January 1, 2009 Acts 7:60

“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.” Acts 7:60.
The religious authorities have taken Stephen out of the city gate to stone for what they say is blasphemy against God. Stephen is brought to his knees by the stones being hurled at him. It is in that position that, with his last breath, he pleads with the Lord not to hold this sin against those throwing the stones at him, and he dies. Stephen, just before he passes from this life, prays for his enemies and persecutors, asking for mercy from God on their lives.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t know that I could do what Stephen did. I can picture me trying to plead for my own mercy, or trying to be reasonable with these people, or, worse, cursing them in some way. I am not so sure that I would seek mercy for my perpetrators. Even in the face of certain death, Stephen was grace-filled, seeking nothing but God’s forgiveness and mercy. This is the mark of a follower of Jesus: mercy, grace, and forgiveness in the face of the unloving and unlovable. This is the goal that I seek after, confessing my own shortcomings. On my death bed or if in the face of martyrdom, I hope to have the graceful and merciful heart, as well as the words of Stephen.
As we come into the New Year, my hope for each of us is that we not only seek God’s grace and mercy, but that we, also, seek to be His ambassadors of grace and mercy to the unloving and unlovable around us. Happy New Year to each of you!
Questions to consider: What would you hope to say in the face of your own death? What would it take for you to get your heart in that posture? Who, in your world, needs grace and mercy from you?
Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your grace and mercy towards each one of us. I pray that You will give me a heart like Stephen’s, who pleaded to You for mercy for his persecutors. Please give me a heart of mercy and grace in this New Year. Amen.

Christmas, 2008

“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.” John 3:16.
This pivotal verse expresses succinctly what God’s ultimate plan was for humanity. He gave the world – all humanity and creation – His Son so that, in Him, all would have the opportunity to enjoy a loving relationship with God forever. The response from humanity was the opportunity to believe in His Son, Jesus. Yet, God, in sending His Son, knew what it would cost, because the debt of Sin demanded payment. So either all humanity suffered forever under the yoke of sin and death or the Perfect One without blemish or sin would pay the price with the shedding of His blood.
Even as an imperfect father, I can hardly imagine allowing one of my children to be sacrificed. I would rather die in their place. And I know that many of you feel the same way. With that said, I cannot imagine what our perfectly loving Father must have gone through to allow this plan to be implemented. Yet, this is exactly what God did, and that is the real reason that we should celebrate Christmas, and not just once each year, but all throughout the year! “For God so loved the world (that includes you and me!) that He gave…..” “For the Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus, the Word of God – the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – humbled Himself and came as the ultimate servant for all humanity and creation for all time, past, present, and future!
Questions to consider: Do you know how much God loves you? Try to imagine how much it cost God to allow His Son, Jesus, to come to pay the price for us and our sin.
Prayer: Father, You paid such an incredible price – Your most precious Son, Jesus – for us. You loved us in our flaws and unlovable state. Thank You! Amen.

As we celebrate Christmas with our families and friends, please take some time to thank God for the ultimate present, the incredible gift that He gave to each of us.
CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF JESUS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

December 18, 2008 - Acts 7:59

“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’” Acts 7:59.
While Stephen proclaimed Jesus of Nazareth as the long-awaited Messiah, the members of the Sanhedrin pronounced Stephen a blasphemer, punishable by stoning to death. The process of stoning is an extremely painful way to die. The instructions were to not kill the “criminal” with the first or second blow, but not to be lenient by throwing pebbles. The object was to inflict as much pain on the person without killing them and to prolong their life as long as possible. Within a few centuries of the first century, most governments and religions, except fanatic Muslims, had outlawed stoning as inhumane.
It was in the midst of this tremendously painful experience that Stephen had the presence of mind to look toward heaven and pray. I must admit that I complain about the simplest and most minor of things. I get a hangnail and I whine and moan for hours about my “dreadful” condition. Okay, this is a bit of an exaggeration, but not much of one! The point is that I look toward my own inconvenience and problem instead of looking toward heaven for my solution.
Stephen’s posture was a wonderful model for us, whether a hangnail is our condition or it is a life and death situation. Looking toward heaven and praying to the Living God is the posture that we can long for.
Questions to consider: What position do you take when inconveniences or trials, big or small, occur in your life? What could you do to position yourself, as Stephen modeled?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire, when trials happen in my life, to look to You. Please give me the presence of mind to look to You in the midst of the trial. Amen.

December 11, 2008 - Acts 7:57-58a

“At this they covered their ears and , yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city, and began to stone him.” Acts 7:57-58a.
The Hebrew leadership can stand it no more. Stephen’s spouting out blasphemous statements, and they do all that they can to avoid hearing his comments. In the heat of their emotion, they pounce on Stephen, drag him outside of the city walls, and begin to hurl stones at him in order to kill him.
Stephen made his stand for Jesus and His kingdom, and now he was paying the ultimate price for his obedience. It is interesting that God did not deliver Stephen from paying this price. He did deliver him through it. In Stephen’s death, God brought him into his eternal reward, so even though he was not set free in this life, he was set free from this life.
Stephen’s story sobers me from flowery pictures of the “perfect Christian life.” This is an emotional, riotous event that ends with Stephen’s death, with plenty of troubles to follow for the young followers of Jesus. While my daily walk with Jesus Christ doesn’t have the drama of this scene, it is important for me to remember the “win/win” of the life and death issues of following Jesus. As Paul states, with all seriousness, in his message from prison, “to live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) If I make a stand for God’s kingdom, God might spare my life in this world or He might allow me to be released from this world to enter into His eternal purposes for me. I face the tension of living in this world or going to my eternal reward in the next.
Questions to consider: Am I living my life with my eyes on Jesus or the things of this world? Am I living in such a way that I can say, “to live is Christ, to die is gain?” What would it take for me to have a heart like Stephen, who stood firm in the face of death?
Prayer: Father, give me eyes to keep the goal of Christ and Your kingdom in my vision and the heart to follow after Him with all that I am. Amen.

December 4, 2008 - Acts 7:55

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55.
Stephen had finished his statement before the Sanhedrin, charging the Jewish leadership with the killing of the Messiah. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, he looked up towards heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus, his Master, standing at the Father’s right hand. He even told the listening crowd, probably pointing towards the vision, that he saw Jesus standing at God’s right hand.
It is very significant in Stephen’s vision that Jesus is standing at God’s right hand, which was the position of ultimate authority. Here was truly the King of all kings in His rightful place of authority. Notice that, in the vision, Jesus is standing. It is interesting to note that when Jesus ascended to heaven, it is said that He sat at the right hand of God, presumably on a throne. Here in this vision, Jesus is standing at His position of authority, the right hand of God. I believe that He is standing in honor of the one – Stephen – who stood boldly for Him. Stephen laid down his life in service to Jesus and His kingdom here on earth, and Jesus is honoring him by standing up for him in heaven.
I don’t know about you, but I get chills thinking about Jesus’ personal honoring of Stephen. But that personal honoring came as a result of Stephen’s paying the ultimate price of laying his life on the line for Jesus. Not all of us are called to pay this kind of price, yet we are called to stand up for Jesus and His kingdom. We are called to love and to obedience for His kingdom’s sake.
Questions to consider: Are you standing up for Jesus? What does that look like in your daily life? How would you like to have a vision of Jesus standing up for you? What would it take for that to happen?
Prayer: Father, I desire to serve You in such a way that honors You. Please give me the ability to match my desire so that I will do all that I can to serve You. Amen.

November 20, 2008 - Acts 7:52

“’Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him….’” Acts 7:52.
This is Stephen’s culminating moment before the Sanhedrin. He has recounted the history of his people, the Jews, and now has pointed to the past leadership’s guilt concerning their treatment of the prophets of old. And he doesn’t stop there. He presses on to charge the present Hebrew leadership with the betrayal and murder of the “Righteous One,” Jesus, the Messiah, the Chosen One from the Father. This is pretty heady stuff!
Stephen was originally brought before the Sanhedrin on charges of disturbing the peace, and now he is the one bringing charges against them! Consider the courage that this must have taken to stand up in front of this powerful body of people and leaders and to make the kind of charges that he made. Is it any wonder that these leaders reacted by throwing him out and having him stoned to death immediately for his bold comments.
I am amazed at Stephen’s courage. I don’t know if it was the smartest tactic to put on such a full-frontal verbal assault, but he was courageous. Sometimes what would appear to be the “smartest” tactic may not be the correct one. Stephen’s boldness and courage was as a result of his total commitment and passion to follow after Jesus, his Lord and Master. While it was certainly not the safe way out, Stephen stood whole-heartedly for his Master, and he paid the ultimate price, at least in this life, for it.
Questions to consider: Have you ever been in a position where courage and boldness were required of you? What was that like, and how did you do? Today, are you seeking the “safer” or “smarter” tactic, or are you willing to risk it for Jesus’ sake?
Prayer: Father, give me a renewed boldness and courage to stand as Your beacon among the dark world that I walk. Help me to be Your light and salt in our dark and decaying world. Amen.

