Bereans

Acts 17:11

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

 

Paul and Silas had left Thessalonica in an uproar. As Paul was proclaiming Christ to them, the Jews were jealous. They gathered some wicked men and started a mob. And when they couldn't find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city authorities. Their accusation: These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also. They claimed that they were violating the decrees of Caesar by saying that Jesus was king. However, when Jason paid fines they were released. Immediately, they sent Paul and Silas away at night to Berea.

 

What a reputation! The Bereans were more noble. They received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of these believed including Greek women and men. But when the Jews in Thessalonica heard this, they made a quick trip, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Once again Paul made a hasty departure. Silas and Timothy stayed there while Paul went as far as Athens. It's amazing to me how the gospel draws such a strong dividing line. There is no middle ground. I find the Bereans example important. I should also receive the word eagerly while examining the word constantly.

 

Father,

Thank You for this example. Help me to saturate myself in Your word eagerly. Make it a part of who I am flowing out of me constantly. Teach me how to make my words ones that build up other believers, are fit for the occasion, and shower grace on those who listen. Grow me in Your grace and knowledge.

In Jesus name,

Amen

One Thing

Ps. 27:4

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.

 

Ps. 27 is one of those psalms that really encourage and uplift my soul. It begins with confidence in the midst of evildoers. David has placed his entire confidence in the Lord's hands. It is there that he has peace and confidence.

 

 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

 

Then he realizes his one thing, something that he wants above all else. How glorious to declare that his one thing is to dwell in the Lord's house, not a palace and not anything temporal. What intimacy with God: Dwelling with the lord, gazing upon His beauty, and inquiring in His temple. What is the result of such desires? He will be hidden during trouble, concealed in His tent, and lifted up high on a rock. What care from a loving God! Finally, the goodness of God is so great that he must sing and make melody to the Lord. Praise fills His life! I so want my life to be filled with praise to Him.

 

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

 

David is concerned about his enemies, those who would seek to destroy his life. He cries out for refuge. He realizes that he needs to walk as God would have him walk, that is on God's level path, and not on the path that he thinks might be good.

 

Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies

 

He concludes this Psalm by expressing his faith in the Lord. He knows that all that happens in his life whether good or bad is from the Lord. He only needs to wait on the Lord, as do I!

 

Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

 

So much comes from waiting on the Lord. Why do I [and others] run ahead thinking that we know the plan and its result? Sadly, it doesn't work that way at all. Running ahead in the flesh is definitely not waiting on the Lord. Waiting, though difficult, allows me to see His goodness and His level path. Waiting brings such joy and peace! I can sing and make melody in my heart to the Lord!

 

Father,

My heart is full this morning with Your great provision. As I read David's thoughts, I want them to be my thoughts. I want You to be my light and salvation. I want to dwell in Your house forever, to gaze upon Your beauty, and to be taught all that I don't understand. Lord, teach me Your way so that I may walk on Your path without running ahead. Lord, I confess all the times that I have functioned in the flesh. Spirit, fill me, teach, control me, and help me in my weakness. Let me live praising God continually.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 



The Lord 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.

 

Paul and Timothy had journeyed to Philippi, the leading city of Macedonia and a Roman colony. They traveled there in answer to the vision of the Macedonian man calling for help. It was on a Sabbath day that they went outside the gate to the riverside where there was a place of prayer. At this same time, they met a woman named Lydia, a seller of purple goods, who was no doubt a business woman of some wealth. But the important thing about her is that she was a worshiper of God. God had a plan for her. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. I am sure that if the Lord opened her heart, there would be no distractions whatsoever! God wanted her to hear and receive the message. Afterward, she and her entire household were baptized. Not only that but she insisted that Paul and Timothy come and lodge at her home. It was an unforgettable day for her!

 

I am thinking that this phrase would be an effective prayer. If I asked the Lord to open my heart to pay attention as I read His word, His Spirit could teach me without distraction. I would be totally focused. Also if I was sharing the Lord with an unbeliever, I could pray this as I was sharing. Only those whom the Lord has chosen, are receptive. With this prayer it would help me see someone as God sees them. It would also be great to pray at Bible Study so that all who are there would be taught by the Spirit without distraction. God can do wondrous things with a heart that is focused on Him! But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. Yes I am a set apart one, and I want to be focused completely on Him.

