Saturday, September 8: Acts 27- Trust is confirmed through obedience.

What a harrowing experience… I have never endured anything close to what Paul and his shipmates endured during that Nor'easter. Through it all Paul maintained his faith. He was resolute in his trust in the Lord.

What an example Paul is to hold on to the Lord through thick and thin.

I have also never had an angel communicate a word from the Lord to me. Angel or not, Paul needed to trust… trust that it was an angel not his imagination and trust that what the angel told him was true.

Trust is confirmed through obedience. Paul obeyed the voice of the Lord, voicing his faith to the others on the ship.

The same God who spoke to and saved Paul and the 276 passengers and crew of that ship is God today. And God continues to communicate with His people. Maybe He will use an angel; maybe God will use a voice in our head or an inner nudge. Whatever His means, God still speaks.

Am I listening and will I obey? These are the two questions that flood my thoughts.

Listen and obey… The words of an old song come to mind. "Trust (listen) and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.

Will I listen and obey?... that is the only way to truly walk in faith.

Lord, sometimes I feel like my ears are plugged. I don't hear Your voice. And sometimes Lord I think I need to hear You like others say they hear You. 

For 40+ years I have walked with You. You have directed my path. There is always room to grow and learn… so, Lord, continue to speak, continue to guide, and continue to grow my faith so that I can follow You all the days of my life. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Friday, September 7: Acts 26- The miracle of conversion.

I know Paul was an opponent of Christianity. I know Paul stood there when Stephen was killed for his faith. But I never realized how doggedly Paul pursued early Christians. Apparently I never paid attention to verses 9-12.

I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord's people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities. "On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests (9-12).

I am routinely amazed how I can read the Bible regularly and do so for over 40 years and still discover new things.

Back to Paul, he was a terror for the church. He was out to destroy it. I noted his language,

·         I put many … in prison,

·         Many a time I...

·         I was so obsessed with persecuting them

·         On one of these journeys

Paul was a relentless persecutor, believing he was honoring God by what he was doing.

And then God turned him around. Following his encounter with Jesus, Paul put that same energy and drive into bringing people to Jesus that he employed in trying to destroy the church. Paul made a radical about face... such is the miracle of conversion and new life. NO wonder the early church was fearful about Paul when he first came to faith.

This got me thinking about those who are out to destroy the church today. We have legitimate fear of them. They do want to harm Believers. But what struck me is that we need to be praying for their conversion so that their passions against Jesus and his church can be transformed. Like Paul, into passion for the Gospel and its advance around the world.

Too often I let my fear get the better of me. I concentrate on the 'enemy' reality rather than the transforming power of Jesus. And my heart hardens rather than my knees bending in prayer…

Oh, God, give me your eyes. Help me see the value You see in people. Help me to see what true faith in a life can do and the real life change it can bring in all of our lives. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

 

Thursday, September 6: Acts 25- Lord, help me to be faithful.

Two chapters ago, when Paul was arrested, God said to him, Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome (Acts 23:11). Since then we have been reading the account of God bringing to pass His word to Paul.

Writing history, Luke is able to look back and report the various events that took Paul to Rome. Paul, however, had to live it, day by day, year by year. Yesterday two years passed in a matter of a few sentence. Today another 2 weeks pass with Paul appearing before Festus and King Agrippa. For years, Paul has been living with uncertainty, not knowing what would happen around the next corner of life.

Life is like that for most of us. We may not be in prison, living with the treat of death hanging over us but we, too, do not know what tomorrow will bring. Life and health and work can change in the blink of an eye. We are living God's journey for our lives day by day, year by year.

At every point Paul was faithful. Whether traveling and founding churches or now in prison, Paul lived each day with an eye toward being faithful to the Lord. When he had a chance to speak of Jesus, he did.

I am thinking about being faithful as I live my days. I have some idea what will happen today,

Lord, Help me to be faithful.

In all likelihood, today will bring some surprises,

Lord, Help me to be faithful.

If life should turn topsy-turvy,

Lord, Help me to be faithful.

When life is boring and mundane,

Lord, Help me to be faithful.

When times present themselves with opportunities to speak of You,

Lord, Help me to be faithful.

Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to live… to be a light for You in a dark and uncertain world. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Wednesday, September 5: Acts 24- Time.

Time…

When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison (27). Two years, over 700 days, Paul spent in prison only to have Felix transfer power to Festus…no decision being made so Paul remained in prison.

Time, two years of seemingly wasted time, Paul sits in prison.

God's will can be strange. Prison, sickness, a horrible situation, persecution, all manner of difficulty and yet it is God's will.

Remaining faithful when you don't understand...

I have been there. I suspect we all have been there. And we are in company of great and small alike.

Am I faithful no matter the season of life?

Are you faithful no matter the season of life?

Being faithful in all seasons, that is what God is reminding me about as I consider Paul and the two years that he spent in prison under Felix.

Oh, God, to be faithful in all seasons, good times, bad times and in all the times in between. To be faithful. This is my prayer, prayed in the name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

 

Tuesday, September 4: Acts 23- Following God can be a struggle.

When I think of Paul I generally think of him as a single man, not tied to any family. What freedom this gives. When one hears the call of God to go here or there, you can go.

While this is all true, the incident with Paul's nephew –the son of his sister (16) –caused me to realize that he did have family members, family members who were affected by his imprisonment, trails and persecutions.

We all have a web of relationships that can affect our decision making.

A single friend and colleague of mine has recently decided to move to Asia for ministry. Actually it is better to say he feels called and is following the Lord's direction to move to Asia. His parents don't totally get it. They are Believers but they are also parents and they will miss their son and worry about his wellbeing in that foreign land.

No matter who we are, when we respond to God's call to do something out of the ordinary… move to Asia as a missionary, serve the poor of the inner city, or whatever… there will likely be other voices in our life –well meaning voices –that try to dissuade us.

When I first began traveling to Nigeria some of my family was concerned for my safety. The faith tension we face is following the Lord's leading even when some voices, often from our family, speak against the idea.

Faith decisions affect the people in our family circle. This is simply a fact of following Jesus. My internal struggles have been to honor my loved ones while being obedient to the Lord. This is a tension every Christ follower will face from time to time…

Have you ever felt this tension? How did you react? Were you still obedient? Think about it.

Lord, continue to give me faith to follow Your call no matter what.  I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 

Monday, September 3: Acts 22- My story of faith.

Reading Paul's defense, which really was his salvation testimony, sparked me to recall my testimony of saving faith.

It occurred for me early in my second year of college. I was in a friend's college room when a couple of others showed up. He mentioned that he was holding a Bible study and mentioned that should I close the door as I left. I decided to stay. I don't recall the passage or much of anything he said. What I do remember is that as he sat on his desk he spoke about Jesus as if Jesus was a friend sitting right there next to him.

His references to Jesus were personal. Really, it sounded like his best buddy just came into the room and my friend was introducing his friend, Jesus, to us.

I had been in church all of my life. I knew the story of Jesus. I knew the gospels, epistles and major OT stories. I knew the Apostle's creed and prayers, but I had never met anyone who talked about Jesus in such an intimate and real way as my friend. It blew me away.

I wasn't quite ready to say 'yes' to Jesus that night. In fact I didn't realize I needed to say 'yes' to Jesus. About 2 weeks later, through a series of events that could only have been God's hand, I was on a school sponsored trip rooming with this same friend. Right before bed he grabbed the Bible in the motel bureau and read John 3:16 to me, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Then he went to sleep and I lay there that night wanting the faith in Jesus my friend had.

No stranger to prayer, I prayed: "Oh, God, what my friend has, I want."

God honored that prayer and I have been on a journey with Jesus ever since.

What's your story with Jesus? It likely will not look or sound like Paul's or mine, it will be unique to you. Can you articulate it?

Think about it…

Lord, thank You for my story. Thank You that You came and entered my life and invited me to journey with You by faith. Thank You for a friend who opened his room and heart to others and was willing to share with us Your story. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Saturday, September 1: Acts 21- I never could have imagined.

Would I suffer for Jesus?

If people warned me that danger and arrest were imminent if I completed a particular trip, could I, would I continue if I believed the Lord had told me to go? Would I joyfully accept the Lord's plan for my life if I knew it included imprisonment, torture and possibly death?

