Tag: Apostles

Morning Reading: Acts 5. 17-32 NLT – courageously obeying God

Reading: Acts 5:17-32 NLT

The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

Liberation of St. Peter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1667) Hermitage Museum
Liberation of St. Peter
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1667)
Hermitage Museum

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!” 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 convened the high council — the full assembly of the 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!” When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end.

Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men 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 the high council, where the high priest confronted them. “Didn’t we tell you never again to teach in this man’s name?” he demanded. “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.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father – Help me to listen to you and obey you… to share with others the “message of life” through your Son Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus – Keep my eyes on you… my beginning and end. Holy Spirit – Shut out all the din and chatter that would distract me from my primary purpose… to glorify and enjoy God. Amen.

Hymn: “Trust and Obey” – John H. Sammis (1887)
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Morning Reading: Acts 2.42-47 NLT – model community

Reading: Acts 2.42-47 NLT

Members of the Rutba House in Durham, N.C., gather for meals and morning and evening prayer.
Members of the Rutba House in Durham, N.C., gather for meals and morning and evening prayer.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer.

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Prayer: Heavenly Father – Make me a believer who is devoted to learning… to breaking bread with others… and to prayer. Holy Spirit – Give me a spirit of joy and generosity… freely sharing with those in need. Lord Jesus – May my life and witness bring honor to you… and may you add to your number those who are being saved. Amen.

Devotional Song: “A Morning Prayer” – Godinsight4me

Morning Reading: Acts 1.12-26 NLT – Judas replaced

Reading: Acts 1.12-26 NLT

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went 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, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.

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 treachery. Falling headfirst 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 the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)

Apostle Matthias By Duccio, 1308-1311
Apostle Matthias
By Duccio, 1308-1311
Museo dell Opera del Duomo, Florence

Peter continued, “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 Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O 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 Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Give me the decision-making wisdom of the Apostles… to search the Scriptures for guidance… to come up with Godly alternatives… to pray for your will to be done… and to trust the you for the outcome. To God be the glory. Amen.

Hymn: “Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim” – Charles Wesley (1744)

Morning Reading: Acts 1.6-11 NLT – he will return

Reading: Acts 1.6-11 NLT

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

The Ascension John Singleton Copley, 1775 Boston Museum of Fine Arts
The Ascension
John Singleton Copley, 1775
Boston Museum of Fine Arts

He replied, “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, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After saying this, he was taken up into 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. “Men 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!”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – You reign as High King of heaven… and yet, you are personally active and engaged in my life here on earth. Give me the confidence and courage to live boldly as your faithful servant… knowing that my labors for you are not in vain. Comfort and hearten all who live with pain and suffering… all  who cry out to you today. Welcome them into your presence, intercede for them, and grant them the desires of their hearts… according to your mercy and grace. Thank you for the blessed hope of a glorious future when you return as Judge and King… no more injustice, suffering, or death. Your Kingdom will be an everlasting Kingdom of truth, righteousness and love. And best of all, I will live with you there, my King… forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn: “Crown Him – Majesty” – Chris Tomlin w/ Kari Jobe

Morning Reading: Acts 1.1-5 NLT – friend of God

Acts of the Holy Spirit
Acts of the Holy Spirit

Reading: Acts 1.1-5 NLT

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after his crucifixion, 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 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.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – As I begin this new adventure with you, reading through the Book of Acts, enlighten and enliven me to all the possibilities and blessings of friendship with you. Fill me with your Spirit and give me the courage and boldness of your friends in another age… so that I can live for you in this day and age. May your Kingdom come and your will be done… in me. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “I am a Friend of God” – Phillips, Craig & Dean