“As they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”Acts 4:13

To the Jewish rulers, Peter and John were “uneducated” people without special abilities. The Greek word, used here for the only time in the Bible, indicates that they had received no official instruction. They even were considered illiterate. They also were “untrained.” They were not considered intelligent or qualified to be leaders. Yet how could they explain the amazing things these men had done? They knew the impact of Peter’s amazing speech on the Day of Pentecost, and the thousands who responded. They knew these men preached with boldness and authority, and how many had been healed. In fact, a healed man stood beside them, providing evidence they could not deny. The one thing that stood out was that they had “been with Jesus.” They had whatever He had. Many people today have developed stereotypes about who can be used by God. Like those religious leaders who judged Peter and John, some assume that He only uses people who have had formal training, worldly credentials, and impressive resumes. Faced with these stereotypes, some feel intimidated and not qualified to be used by God. But the example of Peter and John reminds us that God can use anyone. Young or old. Educated or illiterate. Rich or poor. But we cannot do this in our own strength. We need to draw on the presence of the Holy Spirit and on our personal relationship with Jesus. Brothers & Sisters do you want to be used by God? First, seek to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus. Learn from Him. Love and study His Word, and be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. Learn to be sensitive to His presence. Let Him direct and guide you. Be confident in Him.

“My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.”Psalm 63:5-7

In the midst of the moment, we might feel that our experiences are so vivid that we will recall every second of every event. But, in fact, our minds are like sieves, forgetting much of those experiences. People of all ages often forget or lose perspective on events of the distant past. As we age, we tend to associate important events with events from our younger years. And what we think of as our happiest or saddest moments may be a “product of memory,” not really what happened. These results should help remind us that our minds and memories are faulty. We don’t remember things perfectly. Tomorrow we might forget the pains of today, and can reshape our own recollection of events and experiences. Yet our faulty memories can impact our spiritual lives, and our attitudes toward life, and God. We can allow our thoughts to be shaped by the way we remember things, not by His timeless Word. We might remember difficulties but forget how He delivered us. We see these patterns when David was in the wilderness of Judah, facing enormous problems. Instead of thinking about the troubles he faced, he focused on God, meditating on Him “in the night watches.” As a result, God transformed his life. Then, as David looked back, he realized that God had helped and saved him. Brothers & Sisters today, remember that your memories are imperfect. Instead, focus on God and His Word. It always is true. Stand on His Promises. You can depend on Him!

"Behold, God is my salvation , I will trust and not be afraid; 'For the LORD JEHOVAH, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation (Jesus). Therefore with joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation (Jesus)."Isaiah 12:2-3 ; "On the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If any man thirsts, let him come to Me, and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."John 7:37-38

During the Feast of Sukkot, the Jewish people took part in a water drawing ceremony on the last day of the feast. They would go down to the Pool of Siloam, draw water and bring it to the Temple Mount. Then they would pour out the water and recite Isaiah 12, "and with joy you shall draw water out of the wells (springs) of salvation." In Hebrew, the word salvation and Jesus, in Hebrew, are the same. Imagine the scene at the time of Jesus' appearance. It is likely that in the midst of this ceremony, He stood up and proclaimed, "If anyone is thirsty, let Him come to Me and drink." He who believes in Me as the Scripture said, "from His innermost being shall flow rivers of living water." Brothers & Sisters, this promise is true for us today. Our Messiah is the same yesterday, today and forever. He did not promise a sprinkling or a tiny stream. He promised rivers of living water. Claim this promise today -- claim the fullness of life in Him. Draw from Him the peace that passes all understanding. Draw from Him pure love -- agape love. Draw from Him the joy that makes the trees clap. Draw all that you need, but in order to draw from Him -- you must go to Him. One cannot draw water from a spring unless one goes to the spring. Go to the spring that never runs dry -- go to your spring of Jesus! DRAW FROM THE WELLS OF JESUS!

