Opening a Door of Faith

Acts 14:3

So they remained a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

This journey of advancing the gospel was characterized by many things, but one thing that was consistent was the response from the unbelieving Jews. They were constantly stirring up the Gentiles and poisoning their minds against the brothers. Not only that but they mistreated the disciples and attempted to stone many of them and actually did stone Paul. Dragging him out of the city, they left him thinking he was dead. But when the disciples gathered round him, he rose up. What a deliverance!

So what was the response of the Paul and the other disciples? Did they flee or continue on? God led in both directions. At one point they fled to a different city (Lystra and Derbe) and preached the gospel there, but sometimes they continued on and endured the abuse. How specifically did they minister? They spoke boldly for the Lord. He  granted them grace and signs and wonders. While in Lystra, Paul saw a crippled man who had the faith to be made well. Paul spoke the words, and he was healed. The crowds thought Paul and his band were gods, but Paul used this opportunity to preach to them to turn from vain things to the living God. As they traveled from city to city, they strengthened the souls of disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and told them that through many tribulations they must enter the kingdom of God. They appointed elders in every church and with prayer and fasting dedicated all to the Lord. The churches that they started would in turn have the same life style that Paul and his band had. They would continue on sharing the message and enduring the tribulation.

Coming back home, the disciples shared the great things that God had done, how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. Did they think that their job was done? Were they going to rest for a time? No, they remained no little time with the disciples. The spread of the gospel was ongoing. Their ministry burned within their hearts. What is my attitude toward opening a door of faith? Am I willing to speak boldly? Am I willing to endure the persecution?

Father,

Give me a fire to share Your message. Through Your power lead me in opening a door of faith in others.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Purpose of God

Acts13:36

For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, but He whom God raised up did not see corruption.

What is life but the purpose of God worked in us in our own generation? What was true of David's life was also true of Jesus' life in that they both served the purpose of God. In David's life God's purpose included death and corruption, but Jesus' life included death and resurrection because Jesus' life provided forgiveness of sins, newness of life in resurrection power, and reconciliation with the Father for all who believe.

What a concept to grasp! My life is only and always to serve the purpose of God in my own generation. This is why it is of ultra importance that I constantly seek Him saturating myself in His Word and coming before Him in prayer. I want my heart, soul, and mind united to His so that my purpose for life and His purpose for my life are one in the same.

Father,

Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.

In His strength,

Amen

A Man after My Heart

Acts 13:22-23

And when he had removed him (Saul), 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.' Of this man's offspring God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised.

What a glorious way to be described! A man after my heart, who will do all my will... God saw in David a man who loved Him, who loved His heart, and who was willing to do His will. A man with a heart like this must be God centered! Yet, in this description, there is nothing about perfection or being sinless, and for good reason. Historically, David had many problems and dealt with serious sin issues; in fact, Ps. 51 reveals some of this sin and his journey back to God. When David was confronted by Nathan the prophet for his sin of adultery and murder, he responded quickly. He was not hardened by his foolish actions nor did he persist in them, but instead he confessed and sought restoration with God. Certainly, David would have learned so much from that experience that sin would not be an issue again, but not so. David, like all men, struggled with sin his entire life, but what is important was his heart toward that sin. His heart prized God above all! When convicted, he confessed and went a different way. He was willing to do God's will above all else. That is the question. Where is my heart? Do I hang on to my sin? Am I quick to confess and set myself back on the path of God's will instead of my will?

Father,

Give me a heart for You and the strength and grace to do Your will.

In Jesus name,

Amen  

Give God the Glory

Acts 12:1-2

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also.

Herod's plan was to bring Peter out of prison and present him to the people during the feast, but the church was praying earnestly. On the very night before this all was to come to pass, their prayers were answered. Peter was sleeping bound with chains between two soldiers when an angel of the Lord woke Peter and told him to get up quickly. As his chains fell off, he dressed himself, put on his sandals, and walked away. For a time, Peter thought he was dreaming. Could this be real? As he walked out of the prison, he walked past guards with gates opening of their own accord. Peter was rescued from Herod! What a miracle!

He immediately went to the house of Mary where believers were praying. When he knocked at the door, Rhoda answered. Recognizing Peter, she went in and told the others that Peter was at the door. Immediate reactions went from, 'You are out of your mind' to 'It is his angel.' But Peter persisted in knocking, and eventually they saw him. Even though they were praying for this to happen, they were amazed! What a miracle especially after the death of James! The praises to God must have reverberated from the walls of that house! Hands raised, shouting, hugging, and even more praying! What a message to share with the rest of the church! How it would grow and flourish!

Herod was perplexed by Peter's disappearance. But apparently not that much since he left town and went to Caesarea. Speaking to a group of people who had angered him, he was attired in royal robes  seated on a throne. The listening throng cried out, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" Immediately the angel of the Lord struck him down. Why? He did not give the glory to God. His outcome was vastly different from Peter's. Instead of rescue, he was eaten by worms and breathed his last breath. Both men saw the angel of the Lord, one to his blessing and rescue and the other to his humiliation and death. God must have the glory!

