Daily Advent Lectionary Readings - Tuesday December 19
Psalm 1252 Kings 2:9-22
Acts 3:17-4:4
Peter, speaking at Solomon's porch at the Temple in Jerusalem, said, "Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah--that he must suffer these things. Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets. Moses said, 'The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything he tells you.' Then Moses said, 'Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from God's people.' "Starting with Samuel, every prophet spoke about what is happening today. You are the children of those prophets, and you are included in the covenant God promised to your ancestors. For God said to Abraham, 'Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.' When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways." Acts 3:17-26
A times of refreshment...not just one time...but TIMES of refreshment will come...and the Messiah, the appointed Messiah, will be sent. There have been people throughout history that have declared themselves to be the Messiah...it here God is reminding the Jews that He will send His appointed Messiah at the time set for final restoration. What "refreshes and restores" you? Just before this promise of times of refreshment, Peter spoke about repentance. Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. That is the most important thing. There is no way to be in the presence of the Lord without being sin free--and only Christ our Messiah can wipe away those sins.We repent--turn away from the sin--it only the blood of Jesus Christ removes sins. To me that removal--lifting of the burden off my shoulders--is renewing and ultimately refreshing.
Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Philemon 1:20 (NASB)
- Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
- So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Repent. Enourage. Enjoy Times of Refreshment. Are these on your "DO LIST today?
Prayer ~ Lord. I daily search my heart...and repent of my thoughts, words and actions that are not pleasing to you. It is appropriate to seek you...and live to please You during this Advent season in preparation to forever being with You. Protect those in Israel--may they come to know You, Jesus, as their Messiah. Give them Your peace.
Daily Bible Reading: Titus
Advent Random Act of Kindness - Make hot chocolate to share--top with whipped cream!
© 2017 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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