November 13, 2008 - Acts 7:51

“’You stiffed-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!’” Acts 7:51.
Stephen cuts to the heart, charging his Hebrew leadership audience with resistance and disobedience to the Holy Spirit. He really grabs their attention with his claim that, even though they had been physically circumcised, their hearts and ears had not. In effect, he was saying that they were spiritual rebels who were not under God’s authority in any way. In fact, they were hostile to God, working against God’s purposes. This is really bold stuff!! Here Stephen is, standing in front of the most powerful gathering of leaders in all of Israel at his time and, remember, they are, already, not happy with him, challenging them – charging them – with turning against God.
Yet, as I ponder on this charge, I must admit that there are times when I act like the people that Stephen is confronting. I know that, like the Pharisees, I start thinking that I am “better” than some other people or that I need to keep myself “apart” from those “sinners”, after all, I need to be safe, “spiritual,” and “holy.” While I am not sure that I “always resist the Holy Spirit,” I know that there are times when I do, and probably many more than I would care to admit!
When I read this verse, I am challenged to ask God if there be any “stiff-necked-ness” within me; to ask if my heart and ears are “uncircumcised”. It is my desire to be clay – workable, moldable clay – in my Potter’s hands.
Questions to consider: Can you relate to being “stiff-necked” or “uncircumcised”, as these people were? What does that look like in your life? What was Jesus’ example? What do you desire to be?
Prayer: Father, I confess that there are times, mostly many more than I am aware of, when I act just like the people that Stephen is confronting? Please forgive me for my be stiffed-necked and uncircumcised; resisting Your Holy Spirit’s activity in my life? Give me a heart and ears to recognize You and to follow after You. Amen.

November 6, 2008 - Acts 7:48-49a

“’However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me?”’” Acts 7:48-49a.
Stephen retells the Hebrew history from the establishing of the tabernacle, under Moses, up through the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, under Solomon. As he was standing on trial in this Temple building, Stephen abruptly shifts gears, focusing on God not living “in houses made by men.” In effect, he states that while his audience might believe that God resides right there in the building in which they stood, He, in fact, according to Isaiah, one of the revered prophets of Israel, could not be held in any man-made structure, no matter how grand or elegant.
I don’t know about you, but I have totally enjoyed this fall. The color changes in the trees have been spectacular in our part of the country! I had the opportunity recently to go away into the mountains for a few days, and at night, I would stand outside in the clear, crisp darkness, gazing into the vastness of the universe. In the morning, I would watch the sunrise paint beautiful hues of colors on the clouds, and in the evenings, I would delight in the last rays of sunlight dancing on the colorful trees. It was truly amazing and worshipful! And to have a bald eagle majestically glide in and through this picture was awe-inspiring!
These Hebrew leaders were offended by Stephen’s inference that God did not dwell in their Temple, and by that inference, was not restricted to their confining belief system. God was, and is, the untamable, un-box-able, mysterious Being, and yet He made Himself available and accessible.
Questions to consider: Was there ever a time that you tried to limit, contain, or put God in a box? What did that look like? Is there any way that you are doing that now?
Prayer: Most High God, who can confine You; who could possibly build a house that You could live in? Yet in the mystery of who You are, You choose to make Yourself most clearly known in Jesus, and You have given us Your Holy Spirit to reside within each one of us, as we invite You in. Help us to humbly appreciate the vastness of who You are and yet the intimacy that You allow us to experience in You. Amen.

October 30, 2008 - Acts 7:40

“’They told Aaron, “Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt – we don’t know what has happened to him!”’” Acts 7:40.
Moses had been up on Mt. Sinai with God for over 3 weeks, on his way to 40 days, when influential people within the Hebrew people approached Aaron with another idea. They knew that Moses had been communicating with God, and they had seen God do some amazing miracles. Yet, because they were not sure what had happened to Moses, they thought that it might be a good idea to show some “spirituality” and make their own gods, possibly returning to some old gods. After all, Moses was not a young man, and here he was climbing up into that craggy, storm-laden mountain by himself. They were anxious about going any further without some “godly” direction, so they instructed Aaron to make some gods for them.
At first, I didn’t see how I related to this verse, but after some thought, I see things a bit differently. When it seems that I haven’t “heard” anything new or fresh from God, I am tempted to manufacture ideas. I start feeling the necessity to come up with something. After all, the people around me want to know that I am hearing from God. We all want “gods who will go before us.” And the truth of the matter is, our God is a God who goes before us. Yet He goes at His own bidding and in His own perfect timing; not because it meets our whims or peculiar needs. He bids for me to “come and follow” and this may involve waiting for long periods of time, as well as moving out as He shows the way.
Questions to consider: How do I respond/react when I sense that God is not around or directing me? How long does it take me to return to following my old “gods” – such as myself, sports, or whatever that may be? What do those “gods” look like? What do I need to do to stay focused on the one true God?
Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see You and patience to follow You whether or not I see You or sense Your presence. Amen.

October 23, 2008 - Acts 7:39

“But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.” Acts 7:39.
Stephen guides his listening audience of Hebrew leaders back to remember the people’s response to Moses. God had spoken through Moses to the people, and they “refused to obey him.” The forty year journey in the wilderness is the result of their disobedience. Even more problematic, they “turned back to Egypt” in their hearts. They desired to submit themselves to the harsh enslavement of Pharaoh rather than submit to God, through Moses.
Can you imagine?!? Choosing enslavement over the potential of freedom. As absurd as it sounds, that is what they wanted, and that is just the type of thing that I do, on occasion, on a personal level. I choose the “comfort” of what I know, even though it is painful, dysfunctional, destructive, or disconnected from anything life-giving, over what may have potential. A personal example of this is the choice that I make in my diet. While I eat much healthier, thanks to my lovely wife, and make better life-giving choices, in my heart, it looks much more different; much darker. In my heart, I “naturally” go toward food that will kill me much quicker. It is absurd, irrational, and insane, but that is where I go. (Fortunately, I am changing my ways!)
On a spiritual level, we make choices regularly. Most of the time, we choose the known, more “comfortable” way….which leads back to spiritual “Egypt”, rather than the potential freedom that will be experienced fully in the Promise Land. We are, all of us, still in the Wilderness – this present world – and we experience glimpses of God’s coming Kingdom, yet it is still a potential and not fully realized. God gives us the opportunity to choose. As Joshua, Moses’ predecessor, says, “Choose you this day who you will serve…As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Questions to consider: Have you ever chosen enslavement over freedom? What did that look like? Today, what do you choose to do? What would it look like to choose freedom today?
Prayer: Father, I desire to choose life; to choose freedom; to choose You. Please give me the insight and wisdom to see the choices that I need to make and the courage to make the right one in my heart. Amen.

October 16, 2008 - Acts 7:37

“’This is that Moses who told the Israelites, “God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.”’” Acts 7:37.
Moses, overcoming his early weaknesses, was revered as the prophet of God who was sent to deliver the Hebrew people and to make them into a nation. Stephen recounts to his audience that Moses clearly informed the Israelites that another prophet would rise up who would be “like” Moses. In other words, there may be many prophets who will come along in Israel’s history, but there will only be one other who should be revered at least as much as, if not more, than Moses. Stephen’s Hebrew audience certainly knew that this reference to Moses’ quotation was a reference to the coming Messiah, the Chosen One of God. In speaking to this Hebrew leadership audience, Stephen was pointing to the hope that they were to still look for and could now find.
Interestingly enough, that same hope is alive for us, as well, today! But instead of us having to wait for this Chosen One to appear, many of us believe that He has already come in flesh and blood in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. And He is the one that continues to give us hope today through the person of the Holy Spirit, who is present within every follower of Jesus and who provides comfort in the middle of all of the storms that we face.
Questions to consider: In the midst of all of the economic storms and uncertainties, where is your hope? Are you allowing God to “come along side” – to come into your life – to give you the hope that you need in these times? Do you believe that the “prophet” that Moses spoke of so long ago has come and that He desires for you to know His peace and hope in these uncertain times?
Prayer: Father, I believe that You have sent the Prophet – Jesus, and I receive Him, as my Lord, fresh today. I need the hope that only He provides to face the uncertainties of our world. Please fill me fresh with Your Spirit that I may follow You, whether in good times or bad. Amen.

October 9, 2008 - Acts 7:36a

“’He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs…’” Acts 7:36a.
Moses, called by God to go to Egypt, led the Hebrew people out of slavery and into the wilderness. By “wonders and miraculous signs,” God, through Moses, provided for all of the needs of all the people for 40 years in the wilderness. This is the same Moses who killed an Egyptian guard and fled to the desert to avoid his punishment at the hands of Pharaoh. This is, also, the same Moses who came up with several different excuses for not going back to Egypt to confront Pharaoh. And yet, God used this man, Moses, in an incredible display of what only He can do through one person. This one person, with the help of God, set over 2 million of his people free and brought them out to a place where they were to become a nation.
It is extraordinary what God was able to do through Moses, flaws and everything. Granted, this is an isolated situation, yet God continues to do extraordinary things through rather ordinary people. Mother Theresa is just one of a myriad of examples of this. I am certain that each of us could list many such people who have done amazing things for God and by His grace.
When I consider my own life, I have trouble breaking out of my own “ordinary-ness.” And yet, I understand that God desires to do extraordinary things through ordinary people like me…..and you.
Questions to consider: Can you think of others, whether in the Bible or not, who have done extraordinary things for God? What marked them as different? What marked Moses as different? What marks you as different?
Prayer: Father, while I know that I am an ordinary person, I also know that I bear Your image. You have marked me, as only You can, and You have filled me with Your Spirit. Please use me as only You can. Amen.

