Country Road Faith

A Changed Heart

2026-10-09T09:48:00.000-05:00

N.T.#871 "A Changed Heart"

ACTS 22

LET IT GLOW

In the latter chapters of Acts we find the most extensive personal references to Paul's life and experiences. It is an extensive biography of this early church leader. Paul made his defense on the same Roman stairway where Pilate had condemned Christ to death some 26 years earlier. (Falwell)

Paul tells of his earlier life:

He was born in Tarsus.
He learned about the law under Gamaliel.
He was zealous toward God. (verse 3)
He persecuted Christians putting them in prison and to death. (verse 4)
He was traveling to Damascus to bring believers to Jerusalem to be punished.
At noon, a great light shone and Jesus asked Saul why he was persecuting Him. (verse 7)
He asked who it was.
I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. (verse 8)
Those with Paul saw the light but those with him didn't hear Jesus speak. (verse 9)
Paul asked what he was to do.
Paul was blinded by the light of Jesus.
Go to Damascus and it will be told him all things which are appointed for Paul to do. (verse 10)

Do you have a testimony for Jesus?

LET IT GROW

What happened in Damascus?

Ananaias was a devout man in the law, went to Paul. (verse 13)
Ananias spoke for Paul to receive his sight and it happened. (verse 13)
His message to Paul was God chose Paul to know His will and see Jesus, that Paul was to be a witness to all men of what he had seen and heard. (verses 14-15)
Arise, be baptized, and call on the name of the Lord. (verse 16)
Paul went into the temple in Jerusalem and Jesus told him to leave for they would not receive his testimony of Jesus. (verse 15)

Paul knew he had done wrong when he put Christians to death. Now he had a changed heart. Paul's message was that Jesus is the Messiah and is alive!

LET IT GO

What do you and I need to let go of so we can do all the things we are appointed to do for God's glory?

God to damascus and it will be told him all things appointed for him to do.

Suffering for the Gospel

2026-10-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#870 "Suffering for the Gospel"

Oct. 8, 2026

Acts 21-Part 2

I'm sorry folks for the inconsistency of posts. My husband has been preaching a revival since Sunday and we are worn out at our age. God is good.

Paul met with the leaders of the church at Jerusalem. He reported to them what God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry. (verse 19) Some Jewish Christians were overjoyed to hear this. However, some living among Gentiles said Paul told them to not circumcise their children or follow Jewish customs. Yet, it was a false accusation. This became a contriversy.

Paul's instructions for life was:

Keep themselves from things offered to idols,
from blood,
from strangled,
from fornication.

Rejecting Jewish customs amounted to nothing as long as the Gospel mess wasn't compromised. (verses 22-25)

LET IT GROW

When some Jews saw Paul in the Temple, they flew into a rage, grabbed him, saying he was guilty of speaking against the Jewish people, the law, and Temple. (verses 26-28) They dragged Paul out of the Temple. accused him of bringing Gentiles into the Temple. They beat Paul and chained him up until he was rescued.

A Roman commander and his soldiers rescued Paul and took him to barracks. (verses 34-36) (They assumed Paul to be a criminal.) The commander thought Paul was an Egyptian starting a revolt. Once Paul explained he was a Roman citizen and a Jew from Tarsus. he was allowed to address the crowd. (verses 39-40)

Paul had suffered emotionally and physically for Christ. He had genuine love and was obeying King Jesus' agenda. (verse 40)

LET IT GO

What can we learn from this? Listen to God and obey Him, not people.

God's Will Be Done

2026-10-05T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#869 "God's Will Be Done"

Oct. 5, 2026

Acts 21

LET IT GLOW

The end of Paul's ministry was coming. He knew it. However, his friends did not accept it.

Paul and his group traveled:

by ship from port to port until they arrived at Tyre along the Mediterranean Coast. (verses 1-3)
The spent 7 days there visiting with believers.
They kept telling Paul to not go to Jerusalem in fear of his life taken. (verse 4) However, Paul was compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. (20:22)
They traveled on, staying with Philip at Caesarea.
While there, a man named Agabus prophesied to Paul, that he would be captured in Jerusalem.(verse 11)
In verse 13, Paul said he was ready to be bound and die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

LET IT GROW

People with Paul realized they could not talk Paul out of going, said, The will of the Lord be done. (verse 14)

Things happen which we may never understand why. Although, we must submit to our King's will for our lives. (Evans)

LET IT GO

Help us let go of what prevents us from doing Your will.

