Building His Kingdom

Darryl Byle
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My personal devotionals shared to encourage and challenge others to grow to know God better through His Word. My Acts series is recorded live from daily devotions given to my team of construction workers in Liberia, Africa.

  1. 04/09/2023

    20221101 Act 13:26-31 Humility Cures Blinding Pride

    20221101 Act 13:26-31 Humility Cures Blinding Pride Blinding pride What is the solution to blinding pride? Jas 4:10 (ESV) 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. - Read Act 13:26-31 - Act 13:26 (ESV) “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. Gen 12:3 (ESV) 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” - Act 13:27 (ESV) For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord 1Co 1:18-31 (ESV) 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - Act 13:28 (ESV) And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord Self-centered perspective skews or twists our perception. God created the world to make sense. Sin/self clouds our perception of the logic of God‘s world. Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord Original sin: PRIDE Isa 14:14 (ESV) 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ 1. Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others. Pride blinds us to the truth! Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord - Act 13:29 (ESV) And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. Act 13:30 (ESV) But God raised him from the dead, regardless of man’s twisted perspective, reality is, God is accomplishing HIS purposes! Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord - Act 13:31 (ESV) and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. = Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord 1Co 1:18-25 (ESV) 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord - 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord - 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord - 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord Pride blinds is to the truth. Don’t allow pride to control your perspective. Humble yourself before the Lord and HE will lift you up! Blinding pride Humble yourselves before the Lord

  2. 04/09/2023

    20221031 Act 13:21-25 Time is God’s tool

    20221031 Act 13:21-25 Time is God’s tool One of the gifts of the spirit is patience God wants us to trust him and patiently wait HIS time. - Read Act 13:21-25 - Act 13:21 (ESV) Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. Act 13:22 (ESV) And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ Act 13:23 (ESV) Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. 2Pe 3:8-9 (ESV) 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. Time is God’s tool - Act 13:24 (ESV) Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. Act 13:25 (ESV) And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’ Act 13:26 (ESV) “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. = Isa 40:29-31 (ESV) 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Time is God’s tool In your life there may be delays and challenges that seem to go on for a long period of time. Gal 6:7-10 (ESV) 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Time is God’s tool Manage your expectations – God uses time to attain His ends, His purposes. Time is God’s tool Don’t be impatient. Heb 5:11-14 (ESV) 11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Time is God’s tool God uses times to transform us. Rom 12:1-2 (ESV) 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Time is God’s tool

  3. 04/09/2023

    20221027 Act 13:16-20 Testify to Goodness of God

    20221027 Act 13:16-20 Testify to Goodness of God We can impact eternity when we testify to the goodness of God - Read Act 13:16-20 - Act 13:16 (ESV) So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. Paul was talking to people who recognized God Testify to Goodness of God Act 13:17 (ESV) The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. Paul is speaking of God’s gracious and powerful acting for the Israelites Testify to Goodness of God Act 13:18 (ESV) And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. Paul testifies to God’s patience Testify to Goodness of God Act 13:19 (ESV) And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. Paul testifies to the Sovereignty of God Testify to Goodness of God Act 13:20 (ESV) All this took about 450 years. And after that he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. Paul testifies to the grace and providence of God Testify to Goodness of God = Paul summarizes for his listeners how God selected the Israelites, and increased them in Egypt then led them out. He phrases it that God “put up with them” ( v 18) God was doing the “doing“… “… He gave them… “, He destroyed. God was proactively working to position the Israelites where he wanted them. God is laying the ground from work for the Israelites and Paul is laying the groundwork for his hearers to understand how astonishing the gospel is. Testify to Goodness of God The gospel is not a fix to a problem that God did not see coming. God set this whole process in motion for the express purpose of glorifying His name. Testify to Goodness of God History is part of God’s story. God set us within the bounds of time and we should use that for His glory by looking backward and seeing and reviewing what He has done and share it with others. Our testimony is the most powerful thing we can bring when sharing the gospel. How has God impacted your life’s? Rev 12:10-11 (ESV) 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. What are they testifying of? 2Co 12:9 (ESV) 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Jas 4:10 (ESV) 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. Testify to the greatness and the mercy and the grace of God! Glorify and honor Him! Exo 33:18 (ESV) 18 Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” Exo 34:6 (ESV) 6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, Can you share how God has worked in your life to show you His character? Mercy Grace Patience Love Faithfulness