October 2, 2008 - Acts 7:35a

“’This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, “Who made you ruler and judge?”’” Acts 7:35a.
God, upon hearing the cries of the enslaved Hebrews, called Moses to return to Egypt in order to lead his people out of slavery into freedom. Stephen retells this story to the Hebrew leadership who is fully aware of the significance of Moses in their history. Yet Stephen is making a point with his listeners. Here is a Hebrew who had been rejected as leader by his people and who God had now sent to lead them into freedom. It is ironic that this “rejected one” – Moses – was now to be the most important and central figure to this moment and movement in their history.
From Moses’ perspective, he had originally gotten out in front of God’s calling yet was now operating within God’s perfect plan for setting the Hebrew people free. From the Hebrews’ viewpoint, it must have taken a little while for them to “recognize” Moses as the leader that God had called him to be. Yet, in time, they did, and Moses now had his second opportunity to lead, this time doing so within God’s timing. God worked out this “second chance” in Moses’ life for all involved….except, of course, for Pharaoh.
Questions to consider: How do “second chances” work out in your life? When you have gotten out there in front of God’s will, how has God dealt with you? How has He given you second chances? How are you at extending second chances to others? Is there anyone that you need to consider extending one to today?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, that You are the God of Second Chances (and more!). Thank You that You wipe our slate clean – forgiving us and helping us to move forward in Your plan for us. Help us to extend similar grace to others around us when we need to. Amen.

September 25, 2008 - Acts 7:34a

“’I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free.’” Acts 7:34a.
Stephen retells the story of God’s calling of Moses to go back to Egypt to set the Hebrews, God’s people, free from the oppressive fist of Pharaoh. Moses, born in a Hebrew household and raised, through a bizarre turn of events, within Pharaoh’s household, had fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian guard, who had abused a fellow Hebrew. He had witnessed the oppression of the Hebrews firsthand and tried to take matters into his own hands, only to run away for fear of his life. Now, after 40 years of being a herdsman and family man in the wilderness, Moses was called by God to fulfill the calling of his life – to go to Egypt and lead the Hebrews into freedom.
I find the first few words very interesting. Stephen quotes God, saying, “I have indeed seen….” Isn’t it nice to know that there is a God who is involved enough that He actually “sees” into our world? And what is it that comes under His view? “The oppression of my people…” And not only does He see, but He hears their groans. And He comes down “to set them free.” It is so interesting that God doesn’t just go there Himself and do the work; He sends somebody. Moses was God’s ambassador, empowered to represent God’s kingdom to Pharaoh. Even with his faults and personal wounds, Moses was called to be God’s representative before the king of the most powerful nation in Moses’ world.
Questions to consider: As God’s ambassador, how are you representing God’s kingdom? Are there ways that you could represent your King better than you are? What does that look like?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to be the ambassador that You called me to be. Give me courage to represent You well. Amen.

September 18, 2008 - Acts 7:25

“’Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.’” Acts 7:25.
Stephen continues to tell his view of the Hebrew history to the religious authorities of his day. He narrates how Moses was trying to embrace the realization that God had called him to rescue his people from the oppressive slavery of Pharaoh. Moses was setting the Hebrews free by killing one Egyptian at a time. By taking matters into his own hands, he thought that his own people, the Hebrews, would see what he was doing and would appreciate his efforts. The opposite happened and Moses had to flee into the desert for his life.
Moses’ story is a classic case of what happens to a person when we get out in front of God’s timing and purposes. There can be no doubt that God had called Moses to set the Hebrews free. The only problem was that Moses got way ahead of God’s preparation and His timing. God was still preparing Moses for the incredible job that he was to fulfill, and Moses was not aware that he had to wait for His perfect timing. God was not happy about the oppression of the Hebrews, yet He knew that they were not ready for Moses’ leadership. Timing was ever so important. It took another 40 years in the desert to prepare Moses to be the servant leadership required to lead these 2 ½ million Hebrews through the crucible of the wilderness. And Moses learned and waited for God’s perfect timing.
Questions to consider: Do I have a sense of God’s calling in my life? Am I aware of the timing required for this call to be fulfilled? What am I doing to be prepared for the time when God tells me to go and do that which He called me to do?
Prayer: Father, help me to hear Your call on my life, and give me the patience to wait for Your perfect timing. Help me to not jump ahead of Your timing and help me to work towards be prepared for that time. Amen.

September 11, 2008 - Acts 7:19

“’He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our forefathers by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die.’” Acts 7:19.
In Stephen’s discourse to the religious authorities, he is telling the story of the birth of Moses, who rose to prominence in the midst of the treacherous dealings of the Pharaoh of Egypt. Pharaoh kept the Hebrew slaves oppressed by treating them with vicious cruelty. One method he used to oppress them was to capture the Hebrew newborns and kill them. Moses, as a baby, was hid during this time and eventually, through God’s protection and providence, was brought up, ironically, in Pharaoh’s own household. The oppressor became the one who cared for the one person who would, in their future, deliver the slaves.
Stephen spoke in terms of oppression to this audience because of the iron-fisted rule of Rome that all of them experienced. In a more subtle manner, Stephen could have been referring to the oppression that these rulers held over all Jewish people. In this short statement, Stephen refers to one of Jesus’ main purposes. In Luke’s gospel (4:18-19), Jesus quotes Isaiah by stating that He had come “to set the oppressed free.” Whether it is systemic, personal, or somewhere in between, oppression is evil and those under its grip need to be set free.
On a personal level, I reflect on how I treat people. I realize that there are times when I do not “act justly” (Micah 6:8) to those around me, whether I have a need to control a situation or, in some manner, just get my way. It is when I dominate someone else and not treat them with kindness and compassion that I get myself in trouble and treat others cruelly. This is an example of when I am guilty of personal oppression.
Questions to consider: What systemic oppressions are you aware of in our world? What personal oppressions are you aware of in your personal world? Have you ever been oppressed? Have you ever oppressed anyone?
Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see the oppression that is around me and a heart to do something about it. Give me a sense of justice and compassion so that I might love You and love my neighbor, whoever that may be. Amen.

September 4, 2008 - Acts 7:9

“’Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him…’” Acts 7:9.
Stephen continues his defense by discussing the highlights of Hebrew history. In his relating, Stephen talks of Joseph, son of Jacob, telling the story of how he was sold into slavery by his twelve brothers. These were the same men who were to become the patriarchs of the Hebrew faith. The twelve tribes of Israel were named after these twelve men. And, after they unsuccessfully tried to kill Joseph, these “Patriarchs” sold him into slavery. It is a good thing that God was with him, because it is certain that his brothers were not!
Usually in retelling of our history, we tend to ignore the blemishes and only see the wonderful things that occurred. An example of this is what I have read about American history growing up. Our forefathers could do no wrong in my history books, and men like Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin were revered and unblemished. These were America’s patriarchs. As I am getting older, I realized that these men, while involved in some extraordinary moments of history, were people not too unlike you and me. They had their flaws. In the recounting of Hebrew history, it is refreshing that the blemishes are there for all to see and to read about in the Bible. These people are real people dealing with real to life problems and family “issues”, just like you and me.
Questions to consider: Can you identify with the “Patriarchs” in Stephen’s story? How does it make you feel knowing that the Bible tells us stories of heroic people who have flaws and blemishes? Does this help you to embrace your own?
Prayer: Father, thank You for allowing flawed people to write about other flawed people in the Bible. Thank You that the history in the Bible tells us stories of real people dealing with real problems. This helps me to face and embrace mine. Please give me the grace and strength to make the changes in my life that will help me be a more fully devoted follower of You. Amen.

August 28, 2008 - Acts 7:6a

“’God spoke to him in this way: “Your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own….”’” Acts 7:6a.
Stephen retells the story of God speaking to Abraham to the religious authorities of his day. He reminds this audience how God said to Abraham how he and all of his descendants were to be strangers in a strange land. They were not to be “at home” in this new land. This “strangeness” in the new land would allow them – Abraham and his descendants – to be totally dependent on God and to make a new life according to His purposes.
In the summer of 2001, my wife, my youngest son, and I moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania, which does not sound too dramatic. Yet we left a life that was comfortable to us. It was one that we were accustomed to, and, at the time, we did not think that the move was going to be that dramatic. It proved to be very dramatic for us and forced us to come to terms with who we were serving and for what purpose. We very much found ourselves as “strangers in a strange land,” and, even though the ministry went great, our personal lives were challenged by how different the culture was compared to what we had been used to. Our dependence on God was challenged in a positive way.
What I have also discovered is that I do not have to move geographically to be challenged in this way. What it comes down to is whether or not I am going to live for my own comfort, with its own selfish endeavors, or choose to live for God’s kingdom, doing that which He bids me to go and to do.
Questions to consider: What country do you focus on – the kingdom of this world (the kingdom of self) or the kingdom of God? What does it look like in your life to live as a “stranger in a strange land?”
Prayer: Father, help me to see how I am not depending on You as I go through the comfort of each day. Forgive me for not relying on You and for getting lazy and too comfortable. Help me to know how I can get out of my comfort zone for You. Amen.

