by lighthouse | Apr 28, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 18:21a “But as he left, he promised, ‘I will come back if it is God’s will.'” “If it is God’s will”–Is that short phrase how you and I live every second of our lives? Paul lived to serve his Heavenly Father so, of course, he would have this thought process. Don’t you and I live our lives thinking similarly? If we allow Him to guide our steps we will walk with confidence and security. We pray that God would have us think accordingly.
by lighthouse | Apr 25, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 18:9-10a “That night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you…'” The same words God spoke to Paul He speaks to you and me: Never be afraid to represent your Heavenly Father. You and I are loved, adopted children of God and as such we honor Him who “has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” What an honor it is to tell others of Him, the security found in Him and the joy we live knowing Him as our Savior Advocate. Have a great weekend.
by lighthouse | Apr 24, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 17:24-28parts “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth…he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else…For in him we live and move and have our being.” God is far beyond any human’s comprehension. All of nature is a showcase of His creation. As you read this, how many times have you taken a breath? Your entire being is a gift from God. Wouldn’t it make sense then that each of us in recognition and appreciation of blessing upon blessing would live lives of thankfulness for the multitude of gifts each of us have so generously been given?
by lighthouse | Apr 23, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 16:40p ..they (Paul and Silas) met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them…” As a parent, as a spouse, as a friend —what is the most valuable thing you or I can give to others? Real estate? New car? Money? Stylish clothes? Whatever thing you can think of. Nothing will do more for another person than ENCOURAGEMENT. Is that really true? You tell me–ABSOLUTELY. Our difficulty as humans is giving encouragement and (strangely enough) receiving encouragement. That is what is really at the heart of Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and God Himself. There is so much wonderful truth within our Bibles!
by lighthouse | Apr 22, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 16:30-31 “He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved —you and your household.'” God could not have made your and my salvation any simpler or easier. He did everything for us. There is nothing you or I can do to be saved. Our reaction should be of extreme gratitude. You and I faithfully and humbly believe–that’s it! Our eternity is sealed. Our earthly life is led in gratitude. We can only thank and praise our Heavenly Father.
by lighthouse | Apr 21, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 14:22b “…We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” Human logic would conclude that as faithful believing followers of our Almighty God who has ultimate power over all existence, we would live the ultimate relaxed and successfully healthy lives possible on this earth. Our loving God says–no, you will suffer many hardships on this earth both for Me and because of Me. Why would God determine we live that life? Multiple reasons—so we develop a strong faith–so we have opportunity to show our love for Him–so He can show His love for us by guiding us through hardship–to help us develop character and perseverance–and maybe the ultimate–so we look forward to the magnificent life we are about to enjoy eternally by being faithful. We ultimately must say–we are privileged to suffer and persevere–our future looks great!!
by lighthouse | Apr 18, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 13:52 “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” The disciples brought the news of salvation wherever they went. That was their purpose although they were often criticized, physically abused and were ill-treated because of jealousy. Yet, they continually knew their responsibility was to joyfully share the news of the Gospel. You and I are no different. It is our responsibility to spread the best news ever heard. This weekend is filled with emotion. We are sad because of Good Friday and are joyful because of Easter and the Resurrection. Though you might be criticized because of your faith–remain joyful because of your faith. Have a great weekend.
by lighthouse | Apr 17, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 13:32-33a “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. Our human minds find it very difficult to understand the power of God. We don’t have any word which adequately can describe the magnificence of God. There is no superlative which is superlative enough. When God makes a statement, you and I listen intently. His statements are reliable. His promises binding. His love absolute. It is impossible for God to do otherwise. What has He promised you and me? The answer is exactly why we study His Word. What is a Promise He has made you?
by lighthouse | Apr 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 13:38-39a “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin…” As a general rule the world does not realize the absolute necessity of having a relationship with God one must believe Jesus died so that you and I could have our sins forgiven. Jesus lived, died and rose for one purpose: so you and I and all others could have our sins forgiven. Without that faith there is no forgiveness, and therefore, there is no living with God for all eternity. That belief is ignored by many, but never ignored by a Christian.
by lighthouse | Apr 15, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 13:36a “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep…” Each of us who lives to serve our God could place our name in place of David’s name in this passage. When our God intended purpose for our lives is accomplished, we will fall asleep, leave this earth and enter eternal happiness in Heaven. That is God’s promise to each of us. With that being believed as truth, two things happen: 1. we live to serve our God, desiring to accomplish the purpose He intends for our lives and 2. we should have no fear of death as leaving this earth is simply a gateway to the most glorious life we could possibly imagine.
by lighthouse | Apr 14, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 13:26 “‘Fellow children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles. it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.”‘ Paul was asked to speak to a group. He gave them a history lesson. Jesus suffered, died and rose. No one other than God could do that. And why? So you and I can appear spotless before our Father in Heaven. This is the simplest most wonderful story we will ever be told. Paul was privileged to tell it to others and now it’s your and my turn. Praise be to God.
by lighthouse | Apr 11, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 11:26 “and when he found him, (Paul) he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul (Paul) met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” You and I call ourselves Christians. When did that name first apply? This verse answers that question. Paul and Barnabas seem to be responsible. And where did that name begin? In Antioch, a present city in southern Turkey. Christians still live there. (Interesting facts to close our week) Have a great weekend.
