Faithfully Yours Forever

The disciples were everyday people who were doing extraordinary things.  May we be used by God, as they were, to assist those around us in miraculous ways.  May we believe that miracles do happen.  May we be touched by the Holy Spirit and receive power from on high, through Him, to do extraordinary things for the Lord.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

Passage: Acts 9:36-43

³⁶ In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. ³⁷ About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. ³⁸ Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
³⁹ Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
⁴⁰ Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. ⁴² This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. ⁴³ Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. Acts 9:36-43 (NIV)

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:29-32 (NIV)

Worry seems to be so central to our lives.  It is easy to stress out over everyday things, like what we will eat, what we will drink, what we will wear, or where we will live.  Those things can often take our focus away from what is really important.  Meeting those basic needs should not be what consumes our daily thoughts and actions.  We are meant for so much more than that.  Father God, may our priorities be aligned with yours.  May we seek to do your will first… and above all other things.  May we trust in You and fear not the things of this world.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

May you find peace and be comforted from the promises contained within this psalm.  May the Lord continue to be your provider, your guide, your protector, and your comforter.  May you follow Him into eternity and dwell with Him forever.  Amen.

Passage: Psalm 23 (NIV)

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.  Luke 5:8-11 (NIV)

Passage: Luke 5:1-11

Many miracles may go unnoticed or are not acknowledged for what they might actually be.  We tend to dismiss things that may be miracles.   It seems we would rather come up with some rational reason why something has happened than we would choose to believe that we have just witnessed a miracle.  Couldn’t we just as easily believe, instead of doubt or dismiss?  Why do we do that?  Is it about needing to have all the answers?  Is it about being able to control everything?

It can be overwhelming when we begin seeing the miracles that the Lord is doing in our lives or those around us.  Instead, why not embrace them.  Praise the Lord for them.  Fear not.  Step out in faith and follow the one who has called you out and shown you so much favor.