The amazing thing is Paul accepts all this and does so in a way that honors the Lord. He didn't disregard the prophetic warning of people, rather he said that he knew danger lurked and he was ready to suffer and even die for the Lord. Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (13).

Life has come full circle for Paul. The first time we meet him, Paul is among those who are arresting and stoning Stephen in Jerusalem. Now he comes to the city to be arrested himself! Ah, the will of God.

I am sure he could never have imagined how his life would unwind.

That is one way I am like Paul. I could never have imagined how my life would unfold. Jesus grabbed a hold of my life my sophomore year in college while I was studying engineering. I had no inkling that God would lead me into pastoral ministry. I never could have imagined that God would lead me to a teaching ministry in Africa. I never could have imagined that I would serve on an international ministry board, even less serve as board president.

God's journey is nothing that I ever expected.

As I sit smiling at the workings of the Lord I find myself wondering where the Lord will take me the next 30 years or as many as the Lord will give me before for my homecoming in eternity.

Life with Jesus is never boring and always rewarding. There have been difficult days and exhausting days and blissful days. Through all of them there is a joy, a deep-set joy, knowing that the Lord is walking with me and leading me.

Oh, the wonder and joy of serving Jesus… where oh where will He lead me in the future!?

Lord Jesus, I am Yours, use me today, use me tomorrow, use me the rest of my life –every day of the rest of my life –to make Your name known near and far.

Oh, the places I will go as I follow Your will. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 

Friday, August 31: Acts 20- Fully devoted?.

Whenever I come to this chapter I am always impressed by the words spoken to the Ephesian elders. During today's read the words that caught me come from verse 24. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.  It is the middle section that put its claws into me: my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…

Oh, God, my heart jumps. Would that I could speak those words as I live the remainder of my life.

I know I am not there yet. My life is divided for example… I am a husband, father, and grandfather. Each of these come with responsibilities that take time and resources. While I desire to bring all things captive to my faith, sometimes I wonder if these responsibilities divert me from completing the tasks Jesus has for me. At the same time I also know that God wants me to execute these responsibilities with faith and grace.

I also know that personally, selfishness rises up within me and diverts me from the things of Jesus.

I return to my prayer…

Oh, God, my heart jumps. My heart desires that these words could be my words as I move through the remainder of my life. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 

Thursday, August 30: Acts 19- Following Jesus and the use of money.

Reading through Paul's time in Ephesus, I realized those early years for the church were an interesting time. The faith was so new and there was much confusion that needed to be figured out. Disciples who only had baptism of John. Wow.

Providentially God sent Paul to correct the errors in understanding.

We today are blessed that the church over the centuries has cleared up be basic teachings of the faith! The Apostles' and Nicene Creeds are concise statements of the faith. They are not everything, but they lay the firm foundation.

Where my heart went however was to the problems that erupted in Ephesus. The genesis of the riot was money.

A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: "You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty" (24-27).

Faith in Jesus was disrupting the idol making business so the idol manufacturers prompted a riot. This isn't the first time that financial reasons pushed people to try to disrupt the faith.

I cannot conceive of faith in Jesus disrupting a respected industry in my community.

I began to ponder a larger question, "Does faith in Jesus change or limit the way Christ-followers handle money, finances and riches?" This is a broad question to which I believe the answer is 'yes'.

Jesus bids us to grow in charity, helping those in need and advancing the Gospel around the globe. Giving money away will affect our finances. I do believe God blesses us as we live for Him. His blessings, however, my not be directly financial. Additionally, I suspect that there are some investments that would not please the Lord, no matter how great their returns.

All of this leads me to consider my use of the money and resources God has granted me as His steward. Am I using His money wisely and in ways that bring Him glory and cause Him to smile? I hope so… I pray so.

Lord, You have blessed me with money and income. I pray that my use of Your gifts is honoring and pleasing to You. Show me, Lord, where I am faithful and where I still need to grow in maturity and wisdom. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen

 

Wednesday, August 29: Acts 18- Care of missionaries.

A curious piece of Paul's travel log attracted my attention. When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples (22-23).

