Acts--of the Modern Saints

Abba, I just started Acts of the Apostles in my chronological Bible reading. I thought that, in a way, this book is more similar to our lives and times post-Jesus, although the apostles had the advantages of having spent direct time with Jesus. Of course, spending time with You, with Jesus, and with the Holy Spirit every day is advantageous, too!

These times in 2025 are difficult, Abba. There were many times in the Old Testament and a goodly number in more modern history when the prophets and others who spoke Your truth showed great courage and endured great persecution. Will these upcoming days be like that? Will you do similarly miraculous things to validate your message?  How did those brave servants know with such certainty that you were the one they were listening to?

My heart wants that certainty.  My heart wants the passion that they had.  I also want NOT to sin while doing this work during this time.  I would have trouble avoiding sinful anger; I am already having trouble avoiding sinful anger!

Beagle Boy is calling me. Love you, Abba. Help me to do Your things Your way.

Watch Out!

Matthew 24:4  "Watch out that no one deceives you."

Oh, Yahweh, Abba, I have needed the past couple of days of reminders from Your word in Matthew.  The cautionary encouragement to "not be alarmed" and the warning to "watch out that no one deceives you" both validate my own emotional reactions to the current events in the world.  

Confession: I have been alarmed.  It is hard not to be alarmed when so many undeniably alarming things are occurring.  Please show me how to "see to it that [I am] not alarmed."  Is there something, some skill or strategy, that I can learn?  I am willing if You will teach me.

And likewise, would You show me how to watch out effectively?  Being on guard is what comes to my mind, in an almost paranoid way (LOL).  However, no human can be constantly alert to all the dangers, and really "good" deception is really difficult to discern.  Again, I pray that You would teach me how to sniff out lies--especially the ones that are so subtle and SO damaging.

Today, Ron Waddell (on The Journey preaching team) pointed out the lies that the devil tried on Jesus, of all people.  (What arrogance!)  But the nature of those lies was illuminating to me, as Ron explained them.  Just enough Scripture to make the lie seem like God's word, but the difference between the exact wording and the heart motivation tells the tale and God, You know the difference.  Help me, please, to know You so well that I know what You mean when You say something.  Twisting truth and gaslighting are becoming Olympic-sports level skills these days.

Help me tonight to accomplish something meaningful?

Love you!