Father,
Build my faith as I pray. Take away all fear and doubt. Open my eyes to Your plan and purpose.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Wholly Followed the Lord

Josh. 14:13-14

Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel.

Forty-five years earlier Moses had promised this land to Caleb because of his heart for God. He, with other men, had gone in to spy out the promised land. Most of the spies reported that the land was impossible to conquer because of the giants who lived there, but Caleb (and Joshua) knew that if the Lord was with them, it was possible! Since he still believed the same thing, he asked for the hill country that had been promised to him, the very country where the giants lived. He told Joshua that if God was with him, he could certainly drive them out.  Amazingly his strength was still the same as it was 45 years earlier. How could that be? Was it somehow related to his deep trust and faith in the power of God? What a reputation Caleb had! Just think to be known as a man who wholly followed God! How was it evidenced? First, he had no fear (of giants or of the fight), complete trust in God (unwavering in the face of huge obstacles), patience ( 45 year wait), boldness (asked confidently for what was promised), strength (beyond human norms), commitment ( wholly followed), singular in focus (only God) , and vision (saw the blessing in an obstacle).

Father,

Help me to wholly follow You. Teach me and shape me to be Your servant willing to go anywhere and do whatever You call me to do.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Stand in the Way

Acts 11:17-18

...If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?" When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life."

After Peter's time with the Gentiles, he went to Jerusalem where he was criticized heavily by the circumcision party who could not believe that he had eaten and fellowshiped with uncircumcised men. He responded with a detailed account of what had happened. The main point of which was that if God moves and blesses then who am I to stand in the way. What a great attitude! If all believers would just remember that simple question, Who am I that I can stand in God's way? How many problems would be averted? What amazing unity would result! Thankfully the hearts of the criticisers were receptive to Peter's words. Falling silent, they glorified God! Not only did the Gentiles gain salvation through Jesus, but unity between Jew and Gentile was established. Jesus had broken down this huge, cultural barrier! When the power of God is at work, the end result is His glory which brings unity to His children, unity within the ranks (Jew to Jew) and unity without the ranks (Jew to Gentile).

Father,

Show me clearly how to follow Your words and Your way. Help me never to stand in Your way, but instead to share Your way.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Lord's Doing

Josh. 11:20

For it was the Lord's doing to harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle, in order that they should be devoted to destruction and should receive no mercy but be destroyed, just as the Lord commanded Moses.

It was all the Lord's doing! He gave them victory after victory against enemies that were far greater in number and resources. However, there was one incident when the men from Gibeon used deception to get their way over Israel. Masquerading as travelers from afar, they came into Israel's camp asking for a covenant. They repeatedly reinforced the idea of their distant location when they were really from a nearby and rather powerful place. Israel and even Joshua did not ask counsel from the Lord. They thought this issue was within their power to figure out because this enemy was not large or overwhelming! What a mistake! Joshua made a covenant with these people and then they found out that they were close and powerful neighbors. Because of their covenant with these people, they did not attack them but instead they became their servants, wood cutters and drawers of water. Sadly, they became a lasting reminder of their foolishness. God had provided them the victory, but they chose to go their own way. How many times do I do that? I could ask. I could pray, but instead I think that I have it covered. Nothing is too small for God. He is the master and the planner. All of life is the Lord's doing! He is sovereign!

Father,
Thank You for this lesson. Teach me to ask You about everything and trust You to work out Your perfect plan. Help me apply Your words to my life.
In Jesus name,
Amen 

Without Partiality

Acts 10:34

So Peter opened his mouth and said: Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.

While Peter preached the message of Jesus, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard. The believers among them were amazed because the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles as they began speaking in tongues and extolling God. Salvation was not just for the Jews!

Previous to this monumental day, Peter had had a vision in which he saw a sheet descending full of all kinds of animals, reptiles, and birds. A voice told Peter to rise, kill, and eat. But Peter would not because he had never eaten anything unclean. However, the voice replied, What God has made clean, do not call common. God was changing the course of history once again! This time uniting Jews and Gentiles under His name by providing salvation to all. Peter was perplexed at the dream until he  was directed to go with certain men where he met and ministered to Cornelius and his friends and relatives. Now the vision was in focus. With Peter's preaching the separation between Jew and Gentile was erased.  The message of Jesus, salvation, and the power of the Holy Spirit was for all who believed!

Father,

Erase any labels or preconceived notions that lodge in my heart. Help me see each individual soul as You do. Give me boldness to reach out to them and share Jesus.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Sovereignly Appointed

Job 23:10

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

The fact that He knows all provides such assurance and peace during the good times and the bad times. He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him back? What He desires, that He does. For He will complete what He appoints for me, and many such things are in His mind. Living practically with the knowledge of God's sovereignty erases the frustrations over life's situations and circumstances. It eliminates being angry at people who harm us, malign us, or use us for their own advancement; as well as people who are unjust and accuse us falsely. No person, regardless of their motives, can do anything apart from the sovereign plan and purpose of God. So when I am angry, upset, or grudging, my feelings are really aimed at God and His purposes. Instead, I must trust Him that He knows what is best for me. What is hard is that trusting means that I won't always understand the why or the reasons behind events and relationships. Many times from a human point of view things look so terrible, and it appears that many innocent people are devastated or even killed. Yet, God is not asking me to understand or struggle with the reasons why. He is asking me to trust, to rest peacefully in Him and to depend on Him completely. It is the end result of trust that brings my coming forth as gold.

Father,

Continue teaching me about Your sovereign will and purpose. Give me grace to practically apply what I know so that my life will be radical for You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Change of Air

Acts 9:1

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord...

Acts 9:20-21

And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is the Son of God. And all who heard him were amazed...

When Jesus meets with someone, their life is drastically changed. The air in which they live and breathe is altered visibly and permanently! Before meeting Jesus, Saul was bent on threats and murder. It was as if he saw RED at the mention of The Way, but on his way to Damascus, a blinding light flashed before him. He actually heard the voice of the One he was persecuting, and he could not resist His power. For three days and nights he was without sight and neither ate or drank. He had to be led into Damascus. His anger and hostility had been reduced to helplessness.

When God spoke to Ananias to go see Saul, he was fearful. He knew this man's reputation and the air he was known to breathe was death to believers. Yet, God told him to go that Saul was a chosen instrument of His to carry His name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For He would show him how much he must suffer for the sake of His name. Ananias obeyed and laid hands on him filling him with the Holy Spirit. And immediately the scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. He was baptized, ate, and spent some days with the disciples. Then what? He began walking in the opposite direction. He began breathing God-inspired air! Instead of destroying The Way, he began preaching the The Way. Proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, he amazed all who heard. Jesus had changed the course and direction of his life. Saul increased in strength and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. What a colossal change and miracle! Has my life changed drastically? Am I breathing and living in Jesus air? Have I left the world behind and gone in an opposite direction?

Father,

Thank You for saving me. Take my down the path that you have for me. Show me how to live, breathe, and share Jesus with every breath that I breathe.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Divine Meeting

Acts 8:35

Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

An angel of the Lord told Philip to go south to a specific road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza, which incidentally was the last watering place before the desert. Such clear direction! What anticipation he must have had! There he found an Ethiopian Eunuch who was in charge of Queen Candace's treasure who had previously come to Jerusalem to worship. In all probability he was a God-fearing person or a seeker, but definitely someone being drawn to the Way.  Not only that but he was reading Isaiah without really understanding it. Philip's first question was entirely logical, Do you understand what you are reading? According to God's specific and sovereign will and plan, he was reading Is. 53:7-8. What an opening! And into this open door, Philip plunged sharing with him the good news about Jesus. The Ethiopian understood completely, and as he saw the water, he wanted to be baptized. Once again God's sovereign plan was perfectly in place! As soon as they came up out of the way, Philip was transported to another ministry location. In Azotus, he preached the gospel to all the town in Caesarea. How clearly God's will and plan was seen in this whole encounter.  What a wondrous God we serve!

Father,

Thank You for being sovereign in all the details of life, the big and the small. Grow my faith and trust in You to see every detail in my life as orchestrated specifically by You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Unchanged Consequence

Deut. 34:4-5

And the LORD said to him, "This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, 'I will give it to your offspring.'I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there."So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.

God did as He said concerning Moses even though he was a prophet like none other whom the Lord knew face to face, none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt...and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of the all Israel. Still, in spite of his great track record, God did not allow him to go into the land. He could only look before he died. Why? Moses broke faith with God in the midst of the people when they were at Meribah. He did not treat God as holy before the people that God had called him to lead. At first reading it sounds so harsh since Moses faithfully interceded for those people time after time, listening to their grumbling and discontent, taking their desires before the Lord, leading them for 40 years when they balked and fought him step by step, and dealing with their rebellion, plagues, and illnesses. He was constantly cleaning up after their disobedience, yet he blew it this one time, and there was no slack for him. Sometimes, there is no mercy. Our only course of action is to accept the consequence of our actions, of our disobedience, knowing that it is God sovereign plan and purpose for our lives. Then, I also think that Moses must have had a very special relationship with God to have such a heavy consequence for his action, from the one who is given much, much is required. Moses must have known that his consequence was just since he really didn't whine or try to change God's mind; instead he just asked for mercy. When God stayed unchanged, he accepted it. What a warning to me! Am I always upholding God as holy before the people He has placed in my life? Am I breaking faith with God? He is serious about His holiness and He expects me to be serious as well.

Father,

You are holy, and I praise You for this holiness. Grow me strong so that Your Spirit controls me in times when I waver and begin to falter. Perfect Your power in my weakness so that I don't break faith or neglect to uphold Your holiness before others.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Forgive Them

Acts 7:54-60

Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

What an amazing account!  First I see the uncontrolled anger of the scribes and priests. When their way and will was frustrated, they became pawns of their own emotions. Their primal rage resulted in teeth grinding. Definitely a TMJ moment! Then they cried with a loud voice, stopped their ears, rushed at him, threw him out of the city, and stoned him. They had lost all self-control and really had become animals, raging and ravenous wolves seeking to devour Stephen. Secondly, the response of Stephen was in marked contrast to his predators. In his final moments he saw heaven opened ready to receive him. He was not focused on his fear or the eminent danger but on the One who could give him strength and peace. Certainly, Is. 26:3 was a reality for him! As he looked upward [ which is the only place to look in a moment like this], he saw Jesus waiting for him. Then, following in the steps of Jesus, he asked the Lord not to hold this sin against his accusers and his killers. Stephen had truly answered the call of I Pet. 2:21-23. He was following in the footsteps of Jesus! His heart was full of forgiveness in the face of violence, love in the face of anger, and holiness in the face of unleashed evil! How like Jesus he was!

Father,
I can not even imagine this scene. What grace and strength You have to give to those who obey You unreservedly. Give me the courage to follow Your words and to answer Your call. Keep my mind stayed on You.
In Jesus name,
Amen

The Choice

Deut. 30:19-20

I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.    

Moses is closing his address to the people. He has told them that God has set before them a very important choice: life and death, blessing and curse. Why wouldn't they choose life and blessing? Who in their right mind would choose death and curse? But in order to choose blessing and life, they had to love the Lord their God, walk in His ways, and keep His commandments, statutes and rules. If they would, He would allow them to live, multiply, and possess the land. However, if they refused, not only would they not possess the land, but they would perish. God called heaven and earth as a witness against them on this day. They had to make a choice!

What would it look like if they chose death and curse? First and foremost, they would worship and serve other gods, but they were also to guard their hearts. This problem was not as visible but just as deadly. They were to beware of the root bearing a poisonous and bitter fruit, one in which a person heard the words of the covenant, blessed himself in his heart, saying, I will be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart. The result of this inward attitude and action was a sweeping away of moist and dry alike. God was not willing to forgive but rather the anger of the Lord would smoke against that person. How strong!! God is not joking!!

Obedience is no option with God. Hebrews gives believers a very similar warning about their hearts. Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. This is what happened to Israel's heart. They were hardened by the deceitfulness of sin thinking they could walk in stubbornness of heart, doing, thinking, and behaving in their own way and still have the blessing of God yet without obedience. It is amazing that man still clings to his own stubbornness today. He is given the same choice, life and blessing or death and curse, but even in the light of that clear cut choice, he hangs on to his own stubborn way. How strong is the flesh! How deceptive is sin! How foolish!

Father,
Expose sin's deceit and the root bearing a poisonous and bitter fruit. Show me clearly the truth about myself. Grant me a heart of repentance, life, and blessing.
In Jesus name,
Amen

The Face of an Angel

Acts 6:15

And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Stephen was framed by others who had a dispute with him. After trying to take him on in open confrontation, they found that they couldn't withstand his wisdom and the spirit in which he spoke. So what did they do? They secretly instigated a plot, a plot where they put words in the mouths of other men, men who said that Stephen spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God. Stirring up the people, the elders, and the scribes, they knew he would be seized. As Stephen stood before the council, the false witnesses poured out their vicious lies. This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law. But what was Stephen's response to all of this? Was he full of indignation? Did he try and defend himself? Did he curse and storm? Did he bring in counter witnesses? No, instead all those who gazed at him saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Truly this was someone who continued entrusting himself to Him who judges justly. He followed the example of Jesus by not committing sin or having any deceit in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten... How very hard this is! When my flesh is falsely accused or some injustice has occurred, I want to rise up, to right the wrong, to be vindicated, but is this really trusting a sovereign God? No evil person or the words they say can operate outside the express and sovereign will and purpose of God. Ultimately, it is not the words themselves or even the accusers, but God who has orchestrated all events in each individual life. No doubt, Stephen was resting in His sovereign God and in His will and purpose for His life. The earthly outcome is often not the most important thing, but God's purpose in the redemption of lost souls far outweighs any earthly discomfort that I might endure. I think the problem comes in my focus. Am I looking at eternal things? Am I living and thinking like my home is in heaven? Am I too firmly rooted in this world and all it has to offer? If I am focusing on Him and His will for my life, then I will have the countenance of the one who rests peacefully in God during the struggle, the illness, the affliction, and even the injustice. God's bigger picture always includes my good. I must just trust in Him.

Father,

Keep my eyes focused on You and resting in Your sovereign will. Give me grace to follow the example of Jesus.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Counted Worthy

Acts 5:41-42
Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

The apostles had been arrested, but the angel of the Lord opened the doors and brought them out. And He charged them to go to the temple and speak the words of life to the people, and they promptly obeyed! Another powerful miracle! When the council discovered they were not in prison, they had them brought before them again. When the high priest questioned them again, he reminded them that they were charged not to teach about Jesus. Once again Peter and the apostles answered, We must obey God rather than man.  When they heard the apostle's answer, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. How much hatred they had for Jesus! Their hearts must have been so hard!

Gamaliel intervened encouraging them to take care. He wanted them to keep away from these men, for if this undertaking is of man, it will fail, but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might be even found apposing God! What sage advice! God even worked through one of the council's own members to preserve their lives! So the council took his advice, called the apostles to them, beat them, and charged them once again to refrain from speaking about Jesus. What was the response of the apostles? Did they feel they should not speak? Did they think they should change their plan of action? No, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name! They praised God and continued in the temple and from house to house. They did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus Christ! God was to be obeyed over men!!

Father,
Give me this boldness to spread Your words. Open my eyes to the people You have put in my life.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Lied to God

Acts 5:4 

While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.

Ananias and Sappira sold a piece of property, and conspiring together, they agreed to keep back a part of the proceeds. In their hearts was a root of greed that could not be denired, and in typical Pharisiacal fashion, they wanted to be recognized for giving all without actually giving all. According to plan, Ananias brought in the proceeds and laid it at the apostle's feet. But Peter knew immediately and questioning him about his actions called the behavior lying to the Holy Spirit and to God. When Ananias heard the words, he fell down dead! With such power and unity came transparency! Sin could not be hidden, and the consequences were swift! After about 3 hours, Sappira came in not knowing what had already transpired. Peter asked her about the sale of the land. And according to plan, she answered as her husband had. Peter confronted her with questions and immediately she fell down dead, was carried out and buried by her husband. What was the result? Great fear came upon the whole church and upon al lwho heart of these things. For sure!! What a story! No wonder the power of the early church was so great. Sin was not tolerated or condoned, instead purity and passion for God was all that mattered.

Father,
Purify my heart. Reveal to me the roots that lie buried and surface when I least expect them.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Great Grace

Acts 14: 32-33
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.  And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

After Peter and John were released, they met their friends and told them what the scribes and Chief Priests had said. Immediately, they prayed together! [No time for anxiety!] They lifted their voices to their Sovereign Lord and asked that He do whatever His hand and His plan had predestined to take place, and that He look upon their threats and grant to His servants to continue to speak His word with all boldness... No fear either! And when they had finished praying, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. There was God's answer! Boldness and Power! Shaking with power!

There was not only this unity of mission and focus, but all those who believed were of one heart and soul in belongings as well. Nothing was individually owned, but they had all in common. There was not a needy person among them for all those who were land owners sold all and gave the proceeds to the apostles. It was distributed as the needs arose. Unbelievable! And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
What a glorious result! They were absolutely unencumbered with anything of the world, no distractions, only Jesus!

Father,
Teach me to speak boldly for You. Grant me Your grace in great measure. Purify my heart so it values only You.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Preaching and Healing

Acts 4:19-20

But Peter and John answered them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.

Speaking and preaching powerfully, healing a man lame who had been lame for over 40 years, these were visual evidences that could not be denied. I am sure that the scribes and Chief Priests had thought their problem was resolved with the death of Jesus, but now the same problem was surfacing again, and in renewed power! What could they do? Not much since the people saw the great miracle and were praising God. So they charged and warned the disciples not to speak to anyone in the name of Jesus. [ As if...] But Peter and John answered in such a way that did not please them or accomplish their objective. Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard. Right or wrong was not the issue. They knew that the message and the power burned within them, and they had to speak! They had to share! They had to spread the message as Jesus had commanded and as the Spirit gave them power! Yes, the principle is clear for them and for us: If God calls and empowers, His followers must speak! The message is clear: There is salvation is no other name under heaven given among men except the name of Jesus! The message is the same today. I must share wherever I am.

Father,
Give me wisdom and boldness to share Your message even when it is not popular or desired. Give me Your strength.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Power, Healing, and Preaching

 Acts 3:6

But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!"   

Peter and John were at the temple during the hour of prayer. As they entered, they saw a lame man lying there asking for alms. Peter responded with something far better than alms. He healed the man! As Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, his feet and ankles were immediately made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. The people all recognized the man and were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened. Like these people, we are always amazed when we see God do mighty things, but should we be? Wouldn't it be neat if we were like Peter and John who were so close to God that they would have been amazed if something miraculous had not happened? Wouldn't it neat if our currency was not in money but in the power of God? Isn't the Holy Spirit in me the same Holy Spirit as was in the early church?

Peter used this opportunity to preach explaining that they (the onlookers) had no cause for wonder. They had had the Holy and Righteous One among them and killed Him. This same one who was raised from the dead and they now testify of. Wow! Talk about putting it all out there! He went on to say, Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out... What power! This account so reveals their hearts and their focus. Everything in their life was for the glory of God, every small detail or incident was a means to share Jesus. Money was absent from their pockets, but the power of God was in their hearts and lives. What is in my heart? Is all that I do for the glory of God? Am I as concerned about the power of God as I am about surviving in this world? Am I willing to be radical to the claims of the Word of God?

Father,
Show me clearly what is in my heart? Teach me to speak boldly about You as I go through my day. Help to seize the opportunities You bring into my life.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Fellowship of Believers

Acts 2:42-43

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

Mighty things were happening! Peter had just preached a phenomenal sermon that the Lord had richly blessed, and on one day alone, 3000 souls were added to the church. But what was life like in the body of believers?

