January 7, 2025. The Amazing God!
Continuing The Amazing Journey With The Amazing God.
Scripture Text: Please read Acts Chapter 5 and note what the Spirit points out as you read.
We are on Day 2, and the grace of God for this fast has already kicked into gear. I feel it, do you? God is amazing!
A Doctrine (Teaching) Remarkably Astonishing Part II
Peter, Andrew, James, and John were among the early disciples who responded to the teachings of Jesus, The Rabbi, at the beginning of His earthly ministry. They decided to follow Him without hesitation (Matthew 4:18-22), and His teachings changed their lives dramatically. Looking through the Gospels, Peter often came across as one with an impulsive and somewhat unstable personality. And yet Jesus chose him to lead.
On Pentecost Day, 50 days after Jesus departed, this same Peter preached one sermon that instantly brought 3,000 souls into the Kingdom. The scriptures describing the crowd’s response say, “They were cut to the heart.” Looking back at Peter, who denied Jesus 3 times after the arrest in Gethsemane, and one other disciple who fled without his outer garments on that night, we must conclude that the change in Peter and the others is remarkable. Why? After Jesus left the scene and the disciples had experienced being jailed and flogged for their faith and public declaration leading to many conversions, the Bible says,
“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name. And daily in the temple and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:40-41 NKJV
The astonishing teachings of Jesus Christ changed men and their families who were once scared for their lives into bold professors of the faith they had received and, of course, grown in. Years ago, in the mid-90s, I remember a young lady known to be talkative. Her friends had noticed that she had suddenly become quieter and seemed to make more measured and meaningful conversations. When pressed for what was happening, she stated that she had asked the Lord to help her, and He did. He has sent His Holy Spirit to be our teacher and to guide us into all truth. May Jesus’ astonishing doctrine transform us by His Holy Spirit more into the bold image of Jesus Christ in 2025. God can change anyone. Where are you looking for change?
Let Us Pray
Let Us Host The Presence Of God
Prayer Items
Please read and use the verses below for prayer following the “Model Prayer” Template.
- Ps. 32. Give thanks to God for His mercy and how He has forgiven His people their iniquities. That includes you and I. He is God our Saviour through Jesus Christ.
- Matt. 6:9. Hallow (honor and respect greatly) His name. He is our Strength, Wisdom, Fortress, Healer, Helper, Way Maker.
- Matt. 6:10, John 14:26, Gal. 5:22-23. Pray that the Holy Spirit guides and teaches us according to Jesus’ words. Is there an area you are asking the Lord for clarity? You have the Holy Spirit. Ask for His help and wisdom. Ask for a humble heart to follow the teachings of Jesus. Pray that the Spirit works in you to change you where you need a change in your life. Pray for the fruit of the Spirit in yours and our lives.
- Matt. 6:11, Matt. 4:4. Pray and declare every need met this year in Jesus’ name. Also, pray for the most critical need that the bread of heaven feeds us today.
- Matt. 6:12. Give God praise for the grace to forgive others and to forgive yourself as well. Stop looking in the rearview mirror if you are that person.
- Matt. 6:13b, John 12:31. Pray for God to deliver us from every plan of satan. Pray for wisdom and discernment this year.
- Matt. 6:13c, Revelation 4:9-11. Praise Him for His Kingdom, Power, and Dominion are forever. Glory Hallelujah!
