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“Why Know Your History!”

Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher

Editors Note: This devotional was originally sent through email on  Fri, 28 May 1999 15:10:48 -0500 (EST) to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) students and others who wanted to receive daily devotionals at the University of Pittsburgh while I was serving at IVCF! It is being published for the first time on Pittsburgh Standard today with any revisions ITALICIZED.

SCRIPTURE:

"In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen." (Acts 1:1-2)

What can we learn?

Whatever book of the Bible we are studying it is helpful to know who the Lord used to have His infallible, divinely inspired Word written down.

1.         Who could the person be who the Lord used to have Acts written?

From v.1 it has to be a person who wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach.

2.         Where do we find the actions and teachings of Jesus written about?

It is inevitably the Gospels.

3. Now the task at hand is to determine which Gospel, "in my former book Theophilus" refers to?

After further study of the Gospels, it is easy to conclude that the "former book" refers to the Gospel of Luke.

"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." (Luke 1:1-4)

What do we know about Luke?

History will show us that Luke was a physician. This is very significant to know. Usually physicians are trained to be precise in the things they do. One mistake could mean the difference between life and death.

Luke reminds us according to v.3 that he has carefully investigated everything from the beginning and it seemed good to him to write an orderly account about the Life of Jesus that Theophilus may know the certainty of the things that have been taught.

It is this same Luke that addresses "Book of Acts" or also known as "Acts of the  apostles" to Theophilus.

Going back to Acts 1:1-2, Luke is reminding Theophilus about the things concerning Jesus:

1. All that Jesus began to do.
2. All that Jesus began to teach.
3. Jesus was taken up to heaven after
4. Jesus gave instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

What does it all mean to us?

First of all let's remember that Luke wrote 'All Jesus BEGAN to do' rather than 'All Jesus FINISHED' and 'All that Jesus BEGAN to teach' rather than 'All that Jesus FINISHED teaching'

This is very important because what Jesus began to do, He continues to do today and what Jesus began to teach, He continues to teach today. Through His Holy Spirit He reveals all that he began to do and taught and will continue to work in our lives.

Do you take reading the Bible as an obligation?
Do you see it as boring?

Maybe you feel that way. Maybe you even feel that Jesus is not close to you and you do not feel His presence anymore. I want you to know if you have given your life to Jesus, He will never ever leave you nor forsake you. He will always be with you! Don't go by your feelings because feelings can be very deceptive.

What is stopping you from seeking the Lord daily through prayer and Bible study?
He wants to spend time with you and He loves you so much. Come to Him as you are and ask Him to take away all that is displeasing to Him.  

Find the nuggets and truth in His Word. Start by reading the Gospel of Luke to better get an understanding of Jesus and the 'Book of Acts' will come that much more alive. You are precious and special in His sight. Rest in Him and His care!

If we want to be followers of Christ, it is not an option but a duty to find out "what instructions" Jesus gave to the apostles and implement them in our own lives. We need the Word of God and His Spirit to guide us daily.

Acts of the Apostles will be that much more exciting to read when we know that this is actually a sequel to a preceding book that God put out. This will beat 'Star Wars' anytime.

            If it were a movie, you could have:
            Gospel of Luke: Life of Jesus
            Gospel of Luke II: Acts of the Apostles

When I came to the states, I learned about Jesus by watching a biblical cartoon called Superbook (Primarily Old Testament) cartoon at 7:00 A.M and Flying House (New Testament) cartoon at 7:30 A.M before school everyday after having my Quiet Times before 7:00 A.M. I learned a lot about the Bible and got really excited to read Luke. That was in Junior High.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, we come before you now as we are. We ask you for the pouring of your Spirit on the lives of others. Please Lord Jesus touch the one right now who is going through a hard time. Lord, you know the one out there who does not feel your presence. They are discouraged but you Oh Lord never do leave us and are a God of Hope. Please Lord fill that person right now with your hope. Father we thank you that you are our Heavenly Father. We come to you in a spirit of humility and pray for the one that does not know you. We lift each one of those individuals before you. We thank you Father for sending Jesus to die for them. Oh Lord please do the work that we cannot even comprehend. We ask Father in Jesus Name that you set up circumstances in their lives to draw them to you and your Word. Thank you Father God. Thank you for hearing us and answering us! Thank you for being our Lord and personal Savior as we turn to thee. In Your Name We Pray Jesus! Thank you Lord! Hallelujah! We praise you and thank you lifting up our hands in praise! Amen!

If you want to give your life to the Lord and make Him Lord of your life, please don't wait. You can ask Him into your life right now. A Christians' road in life is not easy nor peachy but it is worth it. Belonging to the One who created you and loves you with unconditional love is the one you need to belong too. No matter what you have done or where you have been, the Lord reaches out to you with His loving arms of love. If you have been a Christian and feel like you have gone away from the Lord, you can come back to Him and rededicate your life to Him. He will take you in and love you with unconditional love. Do not let guilt stop you from coming to the Lord. He loves you so much and cares for you! Come, Come to the Lord!

