Rest is a requirement, not an option

"On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much—two omers for each person—and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He said to them, “This is what the Lord commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.’” Exodus 16:22-23

I encourage you to read Exodus 16, it’s a great chapter but here is just a little nugget the Lord showed me. God chose to provide a fresh supply of manna on the ground every morning for His children as they wandered the wilderness. They were told to collect exactly what they needed for that day and on the sixth day, to collect enough for the seventh day as well, which was to be a Sabbath rest.

I WIll Go

"And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15

In a recent sermon, our Pastor challenged us to be people who say "I will GO" in response to our Lord's command. Today, I share with you a devotional about St. Patrick, the man for whom the celebration is named, and a man who took seriously the command to GO. I have culled information from various sources, including Facebook and Wikipedia.

Together in Prayer

"When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord", they said, "you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them." Acts 4:24

It is a powerful thing when believers raise their voices together in prayer. It is part of our unity, part of who we are as the Body of Christ, part of our purpose.

Our Own People

"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." Acts 4:23

I find it interesting that the Disciples went to "their own people" upon their release from the chief priests and elders. We can glean a little lesson from this simple choice. We too should turn to fellow believers, other Christians and "our own people" when we have been challenged by the powers of this world. We would do well and better to talk to each other from our perspective about what happens to us.

Because All The People

"After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over 40 years old."

Ever seen a miracle? Ever known someone who was miraculously healed? It is indeed an amazing experience. Truly life changing and challenging too. Especially when a bunch of people experience the same person's miracle.

I have seen God move in miraculous ways that many people experienced simultaneously. No denying it. I have witnessed lives transformed and physical healing too. It is hard to argue with a crowd.

We as believers must share the power of God that we have known with one other. There is power in the group experience and in the individual transformation. If we would confirm each other's experiences, it would bolster our faith.

Cannot Help Speaking

"For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:20

This is how it ought to be. Whatever is most important to you is what you speak of most. What is that? Is it a special someone? Or your child? Or your job? Or your team or interest? Or is it the weather, or politics or the latest social gossip or the latest news?

Trust in the Lord

This comes to us today from Council Member John Adams

Fists white-knuckled on the steering wheel and his stomach in knots, shouted out loud: “I can’t believe this is happening, Lord!!! I can’t be late for this flight - you have to help me make this flight!!!”

Cannot Help Speaking

"For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:20

This is how it ought to be. Whatever is most important to you is what you speak of most. What is that? Is it a special someone? Or your child? Or your job? Or your team or interest? Or is it the weather, or politics or the latest social gossip or the latest news?

What is Right in God's Sight

"But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God." Acts 4:19

Seems like a simple enough choice, right? Yet every day we choose man's ways over God's ways. We choose man's wisdom over God's. Man's traditions over God's principles.

The Name of Jesus

"Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus" Acts 4:18

"They" are the Sanhedrin, religious rulers of the day. "Them" refers to the Disciples, the followers of Jesus. We are headed for conflict. Whenever we must do what we must do and we are told not to, then we will be conflicted.

Whoever Believes

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

This verse encompasses the entire Gospel message, and brings it to life for us. God’s love is not like ours, static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in. Here God sets the standard of true love, the basis for all love relationships – when you love someone dearly, you are willing to give freely to the point of self-sacrifice. And that feeling is so deeply embedded in our brains because that’s exactly what Jesus did for us.

Sometimes God Says "No"

Following the 22nd “Be Our Valentine” Seniors Luncheon on February 32, 2016, I received the sweetest thank you from one of the Senior Guests, Francine Spatafora, and I wanted to share it with you. It simply said “Thank You.” Francine had handcrafted it, decorating it with three cut outs of gorgeous flower arrangements, and I loved it because it was obvious that it was heartfelt. Since the focus of this event for 22 years has always been about “love”, I thought this summed it up best.

Stop This Thing

"What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. Everybody living in Jerusalem knows that they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." Acts 4:16-17

Wow, as soon as they call the gospel "this thing", you know how this is going. Christianity today has also been so badly inpugned, so mocked, so minimized and so relegated to just another religion, that it is seen by many as just "this thing".

Seeing But Not Believing

"But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together." Acts 4:14-15

When we don't want to believe it or receive it we won't. Even clear evidence, unless heart-changing will not compel us to change our minds. Facts can get twisted, stories get spun, and we seldom reconsider anything. The truth or evidence may shut us up momentarily but it doesn't necessarily change our minds, or certainly not our hearts.

Just Like You and Me

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realize they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

I quote from Chapter 9 of Thom Rainer's book, "I Will" ...

Only One Saving Name

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

This verse is so full of powerful truth. Peter's profundity here is remarkable. Let it be clear beyond discussing, according to His Word, the following...

Rejoicing In Our Salvation

"“Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20

Council Member Colleen Jilio-Ryan is sharing today's Daily Devotional.

As we reflect upon our lives, we can probably see more times than not we have been blessed by God. Throughout the Psalms, there are praises to God for what he has done for the author.