Let Go

2026-10-02T11:15:00.000-05:00

N.T.#868 "Let Go"

Oct. 2, 2026

Acts 20-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

It is hard to say bye to friends at churches. You work together, pray together, love them and serve them. Paul was having to let go and follow Jesus.

Paul is finishing his last farewell to the Ephesians. He shared his life with them, his course, and ministry. Paul ran the race as a faithful believer of Jesus, fulfilled his call to the ministry,

He finished his race as a runner for Jesus.
He was a good steward of his possessions.
He was the witness of the grace of God.
He preached the truth.
He was a watchman warning danger to come for believers and unbelievers. (Wiersbe)

Can we say the same about our walk with the Lord Jesus?

LET IT GROW

Paul warned the leaders of the church of wolves, carelessness, covetousness, shallowness, laziness, and selfishness.

Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (verse 35)

God wants to work through you so that you will be a blessing to others. If we have the capacity to address a need be used by God to give to and meet that need. God will return the favor. (Luke 6:38)

Tony Evans

LET IT GO

Follow Jesus and let Him live through us.

Faithfully Serving

2026-09-29T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#867 "Faithfully Serving"

Sept. 29, 2026

Acts 20-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Let me say that my Christian walk has been a challenge, not a bed of roses. And so it was for Paul. We think of him as a fantastic witness and missionary, but he spent a lot of time in prison, where he wrote most of the New Testament. How about you? Is life challenging you today. Join me as we take a closer look at Paul's ministry as he faithfully served the Lord Jesus.

Here we have Paul's farewell address or sermon to the Ephesian elders.

First, Paul reviews his ministry in Ephesus (verses 18-21)

He overcame the test of:

laziness (verse 18)
pride (verse 19)
discouragement (verse 19)
fear (verse 20)
inefficiency. (verse 20)

Next, Paul's immediate future. (verses 22-27) He wasn't sure what was going to happen to him in Jerusalem. Jews and Greeks want to kill Paul. He shared the grace of God with them.

Last, Paul shared the future of the church in Ephesus.

He warned them of the danger of:

personal compromise. (verse 28)
external attack of false teachers (verse 29)
internal corruption by apostasy. (verse 30)

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Acts]

LET IT GROW

Here are some things Paul told the elders:

He served the Lord with all humility, many tears, and temptations.
He taught them publicly.
His messages were of repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
He was determined to finish his course with joy.
He used every occasion to witness to those he came in contact with in his extensive travels.
He challenged them to feed the church. (verses 19-31)

What a challenge Paul gives to us.

LET IT GO

What do you and I need to let go of so we can serve the Lord Jesus in the same way as Paul?

Paul's Travels

2026-09-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#866 "Paul's Travels"

Sept. 28, 2028

Acts 20

LET IT GLOW

After the riot had ceased, Paul was convinced of the stability of the Ephesian church and was free to depart into Macedonia to revisit and strengthen the churches there. After spending 3 months in Greece, Paul prepared to sail for Syria when he found out a plot by the Jews was to kill him.

Paul rarely worked alone taking a team of evangelists and ministers with him. They spent Ddare 7 days in Troas. They met on the first day of the week as Paul preached and they broke bread together. (verse 7) This is when Eutychus fell out of a 3story window and died. Paul went down to him and he was revived alive. (verse 12)

How exciting it would have been to have witnessed this!

LET IT GROW

The people gathered on the Lord's Day, Sunday, had the Lord's Supper, heard the Lord's message, and witnessed the Lord's power. Dare I say this guy did not sit in a window during worship service? Probably he didn't fall asleep during a service again either.

The thing is, folks don't have trouble staying awake during fishing trips, lengthy sporting events and concerts, or late-night TV specials. Yet staying awake during a one-hour service they do.

You can read of Paul's travels earlier in the chapter. Sometimes we have to go to plan B. We can see that God wanted Paul to pick up Luke in Philippi.

Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, which meant he may not see his friends at Ephesus again. His enemies were waiting for Paul there.

LET IT GO

Help us be listening for Your leading, Jesus.

Grow our faith through obedience.

I know you can breakthrough anything, God.

Your will be done.

Change is Hard

2026-09-24T10:10:00.000-05:00

N.T.#865 "Change is Hard"

Sept. 24, 2026

Acts19-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. (verse 20)

People who believed in Jesus chowed their faith by burning their books and art that pertained to idols. Occult objects were burned.

