Faithbase

Hey, faith-based family, blessings to you today. I hope you're well. I was reading Acts 15 again, and I remembered something that struck me, and I hope it's an encouragement to you. But Acts 15 is the Council of Jerusalem, and the early church is facing a unique problem. They've come across something that they've never experienced before, and that is these Gentiles are becoming believers. And so these Jewish Jesus followers are trying to decide what to do, and a lot are saying, well, they have to obey the law of Moses. They have to be circumcised. Well, Peter starts speaking up saying, no, no, no, and Paul saying, no, no, no, and God's Spirit's on them, and he's working in them. Well, that's a powerful argument, but what I really felt encouraged by was what James said. James chimes in in the middle of everyone, and he quotes Scripture from the prophet of Amos, showing that the Gentiles were included in God's plan, and that his loving, tender, gracious invitation into relationship is extended to them. And I say that not only to remind us of the beauty of the invitation offered to all, but just to remind us to have that same practice as James, just to fill our minds with Scripture, so that when we are in need of wisdom or guidance or direction, we're trying to figure out what the Lord's will might be, we know his word, so that we know his character. And I just say that as an encouragement to you. Fill your hearts with his word. Fill your hearts just with the truth that he's with you and for you. And just like James, our example, in Acts 15, the Holy Spirit will bring those Scriptures to mind just at the right time. Blessings to you today. I encourage you as you seek God and through his word, know it's with a father's arm spread wide, ready for intimacy and love, ready for a loving embrace. Have a great day.