December 31, 2009 - Acts 11:2-3

“So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.’” Acts 11:2-3.
Peter, having stayed with Cornelius and his Gentile household, returned to Jerusalem. Upon his arrival, the Jewish followers of Jesus began to confront Peter for lodging and eating with Gentiles. This was something that Jews, whether followers of Jesus or not, had not been allowed to do, according to Jewish Law. And now, one of their primary leaders had crossed the line, and he was now being called into accounts.
I am grateful that conflicts like this are included in the story of the early church. It doesn’t seem as though the early followers of Jesus sought to sugar-coat or attempt to sweep the conflict that did occur under the rug. I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they are not really much different than you and me. It helps to remove our “stained-glass” image of the early church, and the rosy lens through which we see such stories.
I am, also, grateful to see these early followers hold each other accountable for their actions. Peter, who apparently was not above being held to accounts, had done something that had been thought of as questionable, and his brothers and sisters confronted him concerning these actions, requiring him to give an explanation. This kind of accountability is a good thing and can serve both the individual and the community well. In this situation, Peter’s actions were appropriate and it was the community that needed some adjustment in attitude.
Questions to consider: Are there issues that we, as a community of believers have been sugar-coating or attempting to sweep under the rug? Is there anyone in your life that can hold you accountable? How functional and helpful is this to you?
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me some people who care enough – who love me enough – to speak the truth to me and to hold me accountable. Help me to be as open as I can in those relationships, so that I might be more conformed to Your image. Amen.

December 24, 2009 - Luke 2:7 (continued)

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 (continued).
In the last Thursday Thought, I wrote about the circumstances in which Jesus was born - born to an unmarried teenager, born far away from home, and born in a smelly stable, wrapped in a warming clothe used for an animal and laid in an animal’s feeding trough.
God doesn’t just identify with the poor and oppressed of the world; He became one of them. All through His ministry, Jesus encouraged and exhorted those around Him to reach out to those who are less fortunate. He led by example, as well, by giving of Himself in healing the sick, casting out demons and preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of God. He fed large, hungry crowds on two different, recorded occasions. He cared for the total needs of those around Him.
I am challenged to give, not just out of my “abundance,” but to give sacrificially. Jesus not only gave some of what He had – He gave all that He had, even to the ultimate sacrifice – His life. It was a total commitment. He not only gave to the poor and the needy – He was one of them and always identified with them.
Questions to consider: How does Jesus identify with the poor and needy of our world? How do you identify with the poor and needy of our world? Is there more that God is calling you to do to help the needy, the afflicted, the infirmed, and the poor?
Prayer: Father, thank You for not forgetting the forgotten – the poor and unfortunate. Help me to remember them and to hear Your prompting as to what You would have me do to help. And help me to obey Your call. Amen.

December 17, 2009 - Luke 2:7

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7.
Jesus, the only Son of the Most High and Exalted God, comes to humanity in the most humble of conditions! In no way could we have imagined that God would make His arrival in our time-and-space world in such a demeaning way. Yet He chose for His Son to be born in just these kinds of conditions – born to an unmarried teenager, born far away from home, and born in a smelly stable, wrapped in a warming cloth used for an animal and laid in an animal’s feeding trough. This was not an auspicious beginning for the Lord of the Universe! Yet, Jesus thrived in this humble way of life and was not hindered in any way by it in communicating God’s love for all people. He was connected to His Father no matter what His station in life.
There have been times in my life when I was hindered within my own mind by what I perceived to be my own “humble” beginnings. Yet, as I have continued my journey with Jesus, I realize that, whatever my situation in this world, I carry a piece of God’s image within me. I am His image bearer and I need not be hindered by any of those things that the world tells me are important. I used to say to my children, “remember who you are and Whose you are.” It remains a valuable credo today!
Questions to consider: Are you hindered by your “humble” beginnings? In what ways? How does having a piece of God’s image within you help to overcome those beginnings? How are you changed into a new person, no matter what the world may tell you?
Prayer: Father, thank You for building within me a piece of Your image. Thank You that, because You have, I am free from whom the world tells me I am and what I am worth. Thank You that You have made me Your child. Amen.

December 10, 2009 - Luke 1:44a

For these next few weeks of the Christmas season, I will be diverting from the writings on Acts, and, instead, will be writing a few reflections on the coming of the King.

