Reflect on the wisdom of Proverbs and the lessons we can learn from diligent ants, as I, Stephanie, celebrate the powerful presence of Gloria on Inside Beauty Inspires. Feel the warmth of friendship and shared spiritual growth, with a special shoutout to my dear friend Akesha on her birthday. We delve into the rich tapestry of scripture, drawing inspiration from the ant's example of community and hard work, while examining how ancient wisdom guides us in authenticity and discernment in our modern lives.
Journey with us through the awe-inspiring events of the Ascension and Pentecost as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles. From childhood memories to present-day reflections, we connect to figures like Moses and Jesus, unraveling the profound impact these biblical stories have on our faith. Witness the unity of Jesus' followers, the boldness of Peter, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit as we invite you to contemplate the remarkable transformation these divine experiences invite into our own spiritual walk.
Closing with a heartfelt emphasis on self-acceptance and faith, we underscore the importance of being your own cheerleader. Together, we revisit the early church's foundation, exploring the crucial role of the Holy Spirit as described in Acts. We inspire you to seek a deeper connection with the divine, embracing your unique path and the promise of new beginnings with hope and a spirit of renewal. Join us and reaffirm your journey of faith, self-discovery, and the continued presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
Reflect on the wisdom of Proverbs and the lessons we can learn from diligent ants, as I, Stephanie, celebrate the powerful presence of Gloria on Inside Beauty Inspires. Feel the warmth of friendship and shared spiritual growth, with a special shoutout to my dear friend Akesha on her birthday. We delve into the rich tapestry of scripture, drawing inspiration from the ant's example of community and hard work, while examining how ancient wisdom guides us in authenticity and discernment in our modern lives.
Journey with us through the awe-inspiring events of the Ascension and Pentecost as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles. From childhood memories to present-day reflections, we connect to figures like Moses and Jesus, unraveling the profound impact these biblical stories have on our faith. Witness the unity of Jesus' followers, the boldness of Peter, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit as we invite you to contemplate the remarkable transformation these divine experiences invite into our own spiritual walk.
Closing with a heartfelt emphasis on self-acceptance and faith, we underscore the importance of being your own cheerleader. Together, we revisit the early church's foundation, exploring the crucial role of the Holy Spirit as described in Acts. We inspire you to seek a deeper connection with the divine, embracing your unique path and the promise of new beginnings with hope and a spirit of renewal. Join us and reaffirm your journey of faith, self-discovery, and the continued presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
New, new, new, everything new, new, new, new, new, everything new. I'm ready to go, ready for mode, I'm ready for new. Hello, it is Stephanie and you are now listening into Inside Beauty Inspires. We motivate, encourage and inspire through biblical principles. Want to give a huge shout out to Gloria. Thank you so much, glo, for showing up on the show last week. I got so many inboxes about you know how real you were, how dope the show was, so again I want to thank you, thank you, thank you. And then you know just the transformation within itself. You know it feels amazing.
Speaker 1:You know I take a lot from the prayer call that we do each and every morning. Shout out to the ladies of ISI. You know Glo always speaks up and she's always there staying the affirmations and she's getting it, and I just want to take time out today to shout her out and tell her. Thank you so very much for sharing your time with me on last week. So we're going to go ahead and get into this word today. Today is March the 16th and it's a special day. It is one of my good friends, birthday, akesha. I want to go ahead and shout you out earlier into the show. Shout out to Akesha Jones. Listen, I pray that God gives you everything that you deserve, everything that you need. This is your year. This is your year. This is a God did year. You know, don't focus on the things that you need to do. Just always, always, remember that God has his hands on you and trust him like, really, truly trust him. Amen, that's my shout out to you. Love you, girl. So we're going to jump into this word today, okay, so the devotion says go to the ants.
Speaker 1:Now, there's a funny story behind the ants story. Okay, based off when I was a kid. So when I was younger I had to be at least 11 or 12 years old I was living in Hickory Tavern. If you guys know anything about that, it's in the woods. Okay, needless to say, there were ants all the time. I always saw a little ants and one day I remember asking God I was just like what is the purpose of an ant? I did True story. I was like what is the purpose of an ant? Because if you ever get bite like a bite bitten by ants, omg, okay, it's. Oh, my God. Well, I didn't learn until later on in my adulthood that he was going to answer my question when it comes down to the ant, because I'm looking at it like it's so insignificant, it's small and it's just in the way. What is it there for? You know, I'm just being honest, I didn't like them or whatever. It's not like we had a lot of ants, but we lived in the woods, you know, there's no other way for me to say it.