The Capstone

"He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone." Acts 4:11

This term has been written about a lot in Scripture. Most often interpreted as "cornerstone". Literally from the Hebrew used in the Psalms 118:22 quote here it means "head of the corner".

Boom

"If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel. It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed."

Boom. This is so pointedly truthful. In two sentences Peter makes it totally clear that he sees through the pretense and phoniness, the ridiculousness and the trumped up charges and then exposes what is really going on, just by stating the facts, succinctly, "matter of factly" and with no nonsense. He got to the point, without belaboring it. What Peter said was irrefutable.

Filled With The Holy Spirit

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!" Acts 4:8

When filled with the Holy Spirit we speak with authority, confidence and "biblicity". What we say should not contradict His Word, nor misrepresent His character. Of course this is dicey, because we are still human. But, as a rule we should always be conscientious of what we say, being careful to be true, respectful and appropriate. We can call something what it is without being rude

Authority

" "They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?" Acts 4:7

For clarification and context for this verse, "They" are the rulers, elders and teachers of the law. What they had done was heal someone. Frankly, as is so often true, what this is really about is not what it is about on the surface. The question is not about somebody being healed.

We Are All Different

"The sun is glorious in one way, the moon is glorious in another way, and the stars are glorious in their own [distinctive] way; for one star differs from and surpasses another in its beauty and brilliance." 1Corinthians 15:41

Council Member Wayne Pinto shared this devotional by Joyce Meyer.

He Loves Us

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Brian McMahon discovered this and forwarded it with the reminder that His timing is perfect. It is certainly worth sharing.

"Family"

"The next day the rulers, elders, and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family" Acts 4:5-6

Family is important. But it isn't as important as God. That is a tough one I know. But it is true.

"The Message"

"But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand." Acts 4:4

In the previous verse Peter and John have been jailed. Even though great discouragement could have taken over the believers, instead, many more came to Christ after they heard the message. Why? Because it is the message that is most important.

"There Is No Stopping It"

"They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day." Acts 4:3

You can't lock up or lockdown the gospel. The truth of God marches on with or without whichever spokespersons. Peter and John were being obedient to their call to proclaim Christ as the Savior.

As for Me

"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2Peter 3:18

A pastoral friend of mine posted this brief testimonial of George MacDonald's and it resonated so deeply with me I just had to share it devotionally. I appreciate writers who pour their very souls into their words. I have felt so similarly as he does about his commitment to Christ. Hope it inspires you too. Pastor Fred

How to Disturb the Religious

"The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead." Acts 4:1-2

I have found that religious people, who sometimes pretend to be spiritual people, are easily disturbed. I think for three reasons. They hate three things. Change, Competition and Criticism.

"Raised Up"

"When God raised up his servant, He sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways." Acts 3:26

This verse right now is speaking so much to me I hope I can get it all written down, not long, but profound. Here are some insights.

"About Heirs"

"And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed." Acts 3:25

Let me share a few insights into the meaning of this verse.

Peter is talking to the Jews.

They are heirs of God's covenant.

God spoke to their prophets and their people.

He spoke through Abraham about His promises to them.

All peoples means not only His covenant people, the Jews, it means us Covenant people too.

Now, that is a promise fulfilled and a blessing to all people, all of us and each of us.

Means you and me specifically,
Pastor Fred

"From Samuel On"

"Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days." Acts 3:24

Samuel was called a prophet in the Old Testament in 1st Samuel 3:20, although he did not directly prophesy about Christ, he did anoint David as King and speak of his kingdom and the promises David received were and will be fulfilled in Christ. You see, the Bible is intricately woven together, a veritable tapestry of truth in history, teaching, prophecy, fulfillment and God's direction and His plan concealed and revealed.

"Completely Cut Off"

"Anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among His people." Acts 3:23

This verse is really bothering me this morning. Peter is continuing to quote parts of Deuteronomy 18. In that chapter Moses is laying down the law about listening and what happens when we don't. Here, Peter reiterates this principle of disobedience.

"Moses About Jesus"

For Moses said, "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything He tells you." Acts 3:22

Yep, Moses is talking about Jesus here. Every Book in the Bible talks about Jesus. Jesus is the thread that weaves the whole Bible together.

"Where's Jesus"

"He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through His holy prophets." Acts 3:21

Let me break this down by words and phrases to show how we can understand The Bible more easily if we deal with the words a few at a time.

"For You" Another thought on Acts 3:20.....

"...and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you... even Jesus." Acts 3:20

God's promises compound. They multiply. They are a never-ending reservoir of blessings. There are thousands of them in Scripture.

Jesus Appointed For You

"...and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you-- even Jesus." [Acts 3:20]

There is no end to the blessings of knowing the Lord. If we slow this verse down for more impact it says that He, God the Father, sends the Christ, His Son, to each of us, personally, individually by name, in His Name, Jesus. Jesus, my personal Lord and Savior. Jesus, the one that your Father God sends specifically, by appointment for you and me individually, by name.