 

Father,

Open my heart to pay attention to Your words and Your Spirit's leading. Open my eyes to see opportunities to share. Open my mouth and give me the words You would have me say.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Hard Words

Mt. 10:24

A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.

 

 

Chapter 10 has some very harsh words for those who are followers of Jesus. Originally they were told to the 12, but I am a disciple as well, and they apply to me too.

• Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
• do not be anxious how you are to speak [when you are dragged into court] or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
• Bother will deliver brother over to death , and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But those ho endure to the end will be saved.
• And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell.
• So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
• Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
• I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. and a person's enemies will those of his own household.
• 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. Whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
• Whoever find his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

I can only imagine how the 12 felt upon hearing these words. What a harsh reality especially during a time when Rome was in charge. Now would certainly be the time to turn back if their heart was not totally committed. That s what I must ask myself. Am I totally committed? Am I prepared for a time like this? I can only trust Him when He said His grace was my sufficiency.

 

Father,

Grow my heart so that I will be ready to endure to the end. Strengthen me in my inner being so that I am Yours from the inside out.

In Jesus name,

Amen



Goodness

Gen. 50:19-21

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. So do not fear, I will provide for you and your little ones. Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

 

I am not sure that the hearts of the brothers had really changed that much. After their father died, they were afraid that Joseph would take revenge against them for their selling him to a passing caravan. So they fabricated a command from their father. They told Joseph that their father, before he died, had said he should forgive his brothers. Worse yet, they didn't tell him face to face, but sent a message. Such fear and guilt!

 

But Joseph's response showed the attitude of his heart. He wept! When they came and spoke to him, they fell down before him and declared themselves his servants. But Joseph had not a vengeful bone in his body; instead, he wanted to comfort them. He acknowledged that what they had done was evil, but stated that his God meant it for good. Joseph's bad treatment by his brothers and Potiphar's wife, paved the way for his eventual release and reinstatement by pharaoh. Here he established a plan that kept many people alive through the harsh years of drought. What a perspective he had! Viewing life through God's eyes and counting all that came into his life as good. So often when trial or suffering come into our lives, we moan and whine. Where is the trust in God with that kind of a response? Can believers trust their Father even in this new trial? Joseph didn't see God's final plan and purpose for many years. Yet during that trial [hated by his brothers and imprisoned], he trusted in God. He knew his God and nothing could dissuade him. Am I close enough to the Father to see his loving hand in all that comes into my life?

 

Father,

I know that all you send into my life is for my good and for your plan and purpose. Give me grace to trust You in all that I do. Strengthen me in my inner man so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith and so that I would be rooted and grounded in His love.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Tribulation and Growth

Acts 14:24

strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

 

Paul and Barnabas were going from city to city preaching the gospel. At Iconium they spoke to the Jews first and a great number of Jews and Greeks believed, but the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the believers. But they still remained for quite a long time speaking boldly about the Lord. Since the city was divided, a plot was made to stone them so they went to Lsytra and Derbe.   Tribulation: nearly stoned

 

At Lystra was a man crippled from birth. As he listened to Paul preach, Paul saw his faith was great so he healed him. When the people saw this, they thought they were gods in human form [Zeus, Hermes]. The priest of Zeus was bring offerings to them. But when Paul and Barnabas heard of this, they tore their garments and rushed into the crowd asking why. He declared they were men and their message was to turn them from vain things to the living God. But unbelieving Jews from Antioch and Iconium came and persuaded the crowd to stone Paul outside the city. Thinking him dead, they left. But he was not. God still had more for him to do. From here they went to Derbe. Tribulation: mistaken for heathen gods and stoned

 

At Derbe they preached and had many followers. After this they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch to strengthen the souls of the disciples,  to encourage them to continue in the faith, and  to say that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. An encouragement and a warning! The church grew and believers endured much tribulation. In this tribulation they relied on God all the more. It seems as if the greater the persecution, the greater the growth. Certainly through their ministry God had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

 

Father,

I know that in tribulation You are closer than ever. I know that growth is the result, but strengthen me so that I may endure with joy. I know that You are my help and my refuge, but in the hard time, prompt me to call out to You and not rely on the flesh.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 



Trust

Ps. 20:7

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of our God.

