Acts

January 10th – Acts 3:19

Acts 3:19

As a machine mechanic, everyday my husband comes home with clothes marked by the grime of hard work. This makes the subsequent grease stains a challenge to remove. And sometimes, hard as I try, his clothes remained stained. Thankfully unlike earthly fabrics, our souls are never too dirty for God to clean. In the divine laundry of His forgiveness, every trace of sin, no matter how stubborn, is washed away completely. For when we come before the Lord with a sorry heart and in true repentance, He comes like a stain stick penetrating deep into the fabric of our souls. Lovingly, He erases every mark left behind by the grime of our wrongdoings. Even the deepest, darkest burden and mistake is cleansed, leaving our souls fresh, renewed, and unburdened from the filth of our iniquities. Repentance is the powerful detergent that leaves our spiritual garments spotless. It’s a transformative act that reminds us of God’s boundless grace and the unparalleled cleansing power found in turning our hearts toward Him.

January 10th – Acts 3:19 Read More »

December 21st – Acts 3:19

Acts 3:19

The call of Peter to repent from our sins echoes through the Christmas season as an invitation to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. In turning toward God during Advent, we create a sacred space for reflection, contemplation, and a genuine encounter with the transformative grace of Christ. It’s a season to let go of the burdens of the past, seek forgiveness, and open our hearts to the “times of refreshing” that come from the Lord. As we repent from our sins, Advent becomes a spiritual journey. A pilgrimage of the soul, marked by humility, gratitude, and a deepening connection with the Lord. In the quiet moments of the Christmas season, may we heed the call to repentance. May we turn our gaze from the world to the Lord, finding comfort in the promise of forgiveness, renewal, and the presence of God with us. That’s why Christmas whispers the invitation to repentance. Where the greatest gift is not found under the tree but in the grace found in the One born in Bethlehem’s embrace.

December 21st – Acts 3:19 Read More »

November 21st – Acts 16:31

Acts 16:31

Paul and Silas show just how great of an impact a heart of hope and endurance can have. And not just in our own personal resilience, but in reaching and transforming the lives of others. How worship in challenging times isn’t just something we do, but a powerful declaration of faith. One that knocks the Devil off his feet, and can inspire and touch the lives of those around us. Having a heart of hope and endurance serves as a beacon through the darkness, guiding us into the light of God’s goodness. In the midst of trials, it illuminates a path of hope and resilience, leading us to a deeper understanding of God’s unwavering presence and love. As we lift our hearts in worship, even in the darkest of times, it not only lifts our own spirits but also becomes a light for others. Through our hope and endurance, we share the radiance of God’s goodness. Inviting others to witness the transformative power of faith in the midst of challenges, ultimately becoming a source of endurance and hope for those around us.

November 21st – Acts 16:31 Read More »

October 18th – Acts 20:35

Acts 20:35

We’ve all heard that it’s better to give than to receive. Why? Because giving is seen as a way to align with higher values and grow spiritually. It reflects a heart that is open, compassionate, and in tune with divine principles. And when we give freely and generously, not only of material possessions but also of our time, love, and compassion, we tap into the boundless abundance of God’s grace. It’s in the act of giving, selflessly and with an open heart, that we truly experience the richness of God’s blessings. For God’s abundance isn’t just about physical wealth, but also the spiritual wealth we gain through acts of kindness and generosity. In giving, we find fulfillment and connection with God’s heart. And when we become vessels through which His love and abundance flow to others, we create a cycle of blessing and joy. There is always a great need in the world. And as followers of Jesus, it’s our job to try and meet that need. To mirror the love and grace we ourselves so abundantly receive.

October 18th – Acts 20:35 Read More »

June 25th – Luke 11:4

Luke 11:4

“And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.”

Like it or not, seeking forgiveness from God and extending forgiveness to others is a package deal. You can’t have one without the other. Why? Because we are the Lord’s ambassadors on earth. And when we forgive those who have wronged us, we mirror God’s forgiveness in our own lives to a watching world. But along with that, God wants us to experience the freedom and restoration that comes from receiving and extending forgiveness. And the great blessing both bring. For as Jesus teaches, as wonderful as receiving forgiveness is, it’s an even greater blessing to give. (Acts 20:35) As Christians we receive the transformative power of God’s grace. And out of thankful hearts, we should embody that forgiving spirit towards others. God’s forgiveness goes hand in hand with forgiving others. So if we want to receive the abundance of His mercy, we need to abundantly give it to others.