  4. 03/05/2023

    20230304 Baptism

    20230304 Baptism Act 2:38 (ESV) 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. be baptized. This Greek word lit. means "be dipped or immersed" in water. G907   (Strong) βαπτίζω baptizō bap-tid'-zo From a derivative of G911; to make whelmed (that is, fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: - baptist, baptize, wash. Thayer Definition: 1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk) 2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe 3) to overwhelm Part of Speech: verb Peter was obeying Christ's command from Mat 28:19 Mat 28:19-20 (ESV) 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Peter was urging the people who repented and turned to the Lord Christ for salvation to identify, through the waters of baptism, with His death, burial, and resurrection. Rom 6:3-4 (ESV) 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. for the remission of sins. This might better be translated "because of the remission of sins." Baptism does not produce forgiveness and cleansing from sin. The reality of forgiveness precedes the rite of baptism (Act 2:41). Genuine repentance brings from God the forgiveness (remission) of sins (Eph 1:7) and, because of that, the new believer is to be baptized. Baptism, however, is to be the ever-present act of obedience, so that it became synonymous with salvation. Thus, to say one was baptized for forgiveness was the same as saying one was saved. 1Pe 3:18-22 (ESV) 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the answer of a good conscience toward God. The word for answer has the idea of a pledge, agreeing to certain conditions of a covenant (the new covenant) with God. What saves a person plagued by sin and a guilty conscience is not some external rite, but the agreement with God to get in the ark of safety, the Lord Jesus, by faith in His death and resurrection (cf. Rom 10:9-10; Heb 9:14; Heb 10:22).

  5. 01/22/2023

    20221026 Act 13:13-15 Encouragement

    Encouragement Heb 10:24-25 (ESV) 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Act 13:13-15 (ESV) 13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, 14 but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” = Heb 10:24-25 (ESV) 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

  6. 01/22/2023

    20221025 Act 13:1-12 Emptied with purpose

    Emptied with purpose Out with the old – in with the new! Emptied to be filled Purge yourself of the things in this world and strive to be filled with the spirit! Emptied with purpose Php 2:5-7 (ESV) 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Emptied with purpose 2Ti 2:21 (ESV) 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. - Read Act 13:1-12 Emptied with purpose - Act 13:1 (ESV) Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Act 13:2 (ESV) While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Emptied with purpose - Act 13:3 (ESV) Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Emptied with purpose - Act 13:4 (ESV) So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. Emptied with purpose - Act 13:5 (ESV) When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. Emptied with purpose - Act 13:6 (ESV) When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. Act 13:7 (ESV) He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. This man is pursuing God! - Act 13:8 (ESV) But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Opposition is the norm - Act 13:9 (ESV) But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him Emptied with purpose - Act 13:10 (ESV) and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? Also they need to clear a quart of this obstacle to truth Emptied with purpose He was emptying the court of Sergius Paulus of filth and lies so that there would be room for the truth Emptied with purpose - Act 13:11 (ESV) And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. Paul, guided by the Spirit, gave a limited consequence - grace in action Emptied with purpose In grace, Paul is living room for transformation even in Elymas’s heart. Emptied with purpose - Act 13:12 (ESV) Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. Paul saw the need Emptied with purpose = Fasting and prayer are key elements in the preparation of being filled with the spirit and being an effective ambassador for Christ to the world. Php 2:5-7 (ESV) 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Emptied to be filled Out with the old – in with the new! 2Ti 2:21 (ESV) 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. Purge yourself of the things in this world and strive to be filled with the spirit!