“When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, ‘Is this you, you troubler of Israel?’”1 Kings 18:17

A “troubler.” That was how King Ahab felt about Elijah, the prophet of God—just someone who stirred up trouble. Ahab was content with his life. He didn’t want anyone to suggest he might be doing something wrong. He just wanted to do anything he pleased—anything that brought him momentary satisfaction and pleasure. The king didn’t want anyone confronting him about God or His standards. Nor did he want to consider that there were consequences to his actions, or that he would be judged someday. Ahab was uncomfortable with Elijah, and he wished the prophet would just go away, keep his mouth shut, and not speak out. But Elijah refused to back down. Ahab was like many people in the world today. To them, Christians seem like sources of irritation—nuisances trying to stop them from having fun. When we declare Bible standards, they accuse us of being prejudiced. When we talk about sin, they accuse us of hate. When we say God’s standards never change but are eternally true, they accuse us of being old-fashioned and out of step with the times. If we speak out, people may ridicule us, mock us, or lash out at us. Some even may seek to silence us and keep us from sharing our testimonies. Some want to pass laws limiting our freedoms. Some even seek to take our lives, hurt us financially, or cripple our freedoms. Brothers & Sisters if you stand for God, believe in His Word, and speak out about Biblical values, you, too, may be accused of being a troublemaker. If this happens to you, remember to react like Elijah. Don’t back down or compromise. Be resolute to stand for truth. Get involved. Pray. Vote. Never waver in your commitment to God and His Word.

"Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life."John 8:12 ; "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut."Matthew 25:1-10

"Be thou praised, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who makes light and causes darkness, who makes peace and creates all: the light of the world as the treasure of life…" Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world." God is Light, He loves light, He creates light, He sheds light, He desires light. Lamps with oil produce light, both for those who carry them and for those who see the light bearers. "You are the light of the world", He said. So the Lord also expects light from and His people. The light of God in our lives comes from His Holy Spirit, and oil has always been associated with the Spirit's ministry in the lives of believers. Burning oil produces light. If we are spiritual "virgins"because we are betrothed to one Heavenly Husband, we ought to bear His light in this dark world. Yet He has told us that some virgins will not have the wisdom to do it, so it is a warning to us; a warning not to quench the Spirit, but be filled with Him and be the light of the world. Brothers & Sisters, some of us, though virgins, have been walking in darkness. This could change. The choice to light our lamps belongs to us. The gift of the Holy Spirit has been given to all true virgins. The wise among us will "buy oil" and maintain our lamps thoroughly filled. To "buy oil" means to "spend time" with the One who supplies it, asking Him to fill us up, and to clean out the impurities in our "lamps". You know what this means for you personally, and I know what it means for me. We ought to think about the joy of the wedding, and prepare our hearts with His light... illuminated beautifully for all the world to see, and to be ready! At midnight, when the Bridegroom suddenly appears, our joy will be unspeakable. FILL UP YOUR LAMP!

“The lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death.”Proverbs 5:3-5

Perhaps no creature is more associated with honey than the bear, “honey is mostly sugar.” Overflowing with sugar, honey becomes irresistible to bears and other animals. This appeal helps us understand why honey can symbolize the attraction of temptations. From a human perspective, we are tempted by things that offer benefits that seem irresistible. Like the pleasures promised by an “adulteress.” The Hebrew word here means “strange” or “stranger,” and suggests the excitement that can accompany something new and different. These pleasures can seem to drip like honey—just like the appeal of honey to a bear. But the Bible urges us to think about the consequences of our choices. Temptations might seem to promise new and exciting experiences. But the end result is bitterness, not endless pleasures. They cut deep into our hearts and minds, leading us not toward life but death. These principles apply to every form of temptation. Pride or power. Bad habits or the pleasures of the flesh. Gluttony or selfishness. In fact, anything that displeases God. The Bible urges us to avoid the things that tempt us and stay away from situations where we’re prone to be tempted. We need to remember that the promises of temptation can seem alluring, only to realize that, after we yield, we have been deceived: “You groan at your final end, when your flesh and your body are consumed.” Brothers & Sisters in your life, don’t be confused by the seductive promises of “honey.” When you are tempted, call upon God. Confess His Word. And remember that He is with you. He is faithful and “will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13). You can live in victory!