Paul persuaded folks:

that there are no other gods made with hands, only Jehovah who is a Spirit; (verse 26)
the temple of Diana should be despised.

However, others remained idol worshippers and gathered upset because their goddess Dianna was not being worshiped by Christians and their business suffered.

The town clerk told them:

the city of Ephesus was not in danger of being destroyed by Christians.
Artemis, the statue, was not made with hands, but was supernatural in origin. (verse 26)
Rome made Ephesus as the guardian of the temple.
There was no need for the idolaters to defend their idol with violence. (verse 36)
Gaius and Aristarchus were not guilty of a crime. (verse 37) (Swindoll)

The mayor dismissed the crowd. It was good that Paul had left before this.

LET IT GROW

We can't control situations, so we need to depend upon Jesus.

We can't stand on our own, so we must lean on Jesus.

We can't manipulate things, so wait on Jesus to handle things. Relax, for He's got this.

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, You are so faithful to us, even when we are not faithful to You.

Thank You for grace and mercy!

Be Alert

2026-09-23T10:05:00.000-05:00

N.T.#864 "Be Alert"

Sept. 23, 2026

Acts 19-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

A while back, we had a stranger carrying a backpack enter our worship time. Our security team was alert and had him covered. Last week he was going to enter our building again, but he was told no. My husband was preaching and they guy sat in front of me. I knew something was wrong, but didn't know at the time what was happening behind me. God protected us. Be alert wherever you are, friend. Evil lurks.

In Ephesus there was a man, Demetrius, as silversmith who ma6ed silver shrines for Diana, and Apparently, he was quite rich. idol. Paul's preaching there was destroying his income. Alexander was speaking, saying the city was not in danger of being destroyed because of Christians. Yet, there were riots.

Luke makes it clear that the persecution of the Christian church was incited by the unbelieving Jews and not by the Romans. Paul's goal was to visit various churches to encourage the saints and take up a collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem. (Wiersbe)

LET IT GROW

There was a Jewish plot to kill Paul at sea, so he changed his travel plans and went by land. Paul kept going and sharing Jesus, in spite of the threats.

LET IT GO

Help us continue sharing Jesus despite complications, delays, problems, and threats.

To you be the glory, Jesus.

Are You Running The Race?

2026-09-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

N.T.#863 "Are You Running The Race?"

Sept. 21, 2026

Acts 19

LET IT GLOW

On Paul's third missionary journey, he visited Ephesus for two years.

He confronted disciples of John the Baptist whether they had the Holy Spirit, but they had not heard about it. (verse 2)
He told them about being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, which identifies with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. (verse 4)
So Paul baptized those believers in the name of Jesus Christ. (verse 5)
Baptism if immersion in the water. All the men were about 12 in number. (verse 7)
For the next 3 months Paul spoke in the synagogue. (verse 8)
God did special miracles through Paul.

Apparently God wanted us to read about Paul's experiences and ministry so He put it in our Bible. Hopefully, it will grow our faith.

LET IT GROW

Those who were Sceva, a priest, and his 7 sons, where watching Paul do his miracles and attempted an exorcism of their own without success. However, Paul was able to do so. People burned their art and books that were of voodoo, destroying occult objects.

So many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds. (verse 18)

Friend, are you a believer in Jesus?

Christians are not to dabble in the horoscopes, tarot cards, palm reading. God doesn't work through superstitious practices. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GO

Put away those things that weigh us down and run the Christian race with Jesus.

A Willing Man

2026-09-15T11:47:00.000-05:00

N.T. #862 "A Willing Man"

Sept. 15, 2026

Acts 18-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Reading through this chapter, do you get the idea that Paul was quite the traveler and missionary? Paul spent 3 years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31). That was the longest he stayed in any city. It was an exciting and fruitful time for him.

Then Paul departed from Ephesus to Jerusalem, covering Galatia and Phrygia where he strengthened the disciples. It was Paul's third missionary journey.

Luke tells us back in Ephesus Aquila and Priscilla remained and spoke with Apollos, a willing man.

Who was Apollos?

Apollos had learned about Jesus through John the Baptist and the Jewish pilgrims while still in Egypt. Jesus is the Messiah is all he knew.
Apollos was an eloquent (learned)man being mighty in Scriptures.
This couple taught Apollos, expounding the way of God more perfectly. (verse26)
Eventually, he felt called to Corinth and departed. There he taught the Word of God convincing the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.

