August 03, 2020, Psalms 144, Acts cont.....

Happy Monday 

Psalm 144 

a psalm of David

Praise be to the Lord my Rock, 

who trains my hands for war, 

my fingers for battle.

He is my loving God and my fortress, 

my stronghold and my deliverer, 

my shield, in how I take refuge, 

who subdues people under me. 

Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, 

mere mortals that you think of them!

They are like a breath;

their days are like a fleeting shadow.

Part your heavens, Lord, and come down, 

touch the mountains, so that they smoke.

Send forth lighting and scatter the enemy; 

shoot your arrows and rout them, 

reach down your hand from on high; 

deliver me and rescue me from mighty waters, 

from the hands of foreigners 

whose mouths are full of lies, 

whose right hands are deceitful.

Then our sons in their  youth will be like well-nurtured

plants, and our daughters will be like pillars 

carved to adorn a palace. Our barns will be filled 

with every kind of provision. 

Our sheep will increase by thousands, 

by ten of thousands in our fields; our oxen will draw heavy 

loads, there will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, 

no cry of distress in our streets. 

Blessed is the people of who this is true; 

blessed is the people whose God is the Lord. 

Acts Chapter 8

Saul's Conversion

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether it be men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 

As he neared Damascus on  his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to  him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. 

"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied, Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do. 

The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand to Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 

In Damacus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"

Yes, Lord, he answered. 

The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight. 

Lord, Ananias answered, I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name. 

But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name. 

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, Brother Saul, the Lord-Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here-has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. 

Questions/summary

Man is not in control of his plan. Jesus is head of his plan, and his word, and he determines who spreads the gospel. 

Saul is a great example of God's grace. After all the mean things Saul participated in God is not angry with him.

What do you think is Saul's emotions as he realizes he is blind and someone else has to lead him?

Why do you think he refuse to eat or drink? 

Saul will eventually become 

an apostle!

Even the Lords faithful men are not dictators but they are followers of Christ.

Signs, wonders, and miracles follow those the believe.

Under the leading of the Holy Spirit they perform wonders.

The persecution is intense but God's purpose is priority. 

Today the gospel is spreading however it is still being 

Have a great day!