Acts 9:10-16
In Damascus 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 saints 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 carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
God sent Ananias to become the one who provided guidance to Paul. Even though he was not well known, he was a man who kept himself close to God through prayer, and he also waited upon God and was willing to be used by Him. Christians often say "God, please come and help me," but when God actually us, we are quick to respond: "Lord, sorry, I'm pretty busy lately, got some projects at work and lots of friends to hang out with, so how about next time?" I found that Christians often lack the determination to be intimate with God. God is actually very willing to speak to us and guide us, but are you willing to spend time to be intimate with Him?
I feel that life in the Silicon Valley can be characterized in three words: Busy, Rush and Arrogant. Busy - Everyone's busy to the point of having no time for attending service, praying and doing devotions. Rush - We always want to pay the least price to gain the most reward, so our prayers are like fast food and we don't understand the importance of waiting upon God. Arrogant - Our worth is solely valued by money, and even many Christians value material wealth much more than they value presence of the Lord.
So how is our spiritual life? You need to come before God and learn to "Stop, Look and Listen." Stop - Quiet down and spend time to be intimate with God; even fifteen minutes a day with God will change your life. Look - Read God's Word so that you can know Him in a personal way. Listen - Through prayer you can hear God speaking to you. Give the Holy Spirit a chance to guide you in your life!
Pray with Pastor Tong Liu Lord, I thank you and I ask that you would help us to learn to become Ananias so that we can become blessings for multitude of people. Let us be determined to be intimate with you every day, to listen to your word and to manifest your glory and miracles. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen! |
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