There is nobody who is too far gone or too dirty to be in the presence of the Lord.
Thursday, August 12, 2021
By Ashtyn Huppert, Journey Kid Ministry Intern
Acts 11:1-18
Scripture
“The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.” — Acts 11: 9-10, 18 NIV
Observation
Despite what society says, Peter remains faithful to God, being obedient to the Spirit’s call to go with the three men. Out of that obedience, the people who heard realized that even the unclean, uncircumcised people were deemed worthy of a life with God.
Application
There is nobody who is too far gone or too dirty to be in the presence of the Lord. I want to treat people the same way Peter does in this story, to see them as worthy and call out the gifts that God has given them. I want to defeat the lies of brokenness that society puts on people. I ask you Jesus to lead me to the people who feel unworthy and unclean and share with them the truth that Jesus calls them pure, worthy and His own!
Prayer
“Father, I pray specifically for those who are hurting, broken and ashamed, that they will find their identity in Christ and will come to know the immense grace and love you have for them, Lord. Remind me of who you say I am, who you say others are, and I ask for your freedom over those in bondage! Amen.”
Now You Try
Read Acts 11:19-30
Scripture
Get to a place where you can focus and read the daily Scripture passage several times. Take time to read and allow God to speak to you. Write down the one or two verses that stick out. Even consider rewriting the verse(s) in your own words.
Observation
Make a basic observation about the scripture you just read. What stood out? Was something repeated? What is the author trying to communicate? What does the Scripture passage teach you about God? What does it teach you about humanity?
Application
Ask, “What does this verse(s) mean for my life?” How might this verse affect your heart — how you feel? How does this verse challenge your thinking? How does it affect your will, asking, “What changes do I need to make in my life as a result of this passage of Scripture?”
Prayer
Write out a prayer to God. Scripture is God speaking to you, take this moment to speak back. Take a moment to say, “Thank you,” confess to Him what needs to change, or ask for something that is on your heart.