What caught my attention was Paul's stop at his home base of Antioch. This was the church that first sent Paul and Barnabas out. It received his reports with joy and then sent him out again. Now Paul stops there again. It reminds me of missionaries who stop home on furlough. Missionaries stop home to give an update and be refreshed so they can head out again.

I find myself thinking about and praying for missionaries my family and my church support… Peter & Miriam, Jamie, Nicky, and Kevin. Most are in really tough lands where hostility abounds. When they stop 'home' we offer them a lifeline, a brief time of rest when their bodies can decompress and hopefully allow the stress to leak out of them before they return to the fray of ministry in a foreign land.

This role of refreshing those, whom God has called and sent, is a vital ministry and one often overlooked. Too often we put burdens on our returning missionaries beyond giving a report. Hmmm…

Lord God, I pray for my church and Your Church, that we would honor those called to cross-cultural mission work. Also, that we would pray for and support them and that we would give them space to revive when they are home. Too often I fear we make them work too hard when they are home rather than refresh them. Show me, Lord, if I am to do something about this. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Tuesday, August 28: Acts 17- Reactions to the gospel.

I was struck by the vehemence of the opposition to the Gospel in Thessalonica. I have seen this kind of reaction to Jesus before, consider the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem for example. The Gospel elicits strong reactions!

Some of the opposition is built on its theme of resurrection. Some people simply cannot accept the concept of resurrection. But more often it is the Gospel's challenge to the way of life people are living.

In yesterday's reading a riot ensued and Paul and Silas were beaten because casting out of the demon in the slave girl meant that her owner's revenue source stopped. The opposition was financially motivated. In Thessalonica jealousy was the root of opposition (5). It is not clear to me what exactly they were jealous about. Maybe that Paul was taking people away from the synagogue… thus jealousness over his success. Maybe they were jealous of the Jewish faith and didn't want to see people leaving it. Maybe the shrinking congregation meant less prestige for the leaders and they were jealous for their roles and power, etc.

What I am recognizing is that the Gospel, for a myriad of reasons, often creates strong reactions in people. Now I love the positive strong reactions when people throw themselves on the mercy of Jesus and put their faith and trust in Him. But I am never quite prepared for equally strong negative reactions. As I think about my discomfort with the negative reactions, much sadly, is due to the fact that I feel assaulted. I like being liked and I don't like being rejected.

I feel ashamed by these reactions. Yes, people may be rejecting me, but really the one they are rejecting is Jesus. Rejecting Jesus is by far the more costly rejection. Still their rejection of Jesus does not seem to affect me as much as their rejection of me…

And it saddens me that I am more concerned with self than Jesus.

Oh, Lord, You have exposed another weakness and sin-hold in my life. I am still. I am silent before You, making my confession that at times I make an idol of my own self. Forgive me, Lord, and cleanse me. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Monday, August 27: Acts 16- Serving Jesus.

I am supposing that Paul had some kind of magnetism about him. As I read today I saw how he draws people to himself. At the end of chapter 15 we learn that Silas has become his traveling companion. Then as today's chapter opens Timothy joins Paul's troop. Timothy was even willing to be circumcised before he traveled with Paul (1-3). Finally in verse 11, Luke uses the pronoun 'we' describing the sail from Troas. There may even be others since verse 6 references 'traveling companions.'

Since I can't go back in time, I will never know what it was about Paul that drew people to work alongside of him. I don't even know if it was Paul or the opportunity to advance the Gospel that drew people to travel with Paul. I am reminded of Romans 16 where Paul lists many people, noting their service for the Gospel and to him. Reading this chapter and seeing this troop of companions, I understand better how he had such a long list of fellow workers in Romans 16.

Thinking about all Paul endured for the Gospel and given what many of his companions went through while serving alongside Paul, there had to be more than personal magnetism that drew people to work with him. In this chapter Silas is flogged alongside of Paul (22). I am not convinced that Paul's personality alone would account for Silas continuing with Paul after the severe beating. This leads me to think that there was a 'higher calling' than simply hanging with Paul. The 'higher calling' must have been Jesus Himself.

I pondered my willingness to suffer for Jesus. I hope, I pray I would… I have never been tested in that manner. My hope and prayer is that I would willingly give everything for the sake of Jesus, my Savior and Lord.

Oh, God, I pray for the faith and endurance to serve You faithfully like Paul and his many companions did. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Saturday, August 25: Acts 15- Simplicity of the gospel.

When a dispute arose concerning whether or not Gentiles needed to become Jews in order to be saved, the apostles and elders met prayed, discussed and decided, no they do not. Peter captured the sentiment saying,

"Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are" (7-11).

His last line is powerful... We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.

Ahh, the grace of God and the simplicity of the Gospel.

It is through Jesus, belief in Jesus, not human-made rules, that we are saved.

Believing in Jesus is the great divide in human life. One either believes and follows Him or does not.

Tomorrow I get to gather with a room full of believers as we center our thoughts, our hearts, our minds, and our praise and worship of Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Oh, what a joy!

Jesus, thank You for the reminder that You are it. Belief in You bring salvation. Amen and Amen.

 

Friday, August 24: Acts 14- A menagerie of thoughts.

      Paul and Barnabas have been on a whirlwind ministry tour. Oh, how the Lord has used them planting churches and advancing His reign in the world.

When the duo began their trip it was Barnabas and Saul (Paul). Now in almost every reference it is Paul and Barnabas. I realize this is a subtle shift in the account, still it indicates a significant change. Paul becomes the primary spokesman (12).

I thought about Barnabas. It is not easy when the person one is mentoring takes the lead from the former mentor. Yet, reading between the lines of the text, Barnabas accepts this change with grace. I suspect this is another incidence of Barnabas being a 'son of encouragement.' He understands his place and is grateful to see Paul become all God has made him to be.

Now with prominence comes pressure. According to verse 19, Paul is stoned but there is no mention of this happening to Barnabas. Leadership is not all it is cracked up to be. Leaders often take BIG hits.  I cannot imagine being stoned and enduring what Paul endured! I'd leave town too.

Lastly I was drawn in by the warm welcome when the duo returned home. From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples (26-28).

Reports from the 'field' always encourage me when they happen in my church. Apparently they had similar affects in Paul's day. I loved the words they stayed there a long time with the disciples. I imagined the church blessing Barnabas and Paul and pouring into them restoring strength for future ministry.

Lord I pray that the church today refreshes and restores the men and women it sends out to mission fields around the world. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Thursday, August 23: Acts 13- A man after God's own heart.

In the midst of Paul's long statement leading to Jesus and God's message of the Gospel, I found myself strangely drawn to God's comment describing David, King of Israel, 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do' (22).

David wasn't perfect, far from it in fact. Still God calls him a man after my own heart. I love that description. I don't know of a higher complement God could pay a human.

That phrase is a call to me… become a man of whom God could say, here is a man after my own heart.

I am heartened to know that a person does not need to be perfect to be a man after my own heart, because if perfection was required an epitaph like that would be out of reach for me or any of us. I know I am not there; still that phrase draws me to God. Oh, to be God's man, a person longing to be in tune with God,

God's estimation of David grows richer, he will do everything I want him to do. I suspect that this trait shows how David is a man after God's own heart. David lived to obey God and to do the Lord's bidding.

And this second line gives a basic roadway to becoming a man after God's own heart… do what God wants you to do.

Oh, God, I pray for strength to do what You want, to be Your man and to live a life that pleases You. In Jesus' name and for the sake of advancing Your name around the globe, I pray. Amen.

 

Wednesday, August 22: Acts 12- God can do way more.

Having read the chapter and begun my contemplation, Proverbs 3:5-6 came immediately to mind. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Peter was doing lots of trusting. Herod was flexing his muscle, having put James to death, Peter's neck was on the chopping block. Peter certainly knew it. And the church was earnestly praying to God for him (5). Those words remind me that prayer is FAR more than an emotional exercise. Prayer taps into the very might and power of God. And for Peter, God moved miraculously.

Part of the report that gets me comes when Peter reaches Mary's house. When the servant Rhoda heard Peter and told the gathering they said, "You're out of your mind"... (15). The people who were earnestly praying for Peter couldn't believe he was at their door!

A smile comes to my face...

Maybe they were praying for Peter to have peace. Maybe they were praying that Herod would have mercy. We don't know.  In all likelihood, God did immeasurably more than they asked or imagined (see Ephesians 3:20).

