• Acts 8:14-40
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    Wow.  Acts chapter 8 verses 18 & 19 should be a warning to each of us to not lose sight of where spiritual power truly comes from – “When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given when the apostles placed their hands upon people’s heads, he offered money to buy this power. “Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!””  Scary stuff…  but I have a hunch this type of thing still happens today.  People want to “buy” faith or buy spiritual power.  God ain’t selling it.  It’s a free gift.  Salvation is free.  It ain’t for sale.  I pray that each of us realizes that our faith in Jesus is a free gift.  We didn’t buy it.  We didn’t earn it.  And we most definitely should not exploit our free gift of faith in any way for $.  That is scary to consider.  And if we are blessed with what appears to be spiritual power in any way, I pray we realize that this power comes only from God, and not from ourselves.  And if we ever happen to think that spiritual power comes from ourselves, then I am sure we will quickly learn the maxim – “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.”  Spiritual power goes bankrupt quick if we ever try to claim it as our own…

    Layingonofhands

    Today in Acts chapter 8 we read about Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch. In verses 34 and 35, just after the eunuch has finished reading verses in Isaiah 53 about Jesus, we will read – “The eunuch asked Phillip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else? Then Phillip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.”  I wonder about this in our lives today – do you think there are people that you know who are trying to understand who God is and what God is saying, just like this eunuch was trying to understand? Are there people in your life who may be seeking God and Jesus? If so, will you be like Phillip was for this eunuch for these people in your life? Will you begin with wherever these people are (“that very passage”), even if they are very far from God, and begin to share with them the good news about Jesus? Yes, this story about the Ethiopian eunuch is a very quick conversion story. Not all of our stories of having conversations with others seeking God will turn out like this. In fact, I’d venture to say that many will take many months and maybe even several years. But, even if it takes a lifetime of conversations with someone about the good news of Jesus, isn’t it worth it? Who in your life is God calling you to share the good news about Jesus with? Will you begin those conversations now? And, perhaps most importantly, will you begin praying for those that God has placed in your life – praying that they will come to understand who God truly is?

    Phillipethiopianeunuch

    Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Simon and Simon” is at this link and commentary titled “The Ethiopian Eunuch” is at this link.

    Worship Video: Philip’s evangelism in today’s readings in Acts reminded me of the Casting Crowns song “Does Anybody Hear Her” and our call to evangelism of others in our life today:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEhRucEVzH8c

    Are you running in the wrong direction?  Click here and turn around!

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Acts 7:51-8:13
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    Today is a sad day of readings as we read about the stoning of Stephen – the first Christian martyr.  Verses 59 & 60 are incredible and reminiscent of Jesus on the cross: “And as they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And he fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.”  Below is Rembrandt’s “The Stoning of Stephen” from the year 1625:

    Stephenstoned

    In verse 58 we are ominously introduced to who we now know as Paul, the author of many of the epistles in the Bible:  “The official witnesses took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.”  This laying of coats at Saul’s feet may be signifying that Saul was the highest official at the stoning of Stephen and may be signifying that Saul gave permission for this stoning of Stephen to occur.  Saul is Paul’s Hebrew name.  Paul is his Greek name.  (which is a significant distinction, as Paul’s ministry reaches out to the Gentiles, including the Greeks – hence going from the Hebrew name Saul to the Greek name Paul is significant)   In a few chapters ahead we will learn about Saul’s encounter with Jesus and how his persecution of Christians will soon take a dramatic U-turn…   Take a look at the cloaked figure in the image below to the left – this looks to me to be Saul watching over the stoning of Stephen with coats laid at his feet.  (and I think Saul is in Rembrant’s painting above to the left on the horse)  God has an amazing conversion for Saul coming up…

    Stephenstoned

    Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Acts titled “The Stoning of Stephen” is at this link.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the Build 429 song “Where I Belong:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVeXOMHNgLQ

    Do you know were you belong?  Click here to find out where you belong!

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Acts 7:30-50
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    Stephen’s great sermon to the temple council continues today!  Great timing on his sermonizing in verses 46 through 50 related to the Temple Solomon built – “”David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who actually built it. However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says, `Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you ever build me a temple as good as that?’ asks the Lord. `Could you build a dwelling place for me? Didn’t I make everything in heaven and earth?’”  The last 2 verses came from Isaiah chapter 66 verses 1 & 2 (as the prophet says..)  Indeed it is true!  We do not need a temple for God today.  God does not live in a temple built by human hands.  I have heard it said before – “If you are in relationship with God through his son Jesus, you are God’s temple.”  Do you believe this is true?  Do you believe that your body is a temple that God can live in?