 

Trust has never been an easy issue. From the beginning of time, people have betrayed God and each other. Sadly man has not learned from any of these incidents To this day, men are trusting in untrustworthy people and power. Foolishly, man thinks he has power over other people and even over God. As a result, they keep undercutting each other and vying for the ultimate power and control. But they will never find it because trust is only a reality when man trusts in the God who made him, in the God who has a plan and purpose for his life, and in the God who loved him so much that he sent His only Son to be the Savior. So why should any believer fear man or what man can do?

 

David says that he is assured that God will save His anointed. He will answer prayer and save with His holy hand. While others trust in horses, chariots,weapons and human power, he trusts in the name of the Lord. God has so much power that even His name has power! All else will collapse and fall, but those who belong to God will rise and stand upright! What a great promise!

 

Father,

I trust You. I know that no one knows my life, my struggles, and my defeats better than You. You made and designed me. I trust You. Grow my faith and trust minute by minute until I am in Your presence.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen

Life or Death

Acts 12:24

But the Word of God increased and multiplied.

 

Times were dangerous. James, the brother of John was killed by Herod, and Peter was arrested. Yet, it wasn't Peter's time to die. As he was sleeping in prison, chained between 2 guards with guards at the door, an angel woke him. Peter thought he was dreaming but soon found out he wasn't. He was instructed to wake up, dress, and put on his sandals. Then wrap his cloak around him and follow the angel. They passed the 1st and 2nd guard and the gate leading to the city opened of its own accord. When he realized that this was no dream, he went to the home of Mary where they were praying for Peter. He knocked and Rhoda, a servant girl, recognized Peter's voice. Without opening the door, she ran to tell the others but only to find out that they didn't believe her. But Peter continued knocking and soon the great miracle was retold. Herod was foiled, and he was not happy about it. All the soldiers were questioned but no Peter was found. Later, Herod went down to the people of Tyre and Sidon who depended on Herod for food. As he was speaking to them fully arrayed in all his finery, they shouted back, 'a god not a man.' Immediately the angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not give the glory to God. He was eaten by worms and breathed his last. Fitting end!

 

Two situations, one giving life and the other ending life. What is the key? Giving the glory to God. Peter's amazing release was all of God! All who knew gave the glory to God! But Herod's pretense was for personal glory. And that did not fly! God had more for Peter to do in spreading the gospel message, but He was done with Herod. His time and power were over! God decides what will be, who will live and who will die, whether they are believers or persecutors of the Church. The end result: The Word of God increased and multiplied. God's plan and purpose overrides all that man plans.

 

Father,

What a message! Grow me so that my life will bring glory to You. I know that you have a plan and purpose in my life whether it is illness or recovery. I accept all that You do, and I know it is for my good, but give me Your grace and strength to endure keeping my eyes on You.

In Jesus' name,

Amen



First Called Christians

Acts 11:25-26

So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

 

Peter had established that the Gentiles could be granted repentance as well as the Jews. All those in Jerusalem agreed with him. But because of Stephen's martyrdom, many scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch speaking only to Jews. But some of the men from Cyprus and Cyrene [Greek speaking believers] began speaking to the Hellenists, preaching Jesus. When the report of this came to Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to check it out.

 

When he came, he saw the grace of God!! How exciting! He exhorted them to remain faithful to Jesus with unwavering purpose. A great many people were added to the church. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul. When he found him, they both came to Antioch. There they taught for an entire year, and in Antioch the believers were first called Christians.

