Irvin Wasswa- Tylertown Campus Pastor
Acts 17:22-28
22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
In college I had the opportunity to travel to a ministry group that led kids/youth camps and retreats across the south. During that time we saw the Lord work in mighty ways with many students getting saved and others getting right with the Lord. However, over time there was one common trend I would see amongst many of the students who would come to our camps: Many were worried they would not be able to stand for God when they returned home. For many they believed the only way they were able to connect with God was at an event, as if those were the only places they believe God dwelled.
Sadly there are many today who have that misconception when it pertains to God. There are many who believe that God only moves inside the four walls of a church. Others who believe the only time they can experience God is at a big time revival event with a well-known speaker and an awesome worship band. Though revivals and Sunday services are great, those aren’t the only places where the Lord moves/dwells. I love how Paul describes the God of the universe here in Acts 17. In his speech to the Greeks in Athens he shares that the God who spoke the world into being is the God who need not be served by human hands, nor does He dwell in temples made by man! Hallelujah!
Listen friend, God is not tied to a GPS coordinate. He is not tied to some church building, nor is He strictly tied to some mountain somewhere. As a child of God, listen He dwells in our heart! What does that mean? God can move in the church house AND in your own house as you walk with Him. You can live for God in the sunshine and in the rain. You don’t have to rely on some “super spiritual” event to happen once a year to live for God. In Christ, you can choose to daily walk with Him, hear His voice, and respond in obedience to Him. It is amazing that the God of the universe who dwells inside of us gives us the ability to experience Him in a real and personal way every single day!
So today, resolve to live for the Lord. He is with you. Spend time with Him intimately in His word and in prayer. Be still before Him and wait for Him to speak to you, and choose to respond in obedience. He is not tied to a GPS coordinate, nor does He dwell in some temple. He is with you, and desires to continue to work in your life.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being the God of the universe who loves me. I thank You today for Your Holy Spirit of God who lives in me! Help me to understand that I can choose to walk with You every day of my life because You are with me. Help to be more than just a “Sunday Christian”, but a Christian who gives my praise and adoration to you every day! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Hebrews 6:19
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.