Work with God, Not Against (8/8/23)

Acts 11

8/9/2023

Life Lesson(s)…

Learn to die to self and rely on the tested revelation and truth of Jesus Christ through the Word (the Bible) and the Holy Spirit. Or as Proverbs 3:5-6 states: " Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6 is simple to understand, but not easy to execute. In many ways, it is counter-intuitive with regard to practice. For people's perspectives are skewed by what has always been thought of or done. Basically, perspective or action becomes an ingrained belief. Moreover, it is difficult for many people to step back from an ingrained belief because it would mean a change of who they are from a spiritual, mental, emotional and/or physical aspect(s). Yet, through God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:24-26). However, the first step is often the hardest to take and that is to choose to lay your ingrained belief down and to follow in Jesus' steps (John 5:19-20). For it is said, obedience to the voice of the Lord is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

Your Thoughts…

Pray and journal about the following:

  1. Proverbs 3:5-6

    • Can you love someone or something without trust?

    • Do you love and trust the Lord?

    • Are you a person that likes to be in control? What does your need for control say about your ability to trust?

  2. Explain how the above-referenced Scriptures work together for you, your community and your nation.

  3. What revelation did you get from the Bible or Holy Spirit regarding the above-referenced Scriptures? How does this revelation affect your understanding of life or apply to your life?

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Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists[c] also, preaching the Lord Jesus.

ACTS 11:19-20(ESV)

Read: Acts 11 (ESV)