"Then He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, nevertheless at Your word I will let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught such a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat that they should come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' (Jesus') feet, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" For he was astonished, and all that were with him, because of the catch of the fish which they had taken, And so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Fear not, from now on you will catch men." So when they brought their ships to land, they forsook all and followed Him."Luke 5:3-11

We read in Luke that Jesus told His disciples to go into the deep waters and let down their nets for fish. When they did, their nets were filled up with fish to the point of breaking. Being fishermen and businessmen, they may have been tempted to start doing business. I mean, think how much they could make! But God had a different purpose. The disciples' occupation as fishermen was just a vehicle for God to demonstrate His great power and love. He wasn't blessing them with fish so that they would get excited about fishing -- He was blessing them with fish so that they could get their eyes off their fishing and on to the greater call He had for them! Thankfully, they left the fishing business and went off with the Lord to do great and mighty things. Let's make sure we're not getting up wrapped up in fish! We seek the Lord for His blessings, prosperity, and success. But true discipleship is focusing not on the blessings of the Lord, but on the Lord of the blessings! Brothers & Sisters, we can rejoice in our blessings, but let's not dwell on them! Let's set our eyes on the Lord and the calling He has for us. When He sees that we have pure and willing hearts, He will be faithful to use us to accomplish His glorious plan! LOOK TO THE LORD OF BLESSINGS!

“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings."Psalm 61:1-4

David felt that he was at “the end of the earth.” Alone and vulnerable, with no one to comfort or reassure him. To stand with him. In this place of isolation, his heart was “overwhelmed." How did he respond? He cried to God. He looked to Him to provide a place of safety and security: a "rock that is higher than I.” Looking back at his life, he realized how God had been His shelter. He could hide in Him, and find security, comfort, and protection. But God also was a “strong tower from the enemy.” From this place of perspective, he could see far into the distance, in all directions. He could see the present and how events would unfold in the future. But this was only possible as he looked to God, and trusted in Him. We see this picture as he declared his commitment to “abide in Your tabernacle forever.” For the tabernacle was a place of God’s presence, where he could fellowship with Him. There his isolation didn’t seem to matter. It didn’t matter that he felt vulnerable and that he could not find people to help and comfort him. He was able to find everything he needed with God. Brothers & Sisters in your life, do you feel vulnerable? Alone? Afraid? Remember the message David discovered. You aren’t alone, for God is with you. Call on Him. Tell Him every detail of your need. Hide yourself in Him. Trust in Him. Accept His peace. Be assured that He will be your shield and your strong tower.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.”Psalm 119:9-11

Experienced musicians, eager to advance in their craft, can find themselves concentrating on more difficult music, feeling that the basics are just for beginners. But, as many masters can testify, focusing on fundamentals is a vital key to advancement. One legendary trumpeter strongly emphasized the importance of warming up and practicing “long tones in all registers and volumes.” A master trombonist said that aspiring musicians must practice “slow scales every day.” The point was not just to play faster but more clearly and with better tone, never overlooking the basics. It’s important to realize that the way to advance is often to slow down and concentrate on musical fundamentals. These same principles applied in our spiritual lives. How easily we can take for granted basics like living according to the Bible. In fact, the Word is foundational for success in life. Its principles always are true, in our personal lives and business…whether we are young or old. In fact, we cannot grow spiritually and stay on track unless we remain committed to know and live by the Word. This can keep us pure and prevent us from wandering off course. God has not made the Christian life complicated. You simply need to trust in Him with all your heart and “not lean on your own understanding.” As you do these things and acknowledge Him in everything you do, He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Brothers & Sisters, have you forgotten about the basics? Remember that these are the key to avoiding mistakes, staying on the right path, and moving toward maturity. Stay humble before God, and foster an intimate relationship with Him. Never tire of studying and obeying His Word.

