by lighthouse | May 5, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 23:21 “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'” God never changes. You and I have a hard time understanding that because we constantly experience change. God knows you and I always need His encouragement. We are often afraid to express our faith. As God spoke to Paul He speaks to you and me—take courage and tell others about Me–I am with you! We are never to be afraid of telling others the good news of our loving Savior.
by lighthouse | May 2, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 21:13 “Then Paul answered, ‘why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound. but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”‘ Paul’s faith is an excellent example for all of us to follow. He would never desert his best Friend. He had a relationship with his Savior that under no circumstance would he desert. He was willing to not only suffer, but to die rather that desert his relationship with Jesus. Why would God include this thought in His Bible? Could it be He wanted to teach you and me how faithful we should be? Could it be you and I are to live and teach this same faithfulness to our children, grandchildren, friends all those we care about? I think so–don’t you? Have a great weekend.
by lighthouse | Apr 30, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 20:24 “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” In today’s terminology we would conclude Paul was focused. A major difference between Paul’s focus and today’s worldly focus is: Paul was focused on the saving grace of His Savior, while the world is focused totally on their own pleasure and success. Paul’s focus was eternal while man’s focus is very temporary. We have to ask the obvious question: Where is your and my focus?
by lighthouse | Apr 29, 2025 | Uncategorized
Acts 18:28 “For he (Apollos) vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.” Sometimes the mind of man is very strange. The Creator of the Universe, the Savior of the world, our Advocate before our Heavenly Father, the One who lived, died and rose, the second person of the Triune God finds Himself involved in a debate between Apollos and Jews. Imagine–a debate to prove our Messiah is our Messiah. The world should be so humbly recognizing the magnificence of God that such a debate is totally unnecessary. You and I must be so humbly appreciative and faith filled that we live in awe of the wonders of our Messiah.
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?