 

How did all this come about? The passage says that the hand of the Lord was with them. It was not through man's power but through God's. Barnabas himself was a good man full of the Spirit and faith. Such a description as this was not a one-time filling, but it characterized his life. The Spirit was in full control of the situation! I think it is exciting that the believers [followers of the Way] were first called Christians here and not in Jerusalem. It shows the great power of God to reach out to Gentiles and bless them with the grace and His Spirit. No doubt at this time the name was a name of derision but God turned that around as well. Sadly, in our culture the name Christian is very watered down sometimes even interchangeable with American or a church-goer. But to me it is a name that denotes the filling of the Spirit and the great grace that God gives His own children.

 

In Jesus name,

Amen

 



Satisfied

Ps. 17: 18

As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with Your likeness.

 

What a wonderful place to be! Beholding His face and being satisfied with His likeness! When will this happen? Is he awaking from death and finding himself in the presence of God? Throughout the psalm David has asked the lord for vindication from unjust accusers. He knows that God has tried him, and he believes he has come out victorious. He purposes not to sin with his mouth! He has held fast to God so that his feet would not slip.

 

When he calls on God, he knows that God will answer and that God will show him steadfast love. He wants to be kept as the apple of God's eye. Moses used the same language in his song. He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of the wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He kept him as the apple of his eye. In this passage it is speaking of care and boundaries. God will not let him wander to a place that He does not control. He also wants to be hidden in the shadow of His wings. Such glorious protection! He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. This reminds me of Ps. 139, You hem me in behind and before and lay Your hand on me. He will be constantly protected in the shadow of God's wings.

 

He concludes with asking the Lord to subdue these persecutors. He needs deliverance from them! As he describes these people, he develops a meaningful contrast. These men only have as their portion this life, its treasure, their children, and having enough substance to leave an inheritance to their children.  All things that are temporal and not lasting. They are caught in the web of the gathering more and more and basing their status and importance on what they have amassed. But David knows that his future is beholding God's face in righteousness and awaking [after death] in God's presence where he will be satisfied with His likeness for eternity. With God there is no heaping up of earthly treasures, there is only being satisfied in Him. He fills all the empty places within man with Himself. How glorious! Satisfaction is assured!

 

Father,

What a great relationship David had with You. As You grow me, keep me as the apple of Your eye and within the shadow of Your wings. Draw me ever closer to You.

In His name,

Amen



Walk in the Fear of the Lord and the Comfort of the Spirit

Acts 9:31

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

 

The church was at rest? I am not so sure. Saul was proclaiming the gospel and confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus. And when the days passed, some Jews sought to kill him. He had to be let down in a basket by night through an opening in the wall. When he came to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples but fear was in their hearts. After Barnabas vouched for him, he preached boldly and other Jews were seeking to kill him again. Once again he escaped to Caesarea and Tarsus. Was  how they lived? Was danger a part of the norm? It was in this atmosphere that the church grew. The believers walked in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. No doubt that is the key! They feared the Lord and not man. When hard things came, they were comforted by the Spirit. Their spiritual life was their all. Living in this reality brought about great growth.

 

As I think about the church today, I see a fairly peaceful time. Yet I see little being done in the name of God. Perhaps the fear of man and the government has shaped who we are. Or is it that we are too entrenched in the world? Whatever it is, I know I must walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. I must walk no longer as the Gentiles do. This is not the way that I have learned Christ.

 

Father,

Teach me more about walking in the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit. Help me to make the right spiritual choices in this life. Continue strengthening me in my inner man so that Christ may be at home in my life.

In His name,

Amen

Division

Mt. 6: 24

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

 

Jesus creates a sharp dividing line. Once His name is mentioned, the conversation changes. It will either want to go in the direction of knowing more or it will be shut done immediately. Jesus in the life does not allow for divided allegiance, but divided allegiance is what the world accepts as good. They want a Christian who has his feet in the church and in the world. This kind of religion is not offensive. But that is just what it is, religion!

 

When Jesus comes into a life and has a personal relationship with someone, his or her life has made a choice, a choice that is for Jesus alone. He allows for no divided allegiance. So if someone claims to have Jesus and has his or her feet firmly planted in the world, he or she is kidding themselves. Perhaps that is why Jesus says that many will come to Him and claim to have done great things in His name, but Jesus will say that He never knew them. How sad! And How foolish to think that man can manipulate the Son of God.

 

So this verse provides a word of caution. What is my life about? Am I salt and light? Am I laying up earthly treasures as opposed to treasures in heaven? What do I see? Am I allowing the full light of Jesus in or am I allowing darkness to creep in? I am His. My choice has been made! He is my all and I am all in!

 

Father,

Teach me more each day about what it means to live for You, to be light and salt, to have my eyes focused on You alone, and to serve only You. Thank You for Jesus. Give me boldness to make Him my conversation regardless of the result.

In His name,

Amen

Righteousness

Ps. 11:4

The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyelids test the children of men.

 

In the Lord His children must take refuge because He is the one who has ordained all life, the good and the bad, the blessing and the trial. He is in His holy temple, a temple that matches His holiness. There from His throne, He sees all. There from His throne He tests the children of men. How can man hide from Him? How can man claim He is not there? Why does man care more about what man thinks than what God knows? Such thoughts are foolishness.

 

The Lord tests the righteous to see if they are genuine. He is concerned with the heart and not the outward appearance. His trial becomes a refining process which results in the believer coming out like gold.  In contrast He hates the wicked. He cannot excuse or allow wickedness. Because He is righteous, He loves righteousness. It is the upright, the righteous, who will behold His face. This righteousness is not something that I do, it is the righteousness imputed to me by Jesus. When I come to the Father, I am covered in the blood and in the righteousness of the Son. In His righteousness, I can take refuge.

 

Father,

Thank You for covering me in Your righteousness. Give me grace to endure the trial and come out like gold..

In His name,

Amen

Salt and Light

Mt. 5:13-14

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

 

Immediately before these verses, Jesus gave a blessing to those who were reviled and persecuted. They were to rejoice and be glad, because their heavenly reward was great. Jesus encouraged His followers to live for what follows this life even if it meant harm to them. With that foundation, He gave 2 metaphors so His followers would understand how they are to live even if it means persecution.

 

First, they are salt. The uses of salt are many, but for sure, it is a preservative, a healer, and a flavoring. As the believers share the message they are spiritual healers sharing the message that can preserve the lives of those who believe, but they also give a spiritual flavor to life. By their daily lives, they are sharing the message. They are living in such a way as to reveal Jesus in what they do and say. But Jesus warns His followers not to lose their taste. If they do, they are worthless. How would this happen? Perhaps it is living carelessly and allowing the world, the flesh, and the pride of life into the life, or it could be trying to live for Jesus at the same time as they are enjoying what the world has to offer. This is a no go. Jesus demands all or nothing!

 

Secondly, Jesus tells them they are lights on a hill, a light that cannot be hidden. His light within His followers shines out for all to see whether it is in words or daily living. Much like being salt, they must be 100% His. Their is no dimming of the light so they blend in better with the world. How crucial is the daily life of the believer! Do their words sync up with their lives? Do they try and hide who they are by blending in with the world and with Jesus? [thinking that then they are not offensive to anyone] If so, they are fooling themselves. Salt and Light are identifiers that clearly reveal Jesus being lived in the life. This is how His message is shared. This is how the believer brings glory to God! Am I salt and light? Am I conspicuously different wherever I go? Do those I come in contact with know that I love Jesus?

 

Father,

Thank You for these words. Teach me more each day about how to be salt and light. Give me Spirit-filled boldness as I share the message of Jesus.

In His name,

Amen

Obey God Rather Than Men

Acts 5:29

But Peter answered, We must obey God rather than men.

 

The apostles continued to preach and teach and were arrested yet again. But in the night an angel opened the doors and commanded them to go and preach. So they promptly went to the temple at daybreak and began preaching again. When the council got news of this, they brought them in again.  Upon questioning them men and asking why. They andswered, We must obey God rather than men. And as if that was not enough, they laid out the facts. specifically, you killed Jesus and God raised Him from the death to give repentance and forgiveness of sins. And we were witnesses to this [and so is the Holy Spirit] and we must tell the message [as the Spirit leads us]. Talk about a slap in the face!

 

As expected, the council was enraged and wanted to kill them. But Gamaliel brought them to their senses by saying if they were not of God, they would fade away, but if they were of God, they could be found opposing God Himself. So they brought the apostles in, beat them, and charged them once again not speak in the name of Jesus. When the apostles left the council, they rejoiced 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 Christ. Wow! How exciting is this! I wonder how I would be in this situation. Would I be so bold? It makes me feel ashamed at how little I share the gospel even when there is freedom and no opposition.

 

Father,

I confess my lack of sharing the gospel. Make me bold for You. Take me down the path that You desire me to go.

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.

 

I am always amazed that people would rather carry on a pretense for other people and not concern themselves with God, the God who sees and knows all. Case in point, Ananias and Sapphira. The early church was having all things in common. People were selling their lands and possessions and bringing it to the church for the care of all. Well, this couple wanted to do the same thing except they wanted to keep some money back for themselves [perhaps a root of greed]. They wanted the power and the acclaim but without the cost. So in walks Ananias who had sold his property and claimed he was giving all the proceeds to the church. But Peter saw through that! He questioned him, saying, 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? Peter explained that they didn't need to give it to the church, it was voluntary. But they did need to tell the truth! Upon hearing these words, Ananias fell down dead! About 3 hours later, in walks Sapphira making the same claims. What was her fate? The same as her husbands. She also was carried away and buried. The passage says that great fear consumed the church. If I had lived then, I would have been in fear as well. The early church was charged with the Holy Spirit. Great signs and wonders were being done. So in the midst of this must be great truth. There could be no counterfeit claims.

 

Father,

Keep my eyes open all the time to see my true motives. Help me to care so much more about what you think rather than what man thinks,

In Jesus name,

Amen

Immediate Prayer

Acts 4:23-24

When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voiced together to God and said, Sovereign Lord....

 

After Peter and John were released from the council, they went to their friends and told them the story. What was their immediate response? They prayed to the Sovereign Lord who made all things and who had charge of all things [even the council]. They were ready for God to do whatever His hand and His plan had predestined to do. Their one request was not for physical safety or for the threat to be ended, but it was for boldness to speak the gospel. When they had finished praying, the place was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with all boldness. What an immediate answer to prayer!

 

What was this new community of believers like? They were of one heart and soul and had no personal possessions. Everything was for the common good. Great power and great grace was upon them as they shared the message of Jesus. Not only that but there were no needy people among them. The followers of Jesus sold all and brought the proceeds to lay at the apostles feet. From there it was distributed to whoever had a need. God was working in a very real, tangible way. Their hearts and lives were totally focused on Jesus. Nothing else mattered as much as sharing the gospel.

 

Father,

Give me boldness to share the message of Jesus. Open my eyes to the opportunities that You have given me. Take my focus off this life and put it on things eternal.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Name of Jesus

Acts 4:12

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among me by which we must be saved.

 

Peter and John were arrested and taken before the council of rulers, elders, scribes, and the high priestly family because the crowd of those who believed was growing [about 5, 000] and because of the healing of the lame beggar. The council, unsure about a course of action, began with a question. By what power or by what name did you do this? [lame beggar healed] Peter, filled with the Spirit, began to speak assuring them that the healing and all that they did was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified, whom God raised from the dead. A simple answer said so much! Such power in the name of Jesus! Peter went on to repeat that Jesus was rejected by them, but regardless, He has become the cornerstone. Why? Because there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among me by which we must be saved. What power in the name!

 

When the council saw their boldness and that they were common, uneducated men, they were astonished. Seeing the man healed standing beside them, they were speechless!! The council did not know what to do. So they called the men charging them not to speak the name of Jesus anymore. What?? Not possible!  Peter and John answered, 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. The name of Jesus must be proclaimed! Peter and John had to be released because they could find no way to punish them. How puny the council was compared to the power in the name of Jesus!

 

Father,

Thank You for Jesus for sending Him to be the Savior of the world and for revealing to all the great power that is in His name. Give me the boldness to share the gospel wherever I go.

