What are you expecting?

 Acts 2: 42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they co...ntinued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Thoughts for Today:

What part of this description of the first century church bothers you the most? Is it the devotion part of it? What about selling possessions and goods -- then giving to anyone who has a need? How about going to church every day? Then, there's having people over for dinner and going to other peoples homes -- and doing it with a glad and sincere heart. Which of these would be the hardest for you to do? Why? Your answer will reveal a lot about you.

To a large degree our priorities (what's important to us) are defined by our expectations. I watched a movie the other night about a woman who thought she only had a month to live. So she quit her job, liquidated her retirement account, and went traveling. Those were her priorities. The first century church thought Jesus' return was imminent. They were living as if that could happen any day at any minute.

Questions to Ponder:

How would your life be different today if you thought Jesus was coming back tomorrow or next month? How would your priorities change based upon your expectations? How would you reorder your priorities?

Save Yourself

Acts 2:40-41

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Thoughts for Today:

Peter previously told us in verse 38 to "Repent and be baptized," but I think the key is in verse 40 when he says, "Save yourself from this corrupt generation." He's telling us that we have a choice. As a Christian, you are saved, but are you living and experiencing the life God intended for you? Are you allowing this generation to continue to corrupt you?

I think the answer for most of us is "yes." After all it is difficult to live in this world without being corrupted (to one degree or another) by it. But rather than writing down our top ten list of ways we're allowing the world to corrupt us, I believe the Lord is speaking to you right now about one of them. It may not even be number one, but it is one the Lord knows you can deal with.

Questions to Ponder:

What is the one area the Lord is asking you to deal with today? Ask the Lord for help and choose right now to "save yourself from this corrupt generation." How will you start? What Bible verses come to mind? Is there someone you need to be honest with and ask for their help and support? What is your first step? Will you take it now?

Ask the Lord's help by focusing your heart, mind and spirit on His Word to you.

What Shall We Do?

Acts 2:38-39

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."

Thoughts for Today:

The most natural reaction to an encounter with God is asking the question: "What shall we do (previously verse 37)?" I find this response interesting -- after someone is "Cut to the heart," the first thing they want to know is what action they need to take -- "What do I need to do?" Do you have an answer to this question? Peter did, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

It's really very simple, although it's definitely not easy. Here's the sequence:

1) The Spirit calls (or convicts) us;

2) We respond -- "what shall I do";

3) Then we get the answer "repent and be baptized."

But what does this mean? Repenting is acknowledging you have a problem and you want to change. Baptism is a step of obedience on the pathway of that change.

We as believers have an understanding of these concepts relating to our conversion experience, but what do they mean to us after we've become a Christian? The answer is in definition of the "re" portion of the word "re-pent." "Re" means to do it over, "pent" means to be sorry or regretful over something we've done. So really "pent" is for new believers (the first time they acknowledge they are a sinner and need a savior); "repent" is for we Christians who have "fallen short" (in other words sinned) and need to do it (pent) over again. I don't know about you but I am always re-re-re-repenting!

Questions to Ponder:

In what area of your life has the Spirit spoken to you about today? What do you need to re-repent? Will you take a moment right now and re-repent? If you are having trouble with this, ask the Lord to reveal to you why you are having difficulty letting go and surrendering to Him.

P;ease visit our website www.gloveministry.org

God bless,
Pastor Tom

Cut to the Heart

Acts 2:29-37

[Peter speaking] "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, 'The Lord said to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'' Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to P! eter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

Thoughts for Today:

Scripture is like that -- it "cuts to the heart" (verse 37). So often I think I'm the one who needs to speak fine and eloquent words to witness effectively, as if my words are the main factor in someone's decision to come to know Christ. I've got news for you -- my words and your words don't matter much.

