Aug 21
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samuels added a text contribution Be on alert!Just reading in Mark at the end of Jesus' life, my focus was drawn to Peter. A man with a good heart, with an undeniable devotion to Jesus. But he fell asleep when Jesus asked him to "keep watch" (Mark 14:38-42). And even before that as Jesus sat with the twelve at the last supper, Peter said he would never betray Jesus. Even after Jesus said Peter would deny Him 3x before the rooster crows, Peter... Read more »
May 3
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Interesting how Paul's ministry speaks on suffering (2 Cor. 6:4, 11:23-27) for Christ and it seems that this is the introduction from God. Read more »
Apr 30
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samuels added a text contribution Stephan the StrongReading this chapter makes you wonder if Stephan knew he was going to die and just put it all out on the table? He preached a cutting and convicting word, so much so that it cut quick to their heart and infuriated them. But what a picture of a man being controlled by the spirit of God when he says in vs. 60 "Lord do not hold this sin against them". Very similar to Jesus in Luke 23:34 when He says... Read more »
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samuels added a text contribution Deal quickly with evil deeds!I find it interesting that evil deeds should be dealt with quickly because if not it could effect the hearts of those around the person doing the deed to do evil themselves. Just an interesting thought on leadership and dealing with people. Read more »
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samuels added a text contribution Wisdom gives you a different look!" A man's wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam". The word "wisdom" in the original Hebrew means "to have skillful knowledge of, exceeding, teach wisdom". So a man who is able to skillfully teach the knowledge of wisdom changes his appearance to that of one who's face beams. The knowledge of God's word changes how you look! That is inspiring! Read more »
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samuels added a text contribution Every Man!EVERY man was to give as he is able, according to the blessing the Lord had given him. In vs. 16 is states that no man shall appear empty handed. This was during the Feast of Booths, Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Weeks. A feast is a gathering of people, so the men where to bring their gifts to the body and give according to what God had blessed them with. Interesting thought if you put that into... Read more »
Apr 29
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samuels added a text contribution Obey God rather than man!They were ordered not to teach in Jesus' name! Like they would be able to do that... teach about Jesus without referring to him. I love Peter's response. " I would rather obey God, than to obey man". I believe they are referring to the Great Commission that Jesus gave them. Jesus told them to Go, Make Disciples, Teaching them.... So how can they directly disobey what Jesus told them to do, just because... Read more »
Apr 28
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samuels added a text contribution You're fascninatingHere are Peter and John being accused of healing someone. They are so full of zeal and confident in what they are saying and their passion is so evident. Because of that, the Pharisees couldn't take their eyes off them and the were fascinated that these men knew so much and were only laymen! Just goes to show you... as you get the word of God in you and the passion comes out of you, you will fascinate... Read more »
Apr 27
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samuels added a text contribution Committed ThemselvesI love this, after they changed their lives, repented and were baptized. They committed themselves to the teaching of the Apostles, prayer and fellowship with their brothers. "Committed" This turns into a character trait. One you don't see a whole lot of these days. Read more »
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samuels added a text contribution Buck Naked!Just another reminder of how God does not care about what we have. Whether it's money, clothes, what kind of house or care we drive, He doesn't care! I know that it's easier said than done, but why should we care? I am in the middle of some issues with a house we own and we my loose it. Just the thought of loosing my home was keeping me up at night. I found myself worrying about a house... a house!... Read more »
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samuels added a text contribution Listen and learnI like what the Message says here. "Watch your step when you enter God’s house. Enter to learn. That’s far better than mindlessly offering a sacrifice,Doing more harm than good." Enter to learn! How many times does this happen? Do people actually enter church to learn? We walk into church Sunday after Sunday and Wednesday after Wednesday, but what mindless sacrifice are we offering to God? Let's... Read more »
Apr 25
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samuels added a text contribution Bless You!After Thomas touched Jesus and believed it was Him, Jesus said you have seen me and been with me. But blessed be the ones who believe that have never seen me. So bless you! Read more »
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samuels added a text contribution Let's go home?After 3 days of Jesus being dead, they hear the tomb is empty, they run to see that it is so and then they return to their own homes? Even though it says in the verse before that they did not know scripture, wouldn't you think they would at least searched? This just goes to show you, the disciples were human, making human decisions. Read more »