LET IT GROW

People believed in Jesus through grace.

God uses people to share the Gospel of Jesus in various ways and places. Are you one of the kingdom workers? How willing are you?

LET IT GO

Help us see the needs of others, share Your Word and salvation wherever You lead.

Glory to God in the Highest!

He was fervent in spirit.

LET IT GROW

Wherever You Go, Be a Witness

2026-09-14T13:57:00.000-05:00

N.T.#861 "Wherever You Go, Be a Witness"

Sept. 14, 2026

Acts 18

LET IT GLOW

Sorry everyone for the delay, but I have had technical difficulties.

Paul met a wonderful couple who was recently driven from Rome by the anti-Semitic activities of the empire at that time. Aquilia and his wife Pricilla, who was of a distinguished family of high standing in Rome, became friends with Paul. Paul joined their occupation as tentmakers. Paul preached in the synagogue and persuaded Jews and Greeks that Jesus was Christ. Paul remained at Corinth for one and half years. Justus and Crispus supported Paul's ministry. (verses 1-8)

The Lord assured Paul his safety so he continued to preach salvation through Jesus. (verse 9-10) During that time, Paul wrote the I and II Thessalonia letters.

Silas brought a financial gift for Paul from the Philippian church for his missionary support. Timothy brought Paul a good report concerning the work in Thessalonia.

LET IT GROW

Then it happened. The Jews, who instigated riots, brought Paul to Gallio, a new Roman governor. He was accused of blaspheme. Paul was released by Gallio, but Sosthenes beat him for Christ's sake. He was charged with persuading people to worship God in ways contrary to the law. The evil people didn't want anything to do with the Jewish teachings and ways.

Paul remained a while, but then left taking Aquilla and Priscilla to Ephesus. (verses 8-18)

LET IT GO

Stay faithful to Jesus, dear one.

Be a witness wherever you go.

LET IT GROW

Will You Believe in Jesus?

2026-09-07T10:55:03.910-05:00

N.T.#860 "Will You Believe in Jesus?"

Sept. 7, 2026

Acts 17-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Paul was brave. He was at Athens when he criticized their temples, statues, idols and religious mythology. Paul told the people there:

about the UNKNOWN GOD, who is our Creator, Savior, and Judge of the world. (verse 23)
God does not dwell in temples.
He gives everyone life and breath and all things. (verse 24)
For in Him we live, and move, and have our being. (verse 28)
Don't think the Godhead is like gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (verse 29)
God commands all men to repent. (verse 30)

LET IT GROW

Paul told the people that Jesus was raised from the dead. However, they could not make a commitment to believe Jesus is Savior.

Paul moved on to Corinth.

Have you made a decision to believe in Jesus?

What grace!

LET IT GO

Your name is the highest.

You will always be holy, Lord Jesus.

believe in Jesus as Savior. They would hear Paul again on this matter.

LET IT GO

Continuing Kingdom Work

2026-09-04T11:32:00.000-05:00

N.T.#859 "Continuing Kingdom Work"

Sept 4, 2026

Acts 17

LET IT GLOW

When they got out of jail free, Paul, Silas, and Timothy spent 3 weeks organizing a church from the Jewish converts Jason. Paul worked as a tentmaker so he wasn't a burden to the believers. Paul presented Jesus Christ suffered and rose from the dead. Many believed. (verses 3-4)

The missionaries had such an impact of Thessalonica that the Jews gathered people to take them out of Jason's house. Why? They were turning the world upside down for Jesus. (verse 6) They were literally shaking communities for Jesus with the Gospel. They were preaching another king-Jesus, in the Jewish synagogues.

Paul uses the Gentile term "Lord." Is Jesus king and Lord of your life and mine?

LET IT GROW

Silas and Timothy stayed while Paul went to Berea and sailed to Athens. Silas and Timothy sent word to Paul that they were joining him, so Paul waited for them to arrive.

What disturbed Paul there? Idolatry was engulfing the city. Paul met people in the market place-philosophers of the Epicureans and the Stoicks. Their motto was, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die." Stoicks believed in brotherhood of all men and held to the high moral principles of a life of self-denial.

Paul became known as a babbler, which means a loafer, gossiper in the Greek.

