10/4/11

Acts 2:43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

The power and majesty of God is being displayed in greater ways through the apostles as their obedience continues to grow and their faith increases. I think it is interesting here that it says, “…fear came upon every soul”. I have found that the more I learn of the Lord here at PFR, the more I reverence God.

So often I picture God as Jesus living here on this earth but I need to see that the Lord lowered Himself to levels I cannot even compare in human standards to save me from my sin. But because His humbled state is tangible and relatable, I often find myself gravitating towards this mindset. This is not right because not only did Jesus humble Himself to great lengths for my salvation but He is also the all-encompassing ruler who knows every detail of my life and future, created the earth and heavens, and will judge at the Great White Throne Judgment.

               He is so worthy to be praised!!! To apply this to my life today, I will piggy back on yesterday’s application. In addition to praying for others and myself I will make sure I also spend a portion of that time praising God for who He is and all He has done for me.

10/5/11

Acts 2:44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,

This verse spoke volumes to me as there is such a variety of students here at PFR. But this situation is not just limited to PFR but extends to my home church, house group, youth group, etc. I know that the believers in Paul’s day most likely came from different backgrounds as well but they were not emphasizing what was different about themselves but instead what they have in common. They all shared a love of Jesus Christ and emphasized on this truth. As is often said here, “Major on the majors and minor on the minors”.

To apply this to my life, I want to make a conscious effort today  to concentrate on what I have in common with the students around me instead of what we have different.

10/6/11

Acts 2:45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

I love the phrase “as anyone had need”. This reminded me of the song “Give Me Your Eyes” by Toby Mac saying, “Give me your eyes for just one second. Give me your eyes so I can see everything that I keep missing. Give me love for humanity.” I think so often I can be consumed with my own needs that I miss out and do not see those other needs around me. It could be as simple as giving a snack to someone who has none or some cotton swabs to another who ran out. However, here in the verse when it says the believers sold their possessions and goods it makes me think of a more costly sacrifice. I want God to continually be working on my heart to hold not only my money but also my possessions loosely; He truly is the one who has ultimately blessed me with all I have and I need to live out my life like I truly believe it.

Application:

God, please continue to give me eyes to see the needs around me that I might walk in faith to do what You have called me to.

10/7/11

Acts 2:46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.

This verse brought to mind the many meals I have shared with the staff and interns while I have been here. Yes, the food here that Courtney and Izzy make is incredible but what I often remember the most is the fellowship that took place at the meal. I have heard many people say something along the lines of “Kate’s Diner had the best the chocolate cake ever!” and they rave about something they had even years ago, but does this affect their life any more than in the physical realm. Was their life changed?

I was thinking back to the times when I made dinner occasionally throughout these last few years. One specific memory I have is when I was trying to make a special Sunday dinner and my grandparents were coming over that afternoon to eat with us. When they came, I remember being so concerned about how everything was turning out and all the things that I had to do over fellowshipping with them. Yes, it is important to make it nice when guests come over but what is going to have eternal value? Could a meal change their life? No, but rich fellowship shared over a meal can.

Application: When I go home in three weeks and people come over or even if it is just my family and I make dinner some night, I want to remember this verse. I want to be more concerned about the love of Christ my family and friends experience more than how delicious the meal tasted.