Saturday, January 17, 2015

Do You Have the Obedience of Philip?

34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. ~ Acts 8:34-35 KJV

We who are Holy Spirit filled followers of Jesus Christ should always be on the look out for anyone who will listen to the Good News that is Jesus. We know in our heat that Jesus Christ is always at work around and within us, in the hearts of all people of all ages, every race and religions everywhere at all times. When we have encounters with people these are not mere accidental encounters, but Christy appointed opportunities. Our life as Christ followers is about loving others and giving them to opportunity to hear the blessing of the Good News that is Jesus Christ. We need to be blessings people with the awareness of hope, love and the forgiveness we find in the person of Jesus Christ. We must be secure in the knowledge that our Father in Heaven is constantly searching for His people.

Philip, who previously was very leery in trusting Jesus, after Christ resurrection, is now an outspoken evangelist for the Good News of Jesus Christ. Philips angle guide sent him to encounter a well-known Ethiopian official who was traveling home after his time of worship in Jerusalem. Philips angel guide nudged Philip to go and join this man on his journey. As Philip approached he could hear the Ethiopian reading scripture from the book of Isaiah and Philip seized to opportunity to ask him if he understood what he was reading. The Ethiopian replied, “How can I except some man should guide me?” inviting Philip to set with him on his chariot and talk. The scripture in Isaiah that the Ethiopian was reading was “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.” ~ Acts 8:32-33 KJV

Philip explained the account in Isaiah how it pointed to the Good News that is Jesus Christ. How the lamb represents Jesus and how He was lead to slaughter for the forgiveness of our sins, how we have the promise of life eternal through and with Jesus. The penetrating authority of God’s word immediately brought this man to faith. Now no longer a wondering seeker, he was a found believer in Christ as our Lord and Redeemer who now has the desire to become a baptized follower of Jesus!

“1 I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.” ~ Isaiah 65:1 KJV

Do you have your spiritual feelers out there all day every day looking for a God directed opportunity to speak to those who need the Good News that is Jesus Christ? Ask God to give you the insight to listen to the prompting of your Spirit Guide that is the Holy Spirit. As you are shopping, eating at your favorite restaurant, checking out at the grocery or clothing stores, garbage collectors, UPS/FedEx/Mail delivers, those annoying telemarketers, neighbors, fellow workers, vendors at you favorite trade show, taxi, friends, customers, family, etc., etc., etc., are all in need of prayer and a kind loving word. Ask them what can you pray for them. Pray is the bridge that God uses to break through walls and bless people in need, be a step in that bridge.

Be open to participate in or lead Bible studies, it is not only for your benefit but also for all those in attendance. Be open to hosting one of these life groups in your own home, host a breakfast or dessert after dinner, food is always inviting and disarming. Study Christ life, ask leading questions: Who did Jesus say He is  (John 14:6)? How did Jesus describe His purpose in life (John 17:4)? How did His Father, God show His love for us through Jesus  (John 3:16)? What confirmation is there of Jesus resurrection (Acts 1:3, 2:21-39? Ask God to give you the power and strength to give the Holy Spirit power over you and lead you to people to whom He is using life’s challenges to bring them seeking a closer relationship to Jesus Christ. Our created human soul desires spiritual answers that only Christ can provide. It is our duty to lovingly share Jesus with open hearts to hear!

“17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” ~ Acts 26:17-18 KJV

Lord and commander of light and darkness, I first as that you forgive me of all my sins and give me the strength and desire to turn my mind and spirit from my fleshly desires. I ask Father that you make my spirit sensitive to those around me, that I would look upon and speak to those with Your love and display to them Your desire to give them the love and forgiveness they so desperately desire and need. Allow my spirit to show You and shine through the darkness of this life that they may see the light that is You. Give me the Philip attitude of obedience and the openness to let Your Spirit speak through me to those who seek You. It is in the Name of Your Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that we lift these petitions to You Oh Lord! Amen. <><

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