The books of Chronicles were given the title, “Of Things Omitted”, referring to the events left out and also repeated in the same material in Samuel and Kings. As I am reading through Chronicles I am reminded of how much our God is concerned with all the details in our lives. When I read 1 Chronicles 10:13, I was reminded that it is so important to honor the Lord and always come to Him for guidance. God wants us to come to Him and only Him.
I always enjoy reading the book of Acts. It is so exciting to read about the conversions, the excitement of the newly converted, and the excitement of the disciples. It is cool to be reminded again how, empowered by the Holy Spirit, Godly men and women took their faith and the Lord's final words very seriously. Acts 1:8 says, “And you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
The book of Acts continues to speak to me and allows me to see God's hand and intervention. In chapter 4 Peter and John continued to proclaim the good news; they could not keep it to themselves! Prison or threats from the religious rulers could not stop them! As they enthusiastically told those around them, “Many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand." And Acts 4:20 says, “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
The faith of Stephen, as well as his genuine love and confidence in the Lord, is so convicting for me—how he spoke to the high priest and allowed God to speak through him. It was so great to read about the life and testimony of Stephen. His last words are so very incredible to me: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” I can learn so much from Stephen!
-Kenton Giesbrecht
(Director of Outreach)