Pastor Baker's Blog

Entry for September 20, 2006

Daily Reading: Acts chapters 1 thru 4

Key Verses: Acts 4:32-35

How did Peter become the man of God revealed to us in the Book of Acts? He learned a very important lesson - total submission and obedience. Submission is the attitude. Obedience is the action. Remember Peter (or Big Pete) was a self-made man (entrepreneur) who made his decisions and often spoke out of his flesh. Peter's attitude prior to Jesus' Resurection was not one of submission. One's attitude directs their actions. That is why Peter can argue with Jesus about His death (Mark 8:32). Imagine that - Peter thought he could give Jesus his opinion and tell Him what to do. Interesting isn't it?

Now consider if Peter had not learned the lesson of submission and obedience. Suppose he maintained his old attitude at the time of Pentecost. Peter probably would not have been in the Upper Room when the Spirit descended. He may have set out on what he thought his ministry should be. What a wasted opportunity? His old attitude may have made him miss his filling. Thank God for His correction and disciplining of us. Peter's submission and obedience was an invitation to allow God's Spirit to dwell and God was able to do a miraculous work through Peter. 3000 were saved. Peter became an outspoken and powerful preacher of the Good News.

His example allowed for submission and obedience among the congregation. Therefore, God was able to work more miracles through the congregation and 'None Suffered Lack.' What a marvelous picture? Imagine if Paris Hilton would submit to the Lord and stop going clubbing every night and give her money to the poor. Imagine if 50 Cent or the Cash Money Family would stop buying grills and cars and really helped rebuild New Orleans. Do you not find it amazing that P. Diddy ran a race and asked us to donate money? If he sold a couple of cars or even his son's diamond encrusted necklace, could he not have donated the money himself. If mega churches would stop having ten locations in one city and supported the churches that were actually in the community, could not the Body of Christ actually be discipled instead of being entertained?

Have you ever missed an opportunity for God to speak to you because of your attitude? Hebrews 4:13; Romans 14:12; Matthew 12:36; 1 Corinthians 3:11-21

2006-09-20 14:19:27 GMT

Comments (3 total)

Author:Anonymous

I have definitely missed opportunities for God to speak to me because of attitudes that I possessed in the past. In fact, I believe several of us struggle with an attitude that's in total opposition to submission (i.e. rebellion), which gets us in trouble time and time again. It goes back to the point that Pastor always makes about how easy it is for us to allow Jesus to be our savior, but allowing Him to Lord over every aspect of our lives is not so easy. The fact of the matter is that it will never be easy if we lack the attitude of submission necessary to let Him speak to, guide, and direct us. I for one have grown to the point where I've become much more submissive to Christ than I use to be, but I still have a ways to go and will continue to work at it.
--Stephanie

2006-09-20 18:35:42 GMT

Author:Anonymous

I have missed many opportunities because the attitude that I had before I totally submitted to God. One of the things that I've began to do is accept what I know I cant't change, but submit those things to God and wait and watch to see what He is going to do. He has marveled me many times and I know that He won't ever fail me. I know that my submission is strong, but I feel that He is calling me to submit on a higher level. And I shall.
Rosetta

2006-09-21 00:42:02 GMT

Author:Anonymous

It is amazing when our eyes are opened to the truth and reality of God. Obedience and submission are unconditionally required towards God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Neither is optional if Jesus is truly your Lord. Many are quick to claim God’s promises but fail to see the conditions for receiving the promises. 1 John 3:22 says, “and (we) receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commands and do what pleases Him.” Now that our eyes are opened we can see God’s provision and promises along with our responsibilities as beloved children.
--Pastor Baker

2006-09-21 01:35:28 GMT

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		Pastor Baker's Daily Devotional

		Entry for September 20, 2006 Daily Reading: Acts chapters 1 thru 4 Key Verses: Acts 4:32-35 How did Peter become the man of God revealed to us in the Book of Acts? He learned a very important lesson - total submission and obedience. Submission is the attitude. Obedience is the action. Remember Peter (or Big Pete) was a self-made man (entrepreneur) who made his decisions and often spoke out of his flesh. Peter's attitude prior to Jesus' Resurection was not one of submission. One's attitude directs their actions. That is why Peter can argue with Jesus about His death (Mark 8:32). Imagine that - Peter thought he could give Jesus his opinion and tell Him what to do. Interesting isn't it? Now consider if Peter had not learned the lesson of submission and obedience. Suppose he maintained his old attitude at the time of Pentecost. Peter probably would not have been in the Upper Room when the Spirit descended. He may have set out on what he thought his ministry should be. What a wasted opportunity? His old attitude may have made him miss his filling. Thank God for His correction and disciplining of us. Peter's submission and obedience was an invitation to allow God's Spirit to dwell and God was able to do a miraculous work through Peter. 3000 were saved. Peter became an outspoken and powerful preacher of the Good News. His example allowed for submission and obedience among the congregation. Therefore, God was able to work more miracles through the congregation and 'None Suffered Lack.' What a marvelous picture? Imagine if Paris Hilton would submit to the Lord and stop going clubbing every night and give her money to the poor. Imagine if 50 Cent or the Cash Money Family would stop buying grills and cars and really helped rebuild New Orleans. Do you not find it amazing that P. Diddy ran a race and asked us to donate money? If he sold a couple of cars or even his son's diamond encrusted necklace, could he not have donated the money himself. If mega churches would stop having ten locations in one city and supported the churches that were actually in the community, could not the Body of Christ actually be discipled instead of being entertained? Have you ever missed an opportunity for God to speak to you because of your attitude? Hebrews 4:13; Romans 14:12; Matthew 12:36; 1 Corinthians 3:11-21 2006-09-20 14:19:27 GMT Comments (3 total) Author:Anonymous I have definitely missed opportunities for God to speak to me because of attitudes that I possessed in the past. In fact, I believe several of us struggle with an attitude that's in total opposition to submission (i.e. rebellion), which gets us in trouble time and time again. It goes back to the point that Pastor always makes about how easy it is for us to allow Jesus to be our savior, but allowing Him to Lord over every aspect of our lives is not so easy. The fact of the matter is that it will never be easy if we lack the attitude of submission necessary to let Him speak to, guide, and direct us. I for one have grown to the point where I've become much more submissive to Christ than I use to be, but I still have a ways to go and will continue to work at it. --Stephanie 2006-09-20 18:35:42 GMT Author:Anonymous I have missed many opportunities because the attitude that I had before I totally submitted to God. One of the things that I've began to do is accept what I know I cant't change, but submit those things to God and wait and watch to see what He is going to do. He has marveled me many times and I know that He won't ever fail me. I know that my submission is strong, but I feel that He is calling me to submit on a higher level. And I shall. Rosetta 2006-09-21 00:42:02 GMT Author:Anonymous It is amazing when our eyes are opened to the truth and reality of God. Obedience and submission are unconditionally required towards God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Neither is optional if Jesus is truly your Lord. Many are quick to claim God’s promises but fail to see the conditions for receiving the promises. 1 John 3:22 says, “and (we) receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commands and do what pleases Him.” Now that our eyes are opened we can see God’s provision and promises along with our responsibilities as beloved children. --Pastor Baker 2006-09-21 01:35:28 GMT Site Home