“’As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.’” Luke 1:44a
Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, the Promised One, arrived at the home of her cousin, Elizabeth. And immediately upon her arrival the baby in Elizabeth’s womb started to leap for joy. This baby was John, who was Jesus’ cousin and who was to become the Baptist. Isaiah, the prophet, had foretold the coming of John, saying, “A voice of one calling: ‘In the desert prepare the way for the Lord.’” And the baby, John, was leaping for joy in his mother’s womb because he already knew that the Promised One had entered the world and had, indeed, arrived at their house!
John’s whole life was focused on preparing the way for Jesus’ coming. I, on the other hand, have mixed motives. While there is definitely that side of me that desires to be whole-heartedly focused on Jesus in all that I do, I still have a significant part of me that seeks to go my own way. By God’s grace, I am seeking my own way less and walking in Jesus’ way more. It is my hope that, like John, I will leap for joy at His arrival – past, present, and future.
Questions to consider: What are you doing to “prepare the way” for the Lord in your life and in your world? Are there obstacles in the way? How will you overcome them? Have you had moments where you “leaped for joy?”
Prayer: Father, thank You for sending John to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming. Please help me to know how I can prepare the way in my life for Jesus’ coming, and help me to leap for joy. Amen.

December 3, 2009 - Acts 10:47

“’Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.’” Acts 10:47.
The group that came with Peter to Cornelius’ house could not believe what had happened, yet they could not deny it. The Holy Spirit had come to the people of this household just as He had come to the early followers of Jesus. What was different about this occurrence was that everyone in Cornelius’ household was Gentile, and these disciples had not known any non-Jewish people to become followers of Jesus. And they were still trying to figure out how to “keep these people from being baptized.”
While I may not consciously segregate, I know that deep inside me there are people that I would rather not associate with. And if something as dramatic as what happened at Cornelius’ home happened among these people, I would probably try to think of a way how I could stay separate from them. And being as “civilized” as we are in the West, I am certain that a palatable method could be achieved. The end result would still be the same, and people would still be separated – and my bigotry would not be exposed!
Even though these disciples were seeking to maintain their religious purity, as they understood it from their Jewish roots, segregation and bigotry were still present. To their credit, Cornelius and his household were baptized, yet the underlying problem festered on for years to come. And down through the centuries, we still battle with bigotry on one level or another.
Questions to consider: Is there a race/ethnic/religious (or other) group that you have a prejudice against? What is God’s heart concerning this? What steps can you take to begin to (or continue to) overcome this?
Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see whom I seek to segregate myself from, give me a heart to seek Your forgiveness for this separation, and give me the heart to change. Amen.

Navember 19, 2009 - Psalm 95:1-3

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.
For the Lord is the great God,
the great King above all Gods. Psalm 95:1-3.

Families will be gathering together during this Thanksgiving season. They will eat much turkey, with all the dressings, and some will watch some football. Most will spend a little time remembering the many blessings they have. With acts of kindness and service, some will remember that there are many people who are less fortunate.
My encouragement for each of us is to spend some time reflecting on the One who provided all the blessings we enjoy. David, the author of nearly half of the Psalms (73 bear his name), was passionate about remembering that God was the source of all. He was not shy in proclaiming in bold terms some of the ways that we could demonstrate our thankfulness – by singing for joy, shouting aloud, coming before Him and extolling Him with music.
I, personally, will probably not shout, extol, or dance in my expression of thankfulness to God. Perhaps I will sing. But one thing I am going to make sure that I do is this: as the Psalmist proclaims, I will give thanks to my God, for He is truly my Rock and my great God and King.
Will you join me in spending some time during this season giving thanks to God? If so, be intentional and specific in your thanks to Him. And will you join me in remembering the poor and less fortunate, and do some act of kindness for them?
Prayer: Father, I praise You! You are the mighty God, the creator of all things, and the One who holds all creation in balance. And yet, You care so intimately and personally for each person on earth. May Your kingdom come, here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

November 12, 2009 - Acts 10:45

“The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.” Acts 10:45.
Peter travelled to Cornelius’ home with several Jewish disciples. As Peter began to speak, the Holy Spirit somehow made Himself present in and through the Gentiles in this meeting. And the manifestation was similar to what happened to the Jews on Pentecost. When the Jewish believers witnessed the Holy Spirit come on these Gentiles, they were dumbfounded. They hadn’t expected this in any way. They thought that God would act one way, but God had something else in store. God was radically challenging the paradigm of the Jewish believers, opening up a life of faith in Jesus to the Gentiles. And the world would never be the same!
There have been many times when I thought that God would act a certain way, and I must admit that He has dumbfounded me over and over again. It seems that the one constant in this is that I have very often gotten it wrong! But God has given me a heart that is willing to change, to learn, and to adjust with His paradigm shifts. This happens usually with some resistance on my part, but in the end, it does happen and I eventually come around.
Questions to consider: Have you ever realized that God was doing something dramatically different than what you expected? What was that like for you, and how did you adjust? Is there anything that you are presently experiencing that might represent a paradigm shift in your life? What is God saying to you concerning this?
Prayer: Father, thank You for not leaving me to flounder in my own limited thinking. Thank You for giving me opportunities to change, to learn, to adjust – and to be astonished - with the moving of Your Hand in our world. Amen.