  7. 01/16/2023

    20221024 Act 12:13-25 Faith’s Focus

    Faith’s Focus A contrast in faith focus Heb 11:6 (ESV) 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. This isn’t a blind faith This isn’t a faith in your faith This is a specific, focused faith. This is a faith IN GOD! Faith’s Focus Luk 17:6 (ESV) 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. Small faith in an infinite, all-powerful God versus huge faith in self or man or anything else Faith’s Focus Man crawling across the ice Must get across or freeze to death Team of horses roars down and crosses Both get across but one is accomplishing far more because of full commitment, proven faith Tested the ice vs just trying it out vs not crossing at all - (Setting) Act 12:12 (ESV) When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. Read Act 12:13-25 - Act 12:13 (ESV) And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Act 12:14 (ESV) Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. Faith’s Focus Act 12:15 (ESV) They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” Act 12:16 (ESV) But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. Faith’s Focus Act 12:17 (ESV) But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place. Act 12:18 (ESV) Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. Act 12:19 (ESV) And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there. Act 12:20 (ESV) Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food. Act 12:21 (ESV) On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. Act 12:22 (ESV) And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Faith’s Focus Act 12:23 (ESV) Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. Faith’s Focus Act 12:24 (ESV) But the word of God increased and multiplied. Act 12:25 (ESV) And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark. = Weak faith isn’t failing Failure comes with faith in the wrong solution Faith’s Focus Facing toward God or facing away from God Which way are you facing? Where are you aiming? Aiming for or away from God? It’s not the strength of your faith, it is the strength of what you have faith in! Faith’s Focus Dan 4:28-37 (ESV)

  8. 01/15/2023

    20221018 Act 12:6-12 Know enough to trust and obey

    Know enough to trust and obey How much knowledge is enough to obey - Read Act 12:6-12 God takes Peter to a place where he is helpless - not in control. When God provides a means to get out, Peter does not even accept that it is reality - he thinks it’s a dream. When he finally accepts it as reality he heads for the body - the church What is the underlying principle? Even when God’s hand is operating right in front of our eyes, our human prejudice can blind us to the truth. Know God well enough to trust and obey God is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe - He has every resource available to Him. Even if I don’t understand how or what God is doing, I need to be obedient to what He directs me to do. Know enough to trust and obey How do I “know“? His Spirit His Word His Body Obedience does not require all knowledge Obedience requires FAITH! Know enough to trust and obey - Act 12:6 (ESV) Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. God‘s timing is always perfect and he is coordinating ALL things for his purpose. - Act 12:7 (ESV) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. God provides the inputs we need. He sent an angel to provide directions to a confused Peter He provided light in the dark cell God gives us enough to obey - Act 12:8 (ESV) And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” Even though he didn’t comprehend what was going on, Peter obeyed the angels input Know (be wise) enough to obey - Act 12:9 (ESV) And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. Even when you don’t understand what is happening, keep obeying! Know enough to trust and obey - Act 12:10 (ESV) When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. God provides input at the level that we need Know enough to trust and obey - Act 12:11 (ESV) When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” When you realize the God has revealed His hand, has been working in your life, acknowledge Him! We are called to glorify God Know enough to glorify God - Act 12:12 (ESV) When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. = Pro 3:5-6 (ESV) 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Know enough to trust and obey Pro 28:26 (ESV) 26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. Pro 9:10 (ESV) 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Know enough to trust and obey Jer 9:23-24 (ESV) 23 Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” Know enough to trust and obey

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About

My personal devotionals shared to encourage and challenge others to grow to know God better through His Word. My Acts series is recorded live from daily devotions given to my team of construction workers in Liberia, Africa.

Information

  • Creator
    Darryl Byle
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2023
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Darryl Byle
  • Show Website
    Building His Kingdom