How often do I limit God by what I have faith to imagine?  Still the smile grew on my face because my lack of faith does not automatically limit God. God can and may still do more than I ask. Halleluiah!

I serve, we serve, a mighty God!!!

Oh, God, release Your power and might in signs and wonders and promptings and angelic visits and ... any immeasurably more that You care to release. In Jesus' name and for Your glory. Amen and Amen.

 

 

Tuesday, August 21: Acts 11- Partners in life and ministry.

As I read these two very different accounts, I wondered where God might speak. How would God use today's chapter to enter my life and speak to me?

I read and re-read, wondering. I pondered and thought and looked at the text. Slowly my heart was drawn to verse 25: Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul.

Hmm... when the task becomes too large to whom do you turn?

The task of discipling new believers in Antioch was too much for Barnabas alone. So remembering Paul, Barnabas went and found him and brought him to Antioch to help disciple the burgeoning church in the city. They labored for a year.

Is there a place for single-handed ministry? Well, although Jesus sent out disciples two by two, we also see the Spirit using Philip alone when he spoke to the Ethiopian eunuch. But this confirms my opening observation. If/when a ministry task gets too big for you alone, do you have someone to turn to for help? Do I have fellow believers I could call for help?

I have a number of people I can turn to for prayer and encouragement. But do I have someone who would come alongside if I asked? I don't know. Depending upon the ask, maybe yes, probably no.

Is God showing me a deficiency in by spiritual life???

How about you?

Speak, Lord, my heart is open... Amen.

 

Monday, August 20: Acts 10- Obedience.

The mission of God to witness to Jesus to the ends of the earth is gaining momentum. In chapter 8 persecution scatters Christ-followers throughout Judea and Samaria. In chapter 9 we learn of Saul's conversion and read of God's Word to him, This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel (Acts 9:15).

Now in chapter 10 we read of Peter's dramatic vision and his travel to Cornelius where Gentiles encounter the Lord Jesus. Although not the first Gentile, we already read of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26), Peter's account is most certainly a break-through moment in the early church.

Peter, by his own admission, has be scrupulous in following the traditions of the Jewish faith not eating unclean food or venturing into Gentile homes (14 & 28). However, believing God has directed him to go, Peter obediently goes to see Cornelius. Absolute obedience.

I reflect for a few moments on the obedience of Peter.

In response to a God-given vision and the internal witness of the Spirit, regarding the understanding of the vision coupled with the corroborating invitation of Cornelius' delegation inviting Peter to come and speak, Peter goes without question. Even though a vision, internal witness and circumstances form a strong foundation for discerning God's will, Peter must overcome life-long habits, instinct and religious training to be obedient to God's radical call to consort with Gentiles.

I sense it is significant for the early church that Peter is the one leading the way. A lesser apostle may not have had the clout to steer the entire faith into converting and accepting Gentiles. Still God goes the extra mile by accompanying the conversion of Gentiles at Cornelius' house with manifestations similar to Pentecost confirming that this is a work of God Almighty!

Stepping back I am drawn to Peter's absolute obedience despite personal costs. I wonder if I have the drive to obedience that Peter had. I haven't ever had the confluence of dramatic callings that Peter had on this day, but I certainly have had promptings. And my history of obedience is mixed... I have much growth still to go in my life.

Lord, what training must I undergo to grow in obedience? Work in me, Lord. I am Yours. Through Jesus Christ, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

 

Saturday, August 18: Acts 9- The Encourager.

Saul, who becomes Paul, dominates the opening of the chapter. As his story unfolds two men were essential for Paul to become the great apostle, missionary and voice for Jesus in the early church.

The first is Ananias. At the Lord's command Ananias had to lay aside his fear about Paul –word about Saul mission to kill believers spread –go to him and pray for Paul's healing and filling with the Holy Spirit. Ananias did just that. His brief conversation with the Lord is one example of how a Spirit-empowered believer receives guidance from the Lord.

The second person is Barnabas. After his healing Paul fearlessly preaches Jesus in Damascus earning him death threats. After being sneaked out of the city by believers Paul goes back to Jerusalem where believers are afraid to meet him. Enter Barnabas, who takes Paul under his wing vouches for him and introduces him around to the apostles.

It struck me how God used these two men to bring Paul into the center of the Christian community.

Then it struck me God continues to use followers to bring others into the center of His will. I wondered who God would have me be a 'Barnabas' for someone? I wondered if God called me to pray for someone, especially a scary someone, if I would be as faithful as Ananias?

O God, give me the faith of Ananias and the heart of Barnabas... so that I might be used by You to spread Your name and help bring others into the center of Your will. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

 

Friday, August 17: Acts 8- Prodding's of God.

What a chapter. The chapter begins with persecution which fires a move of God in Samaria, Caesarea and even sends the first convert to Ethiopia. Confirming the gospel of Jesus are signs and wonders and even 'teleportation' of one saint named Philip, one of the seven appointed in chapter 6. The gospel is advancing in incredible ways. 

My thoughts return to the persecution that seems to spark And Saul approved of their killing him.

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison (1-3).

Reading that Saul was approving of the killing of Stephen I was reminded of Stephen's prayer for forgiveness just before he died (7:59). I can't help but wonder if Saul's conversion in chapter 9 isn't in part a result of Stephen's prayer. Oh the wonders of life in Jesus.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus said, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Because of the persecution believers, who prayed for great boldness in chapter 4 are being scattered to Judea and Samaria. Jesus' statement is beginning to be realized. And persecution was the explosion that pushed the believers out of Jerusalem.

God, at times of His understanding, uses hardship to advance His name and purposes in our world. This seems to be the case with Stephen's martyrdom and is certainly the case with the ensuing persecution.

I wonder if the Church had taken Jesus' words to heart and spread out to Judea and Samaria on their own, then the persecution would have been unnecessary. Just wondering...

My wonderings turn personal... does my lack of immediate obedience ever necessitate God to do some prodding in my life, even uncomfortable hardship or pain prodding? Again just wondering...

The Lord will see His word fulfilled. Believers will witness to Jesus to the ends of the earth. This task still needs completion. What am I doing to see that it is completed? Am I doing all God asks me to do to see His name spread around this globe?

I am reminder of the words to a song: Faithfulness, faithfulness is what I long for faithfulness is what I need. O God I pray for faithfulness, integrity, and strength to do Your will and Your bidding. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

 

Wednesday, August 15: Acts 6- Pressure to conform.

Including today's reading, pressure on the church is ratcheting up. In chapters 4 & 5 apostles are arrested and marched before the Sanhedrin. Now in today's reading Stephen is arrested. Stephen is a non-apostle as well as a Greek speaking Jew. Living in Jerusalem he likely knew Aramaic as well.

The Sanhedrin seems to be going on the offensive and the suggestion of trumped up charges show that they are willing to break rules to break this new movement. This caused me to think that the world –possibly fueled by Satan's designs against the church –doesn't play fair when it comes to trying to shut down the church and the advance of God's gospel.

The pages of history are littered with Christ-followers enduring various levels of persecution for their faith. Recently I told the story of Jim Elliot martyred with 4 others in 1956 trying to advance the gospel in Ecuador. A friend of mine attends the home church of Andrew Brunson a missionary being held in a Turkish prison. She regularly sends out updates. Friends in Nigeria regularly face varying degrees of persecution.

As the USA culture grows more and more secular traditional Christian believes are being viewed more and more frequently as intolerant. I can't say we are persecuted but I am feeling marginalized. I wonder if that might tilt more aggressive?

Pressure on the church to conform is ever present in every society.

I am reminded of Chapter 4 when the church in the face of first imprisonment prayed for more boldness (see Acts 4:29-30). Oh that I would pray for the same... Oh that we –the church universal –would pray for more boldness especially in the face of threats and persecution. Boldness to witness to Jesus, not our political agenda or demand fairness but that Jesus would be heralded to the world, if need be through our faith-filled suffering.

God the words I have just written are scary for me. My life and faith-life has been easy. Are you preparing me for some kind of change? Oh God what I do know is that I need your strength for Your call, whatever it might be and I know I need more and greater amounts of boldness to speak of Jesus to my world. In His name I pray. Amen.