November 5, 2009 - Acts 10:34-35

“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.’” Acts 10:34-35.
Peter, in entering Cornelius’ home, is entering into a new phase of his faith journey. As a Jew, he had never to his knowledge entered into the house of a non-Jew. To go into such a home was strictly against Jewish tradition, and, being a good Jew, Peter tried to avoid contact with Gentiles. But God had something else in mind, and to Peter’s credit, he recognized God’s hand at work in bringing him to Cornelius’ household. Upon entering, Peter recognized that God had a bigger vision: that no favoritism was shown by God and that all from every nation were accepted in His sight.
In order for him to recognize God’s movement so easily, Peter had become pliable in God’s hand. He was growing in his ability to hear, to respond, and to obey God’s leading. As I think about this trait in Peter, I remember how impetuous and strong-willed he had been in the past. There was now a dramatic change in the focus of his heart.
I can identify with Peter, especially his old, brash, impetuous nature that was – “talk first – think later.” I can also recognize how God has helped me to become more pliable and workable in His hands. It has taken quite a bit of time, and I still have my moments of falling back into old patterns, but I do see changes in my ability to hear and to obey as God leads and directs me.
Questions to consider: How pliable are you in God’s hands? What hinders you from becoming more pliable? Is there an area in your life that God is challenging you in right now where you need to be more pliable?
Prayer: Father, help me to recognize Your movement in and through my life, and help me to obey how you are guiding me and stretching me. Help me to be pliable in Your hands. Amen.

October 29, 2009 - Acts 10:28

“He said to them: ‘You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.’” Acts 10:28.
Upon his arrival, Peter announces that he really should not even be there. After all, he was a Jew and the people he was visiting were not, and according to Jewish law, he was not to “associate” with them. But Peter now understood God’s purpose in bringing him to that place. God had shown Peter that no one was to be considered “impure or unclean.” In other words, the barrier that was in place between Jews and all other people was now to be broken down, and all people were to be accepted as the same.
While I know intellectually that all people are equal and that I am called to love all people equally, I still know that I struggle “associating” with some people. For instance, I am not so sure I could ever associate with anyone who was from the rival of my old high school! Okay, I’m kidding. I am actually married to someone from the rival high school! In all seriousness, each one of us could most likely name some people, or groups of people, that we would not like to associate with. We have barriers, in ways similar to Peter, that keep us away from “loving our neighbors”, as Jesus commanded.
Questions to consider: Who do you wish not to “associate” with? What does God have to say about that? Like with Peter, have there been times when you’ve been confronted with this type of barrier and you sensed God nudging you to deal with it? Who is your neighbor?
Prayer: Father, help me to notice when You are directing me to deal with who my neighbor truly is. Help me to love as You have called me to love; to love the unlovable, remembering how unlovable I was and still am, at times. Amen.

October 22, 2009 - Acts 10:26

“But Peter made him get up. ‘Stand up,’ he said, ‘I am only a man myself.’” Acts 10:26.
Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius, having been escorted there by Cornelius’ servants. As he was coming into the house Cornelius knelt before Peter, as if Peter were a Caesar, a god of some kind, or at least a very special person. Peter realized that he was not worthy of anyone’s worship and commanded him to get up; after all, he was only a man, just like Cornelius. Peter apparently was not interested in lifting himself up or making himself of any importance. He was a man who was seeking to be a whole-hearted servant of Jesus.
Have you ever noticed someone that was an attention-seeker? Or possibly someone who did not mind being placed on a pedestal of importance or notoriety? I have witnessed pastors or leaders who really like, even crave, the attention, and have acted as though they were special and deserved notice or special treatment. When someone has this kind of heart attitude, it is difficult to smell the wonderful fragrance of Christ.
Let me make this very clear. One of the things that I do not like about myself is my own need for attention. If I were in Peter’s situation, I am not so sure how I would have responded. I might have enjoyed the notice and special attention. But my hope is that I would have done as Peter did.
Questions to consider: Do you seek, or, maybe even, crave, attention from others? If so, how do you act that out in your life? What does it make you feel like to see others who are acting in ways that draw attention to themselves?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire for less of me and more of You to show. Please help me to “deny myself, take up my cross, and follow” You. Help me to respond as Peter did, in order to draw attention to You, and You alone. Amen.