That didn't prevent Paul from preaching Jesus crucified and resurrected. What prevents us from sharing Jesus?

LET IT GO

Help us stay focused on You, Lord Jesus, and share the Truth with others.

What

Singing in the Prison

2026-09-02T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T. #858 "Singing in the Prison"

Sept. 2, 2026

Acts 16-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Paul and his team encountered a demon-possessed slave girl. She followed them saying They are the servants of the Most High God, which shows us the way of salvation. After a few days of this, Paul cast out the demon and set her free in Jesus' name. (verses 16-18)

Her owners took the missionary team to the authorities because they took away their money. Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and put into prison.

LET IT GROW

How did Paul and Silas react in prison after being beaten? At midnight they prayed and sang praises unto God. (verse 25)

The prisoners heard the guys. An earthquake happened and the doors to the prison were opened. Everyone's bands freed their hands.

A guard saw his prisoners were free and was about to kill himself but Paul told him not to.

Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (verse 30) The Guard asked Paul.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (verse 31)

The guard and his entire household believed in Jesus and were baptized that night. The guard took Paul and Silas home and treated their sores and fed them. The team was freed and went to Lydia's house where the brethren were. Then they left. (verse 40)

LET IT GO

Open and Closed Doors

2026-09-01T03:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#857 "Open and Closed Doors"

Sept. 1, 2026

Acts 16

LET IT GLOW

Young Timothy enters the scene.

What do we know about Timothy?

This outstanding young man would become Paul's traveling companion and later one of the leaders of the early church.
Paul circumcised him.
He was set aside by the elders in Lystra for missionary activity.

Luke joined Timothy, Paul, and Silas at Troas. Luke wrote the book of Acts. He was a physician of a Greek background.(verses 1-8)

Doors closed there for their witness.

LET IT GROW

Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia asking Paul to come and help them. This four-man mission team sailed to Thyatira. There they met Lydia, a seller of purple, who worshipped God. She was saved and baptized and her household. (Probably servants and attendants.) (verses 14-15)

A local church was established. God opens doors for us to witness for Him and sometimes closes some doors.

LET IT GO

Make our witness strong for You, Jesus.

Open the doors you have for us.

Unconditional Love

2026-08-28T09:58:00.000-05:00

N.T.#856 "Unconditional Love"

August 28, 2026

Acts 15-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Unconditional love. Do you have it to pass on and have you received it?

Now we read of Paul's second missionary journey. (13:36-18:22) Paul invited Barnabas to return with him to the cities where they had established churches. However, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them and Paul refused. So Paul chose Silas instead due to Mark's previously departing from the pair. They went to Cilicia and Barnabas with Mrk sailed to Cyprus on their missionary journeys. Even with disagreements, both men continued to share salvation through Jesus Christ by faith.

LET IT GROW

Mark ultimately did succeed in the ministry and Paul came to love and appreciate him. (Col. 4:10) Now there were two missionary teams, not just one. More doors opened to share the Gospel. Silas was Paul's secretary when he wrote 1 Peter.

Conflict is inevitable, so expect it. No conflict is easy, so endure it. Any conflict can benefit the people involved, so let it. (Swindoll)

LET IT GO

As You show us unconditional love, may we show unconditional love to others.

LET IT GO

Solving Problems

2026-08-28T08:30:00.000-05:00

N.T.#855 "Solving Problems"

August 27, 2026

Acts 15

LET IT GLOW

A problem arrived. So many times that happens.

When the Jewish converts from Judaea arrived in Antioch, they insisted that the men be circumcised in order to be saved. (verse 1 and 5) The rapid progress of Gentile evangelization in Antioch, Cyprus, and Asia Minor posed a serious threat to the Jewish Christians at Jerusalem. So the apostles and elders of the church had a conference.

LET IT GROW

How did the guys handle this situation?

Peter stood up and spoke to the meeting:

He reminded the people that God had accepted the Gentiles by faith alone and not on Jewish terms. (verse 7)
There is no difference between the Jewish believers and Gentile believers. (verse 9) Salvation is not by works nor faith plus works, but by faith alone.
Don't put a yoke on their necks. (verse 10)
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (verse 11)

Then Paul and Barnabas declared what miracles and wonders God had done among the gentiles by them. (verse 12)

James, the pastor of the church at Jerusalem and brother of the Lord, spoke decisively and they accepted his words. He suggested that they no longer trouble the Gentile who had turned to God. (verse 19) Also, they are to abstain from idols, fornication, and things strangled, and from blood. (verse 20)

Messengers were chosen to take a letter to the church at Antioch telling what James had said and their agreeing to it. There was rejoicing and agreement there.

