“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 9:17.
Ananias, obeying what he believed to be God’s instructions, went to the house where Saul was staying. All that he understood about the situation was what he believed God had spoken to him. Upon arriving, to his great relief, he discovered that Saul was present and in need of hearing a word from the Lord, as well as in need of a healing touch. It is evident that Ananias knew exactly what he needed to do next, and he prayed for Saul’s eyes to be healed and that Saul would be filled with the Holy Spirit. I am certain that there was great rejoicing in this moment for all of those involved!
There have been times when I believed God wanted me to step out of my comfort zone and to do something risky for Him. But I must admit that I was never confronted with a potentially life-threatening situation similar to the one Ananias faced, at least not that I know of. Yet, in the midst of risking it, I have felt the nervousness and insecurity of possibly being wrong – and not hearing correctly from God. It almost paralyzed me to the point of inaction, but I pressed on. In most of those situations, it did not necessarily work out the way that I thought that it would, but rarely would I say that it was the wrong thing to do. I usually have learned valuable lessons and have grown as a result of taking the risks.
Questions to consider: When is the last time that you sensed God nudging you to do something risky for Him? Did you do it? How did it work out for you? Are you open to its happening again?
Prayer: Father, help me to have a heart that is willing to take risks when I sense You calling me to do something risky. Help me to get out of my comfortable, safe place in order to serve You in a deeper, more meaningful way. Amen.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
July 2, 2009 - Acts 9:15
“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.’” Acts 9:15.
Ananias, a follower of Jesus who lived in Damascus, was called by God to go to the house where Saul, (soon to be Paul), was staying. Ananias was understandably hesitant because of Saul’s reputation, and he responded to God in manner that appealed to His reason. In response, God tells Ananias to “Go!” and gives Ananias a brief vision of the calling on Saul’s life, in service to Jesus.
I appreciate the fact that God doesn’t just say “Go!” to Ananias, without any further explanation. This might have conveyed that God was frustrated with Ananias. Instead, it seems as though, while urging Ananias along, God allowed him to see some of what He had in store for the life of this man who had tormented the early followers of Jesus. Even though He didn’t need to do it, God brought Ananias in on what was to happen to Saul. And God firmly told him to get going to the house where Saul was staying.
Questions to consider: Have you sensed God speaking to you, urging you to do something? Was there a time sequence related to it, such as what Ananias experienced? Did you follow through with it? If you haven’t had that happen to you, would you like for that to happen? What would it take?
Prayer: Father, thank You so much for being involved with us in such a personal way that You, on occasion, speak directly to us, as You did with Ananias. Help me to have ears to hear You, and a heart to obey. Amen.
Ananias, a follower of Jesus who lived in Damascus, was called by God to go to the house where Saul, (soon to be Paul), was staying. Ananias was understandably hesitant because of Saul’s reputation, and he responded to God in manner that appealed to His reason. In response, God tells Ananias to “Go!” and gives Ananias a brief vision of the calling on Saul’s life, in service to Jesus.
I appreciate the fact that God doesn’t just say “Go!” to Ananias, without any further explanation. This might have conveyed that God was frustrated with Ananias. Instead, it seems as though, while urging Ananias along, God allowed him to see some of what He had in store for the life of this man who had tormented the early followers of Jesus. Even though He didn’t need to do it, God brought Ananias in on what was to happen to Saul. And God firmly told him to get going to the house where Saul was staying.
Questions to consider: Have you sensed God speaking to you, urging you to do something? Was there a time sequence related to it, such as what Ananias experienced? Did you follow through with it? If you haven’t had that happen to you, would you like for that to happen? What would it take?
Prayer: Father, thank You so much for being involved with us in such a personal way that You, on occasion, speak directly to us, as You did with Ananias. Help me to have ears to hear You, and a heart to obey. Amen.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
June 25, 2009 - Reflection on trip to Southwest US
We just returned from a vacation to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Colorado. My brother arranged for us to journey around the Colorado, Arizona, and Utah areas to visit the amazing natural wonders there. He took us to see the Navajo Indian’s Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Glen Canyon, Lake Powell, and the Capital Reef National Park. We camped for a couple of nights and “roughed it” in motels the remaining time and did a large amount of hiking.