October 15, 2009 - Acts 10:17

"While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate." Acts 10:17.
Peter had just received a vision in which God was stretching the boundaries of his belief system by requiring him to "kill and eat" food forbidden to Jews. Peter was wondering what this would mean when the men sent by Cornelius arrived. Cornelius had sent these men to ask Peter to come to him, after God had told him in a vision to send for Peter. It appears that God was setting the stage for not only Peter's stretching, but also, for the young church's expansion.
When things happen in our lives, we never know how wide ranging the effect will be. In Peter's case, it was dramatic. The church was thrust out beyond the boundaries of Judaism. I recently heard from an old friend, whom I haven't seen in years. She told me that her life had been deeply impacted by the work my wife and I did when we had a ministry with young people. After her college days, she became a volunteer leader, and impacted a number of high school students, who in turn went on to become youth leaders. Several of those that she worked with later joined the staff of Young Life, and years later, I ended up working alongside a few of them, without knowing about the connection. I only recently put together that this amazing cycle of impact on people's lives had taken place. We never know at the time how we are going to impact others. Each meeting holds potential significance. I can either choose to be present in the moment or to just coast along in neutral.
Questions to consider: In looking back, when have you seen events that, though they did not appear at the time to be significant, ended up being very significant? What can you do to make each moment with others more significant?
Prayer: Father, help me to be fully present when I am with others. Help me to be approachable and able to listen. Help me to see each meeting with others as potentially significant for Your kingdom's purposes. Amen.

October 8, 2009 - Acts 10:14

“’Surely not, Lord!’ Peter replied. ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.’” Acts 10:14.
Peter, while visiting believers outside of Jerusalem, had a vision in which he was instructed to “kill and eat” food that Jews were forbidden to eat. This voice instructed him to do so three times, adding, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Peter was deeply perplexed by what he had seen. He was certain that the voice speaking to him was from God because he called the voice “Lord.” What was so perplexing was that the voice was asking him to do something that was completely foreign to his experience, as a Jew. Much had changed in Peter’s life, and even more was now being required.
Have you ever felt like you were being pushed beyond your limits? Sometimes it has felt as if I was being pushed far beyond my understanding, but like Peter, I say to the Lord, “This is difficult, but You have the words of life. Where else would I go?” In looking back, I can see the wisdom in His pushing, but at the time, it is painful and is usually, well, perplexing. For me, these times are dark and unsure, and I am challenged to the core of my belief. On the other side, I recognize how God was with me throughout the time, but it was still very tough to go through. Thankfully, it was He who guided me along.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced any perplexing times that challenged your beliefs? What was that like for you? In looking back, do you see His hand guiding you through the situation?
Prayer: Father, help me to hear Your voice in the midst of challenging and stretching times. Help me to a willing learner, ever seeking to know You better. Amen.

October 1, 2009 - Acts 10:4b

“The angel answered, ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.’” Acts 10:4b.
Cornelius, the Roman Centurion, was praying when suddenly an angel appeared to him. The sudden appearance of an angel was frightening to Cornelius, even though as a soldier, he was afraid of nothing. The angel had the attention of this God-fearing man. And yet, his message to Cornelius must have been comforting to him, for the angel told him that God had heard his prayers and seen his acts of kindness to the poor.
At first, I was a bit confused by this verse. I thought that perhaps Cornelius was doing good things – praying and giving to the poor – to somehow earn God’s good favor. But the more I reflected on this, I saw that Cornelius was already a God-fearing man, and had no need to prove his worthiness to God. Instead, it seems that he connected to God as best he could through prayer, and the natural response to this connection was with acts of kindness and service – to give to the poor. It was out of gratitude to God that Cornelius did the works of kindness. And God noticed!
When I first started serving the Lord, it seemed to be more about me and my convenience and security rather than being about those whom I was serving. God convicted my soul about this, and I realized that it had nothing really to do with me. I was only a vehicle for God’s love and acceptance to flow to others. I had to, and still do have to at times, get over my own stuff in order to serve. And, I try not to serve in order to prove my “worthiness” to God, but rather, to serve out of gratitude for what He has done for me.
Questions to consider: When you are challenged to serve in some way, what is usually your first response? Why do you suppose that is? Do you feel that you are sometimes trying to prove your worthiness to God, or do you serve out of gratitude for all that He has done for you?
Prayer: Father, thank You for all that You have done for me and for all people, especially in giving us Your Son to die in our place. I know that there is nothing I can do to prove my worthiness to You – if I did, that would negate all that Jesus did in dying for me. Please help me to accept Your grace and mercy in my life and help me to live my life out of gratitude. Amen.