August 21, 2008 - Acts 7:5

“’He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child.’” Acts 7:5.
Stephen, speaking of the great father of Judaism, Abraham, recounts the irony of Abraham’s situation in life. Even though he had not even one foot of land in his possession, God promised Abraham that he would possess the land. And even though he had no children and he was advancing in age, God promised Abraham that he would have descendants, who would possess the land after him. It is important to remember that Abraham grew up in a culture that was basically poly-theistic, or had many gods, and that humans in those cultures did not necessarily hear from any one of them directly. Abraham received a vision from God, which required him to move counter to the culture around him. He sought a land that God was directing him to and was looking to be the father of many descendants when he could not even have one child. This required an amazing amount of faith to keep him moving forward toward that vision.
I love to hike, and when I am on a longer one, sometimes there are wonderful views – vistas that give me a sense of being part of something much grander than my small existence. Yet much of the time, when I am hiking, I am down in the trees, moving along the path. Sometimes, it seems as though the trail is never going to end and I am just trudging along, wondering how I am ever going to make it. Then one of those rare moments comes, and a beautiful, panoramic vista comes into view. Our journey in life is much like this. Those “vistas”, or visions from God, are what keep us on the path; on the journey of our lives. Abraham had his vistas, and they kept him focused forward, even through the lean times – down in the trees.
Questions to consider: What is the vision that God has given you that keeps you moving forward? Are you seeing the “vistas” or are you down in the trees, trudging along? Can you take some time today to remember the vision(s) that God has given you?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the visions that You give each of us. Thank You for Abraham’s example of faithfulness to the vision that You gave him. Help me to remember the vision You have given me in order to be encouraged as I journey on the path of life. Amen.

August 14, 2008 - Acts 7:3

“’Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’” Acts 7:3.
Stephen, speaking in his defense to the Sanhedrin, began by recounting the history of Israel and was telling the story of Abraham. God called Abraham to pack up all of his belongings, to leave his country and his people, and to travel to some strange land. Amazingly, Abraham believed that God – the Only True God, in the midst of a culture that believed in many gods – had spoken to him. And that this God had told him to leave all that is familiar to him and go to a place that He, God, will show him.
I am deeply challenged by this verse, both personally and corporately, in that I believe that God is looking all over the earth for those who will say “Yes” to Him in a similar way that Abraham had said “Yes.” I believe that He is looking for those who are willing to leave the familiar; leave our comfort zones and “go to the land I will show you.” How am I responding to His calling? How are you responding to His calling? I sometimes feel that I am only making feeble attempts at responding to His call, and I wonder if I am truly trying to find that “land” that He is speaking of. And when I look at the lives of those around me, I wonder why so many of us seem to be stuck; seem to be so restless and unfulfilled. And I wonder if we are in that safe, familiar, comfortable land, and God is calling us – each of us – to an adventure that only He can lead us in. I am not talking about “salvation.” I am talking about being part of bringing God’s Kingdom to earth….the whole earth; not just our comfortable, safe, little gated communities.
Questions to consider: Do you believe that God speaks to you? If so, what does He say? Do you believe that God is calling you out of your comfort zone, whatever that would look like, and lead you to a place that causes you to be totally dependent on Him? What does that look like in your life?
Prayer: Father, may Your Kingdom come, here on earth, as it is in heaven. Please help me to hear Your voice calling me, and give me the courage to say “Yes”, no matter what that may be. Help me to step out of my comfort zone and into Your adventure. Amen.

August 7, 2008 - Acts 7:2a

“To this he replied: ‘Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham….’” Acts 7:2a.
Accusations were brought against Stephen and he now stands before the Sanhedrin, the religious ruling body of Israel. Stephen has the opportunity to speak on his own behalf, and he begins by recounting a historical overview of their mutual past. He does this in a manner that was understandable and relevant to his listeners. He calls the audience to attend to him by speaking out, “Brothers and fathers, listen to me!” He begins by calling them his brothers and, with a tone of humility, his “fathers”, honoring their positions of authority. And he immediately draws their attention to the most significant father in their heritage – Abraham.
This simple opening line is rich, and I learn so much from it. In this short line, he seeks to identify with each person in this audience. He, in essence, is saying, “I am one of you, and we are in this together.” The use of “brother”, “father”, and “Abraham” is significant. For me, it is important to begin be having some common points of identification that is relevant to my audience. This means that I need to be familiar with those with whom I am speaking. It is so tempting for me to just talk about stuff that I know without considering my audience. And it is easier, as well. It is much more difficult for me to gain some understanding of my audience and speak in a more inclusive manner.
Questions to consider: How aware am I of the “audiences” that run in my world? On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being high), how important is it to me to identify with my audience? What do I do to actively learn how to identify with others?
Prayer: Father, give me an eye to see and an ear to hear how I can identify with those around me. Help me to relate Your story of love for all humanity in a way that is relevant to my listeners. Amen.

July 31, 2008 - Acts 6:15

“All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” Acts 6:15.
Stephen had defended himself before his zealous religious adversaries and had withstood their arguments. Having suffered defeat, Stephen’s adversaries brought him before the Sanhedrin, the religious governing body of Israel, and false accusations had been put forward against him. Instead of reacting to the charges, Stephen stood in his own defense, and, as everyone present strained to see him, it was said that Stephen’s “face was like the face of an angel.”
I wonder what the face of an angel looks like. I used to think of chubby, cute, little baby-like creatures that fly around with silly smiles on their faces, but somehow I don’t think that this is as Stephen’s face appeared. Imagine what Joshua felt when confronted with an angelic creature. When he saw this angel’s appearance, he was struck with fear and had to be told not to fear. This mighty warrior was afraid at the appearance of an angel. Wow! Now this is more like it! I have an easier time imagining Stephen’s face appearing as a mighty warrior of God, shining forth His holiness and grace.
I look in the mirror and struggle to see any resemblance of such strength, grace, and mercy. Yet my desire is to have such a countenance. I believe that this man, Stephen, was, indeed, a dangerous warrior for God’s purposes, and at least one of his zealous adversaries, who had witnessed all of these proceedings, was soon to be transformed by Stephen’s words as well as his “angelic” countenance. Saul, who would become Paul, would never be the same again.
Questions to consider: What expression do you and I carry on our faces? Do we carry the expression that conveys our hope in God, or some other one? How does the expression on our face tell the world around us what we believe and where our hope is?
Prayer: Father, help me to remember the hope that we have in You, and help me to express Your hope to a lost and dying world around me through the “angelic” expression on my face. Amen.

July 24, 2008 - Acts 6:13

“They produced false witnesses, who testified, ‘This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.’” Acts 6:13.
Stephen, who was performing amazing miracles out in public for all to see, was speaking eloquently concerning the message of Jesus. Zealous religious authorities appeared on the scene to argue against him but could not prevail. As a result, these authorities “produced false witnesses” to testify against Stephen before the Sanhedrin, the religious governing body in Israel. Their argument sounded eerily similar to the one put forward against Jesus, at His trial - and we know what happened to Him. Stephen, too, knew this all too well.
Yet he stood strong and there is no record that he ever folded, squirmed, or appeared nervous as he put forth his response to the charges levied against him. When “false witnesses” put forth their half-truths, he did not react but instead calmly, intentionally, and proactively presented his case. If that had been me in that situation, I am not so sure how I would have responded or, more accurately, reacted. Instead of presenting the case for God’s activity through Jesus in this world, I might have worried more about justifying myself before those authorities. Imagine what it must have been like to be brought before the authorities because of a misunderstanding of your religious beliefs. Wouldn’t you want to justify yourself? Yet Stephen did not seek to do so. He argued in defense of God’s activity in human history through Jesus, the Messiah!
Questions to consider: How would you handle being falsely accused? Would you respond or react – be proactive or be reactive – to false testimonies brought against you? What lesson(s) can you learn from Stephen’s response to these false testimonies?
Prayer: Father, help me to remember that this life is not all about me, but instead, it is all about You. Give me courage to lay down my own desire to protect myself in order to present You in a life giving and Spirit-led way. Amen.

July 17, 2008 - Acts 6:9b-10

“These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.” Acts 6:9b-10.
Stephen, one of the seven new servant leaders of the early community of followers of Jesus, was being used of God to do amazing wonders and miracles in Jerusalem. As he was performing these acts, Stephen was telling the story of Jesus, the Messiah, who was the one responsible for these amazing things. Not only did he attract those who were in need and who were curious, Stephen attracted those who were hostile to the message, and it was these men who “began to argue with” him. As today’s verse indicates, these men were unable to stand up to Stephen’s arguments, as he was guided by the Holy Spirit.
I do not believe that Stephen was looking for an argument, yet he did not back away from one, when it came his way. I tend to be the type of person that avoids conflict, so I would be very uncomfortable in this scene. I know other people who love a good argument and would not back away from one. In fact, these people may tend to say things that “bait” the conversation just to see if there is the possibility of arguing about something. These people just seem to like a good fight, for it is sport to them. This was not the case for Stephen and his confronters. The issues for these men were very serious and were matters of life and death. They argued with Stephen because they believed that he proclaimed a false or heretical message. Yet, Stephen frustrated their efforts.
Questions to consider: How do you respond to when arguments start occurring around you? If you tend to avoid arguments, like me, what would it take for you to “argue” on God’s behalf? What issues are worth arguing for?
Prayer: Father, help us to not argue for arguments’ sake. Help us to always have Your Spirit in those times and to have a sense of Your love for those that we face in the moment of confrontation. Amen.