"For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another-- He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."Hebrews 9:24-28

Yom Kippur, which literally means Day of Coverings, can be a day of deep reflection on what the Lord has done for us. As Jesus died on the cross 2000 years ago, the Gospel describes how the veil in the Temple was torn in two. This profound spiritual event reveals that the Lord gave all whose sins are covered by His blood access to the Holy of Holies, as He had become our High Priest in addition to being, Himself, the perfect sacrifice for sin. Although the Temple was not finally destroyed until 70 AD, Orthodox Judiasm recounts in the Talmud that, beginning in 30 AD, God no longer accepted the animal sacrifices commanded in the Torah for the Day of Atonement. Throughout the ages, while the Temple stood, the High Priest would cast lots for the two goats which were to be offered as sacrifices on Yom Kippur. One lot was for the goat to be sacrificed on the altar, for God -- and the other, goat cast out into the wilderness for the removal of sins [Leviticus 16:7-10]. Traditionally, as the Priest cast the lot, finding it in his right hand was a good omen, indicating that God had accepted the sacrifice. However, if the High Priest drew it in his left hand, this indicated the Lord's displeasure and even rejection of the sacrifice. For the 40 years after the sacrifice of Jesus, the Talmud records that the lot was taken in the left hand of the High Priest. The same result for 40 years, a lot cast into the left hand, carries a statistical probability of 1 in 1,099,511,627,776 -- or one in a trillion chance! There were also other significant miraculous signs described in this tract, that something of major significance had taken place related to the most critical sacrifice in the Temple order. It is clear to both Jews and Messianic believers that God was saying something important to the Jewish people in 30AD; something important enough to be recorded in the Talmud and something which demanded an explanation. Brothers & Sisters, we believe that the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, 40 years after the sacrifice of Jesus, followed a period of testimony and testing for the Jewish people concerning the fact that the sacrificial system had been consummated by Jesus' death on the cross. 40 is a typical number of testing throughout the Bible. While animal sacrifices continued to be offered in the Temple while it stood, and many believing Jews continued to participate in them, it was clear that something new and definitive had opened the way for all people to enter the Holiest place and to know the Lord intimately and personally. Without intending to, the Talmud offers historical support for the significance and reality of the events in 30 AD which consummated the sacrificial system given in the Torah; i.e. the death and resurrection of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, who died for the sins of the whole world. ENTER HIS PRESENCE, YOU ARE COMPLETELY COVERED!

“As we were going to the place of prayer, a slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us…She kept crying out, saying, ‘These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.’ She continued doing this for many days.”Acts 16:16-18

It didn’t take long for Paul to be attacked after he arrived in Philippi, bringing the Gospel to Europe for the first time. Soon after his arrival, a woman named Lydia became the first convert. Everything seemed hopeful. But then Paul and his companions were met by a demon-possessed girl who “kept crying out.” She was on a mission from the enemy to create confusion and steal God’s glory. The girl’s cries implied there was some link between her and the Paul’s message of salvation, between Satan’s demonic kingdom and the Kingdom of God. Finally, after listening to this girl for many days, Paul had enough, and he commanded the evil spirit to leave her. He knew the origin of the girl’s problem wasn’t with her, but with the spirit that possessed her. The root was not a psychological problem but rather a spiritual battle that had to be fought in the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul exercised the authority Believers have been given to defeat the enemy…and stop the lies. Satan still prowls around the world. Using lies, he seeks to fool us into believing his ways will lead to success and pleasure, riches and glory. Just as he did with Paul, the devil often follows after Believers, seeking to spread deception and take credit for what belongs to God. He seeks to confuse us about the truth. Brothers & Sisters today, be on the alert and ready! You will be attacked! Make sure you know God’s Word. Remember that you have authority in Jesus’ name over every demonic power. Be bold. Don’t be silent about the Truth. Fight in the Spirit.

"Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. He will turn again, He will have compassion on us, and He will subdue our iniquities. Yes, You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."Micah 7:18-19

We as believers in Jesus, know that true forgiveness doesn't come by doing works, keeping traditions and taking part in beautiful ceremonies. Reconciliation with God comes by truly giving up our lives for His purposes and receiving atonement for our sin through Jesus the Messiah, as the Hebrew scriptures clearly show. We all struggle with sin. Let's take this opportunity to cast it today! Cast it away! The Scripture says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us, cleanse us from all unrighteousness and remove those sins as far as the east is from the west! Brothers & Sisters, let's not be burdened any longer with sin -- confess it and be cleansed! The Lord is in the business of restoration -- let's give Him our lives once again. And let’s pray for God to do a work among the Jewish people. That they would see the truth of their blessed Messiah! CAST YOUR BREAD UPON THE WATERS!