 If you look at our story, it appears Peter has done a scholarly job of interpreting Scripture as well as prophesy relating to the Messiah. His words are convincing and convicting, so therefore it was Peter who led three thousand people to Christ that day, right? Wrong. Just the opposite is true. Peter was a fisherman; he wasn't a scholar (like Paul); so where did he get the words? Answer: he was fully surrendered to the power of the Spirit. The Word (Scripture) was in him and the Spirit was upon him -- he was simply an instrument.

Questions to Ponder:

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that "All Scripture is God breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Do you think a person has to be a believer before Scripture can "cut them to the heart"? The Word of God (Scripture) speaks to everyone no matter who they are or what they profess to believe. Scripture cuts to the heart then begs to answer the next question: "Brothers, what shall we do?"

www.gloveministry.org

Listen Carefully to What I Say

Acts 2:14-21

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' "

Thoughts for Today:

I taught my five year old daughter Emmy to read. She was really excited before every lesson, but most times she had far too much physical energy to concentrate effectively. So at the beginning of each lesson we talked about concentrating, sitting still, only discussing our lesson, and ignoring all other distractions. Her attention span was limited (usually about 20 to 30 minutes), so we had to go quickly, and when we came to the end of the time limit, it wass usually a waste of energy to go on -- so I learned to close on time. That's what Peter is offering to us in these verses, instructions on how to teach and how to learn.

The first example Peter gives us is to stand up and raise his voice. He did this to get everyone's attention. Correspondingly the initial step of learning is to set aside time for study of the Bible; then place all of your attention and focus on the Word; while making sure to eliminate distractions.

Next, he focused the crowd on his intent and what their benefit might be (understanding), "let me explain this to you." When you study Scripture, focus on understanding and application, don't read it like a novel. Sure there is a story, but behind the story is depth and richness. Take it in small bites, 2-4 verses at a time. When you read these verses, pray and ask how you might apply them in your life today.

Thirdly, the Bible is the Word of God. Don't take anything lightly and as Peter instructs, "listen carefully to what I say." Pay attention to sentence structure and context -- it was written this way for a reason -- God's reason. Finally, look up the cross references -- get a good Bible concordance. Peter models this concept when he tells us, "This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel." If you want to clarify something, find out what the Bible says about itself.

 These are the keys to successful Bible study and understanding. I have one last comment I wanted to repeat based on my experience with Emmy: Set a time limit and finish on time. You will not look forward to your study time (nor will your children and spouse) if it is open ended or goes on and on (you will keep putting it off because you don't have the time). If you've set 20 minutes as your time limit, then say to your wife or husband, "I need 20 minutes of quiet time." Provided you finish on time consistently, setting aside 20 minutes will not be a problem even in the busiest of households. You and your family will all be richly blessed by following Peter's simple steps to a successful study.

Questions to Ponder:

What do you need to do to get started on a daily quiet time? What have been some of the obstacles in the past? Will you give this method a try for one week and see how it works for you? When will you start?

Please visit our website: www.gloveministry.org

God bless,
Pastor Tom

What Does This Mean?

Acts 2:5-13

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."

Thoughts for Today:

To this day, whenever the Holy Spirit makes His presence known, we describe our experience with words such as "utterly amazed," "bewildered," "perplexed," etc. When the crowd heard the disciples' speaking in tongues, some thought it was gibberish others were amazed they were speaking in their native language.

This reminds me of a story I read recently. There was a church conference held at the Lake Arrowhead Resort. The custom at the resort is whenever the conference room is open, the bar is too, even if it is not in use. During one of the sessions the bartender was quietly cleaning glasses in the back of the room, when a man stood up and began to speak in tongues -- words that no one understood. The moderator thanked the man and appropriately asked him to sit down as there was no one present who could interpret his words. Following the meeting the bartender who was from Iraq, came forward with tears streaming down his face and asked who the man was who had spoken of the great mysteries of God and the messiah in his native language. The man was saved that evening.

