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Today: Proverbs 15:1-10; Acts 11:19-30; Acts 12:1-19; 1 Kings 2:13-46; 1 Kings 3:1-15
Proverbs 15
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” Proverbs 15:1-2
Proverbs 15 should be required reading before we post anything on social media!
Acts 11
God worked mighty miracles through Barnabas and Saul (Paul) in Antioch. “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” (v.21) They remained in Antioch a year “and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” (v.26)
The worldly metropolis of Antioch was completely changed! We are inhabited by the SAME Holy Spirit that filled those first Christians. Do not doubt God’s almighty power to transform. GOD CAN CHANGE ENTIRE CITIES! This is MY prayer today for our entire country: BRING REVIVAL, LORD!!!!
Acts 12
God sent an angel to release Peter from prison. God sent angels to me too, many years ago, to save my life (under very different circumstances). Even though we cannot usually see them, God’s angels are very REAL and they constantly surround us. God does allow me to see them often in visions. They are fantastic glorious beings who love and worship Jesus. I find this so comforting.
Nicky Gumbel says about today’s reading in Acts 12 that “God’s answer involved visions, angels, and chains falling off.” He can do it again TODAY. He IS doing it again today… appointing His prophets, sending His angels, giving people visions and dreams… All across the world today spiritual chains are falling off! Hallelujah!
1 Kings 2-3
Solomon’s reign began with blood; he executed everyone who had betrayed his father, David. Both David and Solomon were a complicated mixture of violence and mercy. They both shed much blood. But they both also loved God and were greatly blessed by Him. “And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense at the high places.” (v.3:3) It was during one of these forbidden sacrifices that God appeared to Solomon in his most famous dream and asked him “What shall I give you?” (v.3:5)
What would you ask for if the God of the universe asked you this question?
Solomon did not ask for great power, wealth, or long life. He asked God to “give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil.” (v.3:9) God was very pleased with Solomon’s answer and gave him “a wise and understanding heart.” (v.3:12)
May we ALL ask God to give us wise and understanding hearts! I ask Him for this every single day. And every once in a while it happens!
