Holy Spirit

In going through the book of Acts, my prayer has been to depend more on the Holy Spirit rather than myself. I will be the first to admit that I struggle with making decisions for myself rather than seeking what the Lord might have for me. In the book of Acts it is clear that the Holy Spirit is at work. From the miracles to the revivals you can watch the Holy Spirit moving. It is clear that I am in this class for a reason. It is not by chance. The Holy Spirit has been at work in our class since day one. I remember coming home after the first day of class and telling my brother Daniel to add this class. I told him that I thought the new professor(Brother Ken) was truly excited about teaching this class, and that it would be enjoyable. I believe Daniel would agree that that has been the case. I am excited to see what the Holy Spirit has in store for us as we continue through this class.

Knowledge Worth Using

We do what we can to excel in the learning process. The professor speaks to the class to convey a message that is inportant. The Holy Spirit brings that knowledge to an understanding in our heads. Without the Holy Spirit, the knowledge is useless and leads us astray into our own thoughts. The knowledge becomes applicable to life in the best way with the Holy Spirit. It is personalized in us so that we may do our best for God.
Our soul is forgiven by Jesus' death and resurrection, and we become filled with the Holy Spirit as we believe in Him. We become able to do good things even though our past is filled with hatred and wickedness. Paul persecuted and took part in killing Christians for their faith. But he was forgiven and then he worked for God. He performed miracles with Jesus. He taught people truth. He served to the death for Him. We can do anything through Hiim without the shame of our old life getting in the way. We don't have to be guilt ridden by our past as we try to stand-up for the Lord.

Use Me God

As the school year approached, I felt dread about starting a whole new semester. Academics is not my knack. My schedule did not help my feelings as I stared at the page listing seven classes I registered for. As it later turned out, my scholarship would only allow 15 credits free. I dropped one class – a lighter load. Two days later I dropped another class only to add Life and Letters of Paul. Only till now do I feel as if this semester can and will be a blessing. From the first day of attending, I was blessed to hear the Holy Spirit using Ken as His instrument. I enjoyed the lecture. I heard a different viewpoint of Stephen’s martyrdom. All of this and more, preparing to read and hear more on Paul’s epistles, excited me. I have confidence that this semester, year will be the best yet. I want to grow closer to God. I want to be more like Christ. The Holy Spirit has been convicting me and telling me to be last – to be a servant. Mark 9:35 – “Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.’” God use me.

Acts of the Apostles, and beyond

The Holy Spirit was evident in the book of Acts through Peter and Paul, and I have seen Pastor Ken prove through his life that the same is true today. The Holy Spirit has taught me through this class that He works and speaks through us when we are open to Him. Acts talks a lot about prayer, and I can see that doing ministry is all about prayer and being led by the Holy Spirit. I can do nothing, because God is the one who draws people to Himself, so I am learning that it is not about me at all-- the Christian life is all about being led by God to accomplish what He wants for others. Acts is also full of miracles, and I see that we are all still writing "Acts of the Holy Spirit." I am a part of what He will do in the lives of people. Whether I obey in simplicity or am being directed by the Holy Spirit, my life is a testimony of Christ, just like Peter and Paul. The one thing that strikes me as difficult to accept is the hard work of the Christian life. I seemed to get discouraged when I look at the ministry and work of a Christian, because it looks too difficult. Acts is wonderful to read because it shows all the great things that Christians did in the Lord's name, but it also leaves me with the knowledge of suffering in this world when we live for Christ.

Acts

This time around, the Holy Spirit taught me through the book of Acts the importance of being proactive in contrast to just reactive. As Peter stepped out after having denied Christ thrice and spoke to the crowd, so likewise I need to act upon the knowledge and experiences having been revealed to me, regardless of past circumstances. Bitterness and a mind stagnate in the past shall only hinder one from action; however, a willingness to learn shall only assist in the furtherance of the gospel. As in Acts 5:12-16, I know not whom is observing my life, hence my actions must not speak or affirm Thomas Peek but the Jesus Christ. It is not about us, it is about the reconciliation between God and His beloved creation. And how is it that others might be reconciled lest the gospel is to them spoken in deed and in truth through actions and words? I am a child of God,a Christian, with the given responsibility to extend truth to the world… light amongst darkness. I can not be a poor steward, selfishly hoarding the Word for myself or own gain. For God so loved the world, He wants everyone as Acts 8:14-17 clearly affirms.

~Thomas

Miracles

In class last week we discussed the miracles of the book of Acts. It was awesome to see the way God moved in sometimes mysterious but always powerful ways. Each of us shared with the class what we took home from each miracle. Two of these miracles involve Paul and one Peter. When Peter healed Aeneas of a palsy in Acts 9:33-34 it made me think about not depending on "full-time" ministers as the people of Lydda apparently did. In Acts 9:1-9 I loved the story of Paul's conversion because it truly proved that God can save anyone and God can use anyone. However the act of God that has impacted me most is when Peter is delivered out of prison by an angel. Originally when I had read this passage I noticed the power of God, the grace of God, and the omnipotence of God. However when I read Acts this time I realized the power of prayer. God choose to truly bless the prayers of the saints that were praying specifically for Peter's deliverance. As a matter of fact God choose to bless them so much as to bring Peter to them. This story in Acts chapter 12:7-17 really made me think. Often times we as Christians underestimate the power of prayer. We believe that if someone isn't going they aren't doing God's will. Missionaries today if you ask them will tell you their greatest need is prayer, more than money. I hear that, it is usually in one ear and out the other. I need to truly take prayer more seriously for myself, for nonbelievers, but also for other Christians. Hopefully the words "I'm prayin' for you" will truly take the meaning, "I'm praying for you!"