The Holy Spirit is like that -- nonsense to some ("They have had too much wine"), amazing to others. What is your response when the Holy Spirit speaks to you? Is it nonsense you ignore or do you go with it? The disciples went with it -- they gave themselves over to the power of the Spirit in faith. They didn't try to understand it first. This is the mistake we make in our dealings with the Spirit -- we try to understand and process logically first. You will never experience the full power of the Spirit unless you release control.

Questions to Ponder:

Is the Lord asking you to do something right now that seems a little illogical? Maybe it's to call someone you haven't talked to in a while; attend a gathering; help a stranded motorist; ask someone who looks lost if you can help with directions; etc. It can be and will be the most ordinary of circumstances that will yield the most amazing results -- because God is constantly at work, and when you answer His call you come to know His voice.

Please visit our website www.gloveministry.org

God bless
Pastor Tom

Fueled by the Spirit

Acts 2:1-4

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Thoughts for Today:

What an incredible experience that must have been -- to actually see tongues of flame resting on each of them as they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Many of us feel that access to that kind of power is no longer available. In fact we can sometimes feel our faith becoming dry and lifeless, as if the energy we once had for service has left us. Yet the Holy Spirit is available to you today as He has always been, waiting for you to ask for His presence and power. This example has been given to us throughout the Bible -- in both the Old and New Testaments.

One story that comes to mind, involves the Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel (37:1-14) who was given a vision in which the Lord instructed him to prophesy to a valley full of bones.

"So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them."

The bones came together, but there was no life -- they rattled together. The same is true for us when we try to work for the Lord in our own power without the Holy Spirit's power or enabling -- there's no life in us either. Verse 9 continues,

"Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.' "So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet a vast army."

The Bible often uses the words "wind" or "breath" to indicate the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is this breath of God, His Holy Spirit that comes upon us and into us -- powers and empowers us for service. The key to our receiving this power is obedience. In verse 10, Ezekiel says, "So I prophesied as he commanded me." In other words, he obeyed. In Acts 1:12, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem and waited in the upper room as Jesus had commanded (Acts 1:4). They were obedient as well.

If you are feeling spiritually dry, or maybe you're just going through the motions of Christian life without any significant purpose or direction, then it's time to ask God through His Spirit to reveal to you in what area of your life you need to obey. Ask God's Holy Spirit to fill you as you are obedient and empowered to humbly serve Him.

Questions to Ponder:

God's work in our life as well as usefulness in the kingdom is typically interrupted when we fail to obey a God directive. What was the last thing God told you to do or change that you haven't quite finished?

Please visit our website at www.gloveministry.com

God bless,
Pastor Tom

Waiting on the Spirit

Acts 1:23-26

So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Thoughts for Today:

In Acts 1: 4-5 Jesus tells the disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit. He goes on to tell them they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, and they will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.

 While the disciples were waiting on the Spirit, Peter stood up and suggested the 12th Apostle position should be filled. Personally, I think this was a mistake on his part. "Wait a minute," you say, "Didn't you just point out the positive attributes of Peter's leadership?" Yes I did, however, I believe God intended the 12th Apostle to be Paul. Matthias (the one chosen by the Apostles) is never mentioned again. Yet we all know the tremendous influence of Paul in the New Testament.

 Think about how comical this must appear from the Lord's perspective. The apostles (led by Peter) decide the 12th position is empty and therefore it needs to be filled (appropriately reasoned). The only problem is - it is they who chose the two men; cast lots; then declare it must be the Lord's will. Clearly, the Lord had a different man in mind that wasn't offered as an option. How often are we guilty of asking the Lord, "Should I go here or there?" What if the Lord's intent for my life is neither of those two choices? So what's my point? My main point is: When the Lord tells you to wait, you should wait on all decisions, not just the major ones. My secondary point is: No matter how badly we mess up when we're trying to "help" the Lord, He is always in control.

Questions to Ponder:

What thing have you messed up recently by rushing a decision and either not consulting the Lord or not waiting? How would your decision have changed had you been more patient?