Speaker 1:So, on, today I want to talk to you guys about a scripture. Well, this is just an emotional part of it. I want to give you guys the scripture. It's Proverbs 6, verse 6. It says go to the ants you sluggard. Consider its ways and be wise. Consider its ways and be wise. And so, of course, you know, I remember when I asked God this question and I said, okay, well, you want to ask me right now, so let's, let's go. And I realized that one thing about an ant is it keeps moving. It keeps moving.
Speaker 1:The devotional says the ant is upheld in this proverb as a high standard of character and behavior. That might be surprising, but God created both people and ants. So learning about the ant is a worthy pursuit. Ants are very industrious and work hard for their homes. Ants are also social creatures and live together their whole lives in high structured communities. Working in groups is one of the ways they adapt to new challenges and threats to their communities. They work and travel together, they communicate with each other and hunt for prey together.
Speaker 1:Believers will be wise to notice the ways of the ant because of these and other characteristics. Dear Father, thank you for your word, which guides us towards behaviors and characteristics that edify you. May I live wisely and have the behaviors you tell us are important. So, needless to say, I did get my answer, and ants are significant. They're significant, but they show us something about ourselves. They cause you to look at yourself. You know, based off of what this devotional states, this is very true. You know, we need each other right. They're working groups. So a couple of takeaways just from the devotional working in groups, challenges, traveling together, building together. And then it says believers will be wise to notice the ways of the ant because of these and other characteristics. My takeaway is be wise, be wise, be wise, be wise.
Speaker 1:We've been talking about this on the show, though. We've been talking about wisdom. Let me tell you this in order for you to navigate this world the way that you're supposed to navigate, and when I say that, based off the scripture. Okay, you have to have wisdom. If you don't have wisdom, you're not going to know who sent who. Okay, people disguise themselves every single day. Every single day, we're going to get into the book of Acts.
Speaker 1:Well, let me back up. So in the month of January, we were in the book of Proverbs, learned all about wisdom. Then, the month of February, we were in let's see revelations. We were in the book of revelations, which was whoa okay, and it's not as scary as people make it to be. I mean, yes, jesus is coming back. We don't know the day nor hour, but all the revelation, all the revelation tells us, is that everything in an Old Testament leading up into the revelations is true, it's.
Speaker 1:You know, you have to cross references, you're going to have to go back and forth. Well, for me, whenever I study the word, I like to cross reference, I like to look at the other books and see what it says, because from the very beginning of time, the story never changes. It never changes. So in the book of Revelation, you know, we see that there are things to come. Okay, is it something that you need to know, absolutely? Then God told me to go to the book of Acts.
Speaker 1:So we've been in a book of Acts and, man, let me tell you it's one of those books that you definitely want to get into. To me it's one of my favorite books because it summarizes everything, just about not every detail, but the most important, the most important stories, the most important points of the Old Testament. The book of Acts, you know, it, brings it together. We have were introduced to the Holy Spirit and for me, the book of Acts is like where we are today, where we are where we are today, if we, if we start in the very beginning. Jesus was taken up to heaven. Okay, we know that he died on a cross and he did come back to the disciples, but he had to descend. The Holy Spirit then came on the disciples, so they're empowered by the spirit of God. It's essential to the book of Acts the role the Holy Spirit plays in advancing the church.
Speaker 1:Prior to beginning their earthly mission, jesus instructed his followers to wait until he sent his spirit. Who was supplied the power behind the task that lie ahead? This mission would necessitate such power. It was massive. The small group of disciples were instructed to take the good news of Jesus to the very ends of the earth. One wonders what thoughts played in their minds, or played in the minds of these followers of Jesus. Were they afraid? Certainly, did they understand all that was ahead? Absolutely not. But did they trust God? Yes, it says here in verse eight, serves as an outline of the book of Acts, as Luke distraves the faith filled mission of this group to spread the gospel in Jerusalem, then Judah, samaria and then to the ends of the known world of that of today. The very same spirit that empowered the disciples for this great mission is the spirit who dwells in us, the followers of Jesus Christ. He propels ordinary disciples to do extraordinary things through the power only God can supply. Let's talk about it. Who causes things to grow? God does In the Old Testament.