It is good for brethren to dwell together in peace.

LET IT GO

Help us to show love to others today.

Missionaries

2026-08-24T13:00:00.000-05:00

N.T.#855 "Missionaries"

Aug. 24, 2026

Acts 13

LET IT GLOW

The first official gentile mission was carried by Paul and Barnabas, sent by the church at Antioch to Cyprus and Galatia. The encountered a sorcerer Barjesus who called for the two men and wanted to hear the Word of God. He was trying to tun away the deputy from the faith. Paul rebuked him and he was struck blind.

John Mark joined Paul and Barnabas. John departed and returned to Jerusalem. John Mark deserted his friends

God opened the doors for the missionary wok sharing the Gospel in Antioch, Paphos, and Perga, Iconium, Derbe, and Lystra. (chapters 13-14)

In Lystra they met a crippled man from birth, who Paul helped get healed. The man's faith resulted in his walking. Paul shared the Gospel there. Jews stoned Paul and left him for dead. Paul mentions this event in 2 Corinthians 11, being caught up in the third heaven. Paul survived and bore the scars of the stoning, mentions it in Galatians6:17. Many believed due to hearing about Jesus. God opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. (14:27)

Do you help support missionaries' work?

LET IT GROW

You can read of Paul's first missionary journey in chapter 13, and his second missionary journey in chapter 15.

If you are suffering for Christ, being a believer, rejoice! The Lord did not promise to keep us from suffering; He promised to sustain us through suffering. (Swindoll)

Fix your hope and heart on Jesus, not on people.

LET IT GO

Be what God wants us to be.

Who is Worthy?

2026-08-20T08:30:00.000-05:00

N.T.#855 "Who is Worthy?"

August 20, 2026

Acts 12-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

They looked for Peter everywhere and he was nowhere to be found. That was good for us, except not good for the guards of the prison. Letting a prisoner escape meant death to the guards.

Herod left Jerusalem and went to Caesarea, where his other capital was.

There was no explanation of Peter's escape but that Jesus came and set him free.

LET IT GROW

The people paid Herod Agrippa I a visit. (verses 19-20)

Herod put on his robe made of silver and sat on his throne, speaking to the people. They shouted, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. (verse 23)

The king did not refuse the honor, but relished and reveled in it.

Because the king did not give God the glory, the Lord smote him with worms, eating up the king. The praise due Jehovah resulted in the king receiving it and he died.

In Isaiah 42:8, God says He will not give His glory to another.

Instead of Peter being killed by Herod, it was Herod who was killed by Peter's God!

The Word of God grew and multiplied. (verse 24)

Barnabas and Saul took John Mark with them on their missionary journey to Antioch

People are believing in Jesus as Savior during this time. The early church was growing.

LET IT GO

Lord, only You are worth of worship and praise

Freedom From Prison

2026-08-14T11:15:00.000-05:00

N.T.#854 "Freedom From Prison"

August 14, 2026

Acts 12-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Do you feel like you are in a prison-financial, marital, family, job keeping you there? Peter must have felt hopeless, but his situation had hope., So does your, dear friend.

We left Peter in prison, chained, and between two soldiers. The church was praying for Peter, without ceasing. A guard was on the outside, also. He was waiting for trial and execution, but it was Easter, so he was waiting. Peter was definitely securely bound in prison. No escaping for him. He was doomed.

Except, someone comes to visit Peter-an angel of the Lord (Jesus probably) showed up. /He woke up Peter, caused his chains to fall off, and told him to get dress. (verse 7)Peter followed the angel out of the prison, passed by the guards and got to the street. Peter assumed he was seeing a vision. (verse 9) Then he realized he wasn't dreaming-he was free. (verse 10)

What a divine rescue mission!

Have you ever been rescued by the Lord?

After surgery, years ago, I stopped breathing because of too much morphine. My lips were turning blue, my husband tells everyone. He yelled for help, a nurse yelled for help, and my family doctor and surgeon came to my rescue. Thank God my family doctor was there close by and knew what to give me. It wasn't my time to go home. Neither was it Peter's time to die.

