Here I Am, Send Me

Scripture

Acts 5:29, 40, 42  But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men."  ... and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.  And everyday, in the temple and from house to house they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Observation  

Standing up before the Council and being questioned by the high priest, the apostles spoke boldly before these religious, learned men who were jealous because of the apostles increasing popularity among the multitudes.  Not only were they jealous, they were also perplexed that these guys were out of prison - 'Didn't we put them in jail - who let them out?  And what are they doing?  Teaching again publicly, out in the open, telling crowds of people about Jesus.  Preaching in that name after we told them not to!'  
Peter and the apostles stated clearly, they must obey God rather than man.  They were beaten and warned not to teach or preach in the name of Jesus.  But they did anyway.  They went every day to the temple and the people would gather to hear them.  They went to private homes, to any who would listen, they proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ, and were not afraid of what man might do to them.  They instead rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer shame for Jesus. 

Application  

I too choose to obey God and proclaim my faith to whoever will listen.  I don't need to be afraid of rejection or even verbal or physical abuse when I am obeying God.  I will trust God for the outcome of the words of life and salvation.  Some of the hearers may even plug their ears when they hear His name, unless it were to be used in a profane way.  I know I can speak boldly for Christ, I can trust in the Him for safety.  

I remember a mission trip to Mexico City back in 1985.  We were doing street drama, singing gospel songs in Spanish, and managing a puppet theater too.  It was exciting in that we were drawing a crowd of spectators - until the tomatoes started to fly and then we ran for cover.  Wow!  We got blasted by tomatoes for sharing about Jesus.  Later two of our high school boys on the team, began playing soccer and it wasn't long before the Hispanic boys that threw the tomatoes at us, joined the game.  After some sweat, great ball handling, and fun - we invited the players to a home meeting to feed them dinner and hear about Jesus.  A couple of them came, and ended up receiving Jesus as their Savior.  What started out to be a bit scarey for us had an interesting outcome.  Thanks to God.

Prayer 

Father God, Isaiah 6:8 says, 'Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”  I love that verse Lord -  because I hear You asking that question even now.  So my response is, 'Here I am Lord, send me' - I'm not afraid.  I'm trusting You for the outcome.  Give me the confidence and boldness, wisdom, and the saving words to speak at the right moment.  Fill my mouth and I will speak in Jesus' Holy Name.  Thank You for the privilege to serve You.  A-men.

Vows

Scripture 

Genesis 31:13,18, 20 

“I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me.  Now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.”

Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan

Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (The Mighty God of Israel).

Observation  

Jacob’s name was changed to Israel after he wrestled all night with the angel of God – face to face with God.  Jacob’s vow to God, when he had the dream in Bethel: Genesis 28:20  “If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take and will give me food to eat and garments to wear and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the Lord will be my God.”

Jacob – ‘Israel’ erects an altar and fulfills his vow to God, the Mighty God of Israel.  Proclaiming, that God is now His God – the God of “Israel”. 

Application  

God’s faithfulness, blessing and mercy is evident through 20 years of working for Laban, (his uncle and father-in-law).   Even though Laban was unfair and deceitful to Jacob, God prospered Jacob, and showed Himself strong in his life. 

I too, remember God’s faithfulness to me, and I remember the vows and promises I have made to Him.  And Lord, I will fulfill my vows.  Psalm 76:11 Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them.

Prayer 

Father God, You have said You are with me and that You will never leave me nor forsake me.  You have brought me to an open place where there is peace.  You have blessed me abundantly with a relationship with You, and blessed me with a family, and many friends.  You have led me and guided me and have given me hope, purpose, and a destiny I know I will fulfill.  You are my God, the Mighty God who always does great and wonderful things!  I pray you continue to show Yourself strong in my life as I follow you and obey you all the days of my life – this is my vow.   For Your glory.  In Jesus Name, Your maidservant.  A-men.

PS  Release me Lord I pray, from vows made mindlessly and foolishly and help me to fulfill the vows that lead me to a closer walk with You.  A-men.

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Living 'Under the Influence'

Scripture: Luke 4:1  Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness.

Observation:  Jesus lived His earthly life led around, 'under the influence' of the Holy Spirit.  He was full of the Holy Spirit and withstood temptations, attacks from the enemy, He taught with eloquence, power, and authority.  He cast out devils, healed the sick, eluded hostile crowds, and the news spread of Him! Everyone was talking about Him!  And yet, Jesus found time to go to secluded, desolate places, or mountains, to be alone with God and pray.  

Application:  I want to live my life 'under the influence' of the Holy Spirit of God.  Totally trusting in Him, empowered to spread the good news; praying for those in need of healing or deliverance from the grips of evil.  Like Jesus, I need to be alone with God and pray.  It seems to be the most important thing I can ever do.  Praying and solitude, being filled to the full with the power of God to then go among the people, to be a yielded vessel for my Master's use; that He might be glorified in the great things He has done through my obedience to His will.

Prayer:  You are God in Heaven O Father!  There is none like You.  May I make those times with You my #1 priority.  To sit at Your feet and learn of You.  To cast all my care on You and that You would breakdown every barrier, and reveal anything in me that is not pleasing to You.  
I hear You say, 'come away', be filled, be refreshed, press in, go deeper still . . .  listen and obey.  This is my desire Lord, this is my prayer.  In Jesus Name, A-men.