UNSTOPPABLE
- Key Verse
- "Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." (Acts 5:38-39 NIV)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
This is a crystal clear truth about all of us, about life and the origin of our actions. Can anything be more clear?
Reflections
These words were spoken two thousand years ago about the followers of Jesus and their activity and purpose. “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men.” That religious leader spoke a truth that has been proven over the centuries. Jesus' teaching has endured and is everlasting.But I asked the question of myself, about my purposes and actions? Are they from God or are they from something else. That is a question we all should ask every morning and night. Are we seeking God and serving God, or are we serving money and other worldly pursuits? How many times was it said do not store up earthly treasures because they will decay and be gone? How many greatly successful people have we seen who have had fame and fortune, but self destructed. Fortunes come and go, and clothes turn to rags. Solomon said it was all meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:1; etc). But is it?
If our purpose is to serve God, then our success will be unstoppable. If our actions and purpose are not from God but are from the world, then take a look at the results. I can only try each day to do my best and to serve. I asked my mentor, Mary Beth, for help. She taught me by showing me what the Bible says in Psalms 32:8 says “Teach me, Guide me, show me the way and watch over me.” When we ask God to guide us and show us the way to serve and use our talents, our success will be a joy. Stop for a moment and reflect on what was said in today's key verse. It is truth.
Discussion Questions
- How can I know and understand my purpose?
- Do my actions speak for me or is it all about ME?
- What is done is forgiven what is to be done to serve.
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of .
Jean-Ann Cooper
January 19, 2010 06:50 AM
James, great timing for your message. I am struggling with a business opportunity and realize that the missing link in my struggle is God. Thank you so much. Today will be a better day because of your willingness to serve God and write this message. Thank you and God bless.
Brian Bohn
January 19, 2010 07:41 AM
Great job James. In addition to the key verse, I was also deeply struck by 5:40-42. Peter & John "never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news", even in the face of harm or death. I think about the times that I have "shrunk" from relating the Word because I was worried how it would be received. Would I be ridiculed? Not revered? This is a great reminder for me on the importance of living and relating my faith.
Chris
January 19, 2010 10:46 AM
Wonderful thoughts, Jim. It is often easy for us to confuse our will and ambitions for what God would really have us do. If we slow down a bit, we will frequently find that God defines "ambitious" a bit differently than do we. Nonetheless, thank you for the reminder that in the end, God's plan is always accomplished. . . . That one about Mary Beth G. being your mentor . . . Good Choice! She is a wonderful mentor and example to many at Fellowship.
Jon Majors
January 19, 2010 10:54 AM
Very nice James, you speak the truth. God WILL be glorified If our work is from/for Him One of my favorite leader examples/writer Fred Smith put success this way; "success can be measured by the ratio of gifts received to gifts given" Puts our success directly into Gods hands I think.