Posted by: mhaley
on Nov 10, 2011
Peter and John had been very bold in their witness of what Christ had done in their lives; how their lives had become whole and Christ's love had filled them. God took these ordinary men and inspired them to "connect" with a man who had been lame for forty years. This man was healed, in the name of Jesus, by the power of God's love through these two men. Naturally, the church council and the religious leaders were not happy about this love and energy that was permeating "their" religious camp. But, these religious leaders could not deny the courage and boldness that had come over these two men to speak the truth about how their lives had changed since meeting Jesus. Peter and John were acting on what they could now see from God's horizon. Peter and John were more concerned about what God desired to do through them, than how these people around them listening might react to what they might do and say. This is an example of a stand of courageous love for God and people. It is that courage for which we, as Christ followers, must seek to "connect." The Holy Spirit is the Giver and Initiator of such courage. Following this story, the healing of the lame man, we see the early Church (followers of Christ) ramping up their prayer for courage...
Posted by: mhaley
on Oct 28, 2010
The storms of life, those times when we feel alone and helpless to battle our circumstances, toss our faith around don't they? They can cause us to experience escalating fear. Scriptures tell us the disciples experienced fear in the storms, too. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear." But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matthew 14:26-27). What made fear arise in the disciples?
Posted by: mhaley
on Oct 21, 2010
If we really pay attention, we can sense the darkness of anxiety trying to have dominion in our daily lives. We wrestle anxiety in our minds and our emotions; anxiety affects our faith. Jacob testified to that "wrestling" thing! "And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day" (Gen. 32:24). Anxiety is a thief; it robs us of our strength. Why do we give anxiety any power in our lives? This lesson about Jacob reveals his reasons for anxiety; the power of loneliness, past sin and guilt, judgment, and fear of the unknown.
Posted by: mhaley
on Oct 06, 2010
Have you ever had one of those days when you just had to have a nice long talk with God or you wouldn't make it? Well, God would like you to have one of those "talks" everyday. In fact, it is a perfect way to start the day. Mornings with God...