July 10, 2008 - Acts 6:8

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” Acts 6:8.
Stephen was one of the seven honored by being selected to serve within the community. He was also said to be full of the Spirit of God and wisdom. In today’s verse, we see that he is also “full of God’s grace and power,” and that he “did great wonders and miraculous signs.” We can only imagine whether these signs and wonders were similar to the ones Jesus had performed when He was among the people. In any case, it was clear that Stephen was moving in some amazing ways that many others were not graced.
Stephen must have been aware that whenever someone moves in such dynamic power, they become a lightning rod of sorts. Not only do they attract the attention of those in need, but they also attract the attention of the opposition, whoever that may be. Consider what happened to Jesus, Stephen’s Master, and, also, to the present leaders of his community, Peter, James, and John. They were persecuted, yet all remained faithful to the message. Stephen, too, stayed faithful in the midst of growing dissension. It did not matter to him that he was a lightning rod, for he was empowered to speak forth his message in both words and actions.
The signs and wonders are not what attract me so much to Stephen. Instead, I am awed by his faithfulness and his strength of character exhibited. I believe that this is why he was “a man full of God’s grace and power.” I am challenged to be that type of person, no matter the end result.
Questions to consider: What kind of person do you think Stephen was? What kind of person do you desire to be? What are you doing today to be that person? What steps can you take today that will help you to grow as that person?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to be a person that is full of Your grace and power. Please help me to make positive choices that will help me to grow in Your character, integrity, and faithfulness. Amen.

July 3, 2008 - Acts 6:7

“So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7.
The members of the community of followers of Jesus were spreading the word about God’s love for all people through His Messiah and Son. Because of this, the religious authorities were upset and sought to silence them. These followers of Jesus were steadfast and totally committed to this new hope in God, and they withstood the persecution that came their way. As a result of this wholeheartedness, many people in the region of Jerusalem, including priests, become sincere followers of Jesus, the Messiah.
Isn’t it interesting that a “large number of priests” became followers of Jesus? There must have been something about the genuine nature of these early followers that attracted them, and conversely, there must have been something within that lacked genuineness about their priestly activity that left a sense of emptiness and longing for more. I know about myself that I am drawn to someone that I perceive is genuine. I also know that I am repelled by someone who I perceive lives a charade. The early believers were forged by trials and came through with a authentic devotion to their Master, Jesus, and it was noticed.
Questions: Have you faced the trials in your life, and how has your faith in Jesus Christ helped you to genuinely face them? Do you put on a religious front that masks the reality of life’s marks on you, or is your faith an outgrowth of the trials that you have faced and you have been strengthened by them?
Prayer: Lord, help me to face the trials of life and to be forged by them, so that I might be a more genuine follower of Yours. Give me strength to follow You in the midst of the trials that I face. I know that I believe; please help my unbelief and lack of faith. Amen.

June 26, 2008 - Acts 6:3b-4

“’We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’” Acts 6:3b-4.
The leadership of the community of the followers of Jesus made a decision to turn aspects of the service within the community over to a group of people who could focus on specific duties assigned to them. In turn, the leaders could specifically focus on prayer, teaching, and preaching. It seems that, before, these leaders were active in all aspects of service within the community, and they realized that the community was suffering – the number of servers was not growing, while the number of those being served was. It was putting more time demands on the leadership, and they (and the community) needed relief. They realized that something was out of balance within the community, and they needed to make the appropriate changes to bring about proper balance.
Proper balance is certainly a challenge for anyone who senses that they are on a mission to accomplish something. I find that, when I get focused on a particular aspect of my work for too long, I sometimes get out of balance in other aspects of my life. Perhaps my prayer life pays the price, or I do not get the rest or exercise that I need. We all know that when a car tire gets out of balance, the whole car seems not to be performing well. The same is true for our lives. Even though our mission, whatever it may be, is important and life-giving, we must strive to maintain an optimum balance.
Questions to consider: Am I giving my attention to the right things? Am I seeking to have a balanced life or am I out of balance in an area? What do I need to do to walk in a balanced lifestyle in order to fulfill my mission in a more complete manner?
Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see if I am out of balance or not. Help me to make the decisions necessary to walk in a balanced lifestyle. Amen.

June 19, 2008 - Acts 6:3a

“’Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.’” Acts 6:3a.
The need arose within the community of early followers of Jesus for a group of people to be chosen to do the specific job of service. This happened because of the growth that was happening within the community. So many new people were being added as followers of Jesus that new demands were being placed on the leadership, and they could no longer do all that was required. It was decided to have the community choose “seven men from among” them who met the specific qualifications required by the leadership. These men were to be known as people who were full of the Holy Spirit and full of the spiritual gift of wisdom.
The job that these seven were to perform were acts of service within the community, so it is interesting that they were not seeking people with the gift of service but, instead, the gift of wisdom. When looking for people in whom I can delegate, I try to select people with gifting in areas of need: servers in areas of service, administrators in areas of administration, and so forth. In reflecting on this verse, I am challenged to remember that I need not just look at natural gifting but also spiritual gifting. I have made some very poor choices by going with what I perceived to be natural gifting and not relying on the Holy Spirit to show me. And I have tended to make decisions by myself instead of rely on those around me. A couple of my challenges are to function in community and, at the same time, to trust the Holy Spirit working through those around me, when appropriate.
Questions to consider: Do you know anyone who is “full of the Spirit and wisdom?” What are they like? If you delegate responsibilities, do you just consider their natural abilities and gifts, or do you also consider their spiritual gifting?
Prayer: Father, help me to remember how You gift people, and help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit’s leading as I select people to carry particular responsibilities. Amen.

June 12, 2008 - Acts 6:1

“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” Acts 6:1.
Just when things seemed to be going so well, controversy set in. The movement had withstood pressures from outside. They were able to stand in the face of persecution and punishment, and passed through to the other side. Now, this community was challenged by pressures from within their own ranks. The problem that arose focused on the lack of care given to the Grecian Jewish widows, who were being neglected in the distribution of food. Grecian Jews were people of Greek decent who had converted to Judaism, and had now become followers of the Messiah, Jesus, and were part of the ever-expanding community.
This neglect could have stemmed from prejudice, from being overwhelmed, or from some other cause, but it precipitated a potential crisis. Because the women were not being heard or cared for, it took some of the Grecian Jewish men to speak up and complain about the widows’ plight. This community was not perfect nor did they act as though they had to be perfect.
I am so glad that this community was not perfect, not that this excuses my own imperfections. Yet, I am encouraged that this account, and others like it, was included in the writings of the early Church. They were normal people – fellow strugglers – just like me and you. I find hope in how they worked through the situation to find an equitable solution; a solution that seemed right to the Holy Spirit.
Questions to consider: What conflicts are you facing today? Is there someone in your “community” that can help you find an equitable solution? How do you handle perfection?
Prayer: Father, give me wisdom to navigate the waters of conflict when they arise, and give me the courage to change when it is necessary. Amen.

June 5, 2008 - Acts 5:42

“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” Acts 5:42.
This growing band of followers of Jesus met whenever they could. They gathered in the temple courts and in the homes of fellow followers. They had boldness in telling the story of Jesus to any and to all who would listen. After coming through a period of suffering at the hands of the religious authorities, they entered into a time of excitement and growth. Even though they were still ordered not to proclaim this name, the followers of Jesus spoke out in the open to anyone who would listen, “teaching and proclaiming” the good news that the Messiah had come. It must have been an exciting time.
The seriousness of their commitment to follow Jesus had been tested. God had used the religious authorities to forge this small band into fully devoted and committed followers. They demonstrated that they would walk through any trial or physical torture and stay true to their Master, Jesus. Their passion and fire had come to the surface, and it was white hot with energy that was now generating a fresh excitement for gathering and proclaiming the good news concerning Jesus. They were serious!
I am challenged to consider how white hot – how passionate – I am about following Jesus. I must admit that I have never been persecuted or tortured because of my faith in Jesus as they had, so I am not certain whether I would be able to stand firm in its face. And I am additionally challenged to consider where my passions are. Do I love Jesus and something or someone else? How sold out am I, for I know that if I am not sold out, it could be less likely that I will stand firm in the face of trial.
Questions to consider: Where do my passions lie? Am I so excited about my Master that I would withstand whatever slander, ostracizing, or persecution that comes my way? How sold out am I for Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be sold out for You? Help me to not have any divided loyalties, so that I can be a fully devoted follower of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

May 29, 2008 - Acts 5:41

“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” Acts 5:41.
Peter and John were arrested for proclaiming the name of Jesus in the Temple, which they had been forbidden to do by the religious authorities – although they had been commissioned to do so by God, through the word of an angel. At their hearing, they were set free after being flogged. This is the same type of flogging that Jesus received on the day that He was crucified. It was a brutal penalty that sometimes led to death. These followers counted themselves worthy not because they were alive and set free, but because they had suffered in a similar manner as Jesus. Even more, they suffered because they stood firm as Jesus’ representatives. They had obeyed what they believed to be the word of the Lord, and they suffered as a result of standing firm.
There are times when I look back on my actions and discover that I, so unlike the disciples in this verse, rejoice when nothing happened to me and I escaped from suffering for my faith. There have, also, been a few times when I have complained about the “suffering” that I have received because of my faith. I realize that it is probably not such a good thing to go looking for opportunities to suffer for my faith, yet, when they do come, which they inevitably will, to all followers of Jesus, how will we respond? And then there are the times when we “cave” in and fail to take a stand for our faith when the opportunity presents itself.
Questions to consider: What are your thoughts concerning “suffering disgrace” for Jesus’ name? Have you “caved” in, not taking a stand for your faith in Jesus? What does that feel like when you think back on that time? What did it feel like to take a stand for Jesus?
Prayer: Jesus, thank You so much for taking a stand for us, even when we did not deserve it. Give us strength to stand for You whenever necessary, even if we suffer disgrace as a result. Amen.

May 22, 2008 - Acts 5:38-39

“’Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.’” Acts 5:38-39.
Gamaliel, one of the wisest teachers of the Law in his time, gave the Jewish Council some very balanced advice. Instead of dealing harshly with the leaders of what they perceived to be a cult, just let time take care of the problem. He helped this body of leaders realize that other groups had come and gone, and if this group was like them, they would disappear after a short while. Yet, if God was really behind it, there was not much that they were going to be able to do to stop it. This council was all stirred up before, but Gamaliel, with his wise words, settled them down.
Our world today is not really that much different from the dynamics at work in this meeting. They got stirred up when something came along that threatened their status quo. In my life, I realize that I, too, get stirred up, worrying and fretting, over issues that, often times, I can do very little, if anything, to change. Situations are frequently happening around me that I perceive could threaten my way of life, and I find that my initial reaction is not particularly favorable. Yet, when I take time to reflect on the situation, I often realize that, like Gamaliel’s advice, if it is “of human origin”, it will work its way out, and “if it is from God”, I won’t be able to stop it anyway. Amazingly, within His economy, God allows us to have a say in matters through prayer, yet He will have His way.
Questions to consider: If you were a member of this Jewish Council, how do you suppose you would have responded to Gamaliel? Have you ever found yourself on the wrong side of an issue that turned out to be God’s direction? What was your response?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit’s direction, as He blows in and through my life and my world. Help me to humble myself and to slow myself down enough to hear Your heart. Amen.

May 15, 2008 - Acts 5:29

“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” Acts 5:29.
From the outset, Peter and the others were headed for a clash with the Jewish authorities. The religious leadership in Jerusalem had gathered together to hear the charges against these men and to pass judgment on them. These followers of Jesus had been strictly warned prior to this not to speak in this name, and yet they did not hesitate to do so. Standing before the full Sanhedrin, Peter declared that it was more important that they obey God rather than any man, including this esteemed body. In saying this, Peter must have known that he was positioning himself, as well as the other followers, to be in opposition to these leaders’ authority.
From other writings, we have learned that it was not the disciples’ intentions to oppose the authorities at every turn. In fact, they sought to live at peace, obeying the authorities whenever possible, with the only exception being when God required otherwise. It seems to me that a great deal of balance is required in order to see clearly and understand what it is that God would have you do, especially when it is counter to the authorities, religious or otherwise. It would be so easy for me, justifiably so, to water down such a definitive comment as Peter’s. Maybe if I had an angel come to me, I would be as definite and decisive. Perhaps not! I can only hope that I would stand firm if and when it was required of me.
Questions to consider: When under fire, how firm would you be in obeying God? Even though it may not have had the drama as with Peter, have you ever been under fire for your faith in Jesus? How did you respond?
Prayer: Lord, give me strength and courage to stand firm for You, when I am under fire. Help me to say, as Peter said so long ago, “We must obey God rather than men.” Amen.

May 8, 2008 - Acts 5:21b

“When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin – the full assembly of the elders of Israel – and sent to the jail for the apostles.” Acts 5:21b.
This was an important gathering. It was, also, an intimidating gathering. This was an impressive array of the most elite and powerful Jewish leadership of that day. All of the important people within the Jewish community would have been in the Sanhedrin that day to hear the charges brought against Peter and John and to make judgment on their activities. And they “sent to the jail” to bring in the defendants to be tried. The only problem was that these men were not there. They were, at that moment, in the Temple, speaking to anyone who would listen about their Master, who had shown them what life was really all about. Peter and John must have known that it would only be a matter of time before the authorities would arrest them once more, yet they continued to speak out with boldness.
I must admit that, if I had known, as Peter and the others certainly knew, that I was going to be tried in front of such an important and intimidating audience of leaders, I would have been nervous beyond speech. The intimidation factor would have gotten to me. Instead of obeying the angel’s direction to go and speak at the Temple, I might have sought to hide and protect myself from the authorities. Peter, who was just a regular, ordinary person, showed great courage. He showed what we can be like when we are empowered by God’s Spirit. This ordinary man started doing extraordinary things. Instead of running to hide and protect himself, he obeyed and preached in the Temple, knowing full well that the authorities would find him, arrest him, and bring him to trial. He knew it might cost him his life, as it did his Master.
Questions to consider: How intimidated are you of the authorities over you? If you were arrested for the “crime” of being a Christian, would they have enough evidence against you to find you guilty? Would you run and hide, or would you stand up in the “temples” of your world and proclaim Jesus, your Master?
Prayer: Lord, help us to learn from Peter’s simple and clear example. Give us the courage to make good decisions to stand for You whenever necessary and possible, even in front of intimidating crowds. Amen.

May 1, 2008 - Acts 5:20

“’Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people the full message of this new life.’” Acts 5:20.
Because of their jealousy, the religious rulers arrested Peter and some of the other followers of Jesus and had them put into jail. During the night, an angel was sent from God to set them free, instructing them to go into the Temple and speak to all the people about the full message of God’s rescue mission through Jesus, the Nazarene. Having now spent a little time in jail (and the jails of their times were nowhere near as nice as today’s jails!), Peter was starting to see what was to be required of him. If he was going to be one of the leaders of this new movement, which was now under attack by the authorities, then a new level of obedience was essential.
When the angel appeared to him, Peter did not question or raise any doubts. He stood and obeyed the angel’s charge. Nor did Peter appear to be afraid of the religious authorities. He now had a higher authority Whom he was to follow and obey. Not long before, Peter had, to his own shame, rejected Jesus, and he was not about to do that ever again. He was no longer worried about his own life; he was now on a mission. He was carrying the very words of life that would profoundly change the lives of these lost and dying people around him, his neighbors.
Questions to consider: Have you been profoundly changed by the Gospel of Jesus so that you would obey the call of the Lord, no matter what? Who are you afraid of sharing the Lord with? Do you have any limitations on living out the Gospel of Jesus before any and all people in your world?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be sold out for Your Kingdom’s sake. Give me the courage that Peter exhibited, when he obeyed the angel’s charge to go and preach the gospel, even though the authorities would arrest him again and treat him even more cruelly. Amen.

April 24, 2008 - Acts 5:17

“Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.” Acts 5:17.
God was doing amazing things – healings and deliverances from evil spirits – by the hand of this fledgling community of followers of the itinerant rabbi, Jesus. It seemed as though all of the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding area was noticing these actions and were bringing those who needed a touch from God through His healing Spirit. Peter and the others in the community were getting additional notoriety, as well, this time from the “high priest and all his associates.” And these Jewish leaders were not pleased. In fact, as our verse today points out, they were “filled with jealousy.”
But, there was a dark side to these events. These healing actions did not please everyone, and Peter and others were to catch the brunt of the Jewish leadership’s displeasure and jealousy. This was going to bring a whole, new seriousness to the disciples’ commitment to following Jesus. They were now being confronted by a systemic evil, which can be defined, very simply, as a system of wrongs, such as religious bigotry, racism, sexism and economic exploitation. In this case, good was being done to the sick and the oppressed, and the leadership was jealous over the notoriety that this small band of Jesus’ followers was getting. And they planned to do something about it in order to crush this movement.
Questions to consider: What systemic evil(s) are you confronted with, and what are you doing to take a stand against it/them? How would someone know if they are part of or condone a systemic evil and don’t even realize it? How would you help them to overcome and leave that system? Have you ever had to leave some systemic evil?
Prayer: Father, help us to be aware of the systemic evil that comes against the things of Your kingdom. Give us eyes to see and the courage of heart and conviction of spirit to stand firm for You and Your kingdom ways. Help us to see when we condone a systemic evil of some kind and to have the courage and strength to break free from it. Amen.