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, I do not know everything I need to know about you. But, I heard that you love me so much and you are the Light. You said if I come to you, I will not stay in darkness. I come to you Lord as I am with all my baggage. I ask you to take it all from me and give me a new beginning.  I know all the sins in my life have affected me and I need you now. I am willing to give my life to you and ask you for forgiveness. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. Please make my heart your home. Live in me Jesus and I choose to live for you and serve you the rest of the days of my life. There are certain habitual sins in my life that you alone can help me overcome and I rely upon you. Thank you Jesus. I thank you that you want to be my Lord and Personal Savior. Please be in control of my life. I thank you when you forgive me, you give me a new clean slate and I can have a new beginning.  I confess you as my Lord and Personal Savior and believe in my heart that you died for me and rose again to give me eternal life that I can one day spend eternity with you forever. Thank you Jesus! Thank you, you have heard my prayer and answered me. I belong to you and you will take care of me. Thank you Jesus! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

You may have felt something, you may have not, but the important thing to know is that Jesus Christ is in your life! Don't just go by feelings.

If you have prayed this prayer and meant it genuinely in your heart, you made one of the most important decisions in your life. Please let me know as I would like to send you a free booklet or give it to you in person, to help you in your daily walk with the Lord. I have read this booklet more than 20 times.

Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-641-9426

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

Express Your View

2014 DEVOTIONALS:

John 4:6b-10: "What Jesus Did Regarding SEXISM & RACISM!" By Ramesh C. Reddy By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, May 17, 14, 08:34 a.m.)

John 3:14-19a: "Bronze Serpent And The Cross: Is There A Connection?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, May 16, 14, 08:09 a.m.)

John 1:1-5, 9-14: "Why We All Cannot Be Children Of God?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, May 15, 14, 06:39 a.m.)

Psalm 51: "Why You Suffer For My Sin And Not Just Me?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, May 12, 14, 08:47 a.m.)

John 10:11: "Why Do You Allow The Wolf To Pounce On You?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, May 10, 14, 08:18 a.m.)

Psalm 46:1: "What Has Your Search Brought You?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, May 08, 14, 08:50 a.m.)

Psalm 34:4: "Why Do You Team Up With Fear?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, May 06, 14, 08:53 a.m.)

Psalm 33:4, 1 Corinthians 6:13,18-20: "Who Says God Is Not For SEX?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, May 05, 14, 11:52 a.m.)

Luke 6:27: "Do You Really Love Or You Think You Love?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, May 03, 14, 09:18 a.m.)

Psalm 3:1-3: "Why Your Foes Will Take A Fall?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, April 29, 14, 12:17 p.m.)

Proverbs 10:12: “Why Love Brings You And Your Family Up?”  By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, April 28, 14, 04:28 a.m.)

Proverbs 3:5-6: "What's With Not Trusting Yourself?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, April 26, 14, 08:10 a.m.)

Colossians 1:13-14,18: ”What can the B.L.O.O.D of Christ shed on the cross of Calvary do for you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, April 19, 14, 11:38 a.m.)

Psalm 147:3-5: "Who Cares For Your Brokenness?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, April 05, 2014, 9:51 a.m.)

Psalm 138:3,8: “Why Even Bother Praying?” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 29, 14, 06:35 a.m.)

Proverbs 15:4: “What's Up With Your Tongue?” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, March 20, 14, 09:29 a.m.)

Psalm 119:132-133: “Breathe In Bible, Live Eternally! (B.I.B.L.E)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, March 19, 14, 11:38 a.m.)

Proverbs 17:9: “Faithfully Acknowledge Messiah's Infinite Love Yourself! (F.A.M.I.L.Y)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, March 17, 14, 12:01 p.m.)

John 15:4-5: "Valiantly Immanuel Nurtures Enthusiastically!" (V.I.N.E) By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 15, 14, 10:40 a.m.)

Proverbs 15:4: “Everyday Now Christ Often Uplifts, Reaching All Generations Everywhere Mightily, Encouraging Nurturing Truth. (E.N.C.O.U.R.A.G.E.M.E.N.T)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 08, 14, 07:38 a.m.)

John 10:14-16: "Who will you make your S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 01, 14, 12:21 p.m.)

“Please Rest On Messiah's Infinite, Saving, Eternal Scriptures. (P.R.O.M.I.S.E.S)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Feb 26, 14, 08:36 a.m.)

Psalm 86:4: "When do you place a C.A.L.L to the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Feb 24, 14, 10:32 a.m.)

