Jesus has given up His life to ransom the souls of men, but death could not hold Him. Risen again, He promises a power that will come over His people.
Despite the joy that He is alive and interceding in the heavenlies on their behalf, heartache has...
It wouldn't necessarily be a moment where the term "Keeping up with the Joneses" could apply, Estelle mused as she and a few children of the community, impressionable and youthful, walked along the dampened sand, feet from the ocean. "I like to use the opportunity while we're having a bonfire on the beach, to talk about the stories of Jesus on the beach..." Mavy's words echoed in her head, drowning out the sound of the water sloshing against the shore. Wasn't it up to her, too, despite the situation to be one of those who taught about God?
She strolled on the two stooping, kicking at the sand looking for shells, her own eyes downcast, not noting how she neared the shoreline even more until the water lapped her feet and she screamed running from it laughing hysterically as the kids merely chuckled. "That was close!"
Vida wrapped her arm around Estelle's, the older girl highly looked up to amongst the little ones. Estelle turned around, looking at their footprints. How much more of an opportunity? "You know what this reminds me of?"
Joop bounded ahead, his eye-catching a driftwood stick, he whacking rocks and other debris that littered the shore.
"What?" Vida inquired, pulling at her.
"I go a-fishin'," Estelle lowered her voice to mimic Peter's, her eyes twinkling, "And all that night Jesus' friends didn't catch diddly squat. In the morning, Jesus stood on the store, but none of them recognized Him! Jesus told them to throw the net out on the right side of the ship and that's right where those fish-" Estelle bit her tongue as Vida ran ahead. So much for that...
"Estelle!", She jumped at the sound of his voice, he was grateful she was on her way back, however slowly, he bolting as best as he could through the sand that shifted, throwing his footing every which way. "Hi kids!"
"Hi Sam," Vida offered a greeting, Joop too busy slamming driftwood against an empty crab shell.
"Joop!"
Joop looked over, driftwood in one hand, clambering over the jagged rocks. "What?"
"Get down before you get hurt!" Estelle shouted back. "He's so difficult," she muttered as he ignored her warning. "Joop!"
Joop barely paused as they approached, a taunting smile on his features.
"Joop, get down," Samuel spoke up, a little more than surprised to see the boy leap to the ground, a frown overtaking his features at being reproved. "Thank you." He was ignored, Joop hurling his stick towards the rock. More believers were being added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. He'd learn. He had to.
In obedience there was safety.
News traveled fast about Azaria and the power of God in Jerusalem, and it was to be expected, yet still shocking to see rows of sickbeds on the streets, all in hopes that the shadow of Peter as he walked by, falling over them would heal them. Even more shocking was that everyone upon whom his shadow touched were healed.
Most would be thrilled to see such a thing. How could it be?! But alas, the high priest rose up and the rest of the Sadducees, furious that they were leading people away from the religion of the Jews to Christ.
Again, they were arrested, but something strange happened. That night inside the prison an angel of the Lord opened the gates, bringing them out!
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
