Wednesday October 21, 2009 (Sorry about the wrong date yesterday!) READY TO RISK?
We can testify to everything Jesus did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. People hung him on a cross and killed him, but God brought him back to life on the third day. God didn't show him to all the people. He showed Jesus to witnesses, apostles he had already chosen. We apostles are those men who ate and drank with Jesus after he came back to life. He ordered us to warn the people, 'God has appointed Jesus to judge the living and the dead.' In addition, all the prophets testify that people who believe in the one named Jesus receive forgiveness for their sins through him." While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came to everyone who heard his message. All the believers who were circumcised and who had come with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured on people who were not Jewish. They heard these non-Jewish people speaking in other languages and praising God. Then Peter said, "No one can refuse to baptize these people with water. They have received the Holy Spirit in the same way that we did." So Peter ordered that they should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 10: 39-48 Any good, devout Jew would never enter the home of a Gentile, but Peter had experienced a vision from God so he was open to stepping outside of his religious beliefs and into God's plan for him. Peter shared with Cornelius about his time with Jesus, who Jesus was, and all that Jesus did while He walked on the earth. Before Peter could even complete what he had to say the Holy Spirit fell on the people in that room who had heard the truth Peter testified about. Well, God was showing Peter the "more" He had for him. Salvation wasn't just for the Jews; God was bigger than any box created by man. His love for the world was about to be demonstrated in a new and fresh way. What Peter and the other followers of Jesus had experienced on the day of Pentecost was happening to Gentiles. Can you imagine their total amazement? If you have never been in a service where God was free to move as God wants to - you have missed a blessing. Now, I have been in services where God has moved in mighty ways without the manifestation of tongues. I have been in services where the Holy Spirit moved with the manifestation of tongues and other signs and miracles. However, I have also been in services where people worked themselves into a frenzy and tried to manifest these things themselves. However, some of the most beautiful movements of God I've ever experienced and witnessed was just the quiet movement of God as people worshiped Him with tears flowing down their faces; knowing the Holy Spirit was doing His work in their hearts. We cannot limit God and we can't push God to move. What He wants from us is the willingness to let Him move in whatever way He wants to move. In order for God to move that day Peter had to risk losing the respect of the Jewish community by entering the home of a Gentile. So, we need to realize that sometimes if we want more of God we may have to risk our reputation and the respect we have in the religious community; if we have any. Are you ready to risk it all to know God more? Father, forgive us when we forget that You risked it all when Jesus came to show us Your heart. We repent for our selfishness and for the way we limit You. Please Lord, move in our lives in whatever way You want to. We die to our need for control and open ourselves to You and to Your power. We are ready to risk it all to know You more. O. Addison Gethers e-mail address [email protected] [email protected] twitter URL http//:twitter.com/OAddisonGethers Messenger contact window live/msn messenger: [email protected] aim: durangoadd64 skype: cowboys62 yahoo messenger: OADDISONGETHERS rs --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/dbilg?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
