PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 19:8-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.” (Acts 19:8)
The kingdom of God… we hardly ever talk about it as Christians.
We talk about church, worship, being saved, programs, buildings, etc.
But the heart of Paul’s message, and Jesus’ message, was the kingdom of God.
“The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15)
This was Jesus’s big news, how God is restoring the creation kingdom.
We are distracted by lesser things – like handkerchiefs and aprons that heal (19:12).
Maybe we don’t see as many miracles because we’re not focused on the kingdom.
The kingdom isn’t about miracles, but lifting the curse and restoring paradise for all.
If we seek this, God will back us up with miracles to confirm our message.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)
Join with Jesus in his kingdom mission, and he will back you up with kingdom power!
Use your handkerchief to bless, your apron to serve; and wait to see what he does!
PRAYER
Lord, this world is not the way it should be. I know many people who are experiencing some aspect of the curse. Use my helpful handkerchief to heal, and my servants apron to bless.
Paul tried with the Jews again but when he could no longer make progress he took some of his new followers/disciples and “had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord…God did extraordinary miracles through Paul” The HS enables – working in concert with the HS – Paul is effective and so many people who came down to the popular lecture hall of Tyrannus – where there was a daily attraction of discussions – people open minded to listen to new teachings. The power of Paul and his disciples testimony – and then the realization by the people that there was more to Paul – who discovered the healing touch? I know God has used me in someone else’s life – and I continue to pray that he will use me to bless others – by words and service. I trust that is happening even if I don’t know about it – and I need to be content with that – because it is not for me – only God using me – and knowing and trusting that He is, is enough!
Proclaiming the Good News.
Some people refused to hear and others were willing to listen.
God uses His servants planting seeds to those with open ears and open hearts. And when the Spirit takes hold of them great things happen. God gives the increase. I just need to tell the story.
Make me a servant
Humble and meek
Lord let me lift up
Those who are weak
And may the prayer
Of my heart always be
Make me a servant
Make me a servant
Make me a servant today