Speaker 1:When we go to the Old Testament, one thing that we can see very evident is that God is speaking A lot of times. We want to hear God speak. I just want to know what God speaks. I want to hear God speak. I just want to know what God thinks. Open up your word. It is right there, black and white. You can read it for yourself.
Speaker 1:He left us a book of instructions, which brings me back to the point. Instructions are important, but we have a book of instructions and from the very beginning to the very beginning, for the very to the very end, we see the spirit of God. We see the spirit of God operating through different people, people of his choosing. Okay, we also see another adversary and opponent. An op is what I call. That's why it's important for us to have wisdom.
Speaker 1:The Holy Spirit is still here today. The power that's on the inside of us is the power that raised Jesus from the dead. This is very true. But, my children, we perish for lack of knowledge. We don't know what's in the word. Have you ever heard somebody try to debate, go back and forth with people that actually are studying in the word, but those that are going off of secondhand information and they really want to go back and forth with those who are studying in the word? If we go to John 6, it talks about it as plain to say God teaches his children, god teaches his children. There's there's a call and then there's a chosen. That's why the word says meaning are called, fewer chosen.
Speaker 1:When I look throughout this book, when I read the scriptures in the different books, I'm seeing that God appointed leaders. He appointed those to enable his spirit to carry his spirit. When Jesus came on the scene and he was killed, his spirit was here, left here. You know he descended, but the spirit had to come down here. What do I mean by that? Well, let's talk about it. Go to Acts 1, chapter 1. Acts, chapter one, and I'm going to skip around. I'm going to skip around today because, you know, in the book of Acts there are so many points to be made. So, chapter one, if you're following along, I'm in a new living translation.
Speaker 1:In my first book I told you the Elfless about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles other instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the 40 days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive and he talked to them about the kingdom of God. Once, when he was eating with them, he commanded them do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you to the, sends you the gift he promised. As I told you before, john baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. So when the apostles were with Jesus. They kept asking him Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore the kingdom? He replied the Father alone has the authority to set those days times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses telling people about me everywhere, in Jerusalem, throughout, throughout Judah and in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. So let's stop right here for a minute. This is Jesus speaking to his disciples and he's letting them know that he's coming back. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. So who gives you power? Who holds power? God does Jesus Spirit descended and then ascended. This is true. Let's keep reading.
Speaker 1:It says after saying this, he was taken up in a cloud while they were watching and they could no longer see Him. As they strained to see Him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them, man of Galilee. They said why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go. Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives a distance of a half mile. When they arrived, they went up to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present Peter, john, james, andrew, philip, thomas, bethamue, matthew, james, simon, judas, the son of James. They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and several other women and brothers of Jesus.
Speaker 1:During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, peter stood up and addressed them. Brothers, he said the scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us. Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his tethering. Falling head first there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem and they gave the place a name, which means fill the blood. Peter continued.
Speaker 1:This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says Let his home become desolate with no one living in it. It also says let someone else take his position. So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus, from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus resurrection. So they nominated two men, joseph, called Bathabas, and Matthew. Then they all prayed oh Lord, you know every heart, Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs. Then they cast lots and Matthew was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.
Speaker 1:So in chapter one, again we see the Holy Spirit, we see Jesus, we see the disciples and we see them together being empowered by the Spirit himself, letting them know everything is going to be okay. They watched him go into heaven. Now you do know this was the last sign of Jesus, the actual man, being down here on earth. Okay, so guess what people? That's where we are at today. His spirit is still alive. His spirit still speaks. Guess what? He uses people. He uses people. He says here the Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times and they are not for you to know, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses telling people about me everywhere, in Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. How do I know that this is true? Because the Holy Spirit came upon me, is upon me, is on me. I can't take it off if I drive. It's been on you since you were a child. If we go to Jeremiah one I knew you before you were in your mother's womb it all makes sense. If you think about Moses, they were trying to kill all the babies during the time that he was born. Just so happened. They were trying to kill all the babies during the time Jesus was born too. So could it be something about babies and children coming into this world with this type of anointing on their life? Absolutely, but who gives power? Where does the power come from? Let's keep going.