    A great look at the characteristics of Stephen’s sermon today is at Bible.org at this link.

    Worship God: Today’s readings remind me of Tauren Wells’ terrific song “Hills and Valleys:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4rRCjrAyCs

    Do you know the God of the hills and valleys?  Click here and Be Known!

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Acts 7:1-29
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    Today we read the beginning of Stephen’s amazing sermon to the Sanhedrin in the Temple.  You’ll recall from yesterday’s readings in Acts 6 verses 8 through 10 – “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. None of them was able to stand against the wisdom and Spirit by which Stephen spoke.”

    Stephenpreaching

    So, men began to lie about Stephen, and then we get into the sermon Stephen gives to the council today.  It is clearly a great sermon today from Stephen!  Today he is beginning to set the stage for his zinger closing statements.  He’s like a lawyer today laying out his opening arguments for the case.  Unfortunately, things will not proceed well in the coming days readings for Stephen.  After he concludes this speech, Stephen will soon be the first Christian martyr…

    Stephen_martyr

    A great look at the characteristics of Stephen’s sermon today is at Bible.org at this link.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of the For King & Country song “The Proof of Your Love:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA9IfB7coKg

    Do you need proof of God’s love for you?  Click here for proof!

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Acts 6:1-15
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    New Testament – Acts 6 verse 2 is of interest to me today – “”We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the word of God, not administering a food program.”  When I first read this, I thought, “Wait a second!  What’s wrong with administering a food program??”  Then, upon further reflection I realized the apostles were not saying anything was wrong with administering a food program – just that they were not called to it.  They were called to spend their time preaching and teaching the Word of God.  Which of course is true Food in the spiritual sense.  So – I think this is important for us to realize today as well.  I think sometimes we might get a bit grouchy if we don’t see our pastors or ministers at every single church function or event – but we have to realize they are not called to do every single thing that we, the body of the church, are called to.  One of their primary roles is to preach and teach the word of God.  So, they may need us to volunteer at or administer a food program while they are doing what they are called to.  Each of us are important parts of the body of Christ.  And each part of the body has different functions.  We shouldn’t get upset if one part of the body is not doing exactly what we are doing.  And yes, there are times when community & fellowship will bring us all together – which typically is worship on Sundays.  Let us come together as many members but one body without complaint toward others who are called to other holy tasks!

    Body_of_christ

    Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Waiting on the Widows” is at this link.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of JJ Weeks Band’s song “Let Them See You:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9H0tZkLJOE

    Do they see Him in you?  Click here for Him to be seen!

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Acts 5:1-42
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    Today in Acts 5 we continue to read about the early church. It’s important for us to note that Ananias and Sapphira’s sin was that they acted as if they were giving 100% of the proceeds from the sale of their land to the church – when in fact they weren’t – so that they would be glorified for this very generous act.  The sin wasn’t what percentage they were or weren’t giving – but that they were acting as if they were giving 100%, which was a lie.  In verse 3 we read – “Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?”” One thing of note from this verse is that Satan was active in the hearts of men and women in the early church. After Jesus died, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, Satan was still on the loose. Do you believe Satan is still on the loose today tempting the hearts of men and women? Do you pray daily for God to “lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil?” Do you think this should be a daily prayer? (maybe not in these words exactly, but they are from the Lord’s Prayer, so not a bad choice of words to pray…)  Below is a painting of “The Death of Ananias” by the Italian artist Raphael from the year 1515:

    Ananias

    I love verse 29 in today’s readings, when the apostles are yet again before the Sanhedrin:  “But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than human authority.”  How powerful of a statement is this!  And how often in our lives do we truly practice this?  Do you obey God rather than human authority?  Consistently?  Verse 41 brought tears to my eyes:  “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus.”  This is an incredible thing to consider!  The apostles rejoiced that they were given 39 lashes – this is no joke as we all know – because they were proclaiming Jesus.  They rejoiced that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus!  This is something that should definitely bring tears to all of our eyes.  Let us pray that God also counts us worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus!

    Acts_prison

    Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Act’s readings titled “Profession and Possession” is at this link and “The Great Escapes” is at this link.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Colton Dixon’s song “Made to Fly:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KRRCQ9bcAc

    Did you know you were made to fly?  Click here to fly!

    Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Back to Acts 5 verse 41 again:  “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus.”  Have you ever suffered dishonor for the name of Jesus in your life?  Will you rejoice if indeed someday you do suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus?  Is it proper for a Christian to want to actually suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus?  Should we want this?  Expect this?  Seek this?   Rejoice in this?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Acts 4:1-37
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    New Testament – In our Acts readings today, I found it very interesting that Peter and John found themselves before the same 70 member Sanhedrin that Jesus found himself before when he was sentenced to death.  Peter and John avoided death in this case, and Jesus’ name and power was proclaimed before the high council in a powerful way.  Caiaphas you’ll recall from John 18:14: “Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.”  Well, the Spirit of Jesus was once again before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin through the boldness of Peter and John!

    Peter_john

    I love reading about the early church praying and sharing their possessions after Peter and John were released!  Have you ever prayed a prayer that was anything like verses 29 & 30?  Wow… “And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give your servants great boldness in their preaching. Send your healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”  Think we could learn something about prayer from this early church community in Acts 4?  How often do you pray with a group of people outside of a regular church service?  Think this would be a powerful thing to do? Below is a beautiful fresco on the wall in a small church in the French Alps of “The Community in Prayer” from Acts 4 today:

    Prayer_group

    Bible.org’s commentary on our Acts readings today titled “Truth or Consequences” is at this link.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Phil Wickham’s song “What an Awesome God:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AnSHYjQ3tc

    Do you know our awesome God?  Click here for AWESOMENESS!

    Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  We read about the boldness of Peter and John in Acts chapter 4 today.  Do you think we are called to be bold in our faith?  Why?  What are some ways that we should be bold in our faith?  What are some ways in which you are bold in your faith today?  What are some ways you want to become bolder in your faith?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Acts 3:1-26
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    Acts chapter 3 is a wonderful look at the power of Jesus’ name and faith in Jesus as Peter heals a lame man.  I love verse 6:  “But Peter said, “I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!””  Below is a painting of this scene by the Italian painter Masolino da Panicale from the early 15th century:

    Peter_heals

    It is awesome to see how Peter follows up this healing with preaching at Solomon’s Porch!  He sees an opportunity to let others know about Jesus and he does not let this opportunity pass him by.  How often in your life do you come across opportunities to let others know about Jesus?  How often do you move forward with that opportunity?  Or how often do you let that opportunity pass you by? 

    Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “A Lame Excuse for Preaching the Gospel” is at this link.  (again, quite a creative title here from Bob… 🙂

    Worship Video: Today’s Psalm reminded me of the terrific hymn “Lord Have Mercy:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rJtEmn56cQ

    Have you ever prayed Lord Have Mercy?  Click here for mercy!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6 NIV

    Prayer Point: Pray in that you treasure the name of Jesus above all else in this world. Pray that you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Pray all things in Jesus’ holy name.

    Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  In Acts chapter 3 we read about Peter healing a lame man in the name of Jesus.  I am curious about how you might say or pray the name of Jesus in your life today?  Do you close out your prayers in the name of Jesus?  Do you do other things in your life in the name of Jesus?  Do you have any stories or examples of the power of the name of Jesus that you have experienced in your life?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Acts 2:1-47
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    Today we read the incredible Acts chapter 2 where the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost!  Below is an amazing paintings of this scene in Acts 2 titled “Pentecost” by the Hungarian painter Istvan Dorffmaister from the year 1782.  Please take a few moments to really meditate on this painting and what the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost meant to the church and means personally to you today…

    Pentecost

    We also read in Acts 2 today about how the early church flourishes.  You may hear some churches today say that they are “Acts 2:42” churches. Today we read these incredible words about the early church in verses 42 through 47 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”  How do these verses speak to you?  Do you think this is how church today should be as well?  Do you see aspects of these verses in your church today?  Do you see aspects of these verses in your life today?  Is your church an “Acts 2:42” church?  Do you think it should be?  How will you yourself help it to be an Acts 2:42 church?

    Bible.org has four commentaries on our readings in Acts today!  They are all titled “Putting Pentecost in Perspective” and then diving into the following topics listed below.  These are well worth reading!

    The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (Acts 2:1-13) is at this link
    The Holy Spirit in the Gospels (Acts 2:1-13) is at this link
    Peter’s Interpretation of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-40) is at this link
    The Firstfruits of Pentecost (Acts 2:41-47) is at this link

    Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Rend Collective’s song “Hallelujah Anyway:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU2YNV6UdRY

    Have you said Hallelujah lately?  Click here for your Hallelujah!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 NIV

    Prayer Point: Pray that your church is an Act 2:42 church. Pray that you are helping to make your church an Acts 2:42 church. Pray that your church is devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer.

    Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  How do you trust in the Lord each day in your life?  Meaning, how do you make sure you stay focused on God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in your life every day?  Is it through prayer, fasting, community, Bible study, etc.?   Do you ever find yourself having some days where you have lost sight of trusting in the Lord?  Where you are looking elsewhere for happiness?  How do you bring yourself back to trusting in God on those days instead of trusting in worldly things?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

  • Acts 1:1-26
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    Today we begin the book of Acts! I am sad to be leaving the Gospels behind, but am definitely looking forward to reading Luke’s writings in Acts. (And there is always early next year to read the Gospels again! Hint… hint… 🙂 We’ll soon be introduced to Paul in Acts, and his Epistles will be coming up in the months ahead. It is always so exciting to read about the early church and its genesis. I hope you are ready for Acts!  Let’s go!

    Author: Luke
    Date: A.D. 65-70
    Content: The book of Acts is a continuation of the Gospel of Luke where Luke intends to show that what Jesus began on earth, he continues to do in the life of the church. The book begins with the apostles being filled with the power of God and preaching to great effect, three thousand being saved in one day (Acts 2:41). The life of the church in Jerusalem, the spread of the gospel to Samaria, the activities of the apostle Peter, and the persecution of the early Christians are then described. The focus then shifts to the apostle Paul and his missionary activity in Gentile territory. His three missionary journeys are treated in some detail, ending with Paul’s trip to Rome where the book ends. Some scholars suggest that Luke intended to write a third volume that would have described Paul’s release, further travels, arrest, and death.
    Theme: Acts was written to show the spread of the gospel from Jewish to Gentile territory (Acts 1:8). The good news that Jesus dies and rose again could not be confined to one corner of the world, but was intended by God for all. To that end God empowered his people so that they could accomplish their task. The Holy Spirit is that empowering agent. The sovereign control of God over all things is seen in the triumph of the gospel over paganism and persecution; and although it may cost many their very lives (even Peter and Paul, whose lives are described in Acts), ultimate victory is assured through Jesus our Lord. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 23)  More commentary on Acts is at these 2 links –
    https://bible.org/seriespage/preface-acts & https://bible.org/article/introduction-book-acts

    It’s intriguing to note that Luke begins Acts 1:1 with “Dear Theophilus.”  You will recall from Luke’s Gospel in chapter 1 verses 3 & 4 Luke addresses the Gospel to Theophilus as well: “Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”  So, just who is Theophilus?  There is a lot of speculation on this question, and not a lot of certainty.  Theophilus’ name means “one who loves God.”  Not a bad name, eh?  Some speculate that Theolphilus was someone of high position and wealth, and perhaps even a Roman official.  Some speculate Theophilus was actually Luke’s publisher, funding his writings distribution!  In whatever case, it appears that both Acts and Luke were written for Theophilus’ own instruction, as well as the instruction of those whom these writings would be distributed, which includes you and me!  Let us simply thank God for the unknown man Theophilus to whom Luke felt compelled to write the books of instructions for us in Acts & Luke!  Below is a painting titled “Saint Luke” from the year 1360 by Master Theodoric:

    Luke

    Verse 8 from Jesus is basically a Cliff Notes version of the book of Acts:  “But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere–in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  In chapters 1 through 7 the apostles will be witnesses in Jerusalem.  Judea & Samarian in chapters 8 & 9.  And then to the ends of the earth in chapters 10 through 28.  Well, ends of the earth in terms of Caesarea, Rome, Greece, Antioch and Asia Minor.  But, they wouldn’t begin this witnessing until they are equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit in chapter 2.  Below is a map of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria at the time of Acts:

    Acts_1_8_1

    In verse 9 today we read about the ascension of Jesus into heaven! “It was not long after Jesus said this that he was taken up into the sky while they were watching, and he disappeared into a cloud.”  Below is Rembrandt’s painting of the Ascension from the early 17th century:

    Ascension_rembrandt

    Bible.org’s commentary on today’s Acts readings titled “Getting Ahead of God” is at this link.

    Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Seph Schlueter’s song “Counting my Blessings:”


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er5XPKdpqHQ

    Are you Counting your Blessings?  Click here to be Blessed!

    Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV

    Prayer Point: Pray that you have received power from the Holy Spirit coming upon you! Pray that you are a witness for Jesus in your own hometown, in your country, and all over the world!

    Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

    God bless,
    Mike

    p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!