Psalm 50:14-15: "When do you T.R.U.S.T in the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Feb 18, 14, 11:34 a.m.)

1 Corinthians 13:4-8: "How will you be someone's Valentine using 16?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 14, 14, 9:24 a.m.)

"How can F.O.O.T.B.A.L.L be used to explain God's Word working in different hearts? By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 01, 2014, 9:44 a.m.)

Audio: "What will your P.R.E.S.E.N.T look like in 2014?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 04, 14, 9:33 a.m.)

"What will your P.R.E.S.E.N.T look like in 2014?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 02, 14, 6:26 a.m.)

2013 DEVOTIONALS:

Audio: "How do you relate to the S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D.S this Christmas season?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 26, 13, 11:55 a.m)

"How has your L.O.V.E influenced others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 20, 13, 06:15 p.m)

"What does your P.R.A.I.S.E report consist of?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 18, 13, 07:23 a.m)

"What does God do with your D.O.U.B.T.S  in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 17, 13, 10:47 a.m)

"What K.I.N.G.D.O.M will you be part of in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 16, 13, 10:55 a.m)

"What does it mean to experience the F.A.V.O.R of the Lord ?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 14, 13, 7:17 a.m)

"What can G.R.E.E.T.I.N.G.S do for you and others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 07, 13, 6:19 a.m)

2013 DEVOTIONALS:

"What are A-Z things you have witnessed that you can give T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G to the Lord for?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, Nov 28, 13, 11:51 a.m.)

Mark 8:34: "Why D.E.N.Y youself in the one life you have to live?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Nov 16, 13, 08:13 a.m.)

Philippians 4:9: "How do you know your P.E.A.C.E is real?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Oct 19, 13, 08:17 a.m.)

Philippians 4:9: "What kind of S.O.L.D.I.E.R will you be?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Oct 12, 13, 11:29 a.m.)

Psalm 139:13-18: "Who cares for your B.I.R.T.H.D.A.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Oct 05, 13, 1:00 p.m.)

Philippians 4:8: "What is your T.H.I.N.K.I.N.G based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Sept 25, 13, 10:29 a.m.)

Philippians 4:6-7: "How do you handle A.N.X.I.E.T.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Sept 21, 13, 08:18 a.m.)

Philippians 4:4: "When do you R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Sept 14, 13, 12:36 p.m.)

Philippians 4:5: "What measure of G.E.N.T.L.E.N.E.S.S do you have?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Sept 09, 13, 12:03 p.m.)

Philippians 4:3: "How have you C.A.M.P.A.I.G.N.E.D for Jesus Christ in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Sept 06, 13, 07:17 a.m.)

Philippians 4:2: "How do you respond to a P.L.E.A.D in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Sept 04, 13, 12:00 p.m.)

Philippians 4:1: "Where do you S.T.A.N.D on love in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, Sept 03, 13, 12:00 p.m.)

1 Thessalonians 1:3: "What does your L.A.B.O.R show in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Sept 02, 13, 10:04 a.m.)

Philippians 3:18-19: "Why shed your T.E.A.R.S for others in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 21, 13, 08:26 a.m.)

Philippians 3:15-17: "Who are what are you willing to P.A.T.T.E.R.N your life after?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 19, 13, 10:08 a.m.)

Philippians 3:12-14:"How can you deal with the P.A.S.T in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 15, 13, 04:21 a.m.)

Philippians 3:1-11: "Why for R.E.F.O.R.M.A.T.I.O.N you need the transaction of the cross?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 14, 13, 05:55 p.m.)

Philippians 2:25-30:"When will your H.O.M.E.C.O.M.I.N.G begin?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, Aug 13, 13, 10:39 a.m.)

Philiippians 2:20-24:  "How can you Q.U.A.L.I.F.Y well in other people's lives?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, Aug 09, 13, 08:38 a.m.)

Philippians 2:17-19:  "When do you live out your F.A.I.T.H  in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, Aug 08, 13, 03:19 a.m.)

Philippians 2:14-16:  "What does your B.E.H.A.V.I.O.R do for others in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 07, 13, 12:03 p.m.)

Philippians 2:13:  "How do you W.O.R.K out your Salvation?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 05, 13, 01:33 p.m.)

Philippians 2:13:  "What path have you taken for S.A.L.V.A.T.I.O.N in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 05, 13, 01:33 p.m.)

Philippians 2:12-13:  "What is the point of O.B.E.D.I.E.N.C.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Aug 03, 13, 01:28 p.m.)

Philippians 2:9-11: "How do you handle the N.A.M.E of Jesus in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, Aug 02, 13, 07:58 a.m.) 

Philippians 2:8: "What can the C.R.O.S.S do for you in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, Aug 01, 13, 08:03 a.m.)

Philippians 2:5-7:"How do you match Jesus' A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 31, 13, 10:50 a.m.)