Speaker 1:Go to chapter two, acts, chapter two. On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then what looked like flames of tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. Everyone presented was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Speaker 1:So right after chapter one, we see the demonstration, demonstration, the reality, verse five at that time, there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running and they were bewildered to hear their own language being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. How can this be? They exclaimed these people are all from Galilee and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages. Here we are patherines, medians, elemiates, people from Mesotopia, mesma-mia, judah.
Speaker 1:Listen, let me tell y'all something. I know that I'm messing these names up, so I'm not even going to do it. I'm not even going to try to say them. I'm going to scroll all the way down here to verse 11, where it says both Jews and converts to Jews, cretans and Arabs. We all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done.
Speaker 1:They stood there amazed and perplexed. What can this mean? They asked each other, but others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying they're just drunk. That's all. Let me say this, let me interject. When people don't understand things, they criticize what they don't understand. Can you imagine? Can you imagine being in a room, you know what language you speak, you know what language other people speak, but then you start to hear those same people speaking a different native language and we can understand each other. That's power. That's power. But when people don't understand things like that, because it's supernatural, they laugh it off, they think it's a joke or they ridicule. They're just drunk. Let's keep going. Verse 14.
Speaker 1:Then Peter stepped forward with the 11 other apostles and shouted to the crowd listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews in residence of Jerusalem, make no mistake about this. These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o'clock in the morning is much too early for that. No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel. In the last days, god says I will pour out my spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions and your old man will dream dreams. In those days, I will pour out my spirit even on my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below. Blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will become dark and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Do you guys remember about what? Seven or eight years ago, the sun became dark in the day, tom, I can't remember the actual day, but this did happen. Let's go to verse 22. People of Israel listen.
Speaker 1:God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracle wonders and signs through him, as well as you know. But God knew what would happen and his prearranged plan was carried out. When Jesus was betrayed, with the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to the cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in his grip. King David said this about him I sit at. The Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad and my tongue shouts his praises. My body rests in hope, for you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You have shown me the way of life and you will fill me with the joy of your presence. Dear brothers, think about this.
Speaker 1:You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn't referring to himself, for he died and was buried in his tomb is still here among us. But he was a prophet and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David's own descendants was sit on his throne. David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah's resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave. God raised Jesus from the dead and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven at God's right hand, and the father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see in here today. For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said. The Lord said to my Lord sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, make them at footstool under your feet. So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to both Lord and Messiah.
Speaker 1:Peter's words, peter's words, pierced their hearts and they said to him and the other other apostles, brothers. What should we do? Peter replied each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children and to those far away. All will have been called by the Lord, our God. Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly, urging all his listeners save yourselves from this cricket generation. You know, I felt like Peter. I feel like Peter's still here today, because this is a cricket, cricket generation that we're in. I mean, we see the TV shows, we see what's publicized, we see the media, you know, and the fact that some people don't believe is mind blowing to me. But you got to understand. Peter was one of the disciples that Jesus said before he, before he left him, number one, he told me he was going to deny him three times, but he said it to him. He said Peter, satan has asked to sift you as wheat. I pray that your faith don't fail you. Let's go. Let's go to that chapter real quick. So let's go to Luke 22.
Speaker 1:Verse one the festival of unleavened bread, which is also called Passover was approaching. The leading priests and the teachers of a religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people's reaction. Then Satan entered into Judas, isacrad, who was one of the 12 disciples, and he went to the leading priests and captains of the temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted and they promised to give him money. So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren't around. Now the festival of the unleavened bread arrived, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed.
Speaker 1:Jesus sent Peter and John ahead and said go prepare the Passover meal so we can eat together. What do you want us to prepare, they asked. He replied as soon as you enter Jerusalem, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him at the house he enters. Say to the owner. The teacher asked where's the guest room? Where can I eat the Passover meal with my disciples? He would take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up and that is where you should prepare our meal. They went off to the city and found everything, just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover meal there.