But what struck me over and over was the amazingly creative hand of God. In such a relatively small region of the United States, there is a diverse amount of natural beauty and wonder. We were continually awed at the sheer size, beauty, and majesty of each location. Over and over again, we could not imagine how anything could be more beautiful, and yet, as we travelled on, in the diversity of the surroundings, we experienced more of the same – this amazing beauty! We witnessed how artistically God’s hand used the wind and the water to sculpt out of the earth these works of art for our enjoyment.
On our trip home, I reflected on our time away and, as I gazed at my wife sitting next to me, realized the amazingly creative hand of our God in making the natural beauty and wonder of this person sitting next to me. I realized that, just as God had taken His time to create the beauty in nature around us, He has taken even more time to give special attention to the creation of His image bearers – you and I.
“So God created man (and woman) in his own image… (And) God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:27a and 31a.
Questions to consider: Have you taken some time to reflect on the creative beauty that is around you from God’s hand? Have you taken time to reflect on the amazing way that nature has been put together? Have you taken time to reflect on the amazing way that you are put together by God?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your creative hand in putting nature together in such a beautiful and wonderful way. And thank You for putting us together in a beautiful and wonderful way, as Your image bearers. Amen.
But what struck me over and over was the amazingly creative hand of God. In such a relatively small region of the United States, there is a diverse amount of natural beauty and wonder. We were continually awed at the sheer size, beauty, and majesty of each location. Over and over again, we could not imagine how anything could be more beautiful, and yet, as we travelled on, in the diversity of the surroundings, we experienced more of the same – this amazing beauty! We witnessed how artistically God’s hand used the wind and the water to sculpt out of the earth these works of art for our enjoyment.
On our trip home, I reflected on our time away and, as I gazed at my wife sitting next to me, realized the amazingly creative hand of our God in making the natural beauty and wonder of this person sitting next to me. I realized that, just as God had taken His time to create the beauty in nature around us, He has taken even more time to give special attention to the creation of His image bearers – you and I.
“So God created man (and woman) in his own image… (And) God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:27a and 31a.
Questions to consider: Have you taken some time to reflect on the creative beauty that is around you from God’s hand? Have you taken time to reflect on the amazing way that nature has been put together? Have you taken time to reflect on the amazing way that you are put together by God?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your creative hand in putting nature together in such a beautiful and wonderful way. And thank You for putting us together in a beautiful and wonderful way, as Your image bearers. Amen.
Friday, June 12, 2009
June 18, 2009 - Acts 9:13
“’Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.’” Acts 9:13.
The Lord had given Ananias specific instructions to go to Saul, who was in Damascus, and to pray for the restoration of his sight. Ananias responded to the Lord with a reminder of what Saul had been doing to Ananias’ fellow followers of Jesus in Jerusalem and beyond. Ananias’ reply to the Lord is totally understandable, yet it is interesting that he felt that he needed to “remind” the Lord concerning the reports about Saul, as if the Lord did not know or remember what business Saul was about.
During times of prayer, I know that there are many times when I seek to remind the Lord or to “fill Him in” on information that He might have overlooked. I know that this sounds a bit silly, for who can “inform” the Lord about anything, yet I cannot tell you how many times I, or someone else who I am praying with, have talked to the Lord in just this sort of manner. I, personally, do not think that the Lord minds, because I believe that He loves the relationship between us and Him.
I remember “talks” with my children, when they were young. Often, they would “inform” me of things that I already knew, yet I was totally delighted to hear their comments. The relationship brought so much joy to me that I did not mind in the least any of these types of comments. If I, as an imperfect father, feel that way, imagine what our Father feels when we come to Him.
Questions to consider: Have there been times when you were “informing” the Lord about something? Have you ever experienced someone doing this to you, yet you care so deeply for them that it didn’t matter? How do you imagine God feels toward you when you do that in your relationship with Him?
Prayer: Father, thank you so much for loving us so thoroughly and completely so as to cover some of the silly things that we communicate to You. Thank You that You do not shame us, but instead, You dearly love us. Amen.
The Lord had given Ananias specific instructions to go to Saul, who was in Damascus, and to pray for the restoration of his sight. Ananias responded to the Lord with a reminder of what Saul had been doing to Ananias’ fellow followers of Jesus in Jerusalem and beyond. Ananias’ reply to the Lord is totally understandable, yet it is interesting that he felt that he needed to “remind” the Lord concerning the reports about Saul, as if the Lord did not know or remember what business Saul was about.