In His name,

Amen

 





Better than Gold

Acts 3:8

And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

 

As Peter and John were going into the temple to pray, they met a man who had been lame from birth. He had been carried there daily so that he might beg for alms from all the people who were entering the temple. As Peter and John looked at him, they said they had no silver or gold to give him, but what they had, they would freely give. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, they told him to rise up and walk. Upon standing, he found his feet and ankles strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praised God with him. Not only that but they recognized him as the one who had sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple asking for alms. These people were filled with wonder and amazement.

 

When Jesus heals physically or spiritually, people notice! I really don't think there is such a thing as a hidden healing. The man in the story was not shy about displaying his new-found freedom nor was he shy about praising God for it. In fact, many people wondered and were amazed. Do I try and hide the great work that Jesus has done in my life, or am I leaping and praising God? Am I using every minute of my life as a message from Jesus? Perhaps my life would be used by God to produce wonder and amazement in the hearts of those watching.

 

Father,

Give me Your grace and boldness to praise you publically. Teach me to live like the man who was healed. I do love You and want to share.

In the name of the Healer,

Amen

 



Personal God

Ps. 4:8

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

 

David's relationship with God was a reality in his life. His God was not some far-off entity, but instead someone who was personally concerned with his life. In verse 1, David has assurance that God will answer his call. He knows that God had given him relief from distress before and is assured that God will do that again. His gracious God will hear and answer. In verse 3, David knows that he, as a godly person, has been set apart for God for His purposes, and one of those purposes it to hear when David calls.  

 

David encourages those who are listening to be angry but not to sin. Let it be an anger over what is being said or done against God not about what is being done to them. As they go to bed they are to ponder, think, then offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord. What sacrifice does the Lord desire? The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

 

 

Even though people are questioning David about His God's lack of care, David rejoices in His God. He cries out for God to lift up the light of His face upon them. He knows whatever the situation is, God has put more joy in his heart than is ever obtained from grain and wine. In fact, in peace he can rest and sleep because allows him to dwell in safety.

 

What a relationship! David's life, no matter how violent and frenzied, is in God's careful watch. He knows that whatever happens, God plan for him will be accomplished. The same goes for me. I am assured that God will answer my prayer because of the many times that He has brought me relief. I know that God has set me apart for Him and is gracious toward me on many levels. I trust in Him because He has put joy and peace in my life. He has lifted up His face toward me.

 

Father,

Thank You for the beautiful psalm and for You watch care over me. Shine the light of Your face upon me so that I may live constantly in Your presence.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Other Tongues

Acts 2:2-4

And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

 

Jesus ordered his disciples to stay in Jerusalem to wait for the promised Spirit, the Spirit that would  give them power to be witnesses for Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. After Jesus ascended, they went to the upper room and devoted themselves to prayer. When the day of Pentecost arrived, supernatural things began to happen. A mighty rushing wind filled the entire house where they were waiting, and they were all filled with the Spirit. How was it manifested? What changes resulted? First they began to speak and teach the gospel in other tongues because Jerusalem was filled with men from many nations. When these men heard the disciples speaking in their own native tongue, they were amazed and perplexed. Some even mocked accusing the disciples of being drunk.[Although I have never heard drunkenness result in a language fluency.] Into this melee Peter took control quoting OT Scripture and presenting the gospel.

 

I can only imagine how the disciples felt as the Spirit took control of each of their lives. Their identity was now drastically changed. The Spirit was controlling, moving, and accomplishing His work through a mere  human vessel. Likewise, Ephesians teaches that I should be filled with the Spirit and not be drunk with wine. [Funny...same contrast] Yet, how? This concept has always been perplexing to me. Obviously, there is no need for me to speak different tongues, but shouldn't there be the same infilling of power and the same sharing of the gospel? How will I see evidence of this? Is it a slow steady growth pattern?

 

Father,

Teach me what it means to be filled with the Spirit. Help me to live for You each day.Thank You for the great gift of the Spirit who lives within me.

In Jesus name,

Amen