Acts 12
In Acts 11-12 we see God working through Peter to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and throughout the lands the Gentiles populate including Antioch where believers are first referred to as Christians (Acts 11:26). Peter is arrested by Herod but angels help him escape.
In Acts 12:23, Herod is struck down because "[he] did not give praise to God".
This is yet another reminder that nothing can stop God's plans and we should fear God as John Piper puts it to preserve our heart for God and to prevent ourselves from running from Him in arrogance, self-sufficiency and through hard-heartedness.
Herod sought glory for himself and we all often do this - such arrogance is dangerous.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has taught me to be more humble - thank You Jesus. Thank You for all that You do for me to teach, mold, protect, sustain, bless, etc. I am undeserving of such blessings and love. I worry and I am discouraging with my speech. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
But the word of God continued to spread and flourish. v24
In Acts 11-12 we see God working through Peter to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and throughout the lands the Gentiles populate including Antioch where believers are first referred to as Christians (Acts 11:26). Peter is arrested by Herod but angels help him escape.
In Acts 12:23, Herod is struck down because "[he] did not give praise to God".
This is yet another reminder that nothing can stop God's plans and we should fear God as John Piper puts it to preserve our heart for God and to prevent ourselves from running from Him in arrogance, self-sufficiency and through hard-heartedness.
Herod sought glory for himself and we all often do this - such arrogance is dangerous.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has taught me to be more humble - thank You Jesus. Thank You for all that You do for me to teach, mold, protect, sustain, bless, etc. I am undeserving of such blessings and love. I worry and I am discouraging with my speech. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
