David & Vicki Creel
What motivates me?
Each day is a gift from my Creator. Many need to know the hope, love, and eternal peace that they can have through a personal relationship with a loving Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Jesus Christ, Matthew 11:28- 30 (The Bible NKJV)
Reading: Acts 8:1- 25,
Key verse: “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.” Acts 8:22 (NKJV)
Persecution against the followers of Jesus continued and increased especially after the death of Stephen (Acts 8:1-3). Many of Jesus’ followers were scattered and went everywhere preaching the Gospel (Acts 8:4). Philip, one of the disciples, went to Samaria. With signs, wonders, and miracles many heard and received the Word of God preached by Philip. Many were delivered from unclean spirits. One of them was a man named Simon. In his past life, Simon practiced sorcery and had astounded many people. He became famous and misled many people into thinking he had special powers from God. When Simon saw many people turn to God through the words of Philip, he along with others believed and were baptized (Acts 8:9-13). Then Peter and John came to the city to visit Philip and the new believers. Simon saw that through the prayers and laying on of hands by Peter and John, many were baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). Simon asked for this same ability and offered the apostles money to receive the power to impart the Holy Spirit to others (Acts 8:18-19).
Peter admonished Simon that this gift of God is not bought with money (Acts 8:20).
Then Peter, through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, exposed the heart of Simon, the former sorcerer.
“You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” Acts 8:21-23 (NKJV)
Simon the former sorcerer who tricked many people with his magic, received and believed the Word of God that Philip preached. Simon even got baptized. However, his heart was still not completely changed. Peter, John, and Philip were just like us, mere human beings. They had no power to see into the hearts of men nor the ability to read someone’s mind. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, it was revealed to them what was going on inside Simon’s heart and mind.
Reflection:
Only the Lord God and His Holy Spirit know the thoughts and hearts of every person.
“I the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways.” Jeremiah 17:10 (NKJV)
Sometimes, there are situations when the Holy Spirit reveals the intents of the heart and thoughts of someone to a follower of Jesus for a specific purpose. It’s not to embarrass nor to humiliate a person. It’s to help the person to repent and truly believe in God’s power, mercy, and forgiveness. When Peter encouraged Simon to repent, Simon said,
“Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” Acts 8:24 (NKJV)
Thought for the Day:
The Holy Spirit has the power to give a follower of Jesus to see through the hearts of people to encourage or give them admonition.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit I open my heart to You. Search me and know my heart; see if there is any wicked way in me. Please forgive me of anything that is not pleasing to our Father God. Help me also be open to others encouragement and admonition. In Jesus name I pray, amen!
Your Thoughts:
Your Prayer:
Reading: Acts 7:1-60
But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55 (NKJV)
Stephen was one of the seven men highly chosen to be part of the leadership in the new church (Acts 6:1-5). Stephen was a man full of faith and power (Acts 6:8). He was willing to serve the Lord Jesus in whatever capacity was needed, whether it was a great or small act of service. He was part of the leadership team distributing to the needs of the widows (Acts 6:1-2). He was also an evangelist, speaking the Gospel of the Lord Jesus to the Jews (Acts 6:9-10). Stephen, through the power of the Holy Spirit, did great things for the Lord Jesus. He was a man of faith, full of wisdom in the Word of God. The Holy Spirit gave wisdom to Stephen in understanding the word of God in the Old Testament, as he related the history of Israel and made the connection of Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 7:52). Stephen also had the courage and audacity to speak the truth and reprove the elders and religious leaders of Israel (Acts 7:51-53).
However, speaking the truth and the Word of God cost him his life. Stephen was condemned to death without due process of the law. Stephen was stoned to death because of his audacity and stance for the Lord Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and Savior (Acts 7:58). Still Stephen was steadfast in his faith, and the Holy Spirit allowed his eyes to see the heavens opened.
“But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Acts7:55 (NKJV)
With his last breath, Stephen was welcomed by the Lord Jesus and God the Father into his eternal home in heaven.
Reflection:
As followers of our Lord Jesus, when we obey His call to share and preach the Good News of salvation, the Holy Spirit gives power and courage. Even amid opposition and hostility, the Holy Spirit gives audacity to stand for our faith just like Stephen. The Holy Spirit also opens eyes to see the glory of God even at the end of life.
Thought for the Day: As followers of Jesus, when we stand in faith, the Holy Spirit can open our eyes to see the glory of God.
Prayer: Holy Spirit open my eyes to see the glory of the Lord. Help me to have power and audacity to share the Lord Jesus and His Word with others.
Your Thought:
Your Prayer:
The Creels' Catch 