The Written Plan

The church leaders came to a decision on the disagreements about circumcision, the other meaningless rituals, legalisms, and ceremonies that burdened the believers. In Acts 15:22-35, we see a letter written explaining how they had consulted with each other, prayed, and received direction from the Holy Spirit. They implemented the decision by communicating both in writing and by word of mouth.

The Devil tries to disrupt unity but there are ways to build up unity among believers. If you have a plan, you have a better shot at getting things done. Things seem to fall in place and you get a lot more done than you thought you could. God has given us a plan through His Son as shared at this link.

Lord, we are thankful for Your plan because it has simplified what is required from our own actions. Our part is not as difficult anymore because of our Redeemer. As laid out in today’s passage, the plan for salvation has been simplified and Christ has unified so we can overcome the disruptions the enemy tries to throw our way.  In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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Simplifying and Unifying

The early church grew fast but there were some growing pains. They struggled with whom should be accepted. Was a person accepted by God through good works or by grace? They were trapped by the meaningless rituals, legalisms, and ceremonies that burdens believers and this provoked disunity.

The lesson is that we need not get wrapped up in the meaningless but instead get wrapped up in the ONE essential; acceptance of Jesus as Savior. We can overcome the enemy by simplifying and unifying and Jesus does both for us. Enjoy today’s inspiring video: Empty Me – Jeremy Camp.


What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God be with us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31 

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The Law or Grace

Reading in Acts 15:1-21, the issue that occasions this conference is the custom taught by Moses; that to be saved, all gentiles must be circumcised. There was disagreement in who God intended the church to be for and what came first; the law or grace.

In handling controversies among believers, we should follow what Paul and Barnabas did. They spent time communicating the facts. In this case, Paul explained how the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit and that God did not discriminated between the Gentiles and the Apostles but purified their hearts by faith (v. 9).

We should also appeal to the Word to resolve controversies and to be good leaders. In today’s passage, James was a good leader of the Jerusalem church. He was the brother of Jesus and an outstanding man. He quoted the Word from Amos 9:11-12 and said this agreed with the testimony given by Peter, Paul, and Barnabas.

Lord, today we pray to be emptied before being filled. Empty out pride and selfishness and fill in the Holy Spirit. Help us to not get trapped by meaningless rituals, legalisms, and ceremonies that only burden us. Help us to be wrapped up in the ONE essential; acceptance of Christ as Savior. Help us to overcome the enemy by simplifying and unifying. Amen.

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Connection

This day with God, get connected to and internalize the guiding principles taught by Christ. http://wp.me/p1cY3A-rN

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Faith like a big antenna
pointed in the right direction
so messages are transmitted
with such a good connection.

Hopeful thoughts
pointed to the big Guy
so believers are prepared,
confident, and high.

For the Kingdom of God
is deep within the soul;
receiving great favor
and feeling whole.

Expecting a bright future
because in Him is trust.
Seeing a picture of victory
And helping others a must.

Working with each other;
trusting Him for peace
and receiving abundant joy
that always seems to increase.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-16-2016

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There Is No Debate That He Is Great

In the post “Worship the ONE True God”, written about was that the people of Lystra believed in many gods. Barnabas and Paul wanted the people to put all their attention on the ONE true God who provides for all our needs and lives in our heart.

God’s principles never change. A daily devotional time using “This Day with God” internalizes His guiding principles so they become an instrument which pushes us to focus on Him in every activity throughout our day.

Even the activity of watching TV can help us focus more on Him. A few years ago on the TV show “The Voice”, Holly Tucker sang a song that puts our focus on how great our God is.

Holly is from the community in which I live and I’ve had the opportunity to hear her in local concerts. Enjoy today’s inspiring video How Great Thou Art – Holly Tucker.


Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2 

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