S. O. A. P.

Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!

S-cripture:

Acts 15:19

It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.

O-bservation:

Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, preaching the Good News, when certain religious leaders came down from Judea to argue with them over what was required of these new “Jesus Followers.” Paul and Barnabas decided to head back to the leaders of the church in Jerusalem. Once there, Peter also decided to come. It turned into a theological summit of sorts. Peter gave his testimony and Paul and Barnabas gave their testimony concerning God’s miracles among the Gentiles, and finally James, the leader of the Church, stood up to speak. In a nutshell, he said, “Let’s don’t put a ‘Ball and Chain’ full of our religious Jewish rules around these people’s necks. They just got saved!”

A-pplication:

Here’s what I’ve found in my life. Jesus’ Grace is beyond measure or human understanding. Man’s laws, on the other hand, are very understandable. They go like this: Do this, Don’t Do That. And if you don’t do what we’re saying, you’re in big trouble! We’ve heard of the “Fashion Police.” This must be the “Religious Police.” It’s nothing new. We humans try to play the part of the Holy Spirit in the lives of new “Jesus Followers” way too often. We cannot be the ones trying to convict other “New Believers” of sin based upon our own personal standards of “Right Living.” The only answer is … “Let The Holy Spirit Do It!”

P-rayer:

Dear Jesus,

Today I want to thank You for your Grace. For so many years, I tried to line people up in my direction. But You still loved me through my religious leaning so that now I lead people toward You! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! Amen