"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips…The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, and each is tested by the praise accorded him.”Proverbs 27:2, 21

It’s natural to want to receive praise. Praise gives us confidence and helps us know if others are pleased with us or disappointed. Praise can encourage us and give us a sense of fulfillment and purpose. But praise also can be a kind of poison. The Bible warns us not to praise ourselves but to let our work speak for itself. We should focus on doing everything as unto the Lord, making sure He is pleased with our attitude, our work, and every other area of our lives. The Bible also warns that we will be tested by the praise we receive. When people compliment us or praise our work, we are tested in the same way metals are heated and tested in a crucible. Unless we are grounded in humility, receiving praise can cause us to lose perspective, becoming proud and overconfident. Yet receiving praise provides us with an opportunity to see our real character and motivation. It shows us whether our goal is to get attention or to serve God. We see Jesus’ attitude toward praise when He came to Jerusalem during the Passover. Intrigued by the signs He had done, “many believed in His name.” But Jesus understood the real nature of this praise. He “was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men.” And He “knew what was in man” (John 2:23-25). He had another opportunity riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 21:9). But within days, the crowds would cry out for Him to be crucified. Brothers & Sisters in your life, remember that people can be fickle. Don’t live for their praise but focus on serving God, doing everything with excellence unto Him. Be His servant, seeking to please Him in everything you do.

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another.”Galatians 5:16-17

The Bible makes it clear that we have two natures: flesh and spirit. These two natures express themselves in different ways. First, the deeds of the flesh are “evident.” The Greek word here suggests that they can be seen openly. They are so “bright” that they seem to shine. They are “obvious”. We see this nature expressed through our “deeds.” This means anything that results from our labors. Controlled by the flesh, we think about the flesh and things that can be seen—the pleasures and rewards of the world. But, Paul warned, if we focus on doing these things, we “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Why? Because His Kingdom cannot be earned. It is not a business where results are measured in human effort. This Kingdom can be only inherited. The Bible tells us that everything about the Holy Spirit is different. In God’s Kingdom, our focus is not on human effort but on allowing the Spirit to flow through our lives. To realize that His fruit is a natural byproduct of His presence. And His presence cannot be forced or regulated. Our flesh may want to focus on doing “good things.” But God wants us to walk and be led by the Spirit. This means not focusing on what we do, but on the Holy Spirit’s presence. This also means recognizing that we “belong to Christ Jesus,” recognizing that we have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Brothers & Sisters in your life, remember that “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:50). Seek to live by the Spirit. Allow Him to change you, and let His fruit be expressed through you.

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."1 Corinthians 15:55-58

Every day roughly 150,000 around the world die. Death has a way of raising our spiritual temperature and quickening us to re-evaluate life...especially to ask, "Am I doing all that I can do?" Have you ever heard of how the Nobel Peace Prize originated? Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, awoke one morning in 1888, shocked to discover his own obituary in the morning news. The newspaper had mistakenly printed the story about Alfred, instead of his brother, who had just passed away. As he read his own epitaph, the story of the "Dynamite King", the great industrialist who made an immense fortune from explosives -- Alfred Nobel was rudely awakened to the fact that the world viewed him as a merchant of death! The mistake was not wasted on him. Rather, it served as his wake up call! As he read his obituary with horror, Alfred resolved to make clear to the world his understanding of the true meaning and purpose of his life. So he used his immense fortune to create a foundation which would promote and embody his ideal for world peace...and he is now remembered, not as the "Dynamite King", but the creator of what we know now as the "Nobel Peace Prize." Brothers & Sisters, let's allow this little message to be our wake up call. Let's re-evaluate our lives, look within...and ask ourselves, "Are we truly doing all that we can be doing for the Lord?" Because when this life is finally past, and our deeds are all recorded in the "Books", only what was done with and for the Lord, will last...forever! YOU CAN'T ESCAPE IT!