OF GOD (and those not OF God)
Through the Book of Acts
Acts 4-6

Acts 5:38-39

³⁸Now in the present case let me say to you, stand off (withdraw) from these men and let them alone. For if this doctrine or purpose or undertaking or movement is of human origin, it will fail (be overthrown and come to nothing);

³⁹But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop or overthrow or destroy them; you might even be found fighting against God! (AMP)

This was Gamaliel's (a Pharisee) "rebuke" to the Sanhedrin when Peter and John were being questioned and about to be handed over to jail for spreading the Gospel.

Gamaliel >>
- There were exceptions to the Pharisees such as him.
- He was open to knowing whether or not they [Peter and John] were really OF God.
- He wasn't threatened for he knew from past experiences those who were "fake" - they dispersed and eventually went away, not leaving any followers.

Peter and John >>
- No matter what was happening, they continued to share the Gospel.
- Nothing held them back; they were filled with the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit >>
- He gave utterance, power and wisdom to those who are willing to be used, Peter and John.
- He also speaks to those who are open - Gamaliel

Principles to learn>>
We know that when it is the Lord's work that is in action, it will prevail. Anything that we do or witness that is NOT of God will not continue - it will be stopped, scattered, dispersed and will die. Therefore, it is important that everything we do in life must be in accordance to what is OF God. Apart from that, it will not continue.

When asking for God's will, we know the Holy Spirit will give us the ability to hear Him and heed His will (empowerment). No one will be able to stop anything that is at work for God because it is OF His glory.

Belle>>

• I must make sure that anything I am doing is what God wants - what is OF Him.
• When I am sure that it OF Him, I do not need to worry even when people are trying to stop me from doing it because I know that God will carry me through it.
• Those things that may seem to be "hurdles" are just there to test me and to help me trust in God's power more than myself.
• The things that I know that are not OF God will not prevail - therefore, I do not need to be afraid. It will go away.

:: Lord, please help me to be always discerning of Your Spirit. Help me to only do things that You want me to do - to bring glory to Your name and not myself - at all. Thank you for reminding me that the things that are not of You will go away - they will not prevail. I pray that I will always be willing and open to what You want to do in my life so that I may continue to be effective in being used in Your kingdom. Thank you Jesus. I lift this up in Your name, Amen.