Saturday, September 7, 2024
So, I asked ChatGPT to summarize my first week of blog posts and I think he did a good job. I also asked him to provide a picture of what he would look like if his name was Chet, get it, Chet G.P. Thompson...Chat GPT...see what I did there? I will only use him as a writing partner to summarize my week's worth of blogs on Saturdays. Everything else is being typed by human fingers...mine. With that, let's see what George has to say about what we learned this week;
Summary of Week 1: The Power of Ordinary People in the Book of Acts
As we began our journey through the Book of Acts this week, we've seen how the extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit transformed ordinary people, just like us, into vessels of God's miraculous works. The Apostles and early believers, empowered by the Spirit, boldly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and God confirmed their message with signs and wonders. This same power is available to us today as we continue to trust and follow the Lord, believing that He will work through us to accomplish His purposes.
On Monday, we explored how the book of Acts is a testament to God's unchanging nature. The same Jesus who worked miracles through His followers in the early church is alive and active today, inviting us to trust Him in both the miraculous and the mundane. We were reminded that our trust in God during difficult times is also a powerful testimony to His faithfulness.
Tuesday's reflection led us to consider the role of Theophilus, the likely patron of Dr. Luke's writings. While we may not know much about him, his behind-the-scenes support was crucial in bringing the Gospel and the book of Acts to us. This prompted us to reflect on our own contributions, often unseen and unacknowledged, but deeply valued by God.
On Wednesday, we delved into the "many convincing proofs" of Jesus' resurrection and divinity. From His teachings and miracles to His redemptive suffering and resurrection, every aspect of Jesus' life is a testament to His identity as the Son of God. We were encouraged to recognize and share these proofs in our own lives, as we encounter the living Jesus in Scripture and through the Holy Spirit.
Thursday's meditation focused on the early disciples' waiting period after Jesus' ascension. Peter's decision to fill the vacancy left by Judas by casting lots highlights the contrast between Old Testament practices and the New Covenant's reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance. We were reminded that, as disciples of Christ, we are now led by the Spirit, not by chance, in our decisions and actions.
Finally, on Friday, we considered the challenge and blessing of waiting on the Lord. The 120 disciples who faithfully waited in Jerusalem were eventually filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, empowering them to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. Their example calls us to patiently wait on God, trusting that His timing is perfect and that He will empower us for His mission in due course.
As we conclude this first week of our Acts devotional journey, let us remember that we are ordinary people called to do extraordinary things through the power of the Holy Spirit. Whether in moments of miraculous intervention or in steadfast faith during trials, God's Spirit is at work in us, confirming the message of Jesus Christ through our lives.
Pray right now: "Father, I thank You for the powerful reminders this week that You use ordinary people to do extraordinary things for Your Kingdom. As we continue to study the book of Acts, may Your Holy Spirit guide us, empower us, and fill us with the courage to be Your witnesses. Whether in times of waiting or in the midst of action, help us to trust You fully and to boldly proclaim the Gospel to all. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen."
And thank you George. You're always there when I need you. Unless the internet goes down.
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