During times of prayer, I know that there are many times when I seek to remind the Lord or to “fill Him in” on information that He might have overlooked. I know that this sounds a bit silly, for who can “inform” the Lord about anything, yet I cannot tell you how many times I, or someone else who I am praying with, have talked to the Lord in just this sort of manner. I, personally, do not think that the Lord minds, because I believe that He loves the relationship between us and Him.
I remember “talks” with my children, when they were young. Often, they would “inform” me of things that I already knew, yet I was totally delighted to hear their comments. The relationship brought so much joy to me that I did not mind in the least any of these types of comments. If I, as an imperfect father, feel that way, imagine what our Father feels when we come to Him.
Questions to consider: Have there been times when you were “informing” the Lord about something? Have you ever experienced someone doing this to you, yet you care so deeply for them that it didn’t matter? How do you imagine God feels toward you when you do that in your relationship with Him?
Prayer: Father, thank you so much for loving us so thoroughly and completely so as to cover some of the silly things that we communicate to You. Thank You that You do not shame us, but instead, You dearly love us. Amen.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June 11, 2009 - Acts 9:11
“The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.’” Acts 9:11.
Ananias, a follower of Jesus, who lived in Damascus, is having a conversation with the Lord. Once He has gotten Ananias’ attention, the Lord gives him instructions on how to get to the house in Damascus where Saul, known to be the arch-enemy of the Church, is staying. He hears from the Lord that Saul is in prayer at this house. The Lord also indicates that Saul has seen in a vision that Ananias is to come to him and will pray for his sight to be restored.
I have heard it said, “I do not doubt that God speaks clearly; I doubt my ability to hear what He said clearly.” This really resonates with me! I hear Him “speak” to me in the Scriptures, through friends and those around me, through books and writings, and through nature, but I am not so sure that I have heard Him speak to me as if we were talking together, face to face. I have a sense that this has happened, yet since I could not see Him with my eyes or touch Him with my hands, it is still difficult to fully and clearly understand His specific instructions for me. Again, I do not doubt that He does this; what I doubt is my ability to hear His words clearly.
That is what makes this verse amazing to me! Ananias has no doubt that the Lord is speaking to him and that He has given him specific instructions for a specific job.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced God speaking to you? Have you ever doubted that you heard Him correctly? Have you ever known that you understood the specific instructions that He gave you?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You care so much for each of us that You speak to us in personal ways. Give us ears to hear You, even when what You say to us is difficult for us to hear and understand. Amen.
Ananias, a follower of Jesus, who lived in Damascus, is having a conversation with the Lord. Once He has gotten Ananias’ attention, the Lord gives him instructions on how to get to the house in Damascus where Saul, known to be the arch-enemy of the Church, is staying. He hears from the Lord that Saul is in prayer at this house. The Lord also indicates that Saul has seen in a vision that Ananias is to come to him and will pray for his sight to be restored.
I have heard it said, “I do not doubt that God speaks clearly; I doubt my ability to hear what He said clearly.” This really resonates with me! I hear Him “speak” to me in the Scriptures, through friends and those around me, through books and writings, and through nature, but I am not so sure that I have heard Him speak to me as if we were talking together, face to face. I have a sense that this has happened, yet since I could not see Him with my eyes or touch Him with my hands, it is still difficult to fully and clearly understand His specific instructions for me. Again, I do not doubt that He does this; what I doubt is my ability to hear His words clearly.
That is what makes this verse amazing to me! Ananias has no doubt that the Lord is speaking to him and that He has given him specific instructions for a specific job.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced God speaking to you? Have you ever doubted that you heard Him correctly? Have you ever known that you understood the specific instructions that He gave you?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You care so much for each of us that You speak to us in personal ways. Give us ears to hear You, even when what You say to us is difficult for us to hear and understand. Amen.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
June 4, 2009 - Acts 9:10
“In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered.” Acts 9:10.
Saul was in Damascus when God spoke to a follower of Jesus in Damascus, named Ananias. We do not know what this disciple was doing at the time; we only know that God called out to him and he answered. He might have been in prayer or busy at his work, yet it seems that Ananias recognized the Lord’s voice and answered Him. It seems that Ananias had an intimate relationship with God, since he was able to recognize His voice immediately.
This verse challenges me! I don’t know if I would be as ready as Ananias was to respond to the Lord. And while I have sensed God speaking to me in the impressions within my mind, through my reading and studying in the Bible, or through some other means, I am not so sure that I would recognize His voice, if He spoke to me. In those times when I believe that He has spoken to me, I recognize that I had a sense of peace, even though I may not have understood what He said. The challenge for me is to place myself in a position that would allow me slow down enough to hear from Him and to learn to recognize His voice.
Ananias is a good model for me, for it is my desire to recognize the Lord’s voice and to respond right away.
Questions to consider: Have you ever sensed that God has spoken to you? How did that happen? How did you respond? What would it take for you to learn how to recognize His voice when He speaks to you?
Prayer: Lord, help me to slow down enough to recognize Your voice as You speak to me. Help me to do what is necessary to develop a more intimate relationship with You. Amen.
Saul was in Damascus when God spoke to a follower of Jesus in Damascus, named Ananias. We do not know what this disciple was doing at the time; we only know that God called out to him and he answered. He might have been in prayer or busy at his work, yet it seems that Ananias recognized the Lord’s voice and answered Him. It seems that Ananias had an intimate relationship with God, since he was able to recognize His voice immediately.
This verse challenges me! I don’t know if I would be as ready as Ananias was to respond to the Lord. And while I have sensed God speaking to me in the impressions within my mind, through my reading and studying in the Bible, or through some other means, I am not so sure that I would recognize His voice, if He spoke to me. In those times when I believe that He has spoken to me, I recognize that I had a sense of peace, even though I may not have understood what He said. The challenge for me is to place myself in a position that would allow me slow down enough to hear from Him and to learn to recognize His voice.
Ananias is a good model for me, for it is my desire to recognize the Lord’s voice and to respond right away.
Questions to consider: Have you ever sensed that God has spoken to you? How did that happen? How did you respond? What would it take for you to learn how to recognize His voice when He speaks to you?
Prayer: Lord, help me to slow down enough to recognize Your voice as You speak to me. Help me to do what is necessary to develop a more intimate relationship with You. Amen.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
May 28, 2009 - Acts 9:8
“Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.” Acts 9:8.
On his way to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, Saul was struck by a shining light that knocked him to the ground. It was Jesus who manifested Himself through the light in order to confront Saul and change the course of his life forever. Upon getting up, Saul realized that he was blind, and his companions led him to Damascus. Once he arrived, he waited there for what he was to do next, and he did not eat or drink anything for three days. The direction of his life had been radically changed, and with the blindness, he had no idea what adjustments to his life would now be required of him.
I recognize that I didn’t have such a radically life changing moment like Saul, I have had a few occurrences or decisions that changed the course of my life. My marriage and my decision to become a follower of Jesus were two clear moments. A third moment occurred when I was eighteen, and it happened before I was a follower of Jesus. I was in a church service with a girl that I was dating at the time, when I sensed a voice whispering in my ear. I looked around to see who it was and saw no one. The voice stated that he wanted me to go into full time ministry. At the time, I had no idea what that meant, yet as the journey of my life has unfolded, I recognize that this was the voice of Jesus leading the way for me. It was a powerful moment by which I am still impacted – after 40 years.
Questions to consider: When you look back, do you remember any incidents that changed the course of your life forever? What were they? How are you different as a result?
Prayer: Father, thank You for those moments of direction that You use to guide us along the way that we need to walk. Help me to always keep an ear out to hear You and to do what You say. Amen.
On his way to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, Saul was struck by a shining light that knocked him to the ground. It was Jesus who manifested Himself through the light in order to confront Saul and change the course of his life forever. Upon getting up, Saul realized that he was blind, and his companions led him to Damascus. Once he arrived, he waited there for what he was to do next, and he did not eat or drink anything for three days. The direction of his life had been radically changed, and with the blindness, he had no idea what adjustments to his life would now be required of him.
I recognize that I didn’t have such a radically life changing moment like Saul, I have had a few occurrences or decisions that changed the course of my life. My marriage and my decision to become a follower of Jesus were two clear moments. A third moment occurred when I was eighteen, and it happened before I was a follower of Jesus. I was in a church service with a girl that I was dating at the time, when I sensed a voice whispering in my ear. I looked around to see who it was and saw no one. The voice stated that he wanted me to go into full time ministry. At the time, I had no idea what that meant, yet as the journey of my life has unfolded, I recognize that this was the voice of Jesus leading the way for me. It was a powerful moment by which I am still impacted – after 40 years.
Questions to consider: When you look back, do you remember any incidents that changed the course of your life forever? What were they? How are you different as a result?
Prayer: Father, thank You for those moments of direction that You use to guide us along the way that we need to walk. Help me to always keep an ear out to hear You and to do what You say. Amen.
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