Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

7 July 2025

Reading From Acts 15:1-21

When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

—Acts 15:4

     Paul and Barnabas did not report to the church everything they had done for God.  They reported to the church everything that God had done through them.  This is a vital distinction.  As born again believers, we are to function in the strength, power and authority of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit rather than our own.  I know that when I try to do things for God in my own strength and according to my own understanding it does not turn out nearly as well as when I yield to the guidance and energy of the Spirit. In fact sometimes it’s a disaster. God’s ways are always better than my own.

     As I surrender to His will, yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to have His way in my life, He works through me to create positive change around me and His Kingdom expands upon the Earth for His glory.  In all things it is important to recognize that it is God who enables us to live and function.  Even our very breath in our lungs comes from Him.  Our focus should be on exalting Jesus to the glory of the Father, rather than self promotion and building our own little kingdoms.  He is so much greater than I am and serves all of my worship.  In Him I live and move and have my being. Ask Him for His supernatural power and special insight. Ask and ye shall receive!

“Lord Jesus, help me to surrender to You more each day.  Have Your way in my life. May I defer to Your knowledge, wisdom and judgment rather than my own.  Holy Spirit, flow through me and into the lives of those around me.  Let hearts and minds be changed by Your love and power.  In the Name of Jesus Christ for the glory of the Father and in the strength and power of the Spirit I pray, Amen.”

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

—Proverbs 3:5-6

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

—Philippians 2:12-13

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

—Acts 17:28