His Bride, the Church!

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Here in the book of Acts, we see several things take place. First, we see Jesus’ ascension into Heaven. Second, we see the disciples replacing Judas with another follower of Jesus named Mathias. Third, we see the coming of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the church by Peter.

This was a very important time in the lives of the disciples and new followers of Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit, they were going to be able to fulfill God’s will and preach the gospel to not just the Jews, but to the Gentiles. This would establish a president to the fulfilling of the end of the age. Without the establishment of the church, Jesus would not have his second coming.

The entire purpose of Jesus’ second coming is to come back for his bride, the church. The church has had to go through many trials and tribulations to get where it is today. As you worship God together at your church this Sunday, gives thanks to God for allowing us to have the freedom to worship Him. Thank God for establishing his church and for not allowing the gates of Hades to overthrow what God has made.

Dear Jesus, thank you so much for your bride, the church. Help me to be involved and find ways to help others through the local church. Bless our leaders and staff that sacrifice their time and efforts to further your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen!   

Think Before Speaking

John 17:22-24

22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

Sin in the church can ruin relationships. One of the biggest problems the Christian church deals with today is gossip. Yes, there I said it! Gossip will destroy lives, ruin friendships and make enemies out of people. If we learn to keep our mouth shut sometimes and think before speaking, there’s no doubt that our churches would be better off.

This scripture is about Jesus’ last recorded prayer before he would stand trial and be sentenced to death on a cross. Interestingly, Jesus prayed for the unity of his disciples. He could of prayed for anything, especially that he wouldn’t have to go through so much pain and suffering on our behalf, but instead, he prayed for others. Ultimately, he prayed for his best friends here on earth to accomplish the difficult task of spreading the “good news.”

Jesus cares so much about our unity. That’s why he prayed this prayer. He wants all of his children to be unified and care and love others. If we are too busy gossiping and spreading vicious lies and rumors about each other, than we are doing the complete opposite of what Christ wants us to do. Today, make a point to get right with those that might have done you wrong in the past and love and pray for them anyways. Do everything you can to make peace with God and others today.

Dear Jesus, help me to stay unified with your Holy Spirit and with others. Give me discernment and wisdom to act right and do what is pleasing to your heart. Thank you for praying for me before I even existed and giving me a hope and a future. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Ultimate Sacrifice

John 15:16-17

16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

In chapters 14, 15, and 16 of the book of John, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and explaining about the things to come. The disciples were having difficulty understanding Jesus’ figurative speech. It wasn’t until the end of chapter 16 that they finally understood what Jesus meant.

Jesus several times said things that the disciples had difficulty understanding. It would seem that Jesus should have given up on these men and moved on to more educated, even considered more spiritual people like the Pharisees right? Interestingly, Jesus didn’t stop teaching and showing them the way. He continued to guide and direct them with patience and love. What we should realize from Jesus’ relationship with his disciples is this: Jesus was showing us that it’s ok to not have it all together. It’s ok if we don’t have it all figured out. Why?

Jesus went after those that people considered either hopeless or hated by the community. How’s that for shocking? But Jesus didn’t give up on them and he will not give up on you. Jesus showed frustration at times with his disciples, but he still befriended them and loved them. Not only that, he died for them and for us too. So even if you don’t have it all figured out yet or you don’t know where you’re going next in life, remember that Jesus laid his life down for you and knows all about your situation. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for your soul and loves you unconditionally.

Dear Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice for my soul. I ask that you guide my life today and give me peace that is only found in you. Let your Holy Spirit reveal what I need to do today and purify any iniquities that I may have caused against you. In Jesus’ name, Amen!