Speaker 1:When the time came, jesus and the apostle sat down together at the table. Jesus said I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins, for I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said take this and share it among yourselves, for I will not drink wine again until the kingdom of God has come. He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. After supper he took another cup of wine and said this cup is the new covenant between God and his people, an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me, for it has been determined that the Son of man must die, but what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him. So can you imagine sitting at the table with Jesus right, and y'all been following him this whole entire time sitting down eating a meal, and Jesus tells you that someone at this table is going to betray me, can you imagine? I mean, the response of the disciples were just the same response that we will have. Well, who is it? Who is it which one? It says in verse 23,.
Speaker 1:The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing. They began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. Jesus told them in this world, the kings and great men lorded over their people. Yet they are called friends of the people, but among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leaders should be like a servant. Who is more important? The one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course, but not here, for I am among you as one who serves. You have stayed with me in my time of trial and, just as my father has granted me a kingdom, I now grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. Simon, this is Peter. He's speaking to now, Simon. Simon, satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat, but I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers. So, even with me.
Speaker 1:Reading this, jesus already knew what was about to go down. Okay, he was God in human form. That's why he gave Peter these encouraging words, because he knew what Peter was about to do. He knew that he was going, he was leaving. Peter was this right hand man, he was the leader. So why are you think they're going to go to the other disciples? No, they're coming to Peter. That's why he said I will strengthen you. Listen, he said so. When you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers. Peter said Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you and even to die with you, like Peter, like you're right. You ain't got to worry about that, jesus, I'm your man. That's what he was saying in essence.
Speaker 1:But listen to what Jesus told Peter. Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crowed tomorrow morning, you would deny three times that you even know me. Then Jesus asked them when I sent you out to preach the good news and you did not have money, a traveler's bag or an extra pair of sandals. Did you need anything? No, they replied. But now he said take your money and a traveler's bag and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one, for the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled. He was counting among the rebels. He has. Everything written about me by the prophets will come true. Look, lord. They replied. They have two swords among us. That's enough. He said that's enough. I want to stop right here for a moment because I know you guys hear it. I got filled up right there.
Speaker 1:Guy will often ask you to do things that you don't feel like you're qualified to do, and the first thing that you'll think is I don't have enough funds. I don't know what to do, I don't know where to start. But God is good, he's really good. He's a good daddy, he's a good father. He said that's enough. And when I read that, all you need is your faith in him and he's going to lead you to where you need to go, you just have to believe. You just have to believe.
Speaker 1:He asked the question for a reason because he knows how we think. He knows how we are. He made us and you know what. On a lighter subject, you know what he called us in the very beginning stiff necked. People want to know why? Because can't nobody tell us anything? It's in our nature. You have to choose to follow him and nobody makes you do it. It's a choice that we all have, he told him. He said, when I sent you out to preach the good news and you did not have enough money, you did not have money, a traveler's bag or extra pair of sandals. Did you need anything? No, and if you think about it, you know this is where the church began. You know, the book of Acts is the beginning of the church. You know the true church. Why say the true church? Because Jesus had to come on the scene.
Speaker 1:The way that everybody was living during that time. They were doing what they wanted to do and they were. Yes, they had the word, but they were not doing. They weren't, it wasn't, they weren't delivering the word right, you know? You see the Pharisees, the Sadducees. You see all of these religious leaders. Peter even I'm not Peter, but Jesus even looked at one of them was like I think it was Nicodemus. He was like yo, you've been. You you're a religious leader and you don't know this. We have to get understanding.
Speaker 1:They were making things hard for the people during this time and Jesus came on the scene with love, joy, peace, grace. They're looking at him like he's crazy. They're trying to trip him up, they're trying to slander him. They're not trying to slander them, they are slandering. But God said he will fight your battles. He will. He did it for his own son. That's why he says in the world who so ever believes show, show, not perish by. Have everlasting life.
Speaker 1:It says here, take your money and a traveler's bag. But now? So? Because Jesus was walking with them, they didn't need nothing. Right? I want you guys to catch it. Because Jesus was walking with them, they didn't need anything. But coming into this next world, this next dimension, this new level, they're gonna need some things. So he gives them what Instructions?