June 25th – Luke 11:4 Read More »

June 15th – Acts 8:22

Acts 8:22

Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.”

John and Peter were laying hands on believers who were receiving the Holy Spirit. A sorcerer named Simon watched from the sidelines, convinced the two disciples were using magic. But after offering to pay for the same ability, Simon received a very stern warning about mocking God. Peter warned that we can’t buy or earn God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy through material possessions or external acts. No amount of wealth, influence, or offerings can purchase absolution for our sins. Instead, God desires a genuine transformation within us, a turning away from sinful ways and a wholehearted return to Him. Forgiveness is a gift of God’s grace, freely given to those who humbly seek it. And God calls us to understand that our worthiness for forgiveness is not measured by worldly standards, but by our inner repentance and our sincere pursuit of righteousness.

June 15th – Acts 8:22 Read More »

April 26th – Acts 3:19

Acts 3:19

Peter tells us that in order to receive forgiveness for our sins, we need to repent from our wickedness. But to repent means more than just apologizing for sinning. Because God isn’t looking for lip action. He’s looking for true, life changing action. For repentance includes transformation. Repent is from the Greek root word metanoeō. And it means to have a complete change of heart. To have a new way of thinking that God’s way is the right way. Surrendering and following Him completely. In His great mercy, when we repent the Lord promises to wipe our slate clean. Removing our sins as far as the earth is from the west. (Ps. 103:12) But as wonderful as that is, forgiveness isn’t the only benefit we receive from repentance. Peter also promises that times of refreshing will come from repenting before the Lord. Because when we turn towards God and receive His forgiveness, we receive a renewal in our lives as we walk closer with Him.

April 26th – Acts 3:19 Read More »

April 18th – Acts 2:1-2

Acts 2:1-2

In the current climate, there is more than enough hate to go around. And it’s easy to get caught up in the anger and turmoil of the day. But as the church, as Jesus’ representatives on earth, shouldn’t we strive to do better? To be better? Shouldn’t we want to get back to the same rejoicing, generosity, togetherness, and worship demonstrated by the early church? Shouldn’t we have hearts which share God’s will to be beacons of light in a dark world? If that is indeed our will, the Holy Spirit is the way. For the more we walk in His power, the more the fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in our lives. So let’s get back to being the church the Lord established on that glorious Day of Pentecost. May each of us, out of love and joy, let the fruit of the Spirit flow abundantly through us to others. And may the Lord’s church be so powerful a witness that Jesus can add to the number daily, “those who were being saved.”


April 18th – Acts 2:1-2 Read More »

January 29th – Acts 2:4

Acts 2:4

In the current climate, there is more than enough hate to go around. And it’s easy to get caught up in the anger and turmoil of the day. But as the church, as Jesus’ representatives on earth, shouldn’t we strive to do better? To be better? Shouldn’t we want to get back to the same rejoicing, generosity, togetherness, and worship demonstrated by the early church? Shouldn’t we have hearts which share God’s will to be beacons of light in a dark world? If that is indeed our will, the Holy Spirit is the way. For the more we walk in His power, the more the fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in our lives. So lets get back to being the church the Lord established on that glorious Day of Pentecost. May each of us, out of love and joy, let the fruit of the Spirit flow abundantly through us to others. And may the Lord’s church be so powerful a witness that Jesus can add to the number daily, “those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)

January 29th – Acts 2:4 Read More »

December 28th – Matthew 12:38

Matthew 12:38

Proof! Show us proof!” Those were the cries of some of the scribes and Pharisees after witnessing Jesus heal a blind and mute man. Their hardened hearts couldn’t accept in faith that Jesus was indeed their long awaited Messiah. Even though the scribes and Pharisees exhibited a wicked disbelief, a healthy skepticism can be a good thing. Especially when it comes to discerning those who claim to speak for God or to represent His Word. Jesus Himself warns, “For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” (Matt. 24:5) Because of this God tells us to test everything against what the Bible says. To examine the scriptures and, “see whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) And why do we use the Bible as our “litmus test” of truth? Because we know that every word of Scripture was breathed by God. (2 Tim. 3:16) And every word is true and is the foundation of the Christian Faith!

December 28th – Matthew 12:38 Read More »