 

Thursday, August 16: Acts 7- Like father; like son.

My wife and I have been going through boxes and boxes of old photos, maybe 25 years worth. Some are dated and others not. We are culling our pre-digital photos, keeping good shots and tossing out duplicates and bad shots. We are also organizing them into year and month & activity. It has become quite a project. So far our organized photos fill a dozen photo shoe boxes!

One of the joys of this much-longer-than-we-expected project is the journey down memory lane that the photos provide. My wife and I have smiled and laughed and teared-up going through the photos. There are so many photos of my kids, particularly my boys, doing what I am doing (My wife was the family photographer in the early days so we have many less pictures of her during those years).

Like father; like son would be a good caption.

When I read the report of Stephen's death, "like father; like son" came to mind. Stephen acted very much like his Lord Jesus at his death.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep (59-60).

Jesus prayed, "into your hands I commit my spirit" shortly before he died (Luke 23:46). Jesus also prayed, "Father forgive them because they know not what they doing" (Luke 23:34). I smile realizing that both of these quotes are found in Luke's first volume, his gospel.

Stephen, like Jesus; like disciple.

As I was typing those last words it hit me… am I like Jesus? Would I in the face of this tragedy emulate Jesus? Do I emulate Jesus in my everyday living?

I consider myself a disciple of Jesus and disciples do what their master's do and they behave like their master's behave. Disciples are learning to be like their masters. Am I learning to be like Jesus? Really am I?

Are you?

Think about it…

O Jesus in this account Stephen is called 'a man full of the Holy Spirit' (7:55). I pray that I too am known as a man full of the Holy Spirit and that in my life people see reflections of You. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 

Tuesday, August 14: Acts 5- Ananias and Sapphire .

There is no doubt that the account of Ananias and Sapphire is a strange story. Why would Luke under the inspiration of God include this story in the New Testament? I don't know the mind of the Lord... still there is much in this passage.

For starters, I turn to the end, to see what message Luke is sending through this account. Verse 11 is the wrap-up. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. Whatever I learn from this passage, one thing is for certain, God is to be feared. God is supreme.

We talk about how God knows everything. For Ananias and Sapphire this is no longer an abstract truth. They found out the hard way, when they lied to the church and to God.

Already my thoughts are percolating... since God knows everything, God knows when I have lied, taken credit for things I don't deserve, and tried to hide bad things I have done. Their fate could have been mine! A measure of fear sets in...

I wonder what it must have been like for Peter to be given the revelation and then watched those two from the flock drop dead? One thing I respect with Peter is his honesty in delivering the word God had given him. At least for me confronting others does not come easily. And I have never had such a dire word!

I circle back to the fear of God. Do I give God the honor reserved only for God? Have I become so 'familiar' with God that I have lost appropriate 'fear' of God?

This account stirs up yearning in me... yearnings to know God more and more fully as live marches on.

I sit quietly before You Lord. Show Yourself to me... I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

 

Monday, August 13: Acts 4- Barnabas.

Nicknames don't always define who we are. Sometimes they grow out of an incident in our lives. I love giving my family members nicknames, which change over time.

Other times nicknames do express an aspect of who we are, like William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England 1066.

I love the nickname given to Joseph, the Levite from Cyprus. According to verse 36 the apostles called him Barnabas, which means son of encouragement. What a great nickname. And he certainly lived up to that name. In verse 36 he is giving money to support people in need in the church. In a little while he will come alongside of Saul (Paul) and work with him on his first missionary journey (chapter 13). Later he gives Mark a second chance after he bailed on Barnabas and Paul during the first missionary journey (15:36). Only the Lord knows if there were others he encouraged along the way.

Paul and Mark are important figures in the early church. Together they wrote about 30% of the New Testament. As I think about this I wonder if we would have had Paul and Mark without Barnabas first encouraging them to walk in their faith???

I'll never know the answer to this question. Still it causes me to ask if I am encouraging younger members of the faith. Am I a Barnabas for others? Are you?

I know that my faith has been strengthened because of the encouragement of others. Karl, Harry, and Jeff are 3 men who have been a Barnabas for me at important times in my life.

Lord, please point out to me some men for whom I can be a Barnabas. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.