Devotional Guide for Thursday, September 15

Acts 5:1-11

Reflect
As we start our new ministry year and unpack our theme of “Following Jesus”, this story causes us to take a pause. Weren’t Ananias and Sapphira following Jesus with their generosity?

I don’t know how much time had passed between Barnabas selling some land and giving the money to the apostles and this passage. But we do read that Barnabas was recognized by the church for his generosity and Ananias and Sapphira wanted that same type of recognition. Their pride stood in the way of authentically following Jesus. They wanted to appear more generous than they really were.
Pride is a tricky one. It can skew our vision of ourselves and lead us to believe we deserve the blessings we get and causes us to refuse accepting our faults. It also becomes a block to experiencing the full grace that God desires to extend to us.

I pray we would be people full of grace and humility as we learn to follow Jesus with authentic lives. 

Pastor Terry

Pray for McKernan Baptist Church
It has been said that “God has a mission and He uses the church to fulfil it”. Throughout the 20th century the global church has wrestled with her divine calling. As we continue to consider the challenges of this 21st century, we have opportunity to grapple with what our role is in the fulfillment of God’s mission. Of all the ways that God could have chosen to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ, He has chosen to call the church to go into the world with His blessings.
Here at McKernan, we are motivated to be following Jesus. Following is obvious as we “…consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb.10:24). Join us as we grab hold of the missional adventure that God calls us to. Our grace-filled impact will be enhanced by having us join together and courageously go into all the neighbourhoods, workplaces and furthest regions with the life transforming good news entrusted to us. Let’s talk about what is beating your heart!