July 11

“…I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:” Acts 24:10

Paul finds himself yet again before the authorities where he might give an account of his faith and standing, and be a witness for Jesus, even as the Lord had foretold regarding Paul’s calling and ministry. The apostle was charged with sedition against the government by his enemies and opponents to the gospel. He was given audience to speak and present his case before Felix. Paul always glad to answer for his faith, was even more cheerful about it this time! The reason was that governor Felix had been consul to Judea for quite some time, and as such he knew the ways of the Jews first hand. He was aware of their infighting and perjuries. He was accustomed to being cautious, when making judgments, and not to quickly condemn anyone the Jews brought before him with accusations. Being a knowledgeable and respected governor, he would also have had a ‘finger on the pulse’ of events as they were taking place in his jurisdiction. This meant that if Paul had truly been a subversive individual, Felix would have heard about him, and most likely aware of his activities – this of course was not the case. Paul was confident both in the Lord and the favourable situation God had allowed with Felix, in spite of him suffering again, unjust and unwarranted allegations. We may learn from Paul and his joyful disposition, even when under question or afflicted. Clearly the righteous are not precluded from afflictions and trials, neither are they beyond unjustified or undeserved denunciations and contentions. In fact the testimony of scripture and life’s experience, concur in showing that all too often it is the virtuous and upright person that seems to attract the criticisms and attacks of a world steeped in sin and degradation. As faithful believers we must remain true to God and patient in afflictions. We must pray for God’s intervention and trust that as the Bible teaches us in Romans 8:28, “… all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” God’s assurance to us is not that we will be spared suffering, but that with each difficulty and trial, He will bring relief, make a way, open a door or alleviate the burden to whatever degree it befits His will. In all aspects of life then, we have hope, strength and purpose, while we remain in God’s hands!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 20

“Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed…” Acts 4:4

God’s work is often carried out among the accusations, distrusts, confrontations and reviling of those who oppose the Lord, and those who even in Christ, are more interested in their own schemes than the work of God. The occasion had been the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple. His joyous testimony gave rise to the preaching of God’s word, and the result was that five thousand heard the word and believed! Even in situations where the evidence of righteousness is there, staring in the face of those who are pitted against the people of God, the attempts to undermine, ruin and defame continue. This is to be considered normal and ‘par for the course’, in the lives of those who serve God. Jesus explained that in the same manner they wronged Him, the world would mistreat those who follow Him. He also encouraged us to ‘rejoice’ in those times when, for the faith we are abused or marginalised. When those who should know us, choose rather to loathe and dissociate from us, if we are standing in the word and holiness of God, we should not be dismayed.  It is not an automatic thing that because we serve God, we will have no problems! In fact it is often quite the opposite! At all times, the important factor is not our comfort, happiness and being appreciated, but the glory and honour which is brought to God, by the work done in His name through faithfulness, and in spite of strains forced on us, and distresses that may disease us . It is not unusual that some great results and an ingathering of souls, take place during times of attacks on our persona and character. It is Jesus that matters, His name that is to be lifted up and His truth to be proclaimed. Our task then, remains to stay at the work regardless! Sow the seed of God’s word far and wide, faithfully and without reserve. We are then to trust God for the increase and in faith pray and believe for the salvation of souls. Finally we must lean on Jesus for the protection He may choose to provide for us, and the strength He will grant us to face the next mountain!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Mar 21

“…Look on us.” Acts 3:4

The lame man had since his birth, sat daily at the gate Beautiful, looking for alms. He had probably developed an ‘eye’ for individuals likely to give him a coin, for his physical sustenance. He had no idea what was about to happen, and what kind of gift he was about to receive from God through His servants. It was necessary however that he should have faith to receive, and to this his attention was summoned. He might have been distracted by his usual habit of looking around at anyone who might give to him, but not today - today he was to look with expectation, to a different source. He gave heed to the apostles, who under the unction of God’s Spirit were being used as channels of God, to bring him deliverance. The text says he looked “expecting to receive something of them”! When in faith we look to God, we can expect to receive. The look of faith sees beyond the natural and physical realm. It perceives the greater and bigger spiritual reality, the plane above, from where God works. It is this look of faith that sees hope in despair, strength when weakness exists, and answers when we are faced with problems. There is room in this action to look on those who in faith are attuned to God’s Spirit, and are moving in harmony with His directives. We are inspired to have faith, by looking at men and women of faith. We are encouraged to believe when we look at those who by believing God, are achieving His purposes and receiving His blessings. By looking at individuals who are aligned with God, we are not turning our gaze in the wrong direction! If they are standing with God and line up with His Spirit, there is no harm in others looking in ‘their direction’, because we are really looking at God’s direction with them! They are not the source of God’s blessing, but can be the channel of it, when God so determines. In that sense then it is appropriate for someone in need to ‘look on us’, and what others will see is Jesus in us, and the power of the Lord through us. As the apostles were quick to point out, when questioned later about the healing of the lame man, the work, miracle and blessing is not something we can do, but it is performed by God and the glory for which belongs to the Lord! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion