Singing in the Stocks

Acts 16:25

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

 

After Paul had driven the evil spirit out of the slave girl, her owners and the townspeople became enraged seizing them and taking them before the magistrates. After the charge was verbalized, the crowd began attacking them, and the magistrates tore off their clothes giving orders for them to be beaten. The blows rained on them hot and heavy followed by a quick trip to prison with strict instructions to the jailer to keep them safely. Certainly, this was unlike any ordinary court of law with order and decorum. Fearing for his life, he put them in the inner prison and in stocks.

 

Just imagine when their bodies felt like with lacerations and bruises beyond belief and then being  confined in an awkward position. A situation like this this would cause most people to grumble, curse, and even question God. But not Paul and Silas! Amazingly they began singing hymns. What an eye-opener for me! How many times have I become discouraged during a trial or times of intense pain? Have I ever resorted to singing hymns? What a witness! As the prisoners were listening, an earthquake shook the foundations of the prison opening doors and loosing bonds. The jailer instantly assumed Paul and Silas had escaped and was preparing to kill himself. Unlike Peter's experience in jail, Paul and Silas remained. Calling out to the jailer, he ran to them and fell at their feet. What a perfect divine appointment! Sharing the gospel, the jailer and his household believed. According to God's perfect will and timing, what man meant for evil, God meant for good. Suffering and opposition do not necessarily mean God is shutting the door.

 

The jailer took them to his home, washed and cared for their wounds and fed them. The household rejoiced that Jesus had saved them. But when it was day, the magistrates sent for them. Paul would not go telling them that he and Silas were Roman citizens. The police and the magistrates were appalled that they had treated the men so badly and came and apologized to them. Leaving the city, they visited Lydia again, the one whom God had opened her heart to pay attention. How exciting to see God working in the spread of His gospel! Sometimes without opposition and sometimes with intense opposition.! During all of it, Paul and Silas focused their eyes on God and never lost sight of their mission.

 

Father,

Strengthen my heart for the proclamation of Your gospel. Take away my fear and give me that same spirit that allowed Paul and Silas to sing in the stocks. Help me keep my eyes on You and not on the circumstances.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Opened Her Heart

Acts 16:14

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

 

In response to the Macedonian vision, Paul and Timothy made their way to Philippi, a leading city in Macedonia and a Roman colony. Remaining in the city for a few days, they went outside the gate to the riverside where there was supposed to be a place of prayer. It was here at a divine appointment that Paul met Lydia. How beautiful is God's timing! In the first place, Lydia was not from that city but from Thyatira (a goodly distance away). Yet, she had come to the river to worship and to pray with other women.

 

Lydia herself was a business woman, a seller of purple goods which implies she was a woman of means and decisive action, but the important thing about her was that she was a worshiper of God. As Paul talked to her, The Lord opened her heart to pay attention. What a beautiful way to express the drawing of the Lord! When the Lord draws a person to Himself there is no distance too great, no messenger too far away, and no heart unprepared. He will bring to pass all the circumstances necessary for that one saving moment. The text transitions immediately from her listening to the baptism of Lydia and her household. Clearly, her heart was responsive, and she was ready to follow the Lord. Seizing the opportunity, she invited Paul and Timothy to stay at her house. Such a house guest as this would mean more teaching and more growth! Not only was her heart opened, but it was also hungry for the words that would help her grow as a disciple of the Lord.

 

Father,

As I read Your word and walk through each day, open my heart to pay attention to the opportunities for growth and for witness that You bring in my life. Help me be decisive in each day's circumstances, constantly learning and growing.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Put to Death

Col. 3:5-7

Put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In this you once walked, when you were living in them.

 

Put to death sounds so decisive! There is no wiggle room, no place for hanging onto bad habits or allowing outbursts of the flesh. So what to do? I know that I can't accomplish this new life in my own strength, but by the same token, I just can't sit idle waiting for this new life to drop down on me complete and finalized. I know that the process of dying to self is a continuous struggle of obedience to His will in place of my disobedience and self-will. But specifically, how do I start this process of submission?

 

II Cor. 13:5 says Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you. I need to take a good hard look to see if my life stacks up with the clear teaching of the Bible. If I say yes, then am I living like Christ is in me? If I am, then 'Christ in me' should be a huge determiner of what my life should be. Christ in me...How powerful is that! Living carelessly and foolishly is an affront to His sacrifice and His holiness.

 

II Cor. 7:1 says Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. I do have the promises of the Word. With the light of the word in my life revealing areas of sin and self still hanging on, I can cleanse myself. There is no room for godliness when sinfulness is there.

 

Heb. 3:12-13 says 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 a hard one...having other believers exhort me. Certainly, it would point out the pride still hanging on in my life. Sin is deceitful and has the potential to harden my heart toward the promises of the word, hardening my heart and convincing me that certain behaviors in my life are just bad habits and not sin, that they are really alright, and that they are not disobedience. How deceitful is my sin!

 

II Pet. 1:9-10 says For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. There fore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make you calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fail. What qualities are referred to in these verses? Faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Whoa! How could I possibly have all these in my life? Peter explains that since God has granted me salvation, I am a partaker of His divine nature and have escaped the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desires. I have His great powerhouse of promises to infuse my life with His power and strength. He has promised that I will not be ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of Jesus. But am I claiming that promise?  Am I allowing Him and His word to give me victory over my sinful desires? Or am I so nearsighted that I am blind to the true state of my soul, spirit, and body? Have I forgotten that I am saved, cleansed, and have a new nature? If I know all this then I must be diligent to make my calling and election sure.

 

Father,

Your promises are so true and so powerful. But even as I read these passages, I know how far I have to go to be pleasing in Your sight. Help me to live in the reality of Your words. Give me Your strength and grace. Open my eyes. Make me God-sighted! Teach me how to live for You.

In Jesus name,

Amen



 



Coveting

Col. 3:5

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

 

Coveting is merely wanting something someone else had, but is it a 'merely' in God's eyes? In our culture coveting is often verbalized and even considered a compliment. How twisted! If I think about coveting, I think it is not nearly as bad as the sins involving sex, but yet here it is in the same list. What really makes it clear to me is when the verse equates coveting with idolatry. How does God feel about idolatry? I Cor. 10:7 says Do not be idolaters. Simple as that, black and white! Don't do it!

 

I Cor. 10 puts it into perspective when it describes the Israelites on their wilderness walk. It was here that they desired evil things [ coveting]. But why are the things evil? Are they evil in themselves or is it the desire for them that makes them evil? I would think it was because coveting is breaking an express command of God even though it is a socially acceptable thing. The desire for these things is an affront to the holiness of God. He considers this desire idolatry! How that reveals the true evil in coveting! I would never knowingly commit idolatry, but yet I would struggle with coveting. Obviously, the world's values have compromised the way that I think, but God has identified the heart of the issue. Since no man can serve two masters, I cannot allow coveting in my life. I can not allow another idol to co-exist with God. In God's eyes there is no coexisting, He is either Master of all or not at all. Instead, I need to take heed lest I fall. I need to listen up, to get my mind transformed, and to confess those feelings as soon as they creep into my head. God faithfully promises to provide me a way of escape from this temptation of coveting, but I have to want to escape. He is true to His promises, am I true to my commitments?

 

Father,

I confess that I have coveted. I am shamed by what I have allowed in my heart. Renew me and grant me repentance. Teach me to live in full obedience to what You say.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Earthly In You

Col. 3:5

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

 

When I read the lists of evil behaviors, I tend to think that these behaviors belong to someone else. 

After all I don't engage in sexual immorality, pornography, lust, or evil desires. I know that I have been gloriously saved and am growing in the Lord. But somehow in all these lists, there are one or two things listed that surprise me like covetousness, anger, grumbling, etc. These are sins that rear their ugly heads in my life much more than I would like them to. I must remember no matter how great the sin is from a human point of view, their end result is the same, separation from God. They keep my from having a close, intimate relationship with Him.

 

Obviously they must be problematic or they would not be included in this list. No doubt the root of all these evils whether horrendous or socially acceptable is my essential earthiness, my old nature. All believers still have that struggle with the defeating flesh, the law of sin that dwells in my members. What a conflict! The point is that I must continually put to death what is earthly in me. Putting to death is pretty much a full time job! One for which I must watch and pray and be constantly on guard. Before I can Put on [v. 12], I must put to death. The put on and the put to death cannot be roommates. No man can serve two masters. When  my fleshly behaviors surface, I must take them down immediately and not allow them even visiting privileges.

 

Father,

Make me aware of fleshly deeds that are mucking up my life. Give me your grace to put to death what is not pleasing to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Christ in Me

Col. 1:27

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you.

 

What a mystery is this! First that God chose to share the message of salvation with the Gentiles and  included us and allowing us to be His saints! Not only that but we become saints in and through the grace of God. It is not any works that we have done, but only His grace. Not to say that we don't work powerfully in and through His grace.

 

Then even more glorious is the fact that Christ is in us. He indwells us!

• The very one who delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
• the very one in whom we have redemption the forgiveness of sin,
• the very one who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation,
•  the very one who created all things in heaven and in earth,
• the very one who is before all things, and in Him all things hold together,
• the very one who is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, the very one in whom dwells all the fullness of God, who reconciles to Himself all things, who made peace by the blood of His cross,

This very one indwells all believers including me! Wow! What a glorious mystery is this! The question is how to live in the reality of these absolute truths! As Paul said, Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works in me! Am I toiling for the gospel? Am I allowing Christ to work powerfully in me?

 

Father,

Teach me how to live in the reality of the fact that Christ is in me! Draw me ever closer to Him so that as I know Him more He may give me a passion for Him. 

In Jesus name,

Amen



God Meant It for Good

Gen. 50:20

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

 

God has promised His children, those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, that all He does is for their good. The question comes over what is good. Man most often determines what is good in the here and now, but God sees the bigger picture. Joseph is a good example. The treatment that he received at the hand of His brothers was evil. After they sold him, he arrived in Egypt where he was prospering until he received evil treatment at the hand of Potiphar's wife. Finding himself in prison, he interpreted the dreams of the butler and the baker asking that they ask for his freedom. But he was completely forgotten and left in prison. He could have said many times that nothing was for his good. Where was God in his life as he was unjustly accused and left in prison.  But then one day, He was called out of prison to interpret Pharaoh's dream. It was here that man could see some good, but did that mean God wasn't doing good before? Man's perception is so at odds with God's. We can't always see the hand of God and understand His plan, but by faith we must trust His dealing with us.

 

He was elevated to a high rank in Egypt handling the years of famine. When his brothers came for food, he didn't seek revenge which would have been the normal response. But he took care of his family bringing all of them together. When his father died, the brothers feared that Joseph would seek revenge, but he told them not to fear. He knew the evil that they had done to him, was used by God for good. Oh to have faith like this! After all Joseph endured, he never wavered in his trust of God. He was securely in God's hand although many people would not see the good in his life for so many years. So often it is hard to endure rough treatment when it is unjust, but I Pet. says, for what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example to follow in His footsteps. How these verses characterize Joseph's life. What a lesson for me!

 

Father,

Keep me strong and safe in Your hand. Help me to see all life through Your eyes. Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth: unite my heart to fear Your name.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Have No Fear

Mt. 10:37-38

Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds His life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.



 

Jesus is teaching His disciples what it means to follow Him. After revealing that persecution is part of the journey, He explains why. Simply, a servant cannot be above his master. Since Christ was persecuted and suffered horrible injustice, likewise, His disciples should suffer. In fact, I Peter explains that suffering is the disciples' calling. [I Pet. 2:21] Sobering words! Jesus then said, And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Fear of man is futile and senseless!  God is in control of all circumstances. He has ordained what will come to pass, whether blessing or trial. Man's power is so severely limited to one dimension, the flesh, but God's power involves the body and the soul. His power determines not only this life, but also the life to come.

 

Since God's sovereignty extends over all nature with even the smallest creature losing its life only when God says so; in the same way, nothing happens to man without God's express approval. Because of this, a disciple need not fear anything that the world might do to them. God is in control!

So whoever acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies Me before me, I also will deny before My Father who is heaven. Heavy words! When persecution comes, a disciple must stand strong and true never wavering from His relationship with God. There will be no division in what a man says as opposed to what is in his heart. But Jesus says, do not fear. God is in control even in the face of horrendous persecution.

 

Jesus did not come to bring peace but to bring a sword, His word. His sword is able to discern the thoughts and motives of the heart and leave everyone naked before God. Jesus' call and the disciples' following will create a dividing line, even within families. He should be loved more than father, mother, son, or daughter. The disciples' relationship to Jesus supersedes all others. Many times a person's enemies will be those of his own house. So don't be fooled thinking God will make allowances for the disciples who hides their allegiance. Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds His life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Heavy! This life is not a cake walk. It requires courage, commitment, and loyalty. Jesus must be first and foremost.

 

Father,

As I read these words, fear does rear its ugly head. I wonder how strong I will be in the hard times. Grow me, Lord, so that I can be all You want me to be. Weed out any worldliness so that my commitment to You will not be flawed.

In His name,

Amen    

Faith

Mt. 9:28-29

When He entered the house, the blind men came to Him and Jesus said to them, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They said to Him, Yes, Lord. Then He touched their eyes saying, According to your faith be it done to you.

 

In Chapter 9, Jesus met many people, people who believed and people who criticized. First was the paralytic who was brought to Jesus by his friends. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, Take heart, my son, your sins are forgiven. But in that very audience were the criticizers accusing Jesus of blasphemy. Answering their criticisms before they had even been verbalized, Jesus explained that healing and forgiving sins both required the same thing: faith. As the healed man walked away, many saw it and glorified God, but not the criticizers.  

 

Secondly, a ruler whose daughter was ill come to Jesus. Kneeling down, he asked Jesus to come and lay His hand on her. Jesus went with the man, but on the way he met a woman who had been ill for 12 years. She knew that if she could touch the hem of His garment, she could be healed. What faith! She believed in Jesus without even presenting her case. All she needed was a passing touch! But Jesus did notice here and told her that her faith had made her whole. Finally, Jesus arrived at the ruler's house only to find the girl had died. Sending the scoffing mourners away, He went into the girl and healed her. She arose!

 

Next were two blind men who followed Jesus begging for mercy. Jesus asked them the pointed question, Do you believe that I am able to do this? They had faith and said yes! They were healed as Jesus said, According to your faith be it done to you. It was their faith that was necessary for this great miracle.

 

The last incident involved a mute man who was demon oppressed. No words were exchanged but the demon was gone and the man spoke. However, the criticizers had a word, He casts our demons by the prince of demons. What a difference faith makes! People who believed had miraculous things accomplished in their lives, but those who had no faith could only criticize. They were only left with the bitter taste of unbelief.

 

Seeing all these incidents speaks to my heart. Is my faith so weak that I can only doubt, or do I believe Jesus can do these things. Such a simple question he asked the blind men, Do you believe I can do this? I am sure that Jesus is asking the same thing of me. Do I believe He can be true to the promises in His Word? Is my faith strong enough that all I need is a passing touch? Do I go to Jesus when life has left me speechless or feeling depleted? Thankfully, faith is a gift of God in itself. I do have faith. I need only pray that God will increase my faith.

 

Father,

Increase my faith. Spirit, bring it to my attention when I am not taking the passing touch and allowing the world to tear me down. Lord I do believe, but help me keep connected constantly to You.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Little Faith

Mt. 8:26-27

And He said to them, Why are you afraid, O you of little faith? Then He rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey Him?

 

Jesus got into the boat with His disciples following. A great storm arose and the boat was in danger of being swamped. Where was Jesus? Did He know the great danger they were all in? When fear overtook the disciples, they woke Jesus saying, Save us Lord. We are perishing. Jesus simply rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm! The men marveled because even nature obeyed Jesus.

 

What a simple but amazing story! How like my life! I am in the boat with Jesus everyday. I know that He never leaves me or forsakes me: In truth, I know He constantly indwells me as does the Spirit of God. But on many days storms arise. Like the disciples, I often try and handle the storm on my own, doing all the things that I know to counteract the situation. And like the disciples, I finally call out to Jesus when the situation is out-of-control, and I have no other recourse. And like the disciples I am often amazed when I see the hand of Jesus calm that storm in my life. How foolish! I know in my head that Jesus is all powerful, and that God has ordained every moment and detail of my life before my life was even in existence. I know that God has promised me that all things will work together for my good, even those scary storms. So if I know all this, and I do, why then do I fear? Why do I try and be self-sufficient instead of God-dependent? I am afraid that God would say the same thing to me, Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?

 

How do I grow in faith? How do I rely constantly on Jesus? I think my personal relationship with Him is of key importance. The more that I know Him, the more that I can trust Him. The more time I spend in His word and in prayer, the more I trust Him. Intimacy brings trust! Also, my faith is strengthened in the storms. It is in the storms and trials that I realize my weakness and frailty in comparison to His strength and power. It is there that I see His power at work. Thirdly, my faith grows when my desire is strong. If I am content to muck around in weakness and bemoan my state, then that is where I will stay. But if I want His power and presence more than anything else, then my faith will be increased. Finally, I must acknowledge that it is all of grace. His grace is my sufficiency. Grace replaces my self-effort, my works. Grace is the conduit for Jesus to have full power and control in my life. What a glorious God who blesses me with all this!

 

God,

Increase my faith. Send Your Spirit to warn me when I plunge ahead in my own strength and neglect to rely on You. Thank You for this unbelievable grace!!

In Jesus name,

Amen

Tribulation

Acts 14:27-28

And when they had arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all the God had done with them, and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they remained no little time with the disciples.

 

  Problem #1-Opposition and attempted stoning

The early church was full of fervor, preaching and teaching and adding many to the church on a daily basis. Not only that but the gospel was spreading to other cities, and many signs and wonders were done. Even though all this sounds good, there was still opposition. In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly for the Lord granting signs and wonders. But all that they said and did was not well received. Unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds dividing the city. Their discord went so far that an attempt was made by both Jews and Gentiles to stone them, but they fled.

 



Problem #2-Mistaken for false gods

 





At Lystra, Paul was preaching again when he saw a man crippled from birth. Seeing that the man had faith, he told him to rise up and walk. And he did! The people there thought they must be gods to the degree that the priest of Zeus brought oxen and garlands to offer sacrifices. Paul and Barnabas ran into the crowd tearing their garments and questioning the crowd, and declaring emphatically that they were men just like them! He asked them to turn from these vain things to the living God.

 

 

Problem #3-Actual stoning

 

The Jews from Antioch and Iconium followed them to Lystra and persuaded the crowd into stoning Paul. Perceiving him to be dead, they dragged him out of the city. But when the disciples gathered round him, he got up and walked into the city. What a shocker!

 

Strengthening and Encouraging

 

The next day he went to Derbe and made disciples there. Then he returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith and saying that through many tribulations they must enter the kingdom of God. In today's culture, if difficulty arises, we assume that God is not leading in that venue. In our minds we equate success with lack of problems. But clearly, that is not how God works! Paul preached to many who became disciples, yet in the midst of this great movement of the Spirit, came intense persecution even to the point of stoning. The church flourished in the face of this persecution. Tribulation was a vital part of their faith.

 

After passing through the cities of Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, and Attalia, they went back to Antioch, the scene of much blessing but of very real persecution. The church gathered together declaring all that God had done especially how He had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. What a praise! How mightily God had worked! Were the disciples at all diminished in their fervor because of the persecution? No, not in any way. They knew that to this they had been called, because Christ also suffered for them, leaving them an example, so that they might follow in His steps. Believers must follow their Savior, accept His call, and share His gospel even in the face of persecution and tribulation!

 

Father,

Strengthen me to speak boldly for you without fear of reprisal. Give me Your grace to share the gospel.

In Jesus name,

Amen



The Word

Ps. 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock, and my redeemer.

 

Because God is sovereign over all the earth, David praises God for creation and for His word. God's words are always true because of who God is. His character and power are reflected in His words.

• The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. It must be perfect because the giver of the words is perfect. These are not just any words, but they are life giving words.
• The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Because God's words are sure and dependable, they can be trusted for anyone and in any situation. They have the potential to impart wisdom to those who know the Speaker of the Words.
• The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. What a blessing! Not only do they give wisdom but they give joy.
• The commandment of the Lord is pure enlightening the eyes. These words open the eyes of our heart to understand His purity and to purify our hearts.
• The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. Jesus is the living word of God. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, timeless. I am in awe of  its timelessness.
• The rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. The Word is absolutely True, in any situation, with any people, and in any time. Through His Word, His righteousness is imparted to us when we believe and accept Him as our Savior.
• More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. His Words are sweet to our souls and hearts and are unbelievably valuable.
• Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping of them is great reward. His words convict of sin and of judgment keeping me where I should be. They also give me a hope, the blessed hope.

What a blessing is His Word! How life-changing and transforming! No wonder David would end this psalm with this prayer. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock, and my redeemer.

 

Father,

Thank You for Your precious Word and its great value that You have given to me so that I might know You and Your Son and so that I might live eternally praisingYour name. Make my words and my thoughts acceptable to You.

In His name,

Amen

Continue in the Grace of God

Acts 13:43

And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

 

Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch sharing the message of Jesus. To begin with, Paul traced the workings of God through Jewish history, and when he came to David, he made the vital connection to Jesus. David died, was put to rest, and knew corruption, but Jesus did not see corruption at all. As Paul told those assembled about Jesus forgiving sin and fulfilling the law, many wanted to hear more including some Jews and devout men. To these he urged them to continue in the grace of God. What a simple way to describe the believer's walk! Continuing in the grace of God means no additions (works, Judaism, etc.) of any kind but simply relying on grace. As Paul said, By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

 

The next Sabbath day nearly the entire city joined together to hear the Word of the Lord. But into the mix also came discord. Many Jews were filled with jealousy and began to contradict Paul. But were Paul and Barnabas intimidated? No, they explained that, It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. What a slap in the face to these people! But when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified God, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. God's sovereign will and plan was fulfilled down to the last person. I imagine the Jews thought they had the last word when they ran Paul and Barnabas out of town, but instead it just meant the gospel would be spreading to Iconium as well. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.  What a glorious time! God was working mightily in His disciples and many believed. The church was growing!

 

Father,

Point out to me when I am not continuing in the grace of God. Help me to live each day in this reality.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Miracle

Acts 12:16

But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.

 

Believers were fearful for their personal safety since James the brother of John had been killed by Herod. Seeing that what he had done pleased the Jews, Herod arrested Peter also leaving four squads of soldiers to guard him. While Peter was in prison, the church prayed diligently, and as Peter was sleeping, an angel came to him and woke him. After his chains had fallen off, he dressed himself making ready for a journey. Peter followed the angel, even though he doubted the reality of it and thought he was having a vision. He went passed the first and second gate and then finally the iron gate leading to the city without any problem. Amazingly, the gates opened of their own accord. Leaving Peter on a city street, the angel left, and Peter realized that it was not a vision but a reality.

 

Peter then went to the house of Mary. When he knocked on the door, Rhoda, a servant girl answered. Knowing it was Peter, she ran to tell those assembled at the house who were praying for Peter at this exact time. Sadly, they did not believe her! But Peter continued knocking until finally the door was opened. When he walked into their presence, they were amazed. Relaying to them his angelic experience, he dispatched people to tell James and the brothers. God's purpose allowed James to be killed but Peter to be saved. Did Herod do anything apart from the express will of God? No, he was merely an instrument accomplishing God's purpose and will.

 

Even though Herold was livid about Peter's escape and had killed the soldiers who had guarded him, his power was soon to end. One day he put on his royal robes and sat upon his throne. After speaking to those assembled, the people shouted that he was a god and not a man. Immediately, the angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not give God the glory. He was eaten by worms and breathed his last breath. Certainly, a case of poetic justice! The Christians were not deterred by these incidents; in fact, the Word of God increased and multiplied! God's will and purpose takes many different forms. For some, it is safety and protection, but for others it could mean death and persecution.  What it means for any believer is a walk of trust and faith in God even when the circumstances are hard to understand.

 

Father,

Build my faith in You so that fear will not take root in my heart. Help me to stand for You even in hard times.

In Jesus name,

Amen

What Is True About God

Ps. 16:2

I say to the Lord, You are my Lord, I have no good apart from you.

 

What is true about God? Certainly David, the author of this psalm, knew that God would never fail him. As he constantly was in danger, He anchored his soul and his life on the promises of God. He knew that God would always be true to His word.

• I have no good apart from Him.- And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.(Rom. 8:28) What a promise to give my life meaning and purpose!
• The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot. He is my chosen portion because He has chosen me to be His child. He is the cup that gives me living water. He has planned my days. In your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. (Ps. 139:16)
• I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. He is my counsellor because He knows me, His purpose for me, and His plan for all my days. But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (Jn. 14:26)
• I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. --Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I never travel alone because He never leaves me.
• You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. --I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. (Jn. 10:28) He has promised that He will never leave me. I am His eternally.
• You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of Joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. He revealed the path of life to me in the person of His Son. I am the way, the truth and the life. (Jn. 14:6) One day, the Son will call me home to be with Him forevermore. My life will be singing the praises of God eternally.

Remembering what is true about God is the way to handle whatever obstacles life brings me. Like David, I can rely on Him who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is 100 % true to His word. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

 

Father,

I know You are true to Your words. Bring them to my mind and heart when I am in a low place.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Anxiety

Mt. 6:25

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your own body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing.

 

The section on anxiety begins with a 'therefore.' Looking back to verses 19-21, it warns believers to lay up treasures in heaven not on this earth. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. No doubt treasuring things on this earth and trying amass a great deal of these treasures creates anxiety. If clothes, food, and shelter were unimportant to me, then I wouldn't worry about them, but if they are something that I value, that makes a statement about who I am, then of course, I would be concerned about them. Anxiety over these temporal issues says a great deal about my heart. Am I treasuring these things? Do I want to be held in esteem by the world? Do I want to look in style? Who sets the standard for this style? Is it the world? How easy it is to buy into what the world has to offer, to want what they have, and to live like they live!

 

God does not want me to be anxious. He wants me to examine my heart. What am I treasuring? If I am treasuring Him and His words, then His promises will by my stay. His word tells me that He feeds the birds and clothes the lilies of the fields. If He clothes them and their life span is so short, isn't it logical that He will clothe and feed us. Where is my faith? If I worry about these things, then my faith is small because my heart is divided. I am not treasuring the things of God but instead treasuring the things of the world. No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, of he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. And that includes what money can buy. God clearly tells me that I can't love the things of the world and the things of God. If my loyalty is with Him, then anxiety over insignificant things of this world will not be a problem. My heart will be treasuring eternal things!

 

 For the Gentiles seek after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow...Finally, all the dots are connected. First, where is my heart? Secondly, who am I serving? Where is my allegiance? Thirdly, God says that these things are the same thing that the Gentiles seek.  As I watch their pursuit, do I want what they have? Or do I want to rest and trust in the Father who knows what I need. If I choose Him, and my heart is treasuring eternal things, then He has promised to give me what I need. I have no need to worry. But if I am treasuring temporal things and wanting what the world has, then I will worry. What a revealing passage! Anxiety over these things is a matter of the heart, over what I treasure and over where my allegiance is. I choose God and His promises; therefore anxiety need not characterize my life.

 

Father,

Build my faith so that I can trust you implicitly. Reveal to me the issues of my own heart.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Christ in Me

Acts 10:43

To Him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.

 

God prepared Peter's heart to receive Gentile believers first by a vision of unclean and common animals. God told Peter to eat from the all the animals. Perplexing though it was and before He truly understood it, some men were at his door asking if Simon Peter lived here. At this express moment, Peter had a second vision telling him that 3 men would be asking for him. Peter met the men and was told that Cornelius, an upright, God-fearing man, was directed by an angel to bring Peter to him.

 

The next day Peter went and entered the house of Cornelius where he was met with great admiration and even worship. Peter lifted Cornelius up to the same level and declared his vision, a vision which had changed his previous thinking about who or what was common or unclean. After Cornelius shared his vision, Peter began to teach that God shows no partiality. In every nation anyone who fears Him is acceptable to Him. Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.

 

While Peter was speaking the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard his word. Amazing to the Jews who were there, the Gentiles began speaking in tongues and extolling God. Peter knew that baptism must follow. How amazing was this to the Jews who heard of it! Paul preached about this same thing saying, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints, to them God chose to make known among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. What a glorious gospel!

 

Father,

Thank You for including me in Your chosen people and giving me the greatest gift of all, Christ in me, the hope of glory.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Transformed!

Acts 9:3-6

Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And he said, Who are you, Lord" And He said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what to do.

 

What a transformation! Paul had been breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. Before his journey to Damascus, he had even asked the high priest to give him letters that would allow him to bring Christians bound back to Jerusalem. Certainly, he was all-in against Jesus and believers of The Way. But on his way, he met Jesus, the One he had persecuted with such intensity. As a light flashed, he heard a voice saying, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? Responding, he asked who was this voice. Much to his surprise he heard,  I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what to do. All his fellow travelers were astounded. They had heard a voice but had seen no one. As Saul stood up, he found himself blind.

 

At this time, Ananias heard the Lord as well telling him to go to a street called Strait to look for Saul  at the house of Judas. He would find Saul praying and waiting for him. Ananias was to lay hands on him and restore his vision. Ananias and Saul had had corresponding visions. But Ananias was afraid! He knew the reputation of Saul, but the Lord said, Go, for he is an instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name. Ananais obeyed. Saul's sight was restored. When he arose, he was baptized and spent several days with the disciples. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogue.Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

 

What a transformation Jesus makes in a life! Saul had gone from #1 persecutor of The Way to fervent proclaimer of the Way. His life was radically changed in purpose, passion, position, and priorities. He was not the same person!! Before many days, the Jew were plotting to kill him. A complete reversal had transpired! I imagine the Jews in Jerusalem were undone wondering how could this have happened to Saul. How could anyone go from persecutor to persecuted? But still they wouldn't consider The Way. They continued on as they had done before, persecuting anything foreign to their plan and power. 

 

Father,

Grow me into such fervor and passion. Teach me how to be bold in sharing Jesus. Take away my fear of man.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

Refuge

Ps. 11:4-5

The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyelids test the children of man. The Lord tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked, and the one who loves violence.

 

The Psalmist, David,  was distressed because the wicked were after him. The natural response would be to run, to flee to the mountains away from these people, but there was no safety there. David knew that the enemy arrows were strong and sure going straight to the heart of the upright. Even in the darkness they could hit their target. Who was this enemy? How could they operate unhindered by laws? The problem was foundational. He knew that If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? David had no earthly hope for protection.



 

Even though earthly hope was gone, Davud was not hopeless. He cried out to God, the One whose holy temple and throne are in heaven. He knew that God saw all, even the plans of the wicked, and is not surprised by the current events. In fact, God tests the righteous, but the wicked He hates. David asked God to rain coals on the wicked, and have fire, sulfur and a scorching wind be their portion. No doubt David felt the time was right for this test to be over and time for the wicked to receive their just due. He knew that the Lord is righteous and loves righteous deeds. For this reason, David took refuge in the Lord! He knew that his safety was only assured in the presence of the Lord. No human intervention would suffice! He knew that the Lord loves righteous deeds and will allow the upright to behold His face.

 

How like many situations today! In other countries where the foundations are evil, there is no hope for believers. There is no legislation or government that will come to the aid of the upright. There is no mountain that can hide them or give them protection. There is no place to run! As they hit the evil full on, they are either all in or all out. There is no place for waffling and trying to live the secret Christians life. Their only recourse is to cry out to the God who loves and cherishes the righteous. When the test is finished and the timing is right, God will act. Like David did so long ago, people can cry out for God to send His judgment on the wicked now! Only in God is refuge for those who love and obey Him.

 

As our freedoms are eroding either by executive order or liberal legislation, I am beginning to feel like this as well. Certainly these times of testing reveal the true heart of every man. Similarly, I see no place I can flee. I can only trust God in this time of testing and cry out to Him to bring His judgment on the wicked. But perhaps what is happening in America is God's judgment. I pray that my heart and my resolve are strong and steady. I pray that in this time of testing, I will take my refuge in God alone. 

 

Father,

Give me Your grace and strength to stand strong in these uncertain times. Purify me even as you judgement falls on the wicked. Take away my fear and fill me with Your peace.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

Stephen

Acts 7:60

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.

 

Stephen was a man full of grace and power and doing great wonders and signs among the people. But as it always is, some who listened disputed with him. Knowing that they could not withstand his wisdom and Spirit, they secretly plotted against him accusing him of speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God. Stirring up the people, elders, and scribes, they seized Stephen and brought him before the council. With false witnesses to back up their accusations, they made their case. Amazingly, as all in the council looked at him during these accusations, they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. I wonder if that didn't enrage the people even more. It was as if they had lost all power over Stephen. They could not destroy his peace in God.

 

The high priest asked simply if these things were so. Stephen answered by giving a history of God's workings with Israel, the bad and the good. Throughout the historical journey, he pointed out their jealousy, disobedience, penchant for false gods, and finally ended with David and Solomon who built an earthly dwelling for God. Yet the most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophets says, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not I make all these things? At this point he transitioned to some heavy words. You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As you fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced before hand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it. Talk about starting a fire! Those that heard these words were enraged and ground their teeth at him! Stephen had hit the nail on the head and had exposed the evil heart of those listening.

 

But Stephen was unafraid! Being full of the Holy Ghost, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. How glorious is that! When he relayed those events to the people, they screamed and rushed at him. Casting him out of the city, they stoned him. The witnesses laid their garments at the feet of Saul. Interesting that Saul would get a foretaste of what was to follow in his life! As the stones were flying at Stephen, he called out, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Lord, do not hold this sin against them. When he had finished, he slept. After seeing all this, Saul gave his approval to their actions, a fact which would be hard to forget!

 

What an example of trust! He was unafraid to speak the words of God even in the face of death. Still, when they came at him unjustly, he prayed for their souls. How like Jesus whom he saw in heaven! When persecution comes my way, how will I stand? Am I unafraid to speak the words of truth?

 

Father,

As I read this account, I can't relate to Stephen's relationship with Jesus. He truly meant more to him than life itself. Open my eyes and ears to hear Your words and have them drastically change my life. Give me boldness to speak Your words.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen

 



Counted Worthy

Acts 5:41

And they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

 

Enraged by the preaching, teaching, and even the attitude of the apostles, the council was furious. They could not tolerate this blatant disregard for their orders. But in their midst was one voice of sanity, Gamaliel, a teacher of the law. He pointed out that if the council would continue this persecution, they would be adding fuel to the flame. He reminded them of men who had come before who had had their day in the light, but then all they said and did just petered out. He went on to say that if Peter and John were of man, then their movement would die as well, but if it was of God, then they could be found to be opposing even God. Wow! Definitely words of wisdom! So the council took his advice. Calling in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus. To the apostles this was a cause for rejoicing! They were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. I wonder if this situation were in today's culture, what my attitude would be. Would I be able to stand up and continue following Jesus even though it countered the authorities? Would I be able to rejoice in all the suffering? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy...For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps...when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly.

 

Father,

Give me Your grace and strength to stand for You and boldly speak Your gospel and the message of Jesus. Help me embrace this calling and rejoice in it.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 



Undeterred Zeal

Acts 5:17

But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is the party of the Sadducces), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.

 

 

During this time period, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the apostles. Contrary to the high priests' order, they had not stopped teaching and preaching about Jesus! In fact they were held in high esteem and many were gathered together on Solomon's Portico to listen and to be healed. Multitudes of men and women were added to the Lord. The Spirit was building God's church. In addition to preaching, there were many healings. People lay on cots and mats waiting for Peter to walk by so that his shadow might fall on them. How powerful! People from neighboring towns came with their sick physically and spiritually, and all were healed. How glorious!

 

But how did the high priest handle this blatant disobedience? The high priest and his party rose up in a jealous rage and arrested the apostles and put them in prison. During the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and delivered them saying, Go stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life. The apostles didn't need to be told twice. Immediately, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Wow!

 

In the meantime, the high priest and his party called together the council and the senate of the people to send for the apostles to be brought to them. What a surprise! Their officers found the prison empty even though the doors were locked, and the guard were at their posts. They were all perplexed. What had happened? Where were their prisoners? Into this mix came a messenger to tell them that their prisoners were standing and teaching in the temple.What a shocker! The officers who were sent for the men feared for their lives so no force was used. What could the high priest possibly say to the apostles? It appeared as if their words had no power at all. Certainly God's calling was His enabling! His church was being built through His great power! What an amazing time this was! So much fervor and fire! The men disregarded the negative and went forward to obey the Lord. Undeterred, the gospel of Jesus was preached, and many were added to the church.

 

Father,

Give me such faith and zeal. Open my eyes to the opportunities that You have for me. Give me the courage to speak Your truth.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Great Fear

Acts 5:11

And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

 

In Acts 4 the church is described as being of one heart and soul with personal ownership being replaced by community ownership. The apostles had great power in their preaching and great grace was upon them all. Grace to give and to live! What a time to be part of the church! Disciples were selling all that they had and laying the proceeds at the apostles' feet so that there was no one needy among them.

 

Into this purity and commitment walked Ananias and his wife Sapphira who wanted to be part of the group, but were not willing to be all in. Their hearts were in a different place than the other disciples. Thinking that it was enough to appear committed, they sold a field but kept back part of the proceeds for themselves. As Ananias stood before the apostles and laid the proceeds at the apostles feet, he was not met with praise but with a very pointed question. Why has Satan filled  your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? What could he possibly say? His true heart and motives were revealed. He had lied to God and not to man. He fell down dead. Great fear came upon the church! For sure! I imagine everyone was examining their hearts. Where there is great power, there must be great commitment and great purity!

 

Following suit and a few hours later, Sapphira appeared. Peter said, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much. She replied with a simple yes. How is it you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well. Immediately, she fell down dead. Great fear not only came upon all who were there, but on all who heard. This was not a church of pretense, but one of truth, purity, and power. The Spirit of God was here in great measure!

 

This church today is vastly different from the church in Acts. Where is the power and grace? Where is the commitment of hearts to be all in? Even though many people are not lying about their choices, it is not because the standard of commitment is high, but because the standard of commitment is so low. Many believers only give God the bare minimum of their time and their money. Perhaps that is why the fervent work of the Spirit is so blunted. Where is my heart? What is my level of commitment?

 

Father,

Show me what You see in my heart. Reveal to me the sin and self that dulls my responses. Thank You for such great grace and power in the Spirit, the same Spirit who lives within me.

In Jesus name,

Amen

By the Name of Jesus

Acts 4:10

Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead--by Him this man is standing before you well.

 

After the healing of the lame man and the constant preaching of the resurrection of Jesus, the religious powers were greatly annoyed. In fact so annoyed that they arrested Peter and John. The next day, they were questioned by all who were in the high-priestly family wanting to know the power that allowed them to do such a miracle. Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said, Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead--by Him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. His response was amazing! Not only did he say that Jesus was the power behind the healing, but he also put in focus the crucifixion, the cornerstone, and the fact that salvation is only in Jesus. I wonder if the high-priestly family was sorry they asked that question. No doubt, they could see their powers slipping away especially in the face of the boldness of Peter and John who were just common, uneducated men. Even theses corrupt priests could see that Peter and John had been with Jesus.

 

The priests conferred about what they could do to stop the spread of this Jesus faith. The best they could come up with was to command them not to speak or teach of Jesus anymore.  Peter and John simply responded with, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen  to you you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.  Slap in the face to these men who thought they had the power! They threatened further and finally had to let them go because of the people who were praising God for what had happened.

 

Peter and John went and met their friends telling them the whole story. Praying, they asked God to look upon the threats and give them the boldness to continue speaking. And when they had prayed the place was shaken for they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak with boldness the Word of God. Wow! What power and direction!

 

I know that the high-priestly family must have been so undone. I am sure that they thought when they had Jesus crucified it would all be over. But to their amazement, the movement was even stronger and more zealous than before. The name of Jesus was the  spark that had now burst into flame! Is it the same today? Does His name have the same significance? It should!

 

Father,

Keep me bold and unafraid to speak Your name and to speak in the power of His name.

Give me the words to say.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

The Holy and Righteous One

Acts 3:13

The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he decided to release Him.

 

What a reaction! The crowd of people running toward Peter, John, and the lame man merged into one mass. Seizing the opportunity, Peter began to speak very plainly and very pointedly! His opening question was, Why do you stare at us as if it was our own power that healed the man? Peter then connected all the dots for them and let the blame fall where it would. The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he decided to release Him. Attesting to the lineage and veracity of Jesus, Peter stated that the God of Jesus was the same God of the Jews' ancestors. In fact, this same Jesus, the One that they delivered over and denied, was the One who worked through us this very day. I can only imagine their thoughts. 'How can this be? I saw him die? Will He even bother us from the grave? Will we ever be rid of Him?' 

 

To make matters worse, Peter clarified exactly what they had done. You denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of Life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. Imagine what these Jews were thinking. What Holy and Righteous One? Could it be that the One we have waited for for so long was the One that we refused to accept? Is the blame squarely on us? Are Peter and John actually witnesses to this horrendous debacle? And His name-by faith in His name-Has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of all. Make no mistake, it was not Peter and John, but it was Jesus working through! How glorious and how bold! Do I speak out unreservedly, even when I know it will not be received well? Certainly, Peter and John were not sugar-coating the issues. Do I try so hard to make the gospel so palatable that it has lost its power? Peter and John were useful vessels because they unwaveringly spoke the truth in the face of mounting opposition and because they knew intimately Jesus. They knew the power of His name!

 

Father,

Give me boldness to speak the gospel to those who do not know you. Show me how to be a vessel that You can use.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Leaping and Walking

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!

 

What Jesus offers each person is so much better than silver and gold! Case in point, a certain lame man was carried daily to the gate of the temple to beg for alms. This was his life, his existence, but little did he know that his life was to change drastically. Peter spoke to the man, saying, Look at us. He did look and was waiting to receive his customary alms. But Peter and John had no money, no currency for this world, but they did have the currency for the world to come. 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! How much better was this! How does being carried each day to eek out the barest existence from the charity of others compare to being healed, to rising up and walking? Immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. He leaped up and began walking and praising God. The people watching were filled with wonder and amazement at what they saw. What a glorious example of what Jesus does in a life! The crippling effects of sin are gone, and the spirit is freed to leap with praises to God. God has done this amazing  thing in my life as well. But do I leap and praise God for all to see? Do I see God's hand in the circumstances of my daily existence?

 

Father,

I Praise You for saving me, for destroying the crippling effects of sin, and for giving me a new life. Give me a heart of rejoicing each and every day.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Lord Added

Acts 2:47

And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

 

 

The early church had a definite way of life that was noticeable by those around them. They were devoted to the Apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. The teaching that they heard became all-important not just in theory but in practical living, in their fellowship, and the breaking of bread [which could have been communion as well as daily meals]. Having all things in common meant that they could have a singular focus, that is the spread of the gospel. Praying together being taught together, living together, and fellowshipping together characterized their lives. They were not in pursuit of the world, its systems, or any of its possessions. There was no one-upmanship or competition to be the best. They were strong because they were together, together in focus and life style.

 

How did those around respond to them? And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. People were in awe of what they saw, not just the teaching but the wonders and signs. The early church was not private or hiding out; instead, they were transparent and obvious. Their message touched many hearts. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Believers no longer wanted their possessions. Their thirst for the things of the world was replaced with sharing with all as the need appeared.

 

 

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. All they shared resulted in glad and generous hearts without holding back or coveting. As they praised God for this new faith, they had favor with those around. Important to notice that God added the converts. It wasn't the fervor of their faith, their selflessness in sharing, their singular focus, or their togetherness that added to the church. It was God who added because it is His church. However, the fact that God added did not alter their new lifestyle. How vastly different this church was compared to the churches of today! No fundraisers, no flashy programs, and no having all things in common, sadly, many Christians today cherish their possession, and they believe prestige and wealth are signs of God's blessing. Where is my heart and my focus? Do I cherish the togetherness that I have in my local body? Are we all on the same page in sharing the gospel?

 

Father,

Teach me how to live in my world. Take away from my heart the desire for the things of the world. I love you and cherish Your Son.

In His name,

Amen

My Shield and Lifter of My Head

Ps 3:3

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

 

David was in a tight spot! His enemies were increasing, and defeat was looming. What was he to do? He cried out to God.. Amazingly, when I am in a tight spot, I don't always go to God first. My default seems to be to try and solve the situation or circumstance myself. Then when no hope is left, I go to God. Thankfully, David did not do this. His default was prayer.

 

His words were simple: my enemies are increasing and they are saying I have no hope in God.

What a message of defeat! If anyone even believed this for a second, hope would be waning. Thankfully, David did not believe theses heinous words. He cried out to God, a God whom he knew personally and intimately, a God who had delivered him before from a lion and a bear. Surely, this enemy would not be too much for God to handle!

 

 

Immediately after stating the need and the problem, he remembered what was true about God,  You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. He anchored his soul in these absolutes! After David prayed, the Lord answered him allowing him to rest, to sleep, and to be sustained. His spirit was strengthened. He was able to say, I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. His faith and security were in God! He was able to say once more what was true about His God: You strike the enemies on the cheek; You break the teeth of the wicked. God would work! It would all be according to His plan and His timing! David could rest in his God because he knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that Salvation belongs to the Lord. His people would receive His blessing! 

 

What a great example for me! No doubt altering my default comes in my intimate relationship with Him. The more I know Him, the more I know about Him and how He works. How foolish I am to think that I could handle a situation better than Him, the One who set all my days in place before I was born. What a blessing is my God!

 

Father,

Continue to grow me so that my default would change, that I would go to you immediately.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

Devoted

Acts 1:14

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.

 

Christ's earthly ministry was coming to a close. His final instruction for His disciples was to wait for the Spirit to give them power to be witnesses for Him in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. It was when He finished His instructions, that He ascended into heaven as all His disciples were watching. Two men robed in white spoke to them saying, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.

 

 His disciples returned to Jerusalem to an upper room to wait for the Spirit, but it was not aimless waiting or the making of plans and strategies. Instead, with one accord they devoted themselves to prayer. He has left me here as well with the same commission to share the gospel message. What is my response? Am I staring at the heavens waiting for a sign of His return? Am I trying to form my own plans to share the gospel, or am I devoted to prayer? I know that devotion to prayer will enable me to see my life through the eyes of God drawing me into unity with His Spirit. But what would devotion to prayer look like? Is it prayer to the exclusion of all else, or is it going through life with a one-on-one conversation with God? Certainly, devotion means dedication, commitment, and constancy. Could I describe my prayer life with these words? Am I constantly aware of the Father as I go through my earthly tasks and responsibilities?

 

Father,

Teach me what it means to be devoted to prayer as I eagerly await the return of Jesus. Unite my heart to fear Your name.

In Jesus name,

Amen

And God Said

Gen. 1:1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

 

This year I am using the Discipleship Journal reading plan as my guide for reading through the Bible. The plan reads from 4 different locations each day, one of which was Gen. 1-2. Since this is the first day of 2013, I think it is only fitting that I think about Genesis, the book of beginnings. As I read Chapter One, I was reminded of the great power of the Words of God. Before God spoke, there was nothing. The earth was without form and void. All was covered in darkness until the Spirit of God hovered over the waters.

 

Then with only His words all life came into existence. And God said is repeated 10 times.

• And God said-light separated from the darkness
• And God said-an expanse in the midst of the waters, heaven
• And God said-dry land-earth and seas
• And God said-vegetation
• And God said-sun, moon, and stars
• And God said-living creatures in sea,and creatures in the air
• And God said-beasts of the earth
• And God said-man made in the image of God and given dominion over the earth and all life on the earth. He merely used the dust of the earth to form man and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.
• And God blessed them-Be fruitful and multiply and fill up the earth
• And God said-I have given you plants for food, animals to subdue
• And God saw-everything was good, very good

In only 6 days God had put all life into place. When God saw what He had done, He could only say, It was very good. Since His work was finished, God rested on the 7th day. Then God formed a garden for man and placed him it it with very specific instructions. Man could eat of every tree in the garden but one, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

• Then God said- It is not good for man to be alone so He made man a helpmate. He caused the man to fall into a deep sleep and took one of his ribs. From that He made woman.

These two chapters reinforce to me the great power of the Word of God. For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. This is my life, living in and through the very Words of God!

 

Father,

Give me a heart of wholehearted obedience to your words. Give me faith to believe and courage to act on what You say.

In Jesus name,

Amen