September 24, 2009 - Acts 10:2

“He and all his family were devout and God-fearing: he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” Acts 10:2.
Cornelius was a centurion in the Roman army and was an officer in charge of scores of soldiers from the Italian Regiment. A centurion was usually respected by the soldiers under his command because he would lead them into battle, fighting right along side them, fully knowing that he, as their leader, had a higher chance of being killed in battle than any other soldier in the ranks. Cornelius, the centurion, was also a follower of God, who gave generously to the needy and “prayed to God regularly.” Yet, he was not a Jew.
The early leaders of the Jesus Movement within Judaism were extremely hesitant about taking the message of Jesus beyond the borders of Judaism. Yet, God was setting the stage for confronting and stretching their limited belief system.
I have found in my faith journey that there have been some beliefs that I have held dearly that I probably should have held with a looser grip. For example, in the early days of my walk, I believed that miraculous healings no longer happened. I thought they came to an end after the early church, recorded in Acts. That belief was rocked when I experienced a healing in my own body and witnessed several others. I had a difficult time explaining this, which drove me to the Scriptures and to others whom I trusted. Since then, I have had a growing sense that perhaps I should keep an open mind toward many of the beliefs that I have held on to so tightly.
Questions to consider: Have you ever had any beliefs been rocked or disrupted? If so, what was that like for you? What truths are non-negotiable and which ones are not? How have you come to these conclusions?
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You are so much bigger than many of the beliefs that I hold. Forgive me for trying to put You in a box. Please help me to have an open and ever-growing mind that seeks to enjoy the journey with You. Amen.

September 17, 2009 - Acts 9:40

“Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.” Acts 9:40.
While in Lydda, Peter received word from two men of Joppa that Tabitha had died and they needed him to come immediately. Tabitha was known for her service and acts of kindness within the community, and her passing was mourned by many. But, “Perhaps,” they thought, “if Peter were to come, who knows what the Lord might do through him.” Besides, it would be such a moving scene if Peter was to appear. And moving it was!
Upon arriving, Peter instructed all the people to leave him alone in the room with Tabitha. He knelt down in prayer and finally sensed that he needed to speak to the dead body in front of him. “Tabitha, get up.” That’s all he said, and immediately, she opened her eyes and sat up! Amazing!
Whenever I have been involved in praying for someone’s healing, it seems that as many people as possible are gathered to pray. Instead, Peter asks everyone to wait outside. Peter had a sense of what the Holy Spirit was up to and was willing to do it, no matter how much it didn’t make sense within his own mind. He didn’t necessarily do it the way that I would have, but he certainly followed through the way the Lord wanted.
Questions to consider: How sensitive are you to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Have you ever sensed the Lord instructing you to do something and you did not do it? What was that like? Have you ever done what you sensed the Lord wanted you to do, no matter how strange it was to your thinking?
Prayer: Father, I need help to see Your activity. Please give me a heart to be sensitive to the leading of Your Holy Spirit and give me strength to do what You would have me do. Amen.

September 10, 2009 - Acts 9:34

“’Aeneas,’ Peter said to him, ‘Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.’ Immediately Aeneas got up.” Acts 9:34.
The young movement of Jesus-followers was in the midst of an unusual time of peace, and Peter travelled to Lydda, which is west of Jerusalem and on the way to Joppa, at the coast of the Mediterranean. One of the highlights of his stay in Lydda was to visit with Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. During the visit with Aeneas, Peter told him that Jesus healed him and that he was to get up. Immediately he was healed!
Have you ever been used by Jesus in the healing of someone? I have, and I must say that I have gone through all sorts of emotions surrounding the event. These emotions range from pride (“I must be something special for God to use me!”) to humility (“I can’t believe that God could use a knucklehead like me!”) and many others, as well. As wonderful as the healing is, the primary focus needs to be on the majestic, mystifying grace of God the Father, in Jesus, through the Holy Spirit. It is so easy to look at all the other peripheral things regarding the healing instead of focusing on the Healer.
Peter, in this verse, gave obvious attention to who the True Healer was. Peter’s life was now totally dedicated to giving full attention to Jesus, and healing was just one aspect. Jesus was now Peter’s all-in-all! So, perhaps instead of focusing on the healing, or even on Peter, let’s focus on the True Healer, Jesus.
Questions to consider: What can you do today to focus more on Jesus and not the circumstances in your life, whether good or bad? Is there anything that you need to say to Him, perhaps to get straight or that needs cleaning up? Is there anything from which you need to “get up and take care of”?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You are the True Healer and that You desire to help us “get up and take care of” all that is not right in our lives and to heal us. Help us to remember that all of this is from Your precious hands! Amen.