• They were devoted to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers. Such an attitude of devotion is singly minded, all inclusive, and focused on the things of God. Their purpose and actions only reflected the mission that Jesus had given them.
• Awe was upon every soul. They were truly responding to the fear of the Lord because they were visually seeing it.
• Wonders and signs were done. Such devotion was producing great fruit personally and in others.
• All believers had all things in common. The desire for the things of the world was gone. There was no personal ambition.
• They were selling their possessions and giving the proceeds to all as they had need. They had no need for individual possessions, but only to meet the needs of others.
• Daily they were in the temple, breaking bread in their homes, receiving their food with generous hearts, praising God, and having favor with people. Their life style was transformed. Their new mission characterized their lives.
• The Lord added to their number daily those who were saved. God was working in their hearts and lives and their obedience and fervor was bringing glory to His name.

What a glorious time for the newly established church! After Jesus had given them their mission, He had gone back into heaven. The Holy Spirit had come, as Jesus promised, and given them the power that they needed to fulfill this mission. His power had free reign in these obedient hearts and lives. The result was a renewed fear of the Lord that glorified God and a fellowship of believers that was unparalled. It really demonstrates how God can work in hearts and lives that desire only to do His will, that want nothing from the world, and that are rejoicing in the power of God. No wonder the church today is somewhat powerless. What is our fellowship like? Is their unity? What is our focus? How strong is the hold that the world has on our hearts?

Father,
Purify my heart. Give me a love for Your body and a desire to use all that I have for You.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Pentecost-the Filling

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

The day had finally arrived! The wait was over, and once more they were all together in one place. Such unity! Into this unity of presence and heart came the sound of a mighty, rushing wind that filled the entire house. Divided tongues of fire rested on each one of them, and they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. What a sight! What a miracle! How exciting! What did they think was happening? Did they have any idea of the great power that was to be theirs? Certainly, it was exceedingly, abundantly above all that they could ask or think according to the power at work within them!

Who was controlling the event? How did it come about? Whatever God does begins with Him, His plan, and His power! What does man do? He waits, waits for God to fill, to empower, and to work.  In Jerusalem at this time were devout men from many nations, and at this sound, the multitude gathered. How loud this must have been! Truly a God-inspired spectacle! As these devout men were watching, they were amazed because the Galileans were speaking to these men in their own languages. They were hearing and seeing the mighty works of God! What was the response to this great event? Some were amazed, some bewildered, some wondered, and some even ridiculed it, but they all noticed and witnessed these great events! They all were given the opportunity to respond. Isn't that characteristic of the hearts of men? But unless God draws a person to Himself, it really doesn't matter how much spectacle there is!

Father,
Keep my heart dependent on You for all the power and plan. Make me usable so that all the surpassing glory belongs to You.
In Jesus name,
Amen.

Final Words

   Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

After His resurrection, Jesus was with His disciples telling to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In response, they asked when the kingdom of Israel would be restored. Sounds like they were still not on the same page as Jesus! But Jesus answered telling them it was not for them to know the times or seasons ( only the Father knows). [I wonder if we aren't somewhat like the disciples wanting to know things that only the Father knows, wanting to know the time sequence of the end times.] However, Jesus did tell them of a coming event that would transform their lives, the coming of the Holy Spirit. It would be the Spirit in them that would enable them to be witnesses for Him beginning in Jerusalem and radiating out to the ends of the earth. It is this same Spirit in me that enables me to be His witness wherever I go and whatever I do. As soon as Jesus said these words, He ascended into heaven. How important these words must have been! The last words someone says are usually the words most often remembered and the words most important to the speaker. Jesus wanted His disciples to be witnesses in the power of the Spirit! Just as these words were the mantra of the disciples then, they should be now. As these words were then, they should be emblazoned in the hearts and minds of all Jesus' followers today! Instead of focusing on any number of other things, I should be focused on being His witness! Share Him and the message of salvation!

What were the disciples doing as they waited for the promise of the Father? All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. Devoting themselves to prayer with one accord! Everyone was on the same page now! What a life style! Unity, prayer, Holy Spirit control, and witnessing! 

Father,

Take me down the path that Jesus commanded. Through the power of Your Spirit show me how to be Your witness. Give me the words. Enlarge my heart so that I might run in the way of Your commandments.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

Requirements

Deut. 10:12-13

And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?

Certain things are required by God! Israel must fear God, walk in His ways, love and serve Him with all their heart and soul, and keep His commandments. Why? God says it is good for them! Why doesn't Israel want what was good for them? What was their problem? What was keeping them from a relationship with a God who had miraculously delivered them from Egypt, who had miraculously  preserved their lives in the wilderness walk, and was now ready to miraculously give them the promised land? No mystery, Moses spells it out. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. Isn't it amazing that Israel's problem was a thing as simple as stubbornness? Their hearts were not freely given to God. At times they had obeyed God outwardly, but inwardly they were clinging to their own will and desires. They would not surrender to God. What an example for me. What is the condition of my heart? Is it surrendered to God? Without surrender there is nothing. God accepts no left overs.

