Hello friend,
It's a late entry this week. I got around to writing it on Tuesday and considered not posting for this week. But I'm keeping my commitment to share what I can. I'm glad that you open and read this every week. I'm grateful that you also find it useful.
Last week was interesting for me. I seemed to work in auto-pilot and spent way too much time bingeing a Sit-Com. For me, it was a signal that I was avoiding something. Finally, I got to sit and face the questions stirring inside me and the core of my classes from last week became the starting point.
Miracles, Worship, and Jesus
Do you go into a time of worship to stir up an atmosphere for miracles or do you go in simply to adore and praise Jesus?
The truth is that His Presence is power and authority to heal and to bring breakthroughs. But what is the focus during worship - the problem, the solution, or the Almighty Himself?
The answer is easy. Virtually every class from last week and even prior raised it. Our focus is on Jesus, not the miracles we want to see. He is the one to be worshipped. The miracles and signs simply follow Him. The practice of it is where we find ourselves often fluttering. How do you keep your heart on Him with this heavy challenge trying to weigh you down? You cannot deny it. You should not. You should speak it in prayer. You should worship through it. Study the Word and meditate on His love and majesty and just keep worshipping until everything else fades away and He is the only one you can see. I need miracles in different areas of my life. God is invested in them, but focusing on the challenges won't bring about my answers. He already promised that all these things will be added. I can trust Him and keep my eyes on Jesus.
The Book of Acts
I've never quite read the book of Acts this way before. I got to chapter 20 with Paul's return to the elders in Jerusalem and found myself breathing out and smiling so hard.
Behold how good and how pleasant it is, for brothers to dwell together.
The previous chapters had been these amazing adventures that seemed fast-paced but were truly the tale of tenacity and love as the Apostles spread the gospel of Jesus. While a part of me is tingling with wonder at their complete abandon to spreading the gospel, I am also intrigued with picturing the events of their time.
The way they wept has me in my feelings too. But they maintained strength, love, and focus which is inspiring. They quarrelled and made decisions that made me wonder what was going on, showing they are whole beings, not caricature characters.
I wondered about Paul's attempt to please the Jews with the circumcision of Timothy and agreeing to the elders' plan in chapter 20 too. Also, he and Barnabas separated over John Mark but he wanted Timothy to come with him.
The quick details like Aquila and Priscilla returning from Rome when Claudius ordered all Jews out make me think of those historical epic stories and movies I've seen. These were real people living in precarious times.
The warnings Paul received about not going to Jerusalem and his insistence makes me see why I must hear God and be convinced of His will for myself. The prophecies were correct, but he knew he still had to go. Such abandon to the good of the Kingdom.
This was all real. They lived for Jesus as humans. Jesus was real then. He is real now. He gave us the same power and authority to live as humans under the influence of the Holy Spirit. You are not ill-equipped. The early church did not have perfect people. They were just submitted and pursued the Kingdom mandate by the power of the Holy Spirit. Nothing else mattered more.
Sharing Jesus
Last week, I mentioned that if we believe what we say we do believe, we must be eager to share Jesus with the world around us. As we grow in love with Jesus, we cannot but look for opportunities to share His love with people. This is simply a reminder to share the love of Jesus.
I pray that you enjoy a great weekend and overflow with the love of the Father.
Love and love,
OTDamilola
For King and Kingdom
Amazing 👏👏