 Even if you are suffering from the consequences of bad decisions, know that the Lord will never turn away from His decision to love you forever.

Did you ask permission?

Acts 9:21-22

"All those who heard him were astonished and asked, 'Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?' Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ."
Thoughts for Today:

Saul was like one of those guys from an old western movie who wore a black hat -- he was easily identifiable as one of the bad guys. Yet here he was doing just the opposite of what he had come to Damascus to do. Saul was now "proving that Jesus is the Christ" (rather than persecuting Christians), and he was getting stronger and more convincing the longer he spoke. Everyone was really confused -- Saul was just not the same person.

We know the Jews living in Damascus were baffled and astonished because Saul had so completely and radically changed his message -- I wonder how those closest to him felt. I wonder if they sat down with him and tried to talk some sense into him; tried to get him to understand the consequences of his change; how his position at work or church was going to be affected (he was a Pharisee); or how his family would feel. I don't think Saul talked to his employer or his family before he embarked on his new ministry, and I don't think they gave him their permission before he started. What kind of courage and conviction would it take for you to completely reverse your previous positions, words, and life work as Saul did? How would your friends and family react?

Questions to Ponder:

Do you need someone else's permission to change? Would Saul have been as effective in his ministry if he sought other people's approval before he began? Did Saul allow his past to determine or dictate his future? Do you? What relationship, attitude or previous behavior do you need to change? Where can you begin today?

Please visit our website at www.gloveminidtry.org

God bless
Pastor Tom

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Acts 1:12-22

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in this ministry." (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines s! pilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, 'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, 'May another take his place of leadership.' Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."

Thoughts for Today:

Peter was chosen by Jesus to lead -- so he led ("In those days, Peter stood up among the believers."). Pay attention to how Peter led: He went back to meeting together; back to prayer; back to Scripture; back to a focus on Jesus; and back to reflecting the pattern and example of Jesus. Quality leadership always starts with a return to basics (core values), before innovation and creativity can be applied effectively (even before problems get addressed or plans are made). Why? Because the "next step" becomes apparent when the focus is on the Lord and not the situation. Notice I didn't say solution. Peter didn't have all the problems worked out -- they must have been overwhelming. Most people look to leaders to fix all the problems. For example, what was Peter going to do about the persecution by the Jews? Form a militia? Peter didn't address that or any of a few hundred other issues. Instead he focused on fellowship and worship; pray! ing together; studying Scripture to gain insight into current events (that's what we're doing right now); and looking at the pattern and example of Jesus. The net result was a clear "next step" -- and that was to fill the empty 12th apostle spot -- simple and effective leadership.

You might say, what what about all the other issues that needed to be addressed? All that other stuff didn't seem to matter much, because this decision was the only one that got recorded for us to look at two thousand years later. I would say Peter listened to the Lord, prioritized, and dealt with the right issue at the right time. The same is true for us in our own lives. Things are coming at us fast and hard -- pressing us for decisions. What do we do?

Questions to Ponder:

What decision is pressing hard on you today? What should you do? The answer is simple, follow Peter's example. The next time you have a problem at home, rather than trying to fix it at that moment try this: Spend time together: turn off the TV, computers, video games, and the phone -- go for a family walk. Pray together: join hands as a family -- take turns -- give thanks and praise God. Open and read the Bible together. Pick a verse, read it and talk about it. Then and only then, ask "What would Jesus do?" Your "next step" will be incredibly clear

Please visit our website at www.gloveministry.org

God bless,
Pastor Tom

Devotion

Acts 1:9-11

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
Thoughts for Today:

A few years ago a woman was killed in a car accident, leaving motherless two small children. It happened in the middle of the afternoon, they're not quite sure how. She lost control of the car and it crossed into on-coming traffic. She was the only fatality. The parents/grandparents are Christians but have never recovered from this loss. You see it was the second child they lost. Their son had died a few years earlier. Their words that ring in my head are these, "This just shouldn't happen. This is not what a loving God would intend. This is not the natural order of things. A parent should never outlive their children."

