As We Countdown to Christmas…

Acts 19 is a “supernatural” Chapter. It speaks of healings that take place from the mere cloth that touched Paul’s body, just as the Word of God preaches that those who believe on Christ would be able to do all that He did, and more.

Jesus healed the lady with the issue of blood in the same way! --She merely touched the hem of His garment.

The Bible does not make empty promises, as some of us may have done at times. It delivers the truth and it does not compromise that truth and those promises! However, this does not mean that all people will have that healing power through such means as Paul had.  

This chapter speaks of demonic interaction with “vagabond Jews”, exorcists, described as “Son’s of Sceva, the Priest”, who adjure the evil spirits to leave those they oppress in the name of Jesus Christ, whom Paul was preaching. This particular evil spirit answers those seven men with the comment/question: Jesus and Paul we know, but who are you? Then it proceeds to attack, strip them and wound them! These exorcists fled from “its” presence.  

This chapter also explains that people were being baptized in the names of John, Christ, and the Holy Spirit! Each of those methods are important, because the baptism of repentance (John’s) is important, just as the baptism of Jesus Christ asks Him into your heart and the baptism of the Holy Spirit give you power with God and men! Repentance, Guidance/Salvation, and Power, all important, amen?

A good sign: speaking in tongues and prophesying! But this does not always happen in the life of every believer. (1 Cor. 12:29-30) Sometimes the Holy Spirit comes in quietly. Don’t let yourself become discouraged by the fact that you don’t speak in tongues. These are gifts of the Spirit; you may have received other gifts! Such as prophecy (speaking the word of the Lord with a powerful anointing), and revelatory visions.

This scripture—1^st Corinthians 12(The diversities of Gifts) -13 (The Love Chapter), we discussed in an excellent Bible study yesterday at the House of Hope. I began this study just before Bible study that same morning. Confirmation!

--Why is it that I still marvel? Christ asked His disciples that same thing whenever they would stand with their jaw dropped over something that they had seen happen because of Him. “Why is it that ye marvel?” As both God and man, he couldn’t relate to our astonishment/amazement over the things He had done. Anyone who can walk on water doesn’t get all puffed up and amazed over miracles that God produces in his life, amen? 

Not only was it a stance of Godly confidence, assurance that the Father would provide all that was needed, but today confirmation means for me that I am on the right track and that I am in the center of God’s will! That’s exciting news. It’s like having Jesus Christ speak directly to me through my friends, Pastors, and Sisters and Brothers in Christ to counsel and encourage me. Coincidence became a thing of the past long, long ago. There is no such thing as happenstance. Nothing happens randomly; all happens for a reason that sometimes only God knows! Some people are still trapped in that “random” chaotic existence that, for all practical purposes, serves to weaken their faith.

But sometimes things that happen are not good things. Some of those things that cause pain, hardship, etc., are really “Blessings”, or “Mercies in disguise”. Sister Bonnie at Church recommended a song called “Blessings”, by Laura Story (contributing artist), which I sang at VFC a couple of weeks back. It explains that somehow we always want the easy road, but that sometimes suffering, the fellowship of Christ’s suffering, is what God sends, for this is what is needed in order for us to grow.

The men of VFO sang a song the other Friday evening called “We’ll understand it, all by and by.” This song would do many of us a service if we listened to its wisdom…no sense grasping at straws and attempting to discover all answers and solve all mysteries before the time comes. “Wait and see”…this is a requirement of patience and often part of the Christian life.

Paul also left the synagogue after three months of preaching there because of hardened hearts and unbelief of those who spoke evil against him, just as the Bible had said we should do when others will not receive us. Wipe the dust from your feet and move on, it orders us.

Only 5 days until Christmas morning. Whether giving thanks for the Spirit, its gifts, or suffering, which produces perseverance and Godliness, we are truly blessed as a people of God! Amen? We here at VFO are glad to be operating in our calling and have been truly blessed by the men who have come to us over the last year.

Our prayer for you all is that you continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that your joy may be full…because of your love for you fellow man this season and throughout the year.

Sister Julie, I don’t envy your job, getting the presents for all the men of VFO (although being Santa’s little helper three years in a row was fun!), Houston, but I know that those big gift bags will usher into some of the lives of those men a love that they have never even experienced before. From all walks of life, these men grew up in what could be loosely called dysfunction or something not too convincingly called a family life as little children and they have never known the love of Christ. Too often this is the case. Drop outs from education, having no roots in and of themselves, they are nomadic and severely hurting individuals. I wanted to let you know that I remember them this Holiday season. My prayer is that you don’t miss anyone, and that God empowers the showers of blessings for them so that they find a warm place growing in their hearts for the love of Christ. God bless you, and Victory Family Outreach, Houston.

Love to all this wonderful Christmas Season! --TR