September 3, 2009 - Acts 9:29

“He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.” Acts 9:29.
Have you ever listened to a speaker who provoked your thinking and with whom you disagreed vehemently? Saul must have encountered many crowds of people who disagreed vehemently with him. This particular crowd of Grecian Jews sought to kill Saul because of the strength of his argument. And this was apparently the second threat on his life in such a short period of time. But this did not stop Saul from proclaiming the truth.
There have been many times when I have heard truth expressed to me, and my first response (reaction!) was negative. The more truthful the statement, the more vehement my reaction! For example, my wife, on several occasions, has made true statements to me concerning a negative attitude of mine or concerning the way I treated a person, and what was my reaction? Was it to say, “Thank you, honey. You’re right. I need to change?” NO! My first reaction was to rationalize and make excuses for my actions. Next, I would lash out, attacking her for making such an accusation. Eventually, I would understand and I apologize, recognizing what a knucklehead I had been. But, I am sure that you have never had that kind of reaction!
When we hear truth for the first time, our initial reaction is most likely not going to be like the Grecian Jews in this verse, but most likely it is going to challenge and stretch us. It is going to push us in ways that make us uncomfortable and may require some changes in how we do things. Perhaps we wouldn’t kill the person physically, but we might “kill” the relationship.
Questions to consider: How do you respond/react to truth at its first hearing? How long does it take you to respond positively to it? Has there been someone in your life that, when truth was shared, it killed the relationship?
Prayer: Father, help me to have the heart to embrace Your truth quickly. Help me not to react quickly, but to take my time to absorb and process what You have for me. Amen.

August 27, 2009 - Micah 6:8

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.
What kind of sacrifice do you give? Micah, a prophet in Israel around the time of Isaiah, wrote that the animal sacrifices and other offerings of the people were not what God was looking for. God’s instructions were simple, yet profound: “To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” God, according to Micah, was looking for personal, human actions to be sacrificial and in service to others and to God. As Jesus said, we are to love God with all that we are and to love our neighbor no matter who they might be. Paul stated that we are to present our bodies to God as “living sacrifices.” We are, in Micah’s words, to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.”
These actions are intentional decisions that I make each day. I can choose to do things according to my own wants and desires – my own self interest – or I can choose to live life daily according to God’s desires. Simple things, such as being “interrupted” while I am working, can be irritations or opportunities, depending on the choice of the focus of my heart. Is it on serving me, or is it on serving God? Ordinary life decisions become basic, foundational choices that I make throughout each day. How will you choose? As for me, as Micah states, I choose to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God” as much as I can.
Questions to consider: What kind of sacrifice do you give? What does it mean for you to, “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?” How does this affect your decisions and your choices each day?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” before You. I know my natural inclination to go my own way. Please help me to intentionally choose to follow Your ways in all of my ordinary days. Amen.

August 20, 2009 - Acts 9:26-27a.

“When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.” Acts 9:26-27a.
Not long after Saul became a follower of Jesus, after having escaped from those in Damascus who wanted to kill him, he arrived in Jerusalem. Saul was seeking to join with the leadership of the early followers to learn and to offer his service in the community. Because of Saul’s previous reputation, the leadership was skeptical and nervous about allowing into their circle. Barnabas, who was one of the early leaders, took the risk, reached out to Saul, and “brought him to the apostles.” Saul’s reputation of persecuting the followers of Jesus was not diminished by the rumors of his change of heart.
There is part of me that is like these early leaders, who were skeptical about someone with a questionable standing. It was always a challenge and a risk for me to come along side of someone who was trying to overcome their previous negative reputation. There have been times when I have been taken advantage of, yet there have also been times when I risked standing with someone who was going through very tough problems and needed someone to help them process their situations. My reputation was on the line, but great satisfaction came when they proved to be worthy of support. It is, also, important to remember who stood alongside of us, supporting us, when we were totally disreputable and worthy of rejection. As the Message translation puts it: “And the Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood.”
Questions to consider: Have you ever been skeptical about someone’s reputation? Have you ever gone against your skepticism and supported someone when it was really risky to do so? Has anyone ever risked their reputation for you?
Prayer: Father, thank You for putting Your reputation on the line in coming into this world to support us when we did not deserve it. Help us to do the same within our spheres of influence. Amen.