The disciples must have been feeling this way as well. Jesus was with them; He was taken away (crucified); He returned and spent 40 more days with them; then "poof" He was taken from them again. What were they to think? Everything they thought about how things should be or were going to be was shattered again. They must have been incredibly confused.

So what did they do? They stood there staring into the sky trying to make sense of something they were incapable of understanding. Two thousand years later we still don't understand the full significance of that event, despite the fact we have the remaining New Testament to explain it (as well as countless Bible scholars). So how could they possibly understand it in the middle of the experience?

There are times when I stand still (as the apostles were standing), looking into the sky in amazement or shock -- amazed at a miracle, or shocked by some tragic event. Then God sends someone to me (as in these verses) who says to me, "Why do you stand here looking into the sky?" It's time to get moving, it's time to get doing. So where do we go, what do we do? The answer is the last thing Jesus told you to do. For the disciples that was go to Jerusalem and wait there for the Holy Spirit. I can't answer that question for you. When I'm in shock, I can barely answer it for me: What was the last thing Jesus told me to do? But I do know -- that is what I will do. That's why this book is so appropriately named "Acts." It's what the apostles and others who knew Jesus, did with this knowledge -- they did what Jesus told them to do -- and their lives and the world was transformed.

Questions to Ponder:

What about you? Are you still stuck in tragedy? What was the last thing Jesus told you to do? Are you doing it?

Today's Devotion: You Will be My Witnesses

Acts 1:8:

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Thoughts for Today:

When Jesus said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth," we tend to think this means we need to go out and speak to everyone about Jesus. Although I firmly believe we need to get out and preach the good news, I think it is an interesting choice of words: "You will be my witnesses" -- in other words, your life, as much as your words, is witness to the world about Jesus.

This is a heady concept: That what I do -- how I live -- matters as much, or more than my words. It is one of the reasons so many people are turned off to Christianity. They don't want to be like us. They don't see any benefit in being a Christian. They don't see any difference between Christians and everyone else.

Questions to Ponder:

What about you? How do people see you? What kind of a witness are you? What kind of a witness do you want to be? What is inconsistent in the witness of your life? Where is there inconsistency between your life and your message?

Please visit our web site at www.gloveministry.org

God bless,
Pastor Tom

Devotion 1

Acts 1:1-7

[Luke the author of Acts writing] In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority."
Thoughts for Today:

Jesus had spent a lot of time with these men, yet they were still confused. They were confused about His life, His ways, His death, His resurrection, His promises, and His kingdom.

I think this is indicated by the disciple's last question of the physical Jesus, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" They didn't fully understand Jesus' message and his purpose. They took His words and translated them into what they thought He "should" be saying or doing according to their interpretation of Bible prophecy. They thought Jesus was talking about a physical kingdom.

Sometimes I think the Lord must be incredibly frustrated with me as well, when I don't "understand." When I take His words or action and change them into what I think He "should" be saying or doing. How did Jesus respond? "It is not for you to know " These words need to be underlined and highlighted in all of our Bibles. When you start to get insistent with the Lord, when you get demanding, or when you think you know better -- remember these words: "It is not for you to know!" I don't need to know everything -- the complete master plan, before I do my part. I think that is why a lot of the time we sit on the sideline and don't do what Jesus instructed. We are confused and don't understand why. The Bible doesn't promise understanding before, during, or even after a project (I'm not talking about understanding Scripture, but understanding the purposes God has for the things He commands). What kind of faith would it take if you always knew the outcome of something before you started?
Questions to Ponder:

Where are you lacking in this area? For me it was writing this devotion and sharing it with you. I'm stepping out in faith. What about you? What has God called you to do that you don't understand and haven't done?

Please visit our web site at www.gloveministry.org

God bless,
Pastor Tom
pastortom@gloveministry.org