Tag: wisdom

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Wisdom Prayer

What Was Gamaliel’s Advice?

What Was Gamaliel’s Advice?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who share about Jesus even in the face of adversity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Gamaliel was a Pharisee. He was also a member of the ruling council and a teacher of the law. He was held in honor, so when he said something people listened.

Luke reported in Acts 5:38-39 (ESV) what Gamaliel said to the members of the council who wanted to kill the apostles:

“‘So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!’ So they took his advice.’”

Even after this comment, we learn in Acts 5:40-42 the apostles still suffered persecution:

“And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.”

Even though the apostles were beaten, they persisted. Would you have done the same? Will you stand up for Jesus? I pray you will.

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Wisdom Prayer

Whose Side Are You On? God’s or Men’s?

Whose Side Are You On? God’s or Men’s?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who are placed in a position where they must decide whether to obey God or men. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Many people find themselves at odds with authority figures, colleagues, or even friends.

The apostles were faced with a choice about testifying to Christ or obeying the edicts of a council made up of men.

Luke tells the story in Acts 1:27-2 (ESV):

“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”

The apostles were clear about their position. God took precedence. Ever been in a position where you are pressed to choose?

If and when such a situation arises—Pray! Ask God’s direction about how to proceed.

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Wisdom Prayer

Divine Jailbreak?

Divine Jailbreak?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know are in jail. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The apostles were arrested because some religious leaders were jealous of them for doing signs and wonders. God sent an angle to the rescue.

Luke tells what happened in Acts 1:17-21 (ESV):

”But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy, they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ‘Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.’ And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.”

God had plans other than to leave the apostles in jail. In the morning, when a group went to get the prisoners, the prison was secure. God had arranged a divine jailbreak. Amazing! And the apostles were later found in the temple teaching.

Ever doubt God’s sovereignty? God worked in the lives of the apostles.

He can work in your life too.

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Wisdom Prayer

Lying to God?

Lying to God?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who strive to be honest with God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ananias and Sapphira were married, and they were intent on donating money to the Lord’s work. Yet, there was a fatal flaw in their plan.

Luke begins the story in Acts 5:1-2 (ESV):

“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Misrepresenting the amount of the funds given to the Apostles had dire consequences. Note what Acts 5:3-5 says:

“But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.’”

The husband and the wife both died for lying about the amount of the sale of their property.

Ever told a lie to God? Confess! Repent! Now!

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Wisdom Prayer

Standing Before Evil Rulers?

Standing Before Evil Rulers?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who stand before rulers and elders. In Jesus’ name, amen.

After Peter healed a lame man in the temple, Peter, John, and the man who was healed had a divine appointment with the rulers and elders. These were the same rulers and elders who advocated Jesus be killed.

Luke writing Acts 4:8-12 (ESV) says,

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’”

Peter explained who did the healing. Instead of taking the credit himself, he acknowledged the source of the healing power. Ever see a modern miracle? Give Jesus the credit.

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Wisdom Prayer

A Lame Man Healed?

A Lame Man Healed?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who rejoice in the story of Peter and John healing a lame man. In Jesus’ name, amen.

As Peter and John went into the temple they had a divine appointment with a man who was lame from birth. He was asking for money. The account of this divine appointment changed one man’s life. It also had far reaching impact.

Luke writing in Acts 3:6-10 (ESV) explains what happened:

“But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”

When a miracle of this magnitude happened, it says the people took notice. Read Peter’s speech to the assembled crowd in Acts 3:11-26.

Now. Look for miracles in your own life. Praise God for his mercy.

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