Acts 9:26-43

I'm back from my annual Minnesota trip so let's get back into it.

When we left off, Saul just converted to Christianity after his miraculous encounter with Jesus.  Saul now heads to Jerusalem to join the discipleship there.  However, his reputation precedes him and he has some difficulty convincing the disciples that he has changed.  Notice that Saul doesn't give up.  He doesn't get angry.  He doesn't blame others for his past.  He continues to preach the good news.  He focuses on God's work.  Through his actions, he shows himself faithful.  Another disciples, Barnabas speaks for him and slowly he is accepted.

Look - your past will follow you.  Your reputation will precede you.  Are you going to let that change who you are now?  No.  Keep believing in the Word, keep following Jesus, let your actions speak for you.  Have you heard, "Faith without works is dead?"  It's from Scripture.  It means that if you truly believe, your actions will line up with what you say you believe in.  If you say you are a follower of Jesus, well then - follow Him.  Go about living your life focused on Jesus and the rest will fall into place.  It did for Saul.  The discipleship took him in and protected him from harm.

Now, the narrative changes and we are back with Peter.  Luke shares two accounts of healing - Aeneas and Dorcas.  Please remember that Peter healed these two with Jesus' name, not with his own power.  So, who are you rely on?  Yourself or Jesus?  In our society, where we have so much, it is hard to rely on Jesus.  Challenge yourself this week to really consider your prayers - ask yourself, who are you relying on?