Father,

Teach me to surrender everyday and minute. Whatever You teach me and show me in Your word, give me Your grace to obey. Thank You for structuring my life so that it is for my good.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Humbled and Exposed

Deut. 8:2-3

 And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.  And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

Why did Israel experience the 40 year wilderness walk? God wanted to humble them so see what was in their hearts, to see if they would obey. It is through humility that the heart reveals what is truly there. In the times of hardship and adversity, the heart either cries out for help, curses, or casts blame.

God also fed them manna when they were in the wilderness, food from God that they had never seen before. The lesson they were to learn was that man does not live by bread alone, but by the words of God; sadly, their response was to mourn for the foods of Egypt and to cry out for meat! They began to blame Moses for bringing them out of Egypt. This hunger and longing for the old food obliterated God's working in their lives. It became so bad that He sent them quail til it came out their nostrils. He gave them their request, but with that request came hardness in their hearts.  Did they humbly obey God? No, they rebelled at almost everything! What about my heart? Am I content with the manna (God's provision) in my life? Am I longing for what the world has to offer? When I endure my times of hardship and adversity, what character is revealed? I know that I have seen the great power of God's word. They are real and relevant for every situation. I have experienced His great grace and power that is made perfect in weakness. For the sake of Christ then, I am content with weaknesses, hardships, insults, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, I am strong. This is my prayer that I would learn to be content!  

     

God disciplined Israel just as He does all His children. As the loving Father He gives us what we need. For what purpose is this discipline? So that I might obey His commandments, walk in His ways, and fear Him. Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you. So you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God by walking in his ways and by fearing him. This is God's plan for my life as well. David's prayer in Ps. 86 echoes these verses. Teach me your ways, O Lord; that I may walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your name. The key is saturation in the Word because there I am united to Him and His plan and purpose for my life.

 

Father,

Thank You for revealing Your plan for my life. Give me Your strength and power to be in Your word, to obey, and to fear Your name. Hide my life in Yours.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Worldly Sorrow

Mt. 27:3-8

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,  saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself."  And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.  But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money."  So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

Judas' decision and consequent action were the epitome of the worst decision ever! For 30 pieces of silver, that he didn't even keep, he threw his life away. What a temptation money is! But what I am wondering is what changed his mind? Would seeing the innocent Jesus condemned to die have affected him so much that he changed his mind and gave back the money? Didn't he know what would happen when he betrayed Jesus? Did he think that when he gave back the money, the chief priests would change their minds? Did he think that he could undo what he had done? Sadly, some decisions cannot be undone! The chief priests didn't care at all, not about Judas, their co-conspirator, or about Jesus. Judas saw his only recourse was to hang himself because he couldn't live with this load of guilt crushing down on him. Sadly, that is what happens when you only change your mind and not your heart! Changing the mind leaves only regret, but changing the heart leads to repentance. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. How true in the life of Judas! He was a man totally controlled by the world, its ambition, its sorrow, and finally its death.

Father,
Thank You for the gift of sorrow, repentance, and salvation! Your forgiveness is so gracious!
In the name of Jesus who died for me,
Amen

Enough From You

Deut. 3:26

But the Lord was angry with me because of you and would not listen to me. And the Lord said to me, Enough from you; do not speak to me of this matter again.

Moses was giving final instructions to Israel before they were to conquer the promised land, and once more he pleaded with the Lord saying, O Lord God, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your mighty hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such mighty acts as yours? Please let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan... But God had already told him the answer. There was no change! Sometimes the desire of our hearts is so strong that we say, please, please, please... just like a little child, but sometimes God's answer is no. And that is an answer that has to be accepted. Apparently, Moses was not accepting what God had told him because the Lord was angry and would not listen. Enough of this matter! How like a parent dealing with a child that won't stop asking. Enough of this matter! On one hand, we are to be the importunate neighbor knocking and asking repeatedly for bread, but on the other hand, we are to accept the thorn in the flesh in Paul's case or not entering the land in Moses' case. What it requires on my part is trusting my life, my future to the wisdom of a sovereign God. He knows what is best for me as He knew what was best for Moses and Paul. Like Paul I want to say, We have this treasure in jars to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way yet not crushed; perplexed yet not driven to despair; persecuted yet not forsaken; struck down yet not destroyed. Always carrying in our bodies the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our bodies. That is my desire and my prayer!

Father,
Give me Your grace and power to make these verses a reality. Help me to submissively accept Your plan for my life even when it gets so hard. Thank You for listening, and caring, and for coming alongside me to carry the burden with me.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Watch and Pray

Mt. 26:41

Watch and pray that you many not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but he flesh is weak.

