5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” Acts 2 ESV
Without faith, and illuminated understanding- without the Spirit- it is easy to be bewildered, perplexed, and confused.
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2 ESV
The tender heart sliced cleanly by conviction… the answer and call: Repent and be baptized.
The promise: for you, for your children…
This promise speaks to my heart: for my children.
In my Judges’ reading, I see many examples of a crooked generation. I see a people cut to the heart. I see a justice provided through a people. In Acts, justice and salvation comes to me through a person. A better way… a more excellent way.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[d] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2 ESV
To live and see life through eyes of faith, is to see the world around me through a different lens. What lens am I looking through? Am I living in the joy of the Lord and the freedom of His life? How can my heart be glad and generous?
Dear Lord, thank You for Your Word. Open my eyes to see Your truth. Draw me close to You. The wind and fire of Your Spirit make all things new. Help me live my life for You. Amen.
Rebecca (offeringsbecca)
Sixty-six books in a year 