Acts 5:27-32 - We Must Obey God

Scripture: Acts 5:27-32

Summary: (Previously, the apostles had been arrested, thrown in jail, an angel released them from jail, and they returned to preach in the temple) They are brought before the council and questioned by the high priest. He says we told you not to preach about jesus but here you are filling the city with your teachings. Peter's reply is "We must obey God rather than any human authority." Then he explains that Jesus was raised by God after he was killed by them and they are witnessing to him.

Thoughts: Peter says, "We must obey God." How would my life be different if I followed these simple words? Although I claim to be a follower of Christ, am I really obeying God in all that I do? Unfortunately, the short answer is no. All too often I let myself be carried away by things that I think I need. My current "need" is an iPhone, because my current Android phone is old and incredibly slow! But how does that need stack up against the need of the homeless man outside the church who needs new socks? Or the need of the young lady whose grandmother is hours away from dying? I pray every morning that God will use me in the place where I am most needed. I long to follow God, to serve each day in the way that God is calling me to serve. I want to obey God but often I let my own desires get in the way. But being a part of a faith community helps me to return my focus to God so that I might follow God's path more closely.

Prayer: God, you are always present to lead me where you want me to go. Help me to open my eyes and ears and mind to your guidance so that when the high priest of today questions me about my actions I can honestly answer "I must obey God." Amen.

Acts 2:29-36 - Just follow Jesus: If only it were that easy!

Scripture: Acts 2:29-36
Summary:   Peter continues preaching: God raised Jesus up, exalting him, and Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit. God has made Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.

Thoughts: The scripture says that we should know with certainty that God made Jesus both Lord and Messiah. Jesus, the same guy that we crucified, is Lord and Messiah.  We use these words so often that perhaps we don't usually take time to think about what they mean. What does it mean that Jesus is my Lord and Messiah?  For me, this means that I give my life to Jesus Christ. That I stop thinking about myself and try to figure out where Jesus would have me go, what he would have me do.  We are called to follow Jesus. A call to follow Jesus doesn't mean getting the biggest house we can buy, or the fastest car, or the best clothes. Instead a call to follow Jesus, the Messiah, means taking the time to see where Jesus is leading us.  This is not an easy call.  I struggle each day with the temptation to follow my own path. But on a regular basis Jesus calls to me, reminding me that I must follow him, not find my own way. So as I struggle with finding a new job I have to continually remind myself that I am following my Lord and Messiah, Jesus Christ. And if I let him, he will lead me to the place where I need to be.

Prayer: Lord, help me to follow Jesus; such a simple request, but so difficult to do. Amen.