Day 167 Bible Readings – Acts 10: 44-46 (ESV)

1 Kings 1, 1 Kings 2: 1-12, Acts 10: 24-48, Acts 11: 1-18, Psalm 96

Acts 10: 44-46 (ESV)

“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.”

In verses 44 through 45, we read about the second Pentecost but this time for the Gentiles. I love how the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles while Peter was speaking, and then the people started speaking in tongues and praising Father-God. The people present were surprised that this event happened, but Jesus prophesied in John 12: 32, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” Jesus knew that after his resurrection, he would draw all people to myself. In a Bible study I read, the author noted that people were surprised that the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit before they were converted or baptized. The author also stated that the people were surprised because the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit in the same way that happened during Pentecost. But what this means for me, is that Father-God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is for all people and not just for the Jewish people. As a Gentile, I can expect to have what Father-God promised to the Chosen people. The teachings of Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit are for anyone who has faith in God’s words in the Bible.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel Bible-based church so you can receive the Holy Spirit and enjoy the spiritual gift and fruits of the spirit.

Day 166 Bible Readings – Psalm 94: 12-13 (ESV)

2 Samuel 23: 8-39, 2 Samuel 24, Acts 9: 32-43, Acts 10: 1-23, Psalm 94: 12-23

Psalm 94: 12-13 (ESV)

“Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.”

Verses 12 and 13 from Psalm 94 stood out to me in daily Bible readings. I feel like Father-God has been in my life for a long time, with the Holy Spirit guiding me and disciplining me to more closely obey the teachings in the Bible. I resented it for a long time because I thought I was being picked on, and the Holy Spirit was constantly pointing out what I was doing wrong. I had a tennis teacher who did the same thing in college. She kept ragging on about my backswing, and how I was doing everything wrong. It was a group class, and I never saw her pointing out the errors of the other like she was doing with me. She must have seen how angry and upset I was over her criticism one day, because she pulled me aside and told me that I had the best backhand swing she had ever seen. And if I listened to her advice, I could improve it and play competitively. I was so floored by what she said, because I thought the woman couldn’t stand me and wanted to make my life miserable.

It took me a long time to realize that Father-God and the Holy Spirit were guiding me in the same way as the tennis teacher. Father-God loves me so much that he directed the Holy Spirit to constantly correct me so I could lead a blessed life. Yes, I’ve had my share of troubles, dry seasons, and death of family members and loved ones, and Father-God has always been there for me to give me the peace that goes beyond all understanding. I know I’ve led a charmed and blessed life compared to others, and I attribute that blessing to constant discipline I’ve been under from the Holy Spirit. I feel even more blessed today that Father-God took such an interest and never ever gave up on me. I am now fully open to the guidance and instruction of the Holy Spirit, and I cannot wait to enjoy the rewards that Father-God has planned for my life.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, full gospel Bible-based church so you can be guided by the Holy Spirit to lead a life full of Father-God’s blessings and rewards.

Day 165 Bible Readings – 2 Samuel 22: 29 (ESV)

2 Samuel 22, 2 Samuel 23: 1-7, Acts 9: 1-31, Psalm 94: 1-11

2 Samuel 22: 29 (ESV)

“For you are my lamp, O LORD, and my God lightens my darkness.”

Verse 29 from 2 Sameul 22 may be one of my favorite verses from the Bible. Father-God has always been the light that drew me out of the darkness of my own misery. Father-God’s light pulled me from the deepest of pits of despair and depression when I was going through those seasons in my life. However, when I was reading a couple of Bible studies on these verses I found other meanings for Father-God’s light. Father-God is also a source of divine guidance and a way to navigate the darkness like a lamp. Father-Gpd also can dispel the darkness of chaos, ignorance, and adversity. Hs light also brings salvation and spiritual enlightenment, which gives us hope and the promise of deliverance through his presence in times of trouble. For David, Father-God illuminated his path to victory over his enemies and guided him through his reign’s uncertainties and challenges. And like David, we must always seek Father-God’s wisdom and direction in all things if we want to have lives that are full of peace and pleasing to Father-God.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on this Bible verse, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church where you can learn and develop your ability to rely on Father-God to be the lamp in your life.

Day 164 Bible Readings – Act 8: 20-21 (ESV)

2 Samuel 20-21, Acts 8, Psalm 93

Act 8: 20-21 (ESV)

“But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.”

In verse 20-21from Acts 8, we read about Peter’s rebuke to Simon the Magician in Samaria who wanted to pay for Simon to give him the power to give people the Holy Spirit. Peter scolds Simon and tells him that you cannot buy spiritual gifts, because the grace of Father-God cannot be purchased or earned. The gift of being able to lay hands on people so they receive the Holy Spirit comes to those who repent and right with Father-God. Simon wanted to lay hands on people to give the gift of the Holy Spirit for his own selfish purposes, and not to serve and spread the message of Jesus Christ and glorify Father-God. Father-God wants our motives to be aligned with his will which is serve him and follow his will for our life. I think Simon the Magician would feel right at home in our current age of celebrity on social media by wanting to have gifts from God, so he could be a star and makes a video that goes viral. But Peter speaks for Father-God when he tells Simon his motives are wrong, and that you cannot have the gifts of the Holy Spirit unless you repent of your sins and are right with God. The gifts of the Holy Spirit will only be given to those who are right with God and want to serve him according to his will for their lives.

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts about these Bible verses, find yourself a good, Holy Spirit filled, Bible-based church where you can listen to the word of God and discern his plan for your life.