August 13, 2009 - Acts 9:25

“But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.” Acts 9:25.
The Jews in Damascus were so angry and disturbed at Saul, and the power of his words concerning Jesus as the Messiah, that they determined to have Saul killed. So the followers of Jesus in that city hid Saul for a time, and then, planned his escape. The only way that he could get away was by being lowered in a basket “through an opening in the wall” and this was done in the dark of night. But Saul was not one to shrink away from a good fight, even if his life was on the line. He must have known that this was not his time to fight, and he made his escape.
In the book of Ecclesiastes, the writer talks of a time and a season for all things. This was not a season for Saul to stand and argue the cause of Jesus Christ. He needed to be about other business, even if he didn’t exactly know what that business was. The time for a change had come and he had to move on. Later, Saul was to write that God will provide a “way of escape” when we are tempted, and I am sure that Saul was tempted to stay and fight, even if death was a possibility. But, the change of scenery did save Saul’s life.
I have had many different seasons in my life, when, as I look back, I began to see the tapestry that God has woven and the unique pattern that is my life. Looking back through the years, I have known several moments of God’s protection, even though I didn’t realize this at the time. It was only later that I began to see, even if it was dimly, God’s hand and care.
Questions to consider: As you look back on the seasons of your life, do you see God’s caring, protective hand? What season of life are you in now? Are you aware of His protection and care, even if it seems like you have to escape, like Saul?
Prayer: Father, thank You for protecting me, especially in those times when I am not aware that Your presence is with me. You are so vast and mysterious, yet You are caring and available. Thank You. Amen.

August 6, 2009 - Acts 9:24

“After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him.” Acts 9:24.
Saul was continually going up to the synagogue in Damascus, debating with Jewish leaders concerning Jesus as the Messiah. He was getting stronger and stronger in his arguments, which was causing the Jewish leadership to become more defensive. Finally, they had had enough. They started conspiring how they might kill Saul. It did not take Saul very long in his journey with Jesus to come to a place of being genuinely threatened for making his stand with Jesus.
In reflecting back on my first couple of years of following Jesus, I recall being uncomfortable talking openly with people about my faith. I didn’t know much and I didn’t really understand what I was supposed to do. Through the years I have grown more comfortable with telling my story of following Jesus to anyone, but still do not feel particularly comfortable about debating, like Saul. At first, I thought this was because I did not see that I was particularly gifted in this way, but as I reflected more, I saw that something else was at work. I did not know if I would be willing to stick my neck out enough to possibly be killed, because of standing up for Jesus. I wasn’t even sure how I would feel about being mocked for my belief in Jesus. I am still working on this, yet I have noticed lately that when I have had the opportunity to tell my story to someone, I have spoken with confidence and with His strength.
Questions to consider: How far will you go in making a stand for Jesus? Are you willing to be mocked, or possibly be threatened in some way? Have you ever experienced any of these in your walk with Jesus? What was that like?
Prayer: Father, give me the courage to stand up for You, no matter the consequences. Give me strength to speak boldly in Jesus’ name. Amen.

July 30, 2009 - Acts 9:22

“Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.” Acts 9:22.
Saul had been used to opposition and was a trained debater. After all, he had been a Pharisee who “sat at the feet of Gamaliel,” and, by his actions, he seemed to be comfortable with confrontation. After meeting Jesus on the road, Saul was transformed in his heart, yet he still had the gift of being a powerful debater, but this time, on Jesus’ behalf. Very early in his journey with Jesus, Saul would go up to the synagogue to argue and debate with the Jews of Damascus. As this verse shows us, he “grew more and more powerful” is his ability to show that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. This gift that was in him, which had been used to disrupt the followers of Jesus, was now being used for Jesus’ purposes.
While Saul was able to grasp and use his gifts quickly, I have noticed, in looking back on my journey with Jesus, that it has taken several years for me to become more aware of God’s gifting in my life. Even though it has taken so much time, I am grateful to have realized some of the gifting that God has given me, and I am continuing to learn and embrace more about His gifting. Instead of looking back in disappointment on the time that I wasn’t using my gifts, I am grateful for His helping me to see how I am gifted, and I am looking forward to His use of them through my life in the future.
Questions to consider: Are you aware of how God has gifted you? What are the gifts you have been given, and how are you using them? How could you use them in the future?
Prayer: Father, thank You for putting me together the way that You did. Help me to see my unique gifting with the same vision that You have for me, and help me to follow through in using these gifts for Your kingdom. Amen.

July 23, 2009 - Acts 9:21

“All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?’” Acts 9:21.
Reputations are a strange thing. Saul was going into the synagogue at Damascus to speak out concerning Jesus, who he now believed to be the Son of God. Saul’s audience is “astonished”, shocked that this man, who once took prisoners in this name, was now speaking out so strongly in favor of this same name. Saul had a reputation with these people, and he was now heading in a completely different direction.
When I became a follower of Jesus, I knew that I was different, but was insecure about telling those whom I knew and believed differently than me. I lacked boldness in my new relationship with Jesus. It took me awhile to come to the place of not caring as much about my reputation as I did about the message that I carried. I was learning (and am still learning!) to be more concerned about what He thinks of me than of what the people around me think of me. Saul learned that lesson right away and was gifted to step right out in boldness to proclaim the One who loved him and freed him from his past reputation.
Questions to consider: Has your reputation, or the way that you have perceived yourself, held you back? If so, how has it? Were you blessed, like Saul, to have the boldness to speak right out, not caring what people thought and only caring what God thought? What are your thoughts regarding reputations?
Prayer: Father, I am so grateful that I only have to “play” to an audience of one – You. Help me to speak in boldness regarding Your message of love, not being as concerned about what others think of me, but only what You think of me. Amen.

