Good morning again to you my friends! I hope you're doing well! Have you had some coffee? (Always helps...) and some time in prayer with our Father (essential.) No matter what you face today... that'll get you on the right foot!

I'm so excited to finish off this study with Peter's journey as he continues to follow Christ in the book of Acts. Obviously we could go on for months studying his ministry (which I wouldn't mind one bit!!!) but we're just going to have time to study a few things. And I'm so excited :) Today, let's set the stage be set as we transition from the earthly ministry of Jesus, and watch the disciples regroup and the first church be formed. Wow. Ready?

Please open your Bible and read Acts 1:1-5. In these verses, Jesus promises an incredible gift to his followers that would direct their steps as they followed Christ from here. They were promised the Holy Spirit... just as we are also. Jesus wasn't leaving them alone. They would still be allowed to listen for His voice, to allow Him to direct their steps, and to have His presence. They would still be allowed to learn and to grow. They were still following a Savior who continued to show more love and kindness than we can fully grasp as He led them every step of the way!

But where would this new chapter of the journey begin? Have you ever felt like you were unsure of where to go next in following Christ? We've all been there. I think there are 3 very clear lessons from these verses, that brought the disciples from being wavering, fearful men, to instruments through which thousands were saved daily.

Check out verse 4 again. Jesus said “Do not leave Jerusalem.”

Now please read verse 12. “Then they returned to Jerusalem...”

The disciples were on a mountain just outside of Jerusalem, and Jesus asked them to go back. They had to walk back to where they had just watched their Savior and friend be crucified on the cross. They had to place one foot in front of the other in the direction of a city that was not welcoming to followers of Jesus Christ. They had to set their gaze on the place of their greatest discomfort. Verses 9-10 make me laugh. They were standing in amazement staring into the sky and angels had to literally shake them to reality and say... ok, GO! Remember, worship wasn't about the miracles, it wasn't about the deeds, it wasn't about the big things they could do... it was about following Jesus.

They had to start where they were.

So often I struggle with wanting to run ahead for results. I want to learn a lesson or go through something uncomfortable and then just move right on past it. But very often it just doesn't work that way. Jesus gives us the strength to face what we need to. He wants us to understand completely the lessons He is teaching us. I often remind myself the process of building a wall or a fortress. It would be wonderful many times to just rig something as fast as possible and have it done. But it's only by building brick by brick that we will be fully assured of every inch of our foundation. We will be less likely to make the same mistakes. We will be less likely to question why we took the steps we did because we'll have built a foundation.

The disciples had to go back and face people that would make them uncomfortable. Yet our lives are often most effectively used for Christ in honesty and transparency before the very people who have watched us struggle, fail, and flounder. Are you willing to follow the Lord wherever He asks you to go? Are you willing to follow if it means confession or discomfort? Are there struggles or uncomfortable areas in your life that the Lord has offered and promised closure to that you've put off because you don't want to go through the discomfort? I'm praying that you'll experience the joy, freedom, and incredible peace today of being willing to set your face to Jerusalem, and find victory even there.

You have to start where you are. Period.

You can pretend you're further ahead, you can tell others that you are. But, you have to start where you are. We all do.

As the first chapter of Acts finishes out the disciples seek the Lord's leading on who would take the place of Judas. They knew where they had to be, and while they waited for the promise from the Father they were good stewards of their time and took care of whatever matters they knew that they could and should do. We aren't to be idle. We're to be alert and aware. We're to make the most of our time. We're to do whatever we can... while we actively wait.

And finally, as we're already hinted at, we are to wait on the Lord. Check out Acts 1:6-8. Jesus said “It's not for you to know the [circumstances.]” But I will give you what you need to follow me there. I will help you start where you go, and reach the ends of the earth, but you can't know the times and dates for victory. The pathway to victory is by following the one who fights for you... not by following a victory in and of itself. That only leads you to following self. Follow your King!

Now look at Acts 1:14. They all joined together constantly in prayer. They needed to wait, and they were committed to showing the Lord that they wanted to follow Him. And the best way to do that was by coming before Him in prayer... constantly. The disciples knew they were on watch … and this time they would not be caught falling asleep.

So. Be willing to start where you are.... to honestly assess and evaluate where you are and be a good steward of it, and constantly wait on the Lord for direction. These things lead to single-minded devotion to the Lord. These things lead to turning your gaze off of yourself and fully on the Lord. These things lead to the practice of self-control. These things illustrate a child greatly loved by a real and Sovereign King.

And these things lead to victory beyond comprehension. Are you resolved?

For Discussion: What do you picture the scene being like with this group of friends heading back after seeing a miracle, to go back and face Jerusalem? We just talked about the need for one another as followers of Christ, and the need to bring others with us. Have you ever been impacted by honesty, transparency, and willingness to share after a failure from another believer? I don't think that details of CIRCUMSTANCES are what are important... but rather the lessons of character. Have you ever learned more about the Lord through the willingness of another believer to be empty of self this way?