Read Acts 18:1-28

1) What stands out in the text today?

2) What questions need to be answered?

3) What’s the main theme of this section?

4) What is the application for the original readers?

5) Hiw does this passage apply to you?

May God bless you as you deeply ponder on His word!

This is the same God who gives us strength and peace.  There is no need to fear or worry, God is for us.  He chose to use His power to satisfy the law and to bring an eternity of peace for us.  What a mighty God we serve!

Personal Reflection

Do we really believe that nothing is impossible for God?  If we are honest we have all prayed prayers that were not specific because we were fearful they wouldn’t be answered.  Or sometimes we just avoid praying all together. The LORD is mighty in power and can do all things.  We ought to pray, boldly trusting Him.  Whether He chooses to grant what we ask is obviously up to Him.  Sometimes we give up asking because He hasn’t answered according to our will, but His and we don’t see the answer as a result.  Don’t let any of this stop you from asking your Father in heaven. What bold prayers need to be prayed today? Let’s pray them!

Prayer Focus

Father, we confess that we don’t ask sometimes because we are afraid you won’t answer.  Help us in our unbelief.  Give us the courage to pray bold prayers. We pray for our nation, we see our wickedness and we cry out to you asking for revival.  May we see our need and come running.  Change our hearts to desire only you. Teach us to walk in your ways. We will praise you forever, in the Name of Jesus, Amen!

#prayboldly #powerfulprayers #truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl

Peter is rebuked when he was in opposition after Jesus told them He must be crucified.  It was a harsh and necessary rebuke:

But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.” (Matt 16:23 NASB)

Faithful were those wounds that Jesus inflicted on Peter.  They were for Peter’s benefit. Each part of the wound was meant for good.

On the contrary how deceitful a thing it was for Judas to betray our Lord with none other than a kiss to identify Him for His arrest!  Notice Jesus response:

“Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.” 

(‭‭Matt 26:49-50‬ ‭NASB‬‬)

Two things here that could stir our emotions and desire for justice.

1) He calls him “Friend”

2) He seems unshaken by the fact that He is about to be arrested.

It is clear what is about to happen and Jesus, having the Holy Spirit, remains calm, trusting in the sovereignty of His Father. How powerful is that?  I have certainly been betrayed my fair share of times.   I’m sad to say my response at times has been one of seeking revenge and justice.  I’m reminded here by our Lord’s example that we need not worry or be anxious about justice or anything for that matter. For Our God is sovereign even in the midst of deceit.

Reflection

How easily are you shaken when someone deceives you?  We could use this proverb as grounds to possibly remove a few friends and try to avoid these deceivers, but something tells me you can’t avoid them completely.  Praise God today that nothing is outside the realm of His sovereignty!  We have no need to get worked up and anxious. We have the sovereign Lord in command over every second of our eternity.

Prayer

Father we confess to you we are prone to retaliation and wrath.   Guide our hearts to a place of trust. For you have said vengeance is yours.  Let us know, live, and speak the truth of your sovereignty each and every moment of today.  May the peace that passes all understanding guard our hearts in Christ Jesus right now, in His Name, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#sovereignoverdeceivers #woundsofafriendarewelcome

#truthtalk4life

And yet through it all God has continued to bless as I seek Him and His plan. We have found a new church which is filled with Godly leadership and grace. It is truly a joy to worship with the family at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Eagle Grove.

In addition, here’s some of the highlights of blessings (There are many more)

– Over 2 weeks of vacation right after resigning

– Serving at Casa Angelina in Guatemala with great friends

– Preaching Family Camp weekend at Pine Lake Camps

– Preaching Challenge Camp at Mink Lake for Pine Lake Camps

– Preaching 12 weeks for Grace Baptist Church

– Meeting and spending time with so many new family members in the body of Christ.

– Our business has grown to where I don’t have to have another job at all.

– I’m now completely free to preach and serve however God wants me to

– My faith has grown all the more as the trials unfolded

– I spent countless days out of state/country with my beautiful bride.

– I spend many days with my kids not missing them growing up

– Shared our family’s story at RealFest to promote adoption

– After feeling unappreciated, God has completely overcome those feelings with appreciation from  His body everywhere I’ve served

– God’s word has pierced the deepest parts of me this year

– preached to hundreds of people all over the world

– discovered my purpose

– started writing a book

– I have seen God’s faithfulness in a whole new and more complete way.

I’m left with the truth that no weapon formed against me will prosper. God will prevail and my life will be used to glorify Him forever in all circumstances!

Reflection

In what ways has God used your trials to glorify Him and bless you?

How might He be doing that with the trials you are currently facing. 

Take time to praise Him for all of the trials you have faced and are facing.  For He is faithful through all of them!

Prayer

Gracious God, You are faithful!  You have seen us through the darkest and brightest of times.  You continue to work all things for our good.  Thank you for demonstrating Your deep faithfulness to us.  Grow out faith as we walk in the valleys of life.  Teach us to draw near to You and praise You in the storm by the power of Jesus’ name, Amen!