LET IT GROW

Peter went to the home of John Mark's mother where believers gathered to pray for him. Peter knocked at the door of the gate, (courtyard) a servant Rhoda answered. She was so overjoyed to see Peter that she left him out in the cold and ran back inside to tell everyone he was there. She forgot to let Peter in. (verse 14)

Notice the church's response:

They had been praying for Peter, but when God miraculously answered, they couldn't believe it.
They told Rhoda she was out of her mind-no way Peter could be standing outside.
Peter kept knocking.
When they opened the door, the prayer warriors were astonished.
Peter had come to share what had happened to him with James and the brethren, disciples.

God answers our prayers, sometimes immediately and sometimes later. Sometimes it is a no and sometimes it is a yes.

Peter left and went to Caesarea. (verse 19)

LET IT GO

Only Jesus paid the price for me.

Only His love could set me free.

Nobody else could open prison doors-just Jesus and nothing more.

Please set us free from our prisons, Lord Jesus.

Be a Faithful Prayer Warrior

2026-08-13T07:17:00.000-05:00

N.T. #853 "Be a Faithful Prayer Warrior"

August 13, 2026

Acts 12

LET IT GLOW

How faithful are you in praying for others?

Good things were happening. People were getting saved, believing in Jesus as their Savior. But a turn for the worse happened. Herod Agrippa I was the grandson of Herod the great, the cruel Roman ruler of the area. He started persecuting the church. He killed James, the brother of John, with a sword. James was the first apostle to fall victim as a martyr for the faith. (Tradition says an officer guarding James confessed Christ as Savior and was beheaded with the apostle. You can see the cruelty of those in charge.

Since those actions pleased the Jews, Peter was arrested and thrown into prison. Since it was Easter time, they waited for his trial.

How difficult it was to have lived in those times and be a believer in Jesus.

LET IT GROW

Prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him (Peter)

Herod would have brought Peter to trial and execution, but something extraordinary happened while he slept between 2 soldiers, in chains and a guard standing outside the door.

Prayer was answered, but those who prayed for Peter had a hard time accepting thier prayers were answered. We will continue the story tomorrow.

LET IT GO

Help us trust You to answer our prayers as You see fit, Lord Jesus.

Thank You for Your everlasting love for us.

Helping Others

2026-08-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

N.T.#852 "Helping Others"

August 12, 2026

Acts 11-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

We are going to help a sister church this Saturday. A small group of us are helping pain and clean up a church and parsonage that had been closed for about a year. My brother in law is taking over as pastor. They have gone from the attendance of 9 to 27 so far. It is a country church in need of help. The people are there in the area, waiting for this to happen. The Lord is blessing the work. Today's lesson is a similar situation.

Barnabus and Saul stayed in Antioch for a full year, teaching the new believers. There was a famine in the region, a drought. The church at Antioch assisted the church in Jerusalem. They gave generously to care for the needs of others. Those two delivered help.

Each person should do as he has decided in his heart-not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor. 9:7)

Do we give to the needy?

LET IT GROW

Is the Lord preparing you for some kind of ministry?

Here we read of Gentile believers in Antioch providing loving support to Jewish believers in need. Prejudices were overcome.

How do we react with Christians of another race?

LET IT GO

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus, to see the needs of others.

Help us to help others for Your glory.

On a Mission

2026-08-11T10:21:00.000-05:00

N.T.#851 "On a Mission"

August 11, 2026

Acts 11

LET IT GLOW

Believers in Jesus Christ come from every tongue, tribe, nation, race, and gender. We live, work, and worship together under His banner, not our own. (Tony Evans)

Back at Jerusalem, they were waiting for Peter to arrive. Both believers and unbelievers were there. So Peter explained in detail his heavenly vision, Cornelius' conversion, and the new Gentile believers. Racial divisions stand in God's way and oppose the truth of the Gospel. (Gal. 2) Christ is Lord of all, both Gentiles and Jews.

LET IT GROW

God's mission for the church is a worldwide one. After Stephen was stoned to death, believers scattered to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. Jesus was preached and many turned to the Lord. (verses 19-21)

When the church at Jerusalem heard about this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. He was a Jew from Cyprus sent to the Jews to witness to them. Many Gentiles had been saved by the grace of God. Barnabas was glad and encouraged them. He then went to Tarsus to seek Saul. They both went to Antioch, staying a whole year, teaching the people.

