hope conference (continued)
DEVOTION DAY 7
The spirit's conviction
There had always been a dividing wall between the Jews and Gentiles. It was unthinkable for Peter to take the first step to cross over the wall of division to minister to the Gentiles.
Upon arriving, Peter was welcomed by the centurion. The centurion shared about how God gave specific instructions on where to find Peter. He then invited Peter to share God’s message to the large gathering in the house. After hearing from the centurion, Peter’s heart became convicted by the Holy Spirit that God welcomed both the Jews and Gentiles, and “does not show favoritism but accepts all men from every nation that fear him and do what is right.” (Acts 10:34-35)
In the same way, either due to our culture, our upbringing or our personal prejudices, we sometimes set up a dividing wall between ourselves and those whom God loves. At times, it is even difficult to believe that God will send us to breakthrough that dividing wall to welcome those whom He loves into the Kingdom. Just as the Holy Spirit convicted Peter, He is convicting our hearts today to break down any such barriers, tear down any such dividing walls and extend the message of Jesus to those who needs to hear it.Galatians 3:26-28So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
DEVOTION DAY 8God of miraclesEven though there were oppositions, God was with the Apostles and the church! God showed His very presence through the “signs and wonders” which accompanied the Apostles as they ministered to the sick and the demon- possessed. Some even brought the sick to be laid along the streets so that Peter’s shadow might fall on them when he walked past, so that they might be healed. On at least two occasions, Peter and the Apostles were imprisoned for sharing fervently about the message of Jesus, and God sent angels to deliver them out of prison miraculously so that they could continue His work. The ones who were opposing the Apostles would often found their escape baffling. (Acts 5:24)
Sometimes we may fix our eyes on the “signs and wonders” God is doing and miss out on sharing the Gospel. However, it is important to remember to share the Gospel because miracles, if apart from Gospel, cannot save the lost. The Gospel is the power of God to save!Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
DEVOTION DAY 9
give glory to GodWhen God does His miracles through us, it is inevitable that people may conclude that we are spiritual, powerful or special because they see the miracles from our hands. Instead of giving glory to God, people may mistakenly give glory to us for the signs and wonders they experienced through us.
Paul and Barnabas were in this situation, but they knew clearly in their hearts that they were merely vessels through which God accomplished His purposes. They did not take glory for themselves despite the misplaced faith of the people. As God’s ministers, let’s allow God to check our hearts. We are all partnering with God in His work and it must be God, alone who receives all the glory!
Ask God to help you give glory to Him alone and not be tempted to keep His glory for yourself when something miraculous happens through you.
What kind of heart posture do you think is one that honors God?
The spirit's conviction
There had always been a dividing wall between the Jews and Gentiles. It was unthinkable for Peter to take the first step to cross over the wall of division to minister to the Gentiles.
Upon arriving, Peter was welcomed by the centurion. The centurion shared about how God gave specific instructions on where to find Peter. He then invited Peter to share God’s message to the large gathering in the house. After hearing from the centurion, Peter’s heart became convicted by the Holy Spirit that God welcomed both the Jews and Gentiles, and “does not show favoritism but accepts all men from every nation that fear him and do what is right.” (Acts 10:34-35)
In the same way, either due to our culture, our upbringing or our personal prejudices, we sometimes set up a dividing wall between ourselves and those whom God loves. At times, it is even difficult to believe that God will send us to breakthrough that dividing wall to welcome those whom He loves into the Kingdom. Just as the Holy Spirit convicted Peter, He is convicting our hearts today to break down any such barriers, tear down any such dividing walls and extend the message of Jesus to those who needs to hear it.Galatians 3:26-28So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
DEVOTION DAY 8God of miraclesEven though there were oppositions, God was with the Apostles and the church! God showed His very presence through the “signs and wonders” which accompanied the Apostles as they ministered to the sick and the demon- possessed. Some even brought the sick to be laid along the streets so that Peter’s shadow might fall on them when he walked past, so that they might be healed. On at least two occasions, Peter and the Apostles were imprisoned for sharing fervently about the message of Jesus, and God sent angels to deliver them out of prison miraculously so that they could continue His work. The ones who were opposing the Apostles would often found their escape baffling. (Acts 5:24)
Sometimes we may fix our eyes on the “signs and wonders” God is doing and miss out on sharing the Gospel. However, it is important to remember to share the Gospel because miracles, if apart from Gospel, cannot save the lost. The Gospel is the power of God to save!Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
DEVOTION DAY 9
give glory to GodWhen God does His miracles through us, it is inevitable that people may conclude that we are spiritual, powerful or special because they see the miracles from our hands. Instead of giving glory to God, people may mistakenly give glory to us for the signs and wonders they experienced through us.
Paul and Barnabas were in this situation, but they knew clearly in their hearts that they were merely vessels through which God accomplished His purposes. They did not take glory for themselves despite the misplaced faith of the people. As God’s ministers, let’s allow God to check our hearts. We are all partnering with God in His work and it must be God, alone who receives all the glory!
Ask God to help you give glory to Him alone and not be tempted to keep His glory for yourself when something miraculous happens through you.
What kind of heart posture do you think is one that honors God?
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