Mark 10:6-9: "What does Jesus want for your M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, July 30, 13, 11:24 a.m.)

Philippians 2:3-4:  "How do you respond to God's C.O.M.M.A.N.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 29, 13, 09:53 a.m.)

Philiippians 2:1-2: "What C.O.N.D.I.T.I.O.N are you in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, July 27, 13, 11:42 a.m.)

Philippians 1:29-30: "How do you handle S.U.F.F.E.R.I.N.G in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, July 26, 13, 10:02 a.m.)

Philippians 1:27-28: "How do you C.O.N.D.U.C.T yourself in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 25, 13, 11:17 a.m.)

Philippians 1:22-26: "What are your C.H.O.I.C.E.S based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 24, 13, 09:50 a.m.)

Philippians 1:21: "Why D.I.E for Christ?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 22, 13, 3:33 p.m.)

Philippians 1:21: "Why L.I.V.E your life to be appreciated by others?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, July 19, 13, 10:20 a.m.)

Philippians 1:20: "Where do you need to have C.O.U.R.A.G.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 18, 13, 05:17 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19: "Who should you C.A.L.L often in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 17, 13, 09:41 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19: "What reason do you have to R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, July 16, 10:23 a.m.)

Philippians 1:15-18: "How are your M.O.T.I.V.E.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 15, 04:57 a.m.)

Philippians 1:12-14:"What have your C.H.A.I.N.S done to others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 11, 10:40 a.m.)

Philippians 1:12: How can you A.D.V.A.N.C.E the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 10, 11:46 a.m.)

Philippians 1:9-11: "What is your L.O.V.I.N.G response based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 07, 03:24 a.m.)

Philippians 1:7-8: "How can your A.F.F.E.C.T.I.O.N grow towards others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, June 27, 10:21 a.m.)

Philippians 1:7-8: "Why can you only be saved by G.R.A.C.E alone?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, June 26, 10:42 a.m.)

Philippians 1:3-6: "Where are you C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, June 25, 12:42 p.m.)

Philippians 1:3-6: "How can you attain a P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S.H.I.P in the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, June 24, 11:22 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-3: "How will others R.E.A.C.T towards God when they remember you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, June 22, 11:34 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "Why bother to let others T.R.A.I.N you when you are already a leader?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 21, 10:58 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "When do you B.L.E.S.S others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 20, 08:33 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "Who will you be a S.L.A.V.E to in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 19, 1:26 p.m.)

Philippians 1:1: "Why should you believe you are H.O.L.Y instead of a sinner?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 17, 11:38 p.m.)

Psalm 46:1: "Where do you need R.E.F.U.G.E from?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14, 08:30 a.m.)

Proverbs 14:12: "Why seek God's R.I.G.H.T over our right?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14, 08:30 a.m.)

Psalm 42:5: "Why H.O.P.E and praise the Lord in your distress?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 13, 01:36 p.m.)

Psalm 40:1-5: "Where do you need to be L.I.F.T.E.D up in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 13, 01:34 p.m.)

Mark 9:28-29: "What can P.R.A.Y.E.R to Jesus do in your friends lives?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 11, 07:53 a.m.)

Mark 2:2-5: "What kind of F.R.I.E.N.D will you be thought of as?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 10, 07:03 a.m.)

Mark 3:14-15: "Why S.P.E.N.D time with Jesus daily?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 08, 11:07 a.m.)

Psalm 34:4: "What can you do with your F.E.A.R.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 07, 2013, 8:43 a.m.)

Psalm 33:4: "What will you do with F.A.I.T.H in your classes?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 05, 2013, 9:31 a.m.)

Mark 1:43-44: "What does your disobedience C.A.U.S.E for others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 03, 2013, 2:57 a.m.)

Mark 1:41-42: "What past do you need to be C.L.E.A.N from?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 31, 2013, 10:54 a.m)

Proverbs 29:25: "Where will you take a S.T.A.N.D without wavering?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 30, 2013, 07:43 a.m)

Matthew 18:21-22:"Why F.O.R.G.I.V.E when it will happen again?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 29 2013, 09:35 a.m)

Psalm 27:14:"How do you C.O.P.E with your hurt?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 27, 2013, 11:13 a.m)

John 12:24:"Who do you remember physically and spiritually on this M.E.M.O.R.I.A.L day?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 27, 2013, 11:13 a.m)

"What has the law P.E.R.M.I.T.T.E.D you to do but it goes against the Lord?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 09, 2013, 6:57 a.m)

"Who do you become an A.T.T.R.A.C.T.I.O.N to and why?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 08, 2013, 6:58 a.m)

"What has A.N.G.E.R done to your relationships?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 29, 13, 1:28 p.m.)

"How can the L.I.G.H.T impact your life?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 06, 13, 11:48 a.m.)