saying, “Listen! Do not fear. For I bring you good news of great joy, which will be to all people.” Luke 2:10 MEV
Bill Wyler
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