Speaker 1:Why can't we just follow the instructions? Why can't we just read the word? Why can't we just really focus on what God is telling us to do? Why do we go against his word? I'll tell you why. I think we go against this word. I think we go against this word because we haven't seen the true ministry of Jesus being revealed Like we haven't seen. We don't know what it looks like. We see people get up every morning, we see people go to church, but then some of those same people are mean as rattlesnakes. I mean, make it make sense? It doesn't to me. It never has. Since I was a child, I was that kid. I mean I couldn't understand for the life of me how people would go to church on Sunday and be mean Throughout the week. It was weird to me, verse 39.
Speaker 1:Then, accompanied by the disciples, jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them pray, that you will not give into temptation. He walked away about a stone's throw and knelt down and prayed. Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. When it's the last time you've had that type of talk with your father, when the last time you asked him, you know You're a will be done, because a lot of times we don't, we don't realize that if it's not in God's will and it's not in God's plan is not going to happen. You know, I know you guys have probably seen the mean that says we play, we Plan, and God laughs. But it's true, he does, he. He laughs because he knows the plan city has for his children, he knows the plans that he has for his children.
Speaker 1:But even in this scripture, even right here, we see the humanity part of Jesus. He was a human being. Okay, he was just like me and you, that's just like me and you going down on our knees and say, okay, please take this cup of Suffering. I don't want to go to the cross, I don't want to have to do this, but I want your will to be done. So if I got to do it, I'm gonna do.
Speaker 1:It says in verse 43. An angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more frivolously and he was in such agony of spirit that it sweat filled to the ground like great drops of blood. At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep and exhausted from grief. Why are you sleeping? He asked him. Get up and pray, so that you will not give into temptation Again. Jesus knew what was coming. So everything that he left us here with in this world, we can use to navigate it in today's. In today we can. We see it here. His words were written in red.
Speaker 1:Jesus plays a very Important role. After all, he is the truth, the way and the life. That's what the scripture tells us, right? So in the book of Acts we ought to see something being demonstrated. We ought to see something happening to a test what Jesus said in the book of Luke Going over into the book of Acts. We ought to see some of the things that Jesus said come to fruition in the book of Acts. And if you're reading, you're going to see it. You're going to see it.
Speaker 1:So, picking back up in the book of Acts, go with me to chapter Five. Listen at this story. The Bible has some interesting stories, man. When I be reading it I be like, oh my god, that happened. And yes, it did. It happened, chapter Five, verse one.
Speaker 1:But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife Safira so some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife's consent, he kept the rest. Then Peter said and Ananias, why have you let Satan feel your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell as you wished, and after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren't lying to us, but to God. You weren't lying to us, but to God.
Speaker 1:Now, please listen at what just happened. Okay, we just went to Luke 22. We see, guys you see, I'm sorry we see Jesus speaking to Peter, telling them what Satan's gonna do. Fast, for you know, this is the things that have taken place. The Holy Spirit has descended and and Peter is one of the recipients because he is walking right with Jesus the soul time. So there's an anointing that is on him. Take heed to what this story is saying. He says how could you do a thing like this? You weren't lying to us, but to God.
Speaker 1:As soon as Ananias heard these words, he failed to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. Then some young man got up, wrapped him in a sheet and took him out and buried him. About three hours later, his wife came in not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her was this the price you and your husband received for your land? Yes, she replied, that was the price, and Peter said Mmm-hmm. How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door and they will carry you out too Instantly she failed to the floor and died. When the young man came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.
Speaker 1:Now list, that would have scared me straight. That would have scared me straight. Why do I say that? Because you know he's already telling these people who Jesus is. We already see what's going on. But then you got people out here that don't believe. You got people out here that will play In your face. What do I mean? That's what they did essentially. I mean, did they? They wanted to give some of the money that they sold? They did. Nobody told them to. You know, if I was grow back up, it literally says you know, it's just come straight out. They sold some of the property and they wanted to bring some of the money to the church, but they told the bull face lie. It says, with his wife's consent, he kept the rest. He went into further explanation, and Peter already knew that that wasn't all. But the fact that he tried to give him this and Tell a lot the same time was not a good look. He lost his life just like that, it says.
Speaker 1:The sudden deaths of ananias and Sephora are jarring jarring at first glance. After all, the couple Voluntarily gave up part of their profits to the church, so what could possibly warrant their deaths? The problem was that they lied about their gift and withheld money for themselves, desiring the status of the large donation and the appearance of radical Generosity in the eyes of the apostles and the other members of the church. Furthermore, peter says that they allow Satan to fill their hearts. They lied to the Holy Spirit who had filled their community of believers.