April 17, 2008 - Acts 5:16

“Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.” Acts 5:16.
God was doing incredible things through Peter and the other followers of Jesus. There was a renewed seriousness in what was happening, and people were counting the cost of what it meant to follow Jesus. As a result, many new followers were joining the community, and crowds started gathering around to see the excitement. Word was starting to spread that the sick were being healed and that people were being set free from evil spirits. It was even thought that if a sick person could just get into Peter’s shadow, they would be healed or set free. Those days must have been quite exciting!
Peter had seen people healed by touching Jesus and He hadn’t even known who it was who touched him. And now, people were getting healed and delivered by coming under Peter’s shadow. This is the kind of thing that can go straight to someone’s head! If that were to happen to me, I cannot imagine how prideful I might get. Or at least, I would struggle on a regular basis with pride issues, saying something like this: “Aren’t I something!! See how God is using me to heal these people. I’m even doing it in ways that Jesus didn’t even do!” Pride can certainly sneak its way in. Yet, Peter seemed to keep all of that in proper check. Pride and success do not seem to be an issue, and Peter focused on doing God’s bidding and not just making himself look good.
Questions to consider: How do you handle success? Is it all about you, or God, or maybe a mixture of the two? What would need to happen in your life that would enable the Holy Spirit to use you in ways similar to how He used Peter? Would it be possible to be used in that way?
Prayer: Father, when success comes my way, help me to keep my focus on You. In my journey here on earth, help me to have more of Your perspective and not be seduced by pride and the successes that this life can bring. Amen.

April 10, 2008 - Acts 5:13

“No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.” Acts 5:13.
Incredible events had just occurred within this new community of Jesus followers; events that caused great fear and awe to spread among them. This husband and wife, who had tried to deceive God by withholding money that they had pledged, had died suddenly in the presence of Peter and those in attendance. There was a whole, new seriousness to what they were doing and to the life they were living, as a community. This verse indicates that “no one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded.” There was no room for half-hearted belief or for pretenders who may have been involved in the community for reasons other than being a follower of Jesus.
If I had been one who had some mixed reasons for being involved, I would have been a bit more than a little nervous! After all, would I want to end up like this couple? These serious circumstances might have caused me to take a deeper look into my own heart and soul to see where I was really at. They also might have caused me to run away and not faced the true condition on my soul. Either way, I would not have been half-hearted about the decision. I would have been shaken off the fence to decide whether or not to follow Jesus whole-heartedly.
In our world today, we are faced with a similar decision. Maybe there are not the sudden consequences as this early community faced, yet we are none-the-less confronted with ultimate consequences when faced with the reality and seriousness of following Jesus with our whole heart. Take some time today to consider the seriousness of following Jesus.
Questions to consider: Where are you in regards to following Jesus? Are you seeking after Him as whole-heartedly as you can, or are you just coasting along, or are you somewhere in between? What are the consequences for the way that I am choosing to follow Him?
Prayer: Father, help me to, as whole-heartedly as I can, follow after you. Help me to see the hindrances that cause me to be distracted from following You, and give me the strength to follow hard after You. Amen.

April 3, 2008 - Acts 5:8

“Peter asked her, ‘Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?’ ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘that is the price.’” Acts 5:8.
Ananias’ wife, Sapphira, appears before Peter, apparently not aware that her husband had died as a result of lying to the Holy Spirit not long before. Otherwise, she might have been much more careful with her response to Peter. By the manner in which the question is posed to her, it seems as though she is being set up, but that may not be the case. The couple had already decided to hold some of the money back. And yet, with the question, Peter was giving her the opportunity to change her response and admit their deception. Instead, like her husband, she confirms the price and the lie. And, like her husband, she collapses to the ground dead upon hearing of the death of her husband.
While we may not actually die from the consequences, there is a form of death that happens whenever we cover up our actions with lies. Not to long ago, I remember getting caught in a lie to my wife concerning some dietary restrictions that I had agreed to and had broken. I was embarrassed and ashamed of myself for doing it. I had, also, broken her trust, which was going to take some time to restore. There was some death in that moment. There were definite consequences to my actions, as well as my lying to cover them up.
Hopefully, we will not have similar consequences as Ananias and Sapphira, but I am not so sure that “death on the installment plan” is much better. When we mess up, I hope that we do not cover the mess over with a pack of lies.
Questions to consider: Have you ever been caught in your own lies? If so, what did that feel like? Is there anything that you need to get straightened out now?
Prayer: Father, help me to always live in the light with You and with those whom I love. Give me the strength to not cover up my mess-ups with lies. Help me to come to You to get cleaned up and to go to those necessary to get straight. Amen.

March 27, 2008 - Acts 5:5

“When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.” Acts 5:5.
Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, lied to Holy Spirit by withholding some of the proceeds from the sale of some land that they owned. When confronted by this by Peter, Ananias collapsed on the ground dead. We don’t know what caused the death, whether it was a heart attack from the shock of being exposed to their deception, or just what. But this much we do know: he fell down dead.
And then this verse indicates that “great fear seized all who heard what had happened.” It isn’t clear whether the “all” in this verse are people in this early Christian community or in Jerusalem, at large. Regardless, this man’s death under these conditions struck fear in the minds and hearts of those who heard about it. At first reflection, I thought that, if I had been one who heard about this, I, too, would have had a strong sense of awe, wonder, and fear at this situation. Upon further thought, though, I realized that God is just as active in our world today as He was in those days with that early community. The problem is not with God; it is with me.
How much do I take life, and the “normal” goings on of it, for granted? This man died suddenly. I honestly do not believe that he thought that his life was so fragile. Otherwise, he and his wife would have done things differently.
Questions to consider: How much do I take life for granted? What do I understand “the fear of the Lord” to be? How fragile is life to me, and how does that affect the way that I live my life?
Prayer: Father, help me not to take You for granted. And help me to look to You with a healthy dose of awe and fear, knowing that You are God and I am not. Amen.

March 20, 2008 - Hebrews 12:2

“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.
We celebrate Easter this Sunday. It is the joyous remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. It is truly an amazing day! To realize that, in this day, God’s rescue plan for all humanity, and indeed for all creation, was culminated in the incredible moment when Jesus was raised from the dead. Three days before the resurrection, Jesus was brought to trial, found guilty of trumped-up charges, was crucified, and was buried. And all of this was on the physical, “earthly” level. In the spiritual dimension, all hell was unleashed on Jesus during His crucifixion. And He conquered it!
Today, we celebrate that Jesus came through the ultimate hell and was raised to new life. It was God’s ultimate plan that allowed Jesus to be the first of many that would begin to experience His kingdom here on earth.
I must confess that I would like to skip the “hell” part and go right to the resurrection part, but that does not seem to be part of the plan. If Jesus was indeed “the pioneer and perfecter,” leading the way by His personal example, then we must go through a similar “dying” in order to experience His resurrected life. Again, I would prefer to skip the suffering part and go straight to the victorious part. Yet, for our own good, He has another way. According to Paul, I must die in this life (2 Corinthians 5:17). I must “endure my own cross,” with its shame (Galatians 2:20) – in order to more deeply appreciate and celebrate His victory through the resurrection from the dead. That deepens my sense of awe, celebration, and worship at Jesus’ resurrection!
Questions to consider: How do I want to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection this Easter? Am I willing to embrace the cross that Jesus has for me to bear in order to more fully appreciate and celebrate His kingdom victory in our world?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for raising Jesus from the dead, and for rescuing your creation from death and destruction through our disobedience. Give me the courage to embrace the cross, and go through that which You would have me bear, in order that I would more deeply appreciate Your resurrection power. Amen.
Joyous Easter to each of you!

March 13, 2008 - Heb. 12:2a.

For the next two weeks, I am taking a break from going through the Acts of the Apostles in order to reflect briefly on Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday.

“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame…” Hebrews 12:2a.
Jesus had set his eyes as a laser toward Jerusalem, and the cross that He knew that He must endure. He knew full well the gruesomeness and brutality of Roman execution, and knew that it was through this horrible “valley of pain” that He was to travel. He also knew that His disciples, who followed Him through this experience, would, willingly, follow His example in the years to come.
The worst that Jesus must endure was not just the horrible tortures inflicted on Him by the Romans. Nor was it the “torture” of rejection by His own people, the Jews, for whom He had come to usher in the good news of God’s kingdom. No, the worst that Jesus was to endure was absolute separation from His Father, with whom He enjoyed a constant, intimate relationship. He had never experienced the rejection of His Father, but in those hours on the cross, He had to endure what must have such horrible separation as His Father turned away from Him. For He "who knew no sin" was "made to be sin on our behalf." 2Cor. 5:21, NAS. For it was in those moments that the scorn and darkness of the sin of all humanity came upon Jesus, and pressed down on Him, as He hung there – naked, broken, and vulnerable.
As I write these words, tears role down my cheeks at the amazing sacrifice of the One – the Only One – who did not deserve this treatment. I am the one who deserved it! And yet, He took it for me, for you, and for all humanity for all time. As the writer of Hebrews says, let’s “fix our eyes on Jesus.” Please take time to look at and reflect on the incredible sacrifice that He made. And, also, take some time to reflect on the example that He gave us. He “endured the cross, scorning its shame” not only to provide the perfect sacrifice, but, also, to lead the way, by example, of how we are to live sacrificially for His kingdom’s sake. He is our leader and our example! Fix our eyes on Jesus!
Questions to consider: How does Jesus’ sacrifice affect and impact your life? How are you following, or are going to follow, His example? How is Jesus calling you to live?
Prayer: Father, I am humbled at the sacrifice that You made in order to rescue me and to rescue all of humanity. Please give me insight to know how I should now live in response to that sacrifice. Please give me the courage necessary to live sacrificially for You in being part of Your rescue mission. Amen.

March 6, 2008 - Acts 5:3

“Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?’” Acts 5:3.
Some of the early followers of Jesus, who could afford it, sold some of their land or houses and gave the proceeds to the disciples for distribution to those in need. Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, did this with one of their properties, giving only part of the proceeds to the disciples and holding back some for themselves in what appeared to be with some deceit. It seems that Peter knows that they did this through the activity of the Holy Spirit, and he confronts Ananias with the situation, adding that he and his wife did not just lie to people, but that they lied to the Holy Spirit of God.
It seems to me that it would have been okay for this couple to hold some of the proceeds from the sale of their property for their own use, except for at least one thing – they hid their intentions from the leadership and the Holy Spirit. It would be fairly easy to hide something from other people. Heck, we seem to do this type of thing all the time! But “hiding” something from the Holy Spirit is quite another thing. It is quite like Adam and Eve trying to hide from God in the Garden of Eden after they ate of the forbidden fruit. There was no way that they could actually do it, and neither was there any way that Ananias and Sapphira could hide.
As I reflected on this, I realize that there are many ways that I try to “hide” from God. (And I must say that I am so thankful that I have not been dealt with like these two!) Since it is tax season, it can be a temptation to “hide” the facts and lower my taxes. After all, the government will never know, and, besides, they waste so much, and …… Isn’t it easy to justify ourselves and our actions!
Questions to consider: Is there any area that you are attempting to “hide” from God? Is there anything that you are holding back or withholding from God? What would He have you do?
Prayer: God, help me to come into the open in all areas of my life. Help me to live before you with a clean heart, seeking to be genuine and free before You. Amen.

February 28, 2008 - Acts 4:34-35

“There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.” Acts 4:34-35.
The early Christian community took care of each other. They appeared to have a genuine giving heart for each other. Those who had, shared with those who were in need. Some sold their homes and their land, and gave the proceeds to the community for distribution. There was a generous spirit among them. And I would imagine that this generosity carried over into the giving of time and talents, along with their treasures. Is it any wonder that they thrived?
As I sit in reflection of my own heart toward giving, I realize that I still come up short in this department. All that I need to do is look at my tax return for the year to see how much that I donated. And yet, I justify myself by saying that I give more than just my “treasures.” I give of my time and talents, as well, for the good of others. I know of others who have, what we call, the gift of giving, for they contribute so much of their income, and do it cheerfully. They get a real charge; a real joy, out of giving!
It is my observation that giving – whether it is our time, our talents, or our treasures – must come from a heart that seeks to serve our loving God. As I seek Him, I am more able to understand His desires in how to give of myself to those around me. If I hold on to my stuff tightly and are less prone to be willing to give it away, I become “owned” by it. If I am more willing to part with my stuff, as these early believers did, realizing that I am only a steward, caring for all that I have, I realize Who is, truly, the real Owner. And I am gratefully humbled by His care for me in directing me as to what to do with these things entrusted to me.
Questions to consider: What is my attitude and heart towards giving? Whose stuff is it anyway? Do I trust God’s love and care for me enough to give joyfully and sacrificially? What would God have me give?
Prayer: God, please give me a giving heart, as these early believers had, and help me to know how to give. And give me the courage to follow through with the giving that I believe that You would have me give. Amen.

February 21, 2008 - Acts 4:33

“With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33.
Because of their decision to pray for boldness and to not shrink back, the early believers spoke out about Jesus, even though they risked potential arrest and suffering. And yet, great power was given them, as they testified to God’s raising of Jesus from the dead. This verse concludes by saying that “much grace was upon them all.” The previous verse refers to the giving, generous nature of this community. They shared their possessions and sold their property, and shared it all in common with those in need. Is it any wonder that they desired to give away the “great power” of Jesus that they had so freely received? No wonder they experienced “much grace!”
As I sit here and write, I am struck by how ordinary these people were, and yet, how extraordinary their circumstances had become because of the “great power” and “much grace” that had been given them. Were they really much different than you or me? Fishermen, tax collectors, home-makers – they came from various, yet normal backgrounds within their culture. Doesn’t that sound like us? And yet, they were dramatically different. What seems to be extraordinary is that they were reliant on the One who exhibited great power – the One who raised Jesus from the dead. And He was the one who gave them all the grace that they needed.
Questions to consider: Are you really that much different than these early believers? Do you need “great power” and “much grace” in your life? Where is its source, and how can you receive it?
Prayer: Father, please help me to be aware of the “great power” and “much grace” in my life, and help me to be willing to do whatever it takes to receive it from Your hand and, then, to give it away to others. Amen.

February 14, 2008 - Acts 4:29

“’Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.’” Acts 4:29.
In response to the religious authorities’ threats and punishments, the early followers of Jesus asked God to “enable (them) to speak (God’s) word with great boldness.” Peter and John had been arrested, held in prison over night, and tried before the authorities for honoring the name of Jesus, in whom they were dedicated followers. Now, as these believers gathered together, they must have discussed the options before them. Do they “obey” their authorities and stay silent in public concerning Jesus, or do they speak out? Knowing that they could be arrested and treated cruelly must have made their discussion interesting. Their decision was to pray to the Lord for boldness to speak out.
I must admit that, if I am speaking to someone about my faith in Jesus and they react to me in a threatening fashion, my reaction would probably be to back up, to back off, or to back down. Or, quite the opposite, an angry reaction might well up inside of me, and I might lash out, which would probably mean that a fight would ensue. If I was threatened with potential time in jail because of the message of Jesus, as these early followers were, I would certainly take some time to think through my options and my response. It would not be my first response to pray for “great boldness,” as these early followers of Jesus prayed. It is my hope that, if in a similar situation, I would process this with the people that know me and with whom I know, and that we would come to a similar conclusion as these early believers.
Questions to consider: Have you ever been told or threatened to not share the message of Jesus? If so, what did you do and what was your experience? If not, how do you think that you would respond?
Prayer: Father, like these early followers of Jesus, please give us boldness, if and when we are threatened, to tell the story of Your Son, Jesus, and of Your rescue mission for all of creation. Amen.

February 7, 2008 - Acts 4:19-20

“But Peter and John replied, ’Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” Acts 4:19-20.
Have you ever felt so strongly about something that you could not help but talk about it? When my children and, more recently, my grandchildren were born, I was so excited that I could not help myself. I spoke to people about their birth. I spoke to total strangers about it. I just could not help myself! I felt so strongly about being a father (and a grandfather) that I could not help speaking about what I had seen and heard!
On quite another level, I picture Peter and John having very similar feelings. The experiences that they had witnessed in and through their very lives were so life-changing and powerful that they could not help speaking about it. Even before a group of the highest religious authorities of their day, they could not help themselves! They knew what they had “seen and heard,” and they were not going to stop speaking about this Jesus, who had totally transformed their lives and the lives of those around them. These religious authorities, for whatever reason, did not want them to speak in the name of Jesus; in fact they ordered Peter and John not to speak in this name. And that is what provoked the response from Peter.
It is my hope that, under similar circumstances, I would have a similar conviction. Yet, even in my everyday, normal world, what kind of stand do I take? Has my life been so deeply and profoundly affected so as to cause such a similar, focused response and conviction?
Questions to consider: How deep is your conviction about what God in Christ has done in and through you? Like Peter and John, is there enough evidence on Christ’s involvement in and through you to “convict” you, as these religious authorities had done to Peter and John? What step(s) do you need to take, if any, to deepen your conviction to follow Jesus?
Prayer: Father, I believe; help my unbelief. Please help me to know Your presence in those times when I when confronted by unbelief or disbelief, and help me to be aware of how I need to deepen my conviction and faith in You. Amen.

January 31, 2008 - Acts 4:13

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13.
Peter and John had been arrested and brought before the full Sanhedrin, the Jewish, religious leaders of their day, for their trial. In the view of these leaders, a disturbance had erupted at the hands of Peter and John. Peter spoke with boldness and courage, testifying that it was by the name of Jesus, who these leaders had put to death but God had brought back to life, that this man had been healed. After hearing Peter speak, the leaders marveled at the courage of these two “unschooled, ordinary” men, noting that what marked them as different was that “these men had been with Jesus.” It was “being with Jesus” – walking daily with Him, as His disciples; walking in relationship to this Master – that made the difference.
I have heard it said many times that if you want to see where a person’s heart is, look at their check book. How a person spends their money can be a good indicator of what is “transforming” their life. Likewise, a schedule or calendar can be an indicator of where we place our true importance. In my life, even though my natural tendency is to get alone and avoid people, I try to get with people and build deeper relationships, because I know how the Master uses others in my life to make and mold me into His image. In this way, I am being marked as one who has “been with Jesus.”
Questions to consider: Who is it that has influenced your life? Have those around you noticed a difference in your life? What changes have happened in your life that mark you as different because of what Jesus has done in you? How is your life “marked” as different, as a result of “being with Jesus?”
Prayer: Lord, help me to not drift to what is easy in my life. Help me to be transformed to the place where those around me notice that what makes me different is that I have “been with Jesus” and have been with You. Amen.