Jesus, being sorrowful and troubled, went to Gethsemane with Peter and the two sons of Zebedee for the express purpose of praying. After asking His disciples to watch with Him, he went a little ways away and opened His heart to the Father. My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. What Grief and pain! His soon-to-be task was overwhelming. Just the contemplation of it was agonizing, but thankfully, He had His disciples there with Him to come alongside Him and support Him. NOT! When Jesus came back to them, they were sleeping! Jesus asked them a very pointed question.  So you could not watch with me one hour? What a question? One hour...could they stay awake to fish or to eat, or any countless number of other activities? The answer would no doubt be yes, but to pray was a different story. Jesus says watch and pray. These two activities are of ultra importance if temptation is to be avoided. What is the temptation Jesus is exposing? Is it prayerlessness, apathy, self-indulgence, or sleeping?  I imagine all of these apply in this situation. Perhaps the point is that if I am unaware and take the path of least resistance (sleeping), whatever the temptation is will have control. Again Jesus went away to pray. My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done. Again Jesus came back and found them sleeping. Apparently, His earlier rebuke had not pricked their hearts at all. So Jesus left and went and prayed again a third time, saying the same words again. When He came back, He woke them because the time was at hand. The betrayer would do His deed.

What I see in this account is the great power of the flesh! The disciples could not shake it off. Sleep had reduced them to powerless pawns whose hearts were dead to the great agony of Jesus. I am sure that in a wakeful state, they would not have chosen to act like this, but when watching and prayer are abandoned, what you least expect takes you over. I can't follow Jesus on auto-pilot! I must ever be constantly watching and praying. Secondly, I see Jesus praying the same thing three times. His heart was so burdened and heavy that He had to express it to His Father repeatedly. Even though He did not like or want this cup, He submitted to the will of the Father. Many times the will of the Father is a bitter cup that is heinous to drink, but like Jesus, I must drink because the Father's will must be obeyed. Like Jesus I must learn obedience by submitting. What a salvation was gained by Jesus' bitter cup! What lessons come from my bitter cup as well! God's will is always for my good and for my holiness!

Thirdly, I am reminded that sleep if often a great deterrent to prayer. Does praying in bed really work? No wonder Matthew stresses praying in a closet (no bed there, probably not even a chair!) The point is this: watch and pray. Be alert to want is happening! Keep my connection to the Father always in place!

Father,

Thank You for being there for me in the rough times when my heart is burdened beyond belief. Thank You for listening to my same heart cries. Give me Your grace to help me submit to the hard things. Teach me more about watching and praying.

In His name,

Amen

What I Dread

Job. 3:25-26

For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes.

Sadly, Job cursed the day of his birth. When His suffering became overwhelming, the fleshly thing to do was lash out. Initially, he lashed out at life, at his birth. How many people have felt this way when things get bad? It seems like suffering can be sustained through the serious misfortune and then for awhile, but soon, when every day morphs into more and more of the same, it becomes the thing that people dread. They lose their quiet spirit and their rest. Sleep escapes them and trouble becomes their entire focus. I have never cursed the day of my birth, but my quiet spirit and sleep have definitely escaped me. Prednisone seems to be the thing that I dread and often befalls me. How to handle it? What to do?

Must man go through this cycle during the hard times? Is there not enough grace for this too? First, I must remember what is true about God. In faithfulness you have afflicted me...I am severely afflicted; give me life according to Your word (go to the Word and pray)...You are my hiding place and shield (run to Him)...Look on my affliction and deliver me (He will deliver and hear my prayer). God is a deliverer and a present help in trouble! He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge. Secondly, I need to cling to His words (memorize, meditate, and pray them). There is power in His words like no other words. They are life-giving and life-sustaining. 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. For the sake of Christ then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. What amazing words! What amazing grace! Certainly this verse was tailor made for Job and for me!

Father,

Keep me from letting the flesh take control of my life and spirit when the suffering comes. Keep me covered in Your grace and strength each moment. Keep me connected to You for all that I need.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Touch His Bone and His Flesh

Job 2: 10

But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak, shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

After speaking with God a second time, Satan got permission to touch Job's body but not take his life. So he struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. They were so bad that he sat in the ashes and scraped himself with a broken piece of pottery. As if that weren't bad enough, his wife decided to throw in her 2 cents worth. Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die. How terrible that looks in print! What a revealing incident! I wonder if this trait is something that wives need to pay special attention to. When things get bad, it seems to be easy for them to only see the negative. Is it because women live in the present so much? I mean what did Job's wife have to do now? There was no house to manage, no children or grandchildren to visit. All was lost, and in her mind, it was no doubt Job's God!

Next Job's three friends came to visit. Job looked so bad he was unrecognizable. (I can identify. He probably looked like I did when I was on prednisone for so long!) The text says they came to show him sympathy and comfort. They raised their voices and wept, tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads, and sat with him seven days and night. No one spoke for they saw he was suffering greatly. At this point in the story, they were good friends! What a comfort it is just to be with a person, to empathize. Comfort doesn't always come in words or in a fix-all solution. It comes in coming alongside and just being there.

At the conclusion of this chapter, Job still had not sinned with his lips. He had truly put a guard over his lips. He had not allowed the adverse circumstances of life to overcome his spirit. His relationship to God was more important that all else. He knew that God kills and brings to life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and He exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor...He will guard the feet of His faithful ones...

Father,

Teach me to thank You equally for the bad and the good. Help me to keep my eyes on You as I go through this life accepting what You have allowed in my life.

In Jesus name,

Amen