Speaker 1:In the midst of the church's miraculous growth, remarkable unity and amazing gospel message, and ananias and Sephora's deceitful plans stood as the the Peace of the church, faith-filled generosity and brotherly love. The good shepherd refuses to tolerate wolves roaming around roaming freely Among his sheep. The good shepherd refuses to tolerate wolves roaming freely among his sheep. In Contrast, the preceding story of Barnabas reveals the greater truth that authentic Allegiance to Jesus is characterised by the kind of cheerful generosity that both honors God and cares for his people. May those who follow Jesus be so struck by his worth, so confident of his care and so committed to his ways that they likewise seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. Now we see something here, and you know we have to take heed to what the Father is saying to us. Okay, I mean, he's speaking to us through these stories. Okay, he is he. You know, they told a lot and they did not make it out. They did not make it out, you know, they died instantly. It says, verse 12,.
Speaker 1:The apostles were performing many miracles, miraculous signs and wonders among the people, and all the believers were meeting regularly at the temple in the area known as the Solomon's Colony, but no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord, crowds of both men and women. As a result of the apostles' work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats, so that Peter's shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing in those sick and possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. The high priest and his officials, who were sadjudists, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostle and put them in public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail and brought them out. Then he told them go to the temple and give the people this message of life.
Speaker 1:So at daybreak the apostles entered the temple as they were told and immediately began teaching. When the high priest and his officials arrived, they conveyed to the high council the full assembly of elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail for trial. But when the temple guards went to the jail the men were gone. So they returned to the council and reported the jail was securely locked with the guards standing outside. But when we opened the gates no one was there.
Speaker 1:When the captain of the temple guard and the leading priest heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end. Then someone arriving with startling news the man you put in jail are standing in the temple teaching the people. The captain went with his temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. Then they brought the apostles before high council, where the high priest confronted them. We gave you strict orders never to, never again to teach in this man's name. He said instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him and you want to make us responsible for his death. But Peter and the apostles replied we must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as prince and savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit who is given by God to those who obey him. Who gets the Holy Spirit? Those who what obey who, their father. When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. But one member of the Pharisees named Gelamil, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up in order that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. Then he said to his colleagues men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men. Sometime long ago there was that fellow Theatres who pretended to be someone great. About four hundred others joined him, but he was killed and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed too, and all his followers were scattered.
Speaker 1:So my advice is leave these men alone. Public service announcement. Leave people alone when they're working for God and doing what God told them to do. Leave them people alone. I'm one of them. People Just leave me alone, okay, because I'm just doing what God said to do. He speaks to me. There's no other way around it. I hear from God. People still hear from God. This man was right there with them, telling them chill out, please, because at the end of the day, if they're not doing what God told them to do, it's going to come out. So listen to what his advice was. So my advice is leave these men alone. Let them go. If they're planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown, but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God. The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus and they let them go. The apostles left the High Council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus, and every day, in the temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message Jesus is Messiah, jesus is the Messiah.
Speaker 1:Now a couple of takeaways from Acts 5. You might be fighting against God when you're fighting against those he called put in a place to do his work. I mean, think about it. I'm talking about from the very first one. It comes out about Ananias and his wife, and we see how that went. Then, scrolling on down, peter is doing what the says to the Lord. He's arrested Him and his disciples are put in prison. The jail is securely locked. These men are out of jail. The guard is still standing at the door. They're still preaching. They're arrested again, but they're trying to look for a way to hurt them. Because I done told you one time now I gotta make an example out of you. But whoa yeah, I had to say whoa. You don't think that the guy that spoke up was speaking on behalf of the Lord? You don't think that that man that spoke up that God wasn't using him. Yes, he was using him. He was letting them know. I wouldn't do that if I was you. Leave that man alone and if he's not doing what the says to the Lord, it would be found out. It would come to nothing, but you might find yourself fighting against God. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. The way they're only doing what God told them to do, that is, to preach the good news.