A half million people lived there, including retired Roman officials. Commercial and political power was at Antioch. It was 300 miles from Jerusalem.

And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (verse 26)

LET IT GO

Use us as Your missionaries today.

Fill us with Your Word and love.

Do You Believe?

2026-08-10T07:23:00.000-05:00

N.T.#850 "Do You Believe?"

August 10, 2026

Acts 10-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Do you have questions about God, the Word, life? So did a man in our lesson today. Read on to find how he got answers.

This man, Cornelus, was praying and fasting and the angel of the Lord appeared to him. He was told to send for Peter in Joppa. He was a Gentile, a centurion, and a God-fearing man who gave alms and prayers to God. Four days later, Peter arrives and Cornelius tells him what transpired.

What was Peter's message?

God is no respecter of persons. (Respecter means one exhibiting partiality.) (verse 34)
Every nation that fears God and works righteousness is accepted with God. (verse 35)
God wants preaching of peace by Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all.). (verse 36)
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and power from God, went about doing good and healing, for God was with Him. (verse 38)
Peter was a witness of what Jesus did. The Jews slew and hung Jesus on a tree. (verse 39)
God raised Jesus up on the third day and showed Him to others. (verse 40)
He appeared only to certain ones chosen by God. The disciples ate and drank with the Risen Jesus. (verse 41)
They preach and testify that God will be the Judge of quick (lively) and dead. (verse 42)
That through His name (Jesus) whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. (verse 43)

Friend, have you ever asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins and recognized He is the only Savior, Son of God?

LET IT GROW

Peter was saying that God does not play favorites, Anyone from any nation may be saved, all on the same basis of faith. Gentiles are now acceptable, by the grace of God. Gentiles and Jews come to God the same way-believing in Jesus Christ, so both can be saved, the whosoever.

A one-time-only occurrence happened as the Holy Spirit fell on those believing Gentiles and they spoke in tongues. Those believers were baptized in Jesus' name. (verse 48)

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, help those who read this to believe in You as Savior.

Jesus is alive!

Help us share Your death, burial, and resurrection today.

What a Day For God to Work!

2026-08-07T09:53:00.000-05:00

N.T. #850 "What a Day For God to Work!"

August 7, 2026

Acts 10

LET IT GLOW

It was about ten years after Pentecost. It was time to go to the lost Gentiles with the Gospel. God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles and bring them into His family.

Warren W. Wiersbe's Bible Exposition Commentary gives us for acts to this wonderful drama:

Preparation
Explanation
Proclamation
Vindication.

Before God saved the Gentiles, He prepared Peter to bring the message and Cornelius to hear the message.

Who was Cornelius?

He was a God-fearing Gentile and a Roman centurion.
He gave charitably to the Jews.
He prayed to God.
He had a vision of an angel telling him to send for Peter in Joppa. (verses 3-6)
He obeyed by sending his servants to bring Peter to him. (30 miles away)

It was probably just an ordinary day for Cornelius. Yet, God was about to do something extraordinary in his life. The emptiness Cornelius felt in his life was about to change.

LET IT GROW

Meanwhile, Peter was on his roof praying at noon. Daily, he got alone with God three times a day to pray. This particular time Peter had a vision from God:

A large sheet was lowered from heaven with all kinds of animals in it that were unclean for Jews to eat. Peter was told to kill and eat those animals. Peter was hesitant because he had never eaten anything unclean to a Jew.

What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. (verse 15)

This vision was seen 3 times for Peter to understand. In the meantime, men were at Peter's gate to see him. The Lord convinced Peter He had sent them. Lodging them, the next day Peter and the men went to Cornelius at Caesarea.

Peter had to overcome prejudices the Jews had for Gentiles. Cornelius fell down to worship Peter, but Peter declared he was only a man, for him to stand up. The two talked together.

God had showed Peter that he should not call any man common or unclean. (verse 28)

The people were there before Peter ready to hear what God told Peter.

God is no respecter of persons. But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

What does that mean? Anyone from any nation may be saved, all on the same basis of faith. It is God's grace for us all.

Peter preached Jesus as the only way to obtain forgiveness of our sins by Holy God. Jesus, the Son of God, died, was buried, and rose from the dead, a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Many believed in Jesus and were baptized.

LET IT GO

Help us overcome our prejudices, Lord.

Use us in kingdom work to share salvation in Jesus is for all who believe.