08 September: The Disappearing Act

When something defies physics, our brains can’t comprehend a conclusion that’s beyond reasonable doubt. The common solution is often to put the puzzle back in the box and shelve it…

READ ACTS 8  Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

When someone wants to tell lies, hoping that you’ll believe it, they make it as believable as possible so that you can’t tell the lie from the truth. But the stories in the Book of Acts aren’t “packaged in bubble wrap” in any way! This story of Philip’s disappearing act, in today’s chapter, is one example. The Spirit of the Creator God suddenly took Philip away, just as He used to do in the Days of Elijah the prophet.[a] He then made Philip ‘reappear’ in a completely different town! [v39-40]

We often look for signs and wish for miracles in our day, like the people wanted in Bible times.[b] We enjoy movies like Now You See Me, and stand spell-bound at how people can apparently defy physics. But the Creator God isn’t into disappearing acts and magic tricks. He only wants to use His family to explain His Word wherever He places us, just as Philip did. [v30-35] How we manage to be in the right place at the right time, in order to do that job, is up to Him. The greatest miracle of the moment, is just finding someone who’ll listen, believe, and respond.[c]

Read More? CLICK to follow “08 September – Additional Notes”

But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.

Wanting to connect with our God of Wonders? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[d]

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

   1.   Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”

You turned my crying into dancing, and clothed me with joy. Now my heart sings Your praises and isn’t silent. Lord, You are my God and I’ll praise you forever. [Psalm 30:11-12]

   2.   Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”

  • The World: The people of Mozambique[e]
  • Your Country: Prison Ministries in your country
  • Yourself: Victory over temptation – even in the smallest things
  • Your concerns for today
Each day, O God, help me to remember that no one should seek their own good, but the good of others. [1 Corinthians 10:24]

   3.   Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”

Thank-you Lord God my Saviour, that my guilt is taken away. You’ve made amends for my sins. [Isaiah 6:7]

   4.   Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”

Thank-You that I don’t need to be dismayed over what’s in front of me, Father God, for the battle is not mine but Yours. [2 Chronicles 20:15]

“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”

When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[f] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing the script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from the bible in a year!  THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Prayer

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” [Matthew 7:7]

[a] 1 Kings 18:5-15 (referring to v12)

[b] Matthew 16:1-4

[c] Isaiah 53:1

[d] Matthew 6:5-15

[e] http://www.operationworld.org/country/moza/owtext.html

[f] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31

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