Speaker 1:Go to John 14. We're gonna end it over here at John 14. Verse one don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my father's home. If this were not so what, I've told you that I'm going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with me where I am going and you know the way to where I am going.
Speaker 1:No, we don't know. Lord Thomas said. We have no idea where you are going. So how can we know? The way Jesus told them I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my father is From now on. You do know him and have seen him. Philip said Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied. Jesus replied have I been with you all this time, philip? And yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father, who lives in me, does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. I tell you the truth? Anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name and I will do it so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name and I will do it.
Speaker 1:Verse 15, if you love me, obey my commandments and I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans. I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live. You also will live. When I am raised to life again. You will know that I am in my Father and you are in me and I am in you.
Speaker 1:Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me, and because they love me, my Father will love them and I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. Judas not the Judas that betrayed Jesus said Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large? He said all who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them and will come, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember my words are not my own.
Speaker 1:What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now, while I am still with you, but when the Father sends the advocate as my representative, that is the Holy Spirit. He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. You do know. That's what we're just talking about, the Holy Spirit. I am leaving, verse 27. I am leaving you with a gift peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really love me, you'll be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen, so that when they do happen, you will believe. I don't have much more time to talk to you because the rule of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let's be going. So this sums up everything that we spoke on today. It sums up Jesus. How do we get to God? Through Jesus. That's how we get to the Father, through the Son. That's why it's written.
Speaker 1:And even in the Old Testament we see in the book of Joel speaks of the same thing, speaks of the coming of sight. The only problem was he wasn't recognized when he came on the scene. If you go to John 1, he says I came to my own and they didn't recognize me. Sometimes people don't recognize what's right in front of their face. Sometimes people can't see because God has blinded their eyes. Oh, yes, it's written. He said I came to open the eyes of those who are blind and to blind the eyes of those who claim they see.
Speaker 1:This needed to be done. God knows what he's doing. It's crazy because we look at God like oh my God, what are you doing? What are you doing? He knows the ending. He knows how this is going to pan out. He knows what's going to take place. There's nothing new under the sun. There's nothing new under the sun.
Speaker 1:Get to know your father. It doesn't take a lot. All you have to do is say yes to his will and his way. Believe. Believe. He's the only way to salvation. He's the only way to the father. He's the only way People wanna hear God speak. God speaks every day. Do we listen? Are we paying attention to the words? Are we paying attention to the signs and wonders? God pretty much used the Old Testament to reveal to us Jesus. That's why some of them knew exactly who he was when he came on the scene. It's an illustration, it's a picture, and it's a true picture. It's a true illustration. God is still who he says he is. He did send his son and we all have a choice to believe.
Speaker 1:I wanna leave you guys with this word. I want someone out there to understand what I'm about to tell you, because sometimes we get rarer. But I need you to know on today that you are enough. You are enough, it says, compared to no one. We all have our own journey and our own rhythm. It's okay to want more from yourself, but be gentle with yourself in the process. Be your own supporter rather than your own enemy. And, of course, let Jesus lead. Let go and let God and watch what happens in your world.
Speaker 1:You know we're gonna stick with this in the book of Acts for a minute here, because there are some interesting things that we learn, man, and you know, I know you guys are listening to the show. I'm getting great ratings, I'm getting great reviews, and so I think it's important for us to understand where it all began. And it all began in the book of Acts. That's where the church began. In the book of Acts, the true church and that's why I say the true church is because the Holy Spirit was now here. That's why Jesus said you know, I'm with you right now, but the helper will come, and the helper is the Holy Spirit.
Speaker 1:So I hope you guys have been blessed by the message this morning or this evening or this afternoon, whenever you're receiving it, whenever you're hearing it. You know, let this work pierce your heart. Get to know your Father. Seek first the kingdom. Matthew 633 is a real thing. He'll show you more about yourself and he'll teach you things that you never knew before. We're all on assignment, we're all here together, and what are we here to do? Proclaim the message, and what's the message? That Jesus has risen and he's still alive today. I love you, ladies and gentlemen. You guys have an amazing day on purpose Peace, new, new, new, everything new, new, new, new, new, everything new. I'm ready to go, Ready for more, I'm ready for new, like a straight out stone. You already know. I'm ready to flow, I'm ready to move the oldest through. I'm in problems new baggers, new gutters, you know everything.