July 16, 2009 - Acts 9:18-19

“Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.” Acts 9:18-19.
Ananias, in obedience to God’s instruction, laid his hands on Saul, praying for his healing, and immediately Saul was healed! His first act after his healing was to be baptized as a follower of Jesus. Finally, because he hadn’t eaten in three days, he ate food and regained his strength. It is interesting to me that the first thing he did after his healing was to be baptized. This is very significant, in my mind, in that it indicates where his heart was now focused. His mind and heart must have been transfixed – riveted – on Jesus, and his blind state created a condition where he could do nothing else but focus on Jesus. It was in this blind state that Saul could finally see. . . really see.
I remember the days when, even though I could physically see, I did not have the heart-eyes – the spiritual eyes to see God. Those days were confusing, rudderless, and without purpose. Since my heart-eyes have been opened and I see Jesus more clearly, I have a keener sense of what I am here to do. That is not to say that I don’t have my struggles. I certainly do! It is just that I realize that God is always with me, and the “food” that I take in to strengthen me is from God’s kitchen.
Questions to consider: Have the scales fallen from your eyes? If not, what needs to happen for them to fall away and to see with new heart-eyes? If so, are you drifting back to the old “food” to nourish your body or are you seeking the new “food” that nourishes your soul and spirit?
Prayer: Father, please give me heart-eyes to see You and to seek You, and to continue to see You and seek You. Well up a burning desire within me that wants to do nothing other than what You want me to do. Amen.

July 9, 2009 - Acts 9:17

“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 9:17.
Ananias, obeying what he believed to be God’s instructions, went to the house where Saul was staying. All that he understood about the situation was what he believed God had spoken to him. Upon arriving, to his great relief, he discovered that Saul was present and in need of hearing a word from the Lord, as well as in need of a healing touch. It is evident that Ananias knew exactly what he needed to do next, and he prayed for Saul’s eyes to be healed and that Saul would be filled with the Holy Spirit. I am certain that there was great rejoicing in this moment for all of those involved!
There have been times when I believed God wanted me to step out of my comfort zone and to do something risky for Him. But I must admit that I was never confronted with a potentially life-threatening situation similar to the one Ananias faced, at least not that I know of. Yet, in the midst of risking it, I have felt the nervousness and insecurity of possibly being wrong – and not hearing correctly from God. It almost paralyzed me to the point of inaction, but I pressed on. In most of those situations, it did not necessarily work out the way that I thought that it would, but rarely would I say that it was the wrong thing to do. I usually have learned valuable lessons and have grown as a result of taking the risks.
Questions to consider: When is the last time that you sensed God nudging you to do something risky for Him? Did you do it? How did it work out for you? Are you open to its happening again?
Prayer: Father, help me to have a heart that is willing to take risks when I sense You calling me to do something risky. Help me to get out of my comfortable, safe place in order to serve You in a deeper, more meaningful way. Amen.

July 2, 2009 - Acts 9:15

“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.’” Acts 9:15.
Ananias, a follower of Jesus who lived in Damascus, was called by God to go to the house where Saul, (soon to be Paul), was staying. Ananias was understandably hesitant because of Saul’s reputation, and he responded to God in manner that appealed to His reason. In response, God tells Ananias to “Go!” and gives Ananias a brief vision of the calling on Saul’s life, in service to Jesus.
I appreciate the fact that God doesn’t just say “Go!” to Ananias, without any further explanation. This might have conveyed that God was frustrated with Ananias. Instead, it seems as though, while urging Ananias along, God allowed him to see some of what He had in store for the life of this man who had tormented the early followers of Jesus. Even though He didn’t need to do it, God brought Ananias in on what was to happen to Saul. And God firmly told him to get going to the house where Saul was staying.
Questions to consider: Have you sensed God speaking to you, urging you to do something? Was there a time sequence related to it, such as what Ananias experienced? Did you follow through with it? If you haven’t had that happen to you, would you like for that to happen? What would it take?
Prayer: Father, thank You so much for being involved with us in such a personal way that You, on occasion, speak directly to us, as You did with Ananias. