R³ Devotional - Day 324

But the word of God increased and multiplied – Acts 12:24

Acts 11, Peter communicates in Jerusalem that the gospel is not only for the Jews, but for the Gentiles as well. We learn about the amazing progress the church is making in Antioch and how there was great unity among the believers when they needed relief.

Acts 12 Christians aren’t having an easy time, King Herod persecuted them. Peter was arrested during the Unleavened Bread days. He was bound with chains and guarded by sentries. Maximum security perhaps for that time!  When Herod was about to bring him out, an Angel appeared and released him. Then we see an amazing moment of reunification among brothers and Peter witnessing to them how the Lord brought him out of prison. We learn about the awful way King Herod dies and despite the many things that were going on, God’s word was increasing and multiplying.

Real: Life Principles 

The Gospel is for everyone There was discrimination among the people back in the starting days of the church. Jews thought (and many still think) that Salvation was only for them. Today’s passages show how God miraculously showed Peter and many others that Gentiles are welcome to receive forgiveness and the amazing gift of eternal life.

Unity and help among Church Family during hard times We learn how brothers according to their abilities, sent relief to the believers living in Judea. They did their best with what they had and helped; distance or being from a different congregation didn’t stop them from helping.

Even during hardships, God is always moving as we read these passages, we realize Peter and the many Christians that were alive during that time, lived tough times. It was not easy being a Christian, and sharing the Gospel was a way of becoming a target for persecution and imminent death. When everything seemed terrible, we see how God moved and did AMAZING things with his people and many more believed.

Relevant: Life Applications  

Share the Gospel with everyone. Sometimes we are so comfortable or have gotten used to being part of church, that we forget or simply stop sharing the gospel with all the people we know. Maybe we even discriminate similarly to the Jews and think “no I can’t share the gospel to these people, they won’t understand”, “they live a different life and aren’t ready to change”. God has given us a command, to share about Jesus and his amazing grace, not to select who will believe or not.  Romans 1:16 says “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Lets stop overthinking and let’s start sharing!

We are family! When we become part of the church, we become part of a big family. We celebrate God moving in us and within us, but in different seasons life will get harder and that’s when we must become a lot closer. Always pray and take care of each other. If someone or many are having struggles, find ways together to actively help them. A family welcomes a new baby, let’s share a meal with them, even though we haven’t formally introduced. We hear someone lost a close relative, if you can show up to the funeral, and give the support they need.  No more excuses, we are a family! Let’s take care of each other.

God always makes a way Acts 12:12-17 is one of the many times God has done something amazing, when everything seems despairing. I find these verses marvelous and hilarious. I just imagine Peter knocking on the door, Rhoda so excited she doesn’t open and how the people that were praying, looked at her and called her crazy. Then everyone realizes it is true and they are amazed!!
In times where everything seems bleak, trust God! Pray to him nonstop! He will make a way and will amaze you!

Ready: Life Actions

• Have you been keeping the gospel to yourself? Do you have a coworker, relative or someone close to you, but haven’t shared to that person about Jesus? Stop thinking they won’t listen or won’t care. Start sharing and let God do the rest! 

• Before and after Church Service, try to meet someone new. Don’t be afraid to say Hi and get to know each other. Don’t miss that great blessing of getting to know a brother or sister in Christ! What if that way you get to know your future best friend or hunting pal?!

• In today’s verses we see hard times were going on, but the church was united and in constant prayer. I want to encourage you to: 

• If you are having a tough time, don’t keep it to yourself. We are here for you. Let the Church Family join you in prayer and you never know, what if God calls someone to help in a more tangible way if needed. 
• You want to help a brother or sister in Christ that you know is in need but are afraid you don’t know that person well; don’t make those things stop you. If God is encouraging to do it, don’t stop and do it. 

• Share praises with church! If we have been praying with you for something, let us know the outcome! Peter went to visit his friends as they prayed, what an amazing way they got answer to their plea!!

Love y’all ABC Family! God bless you!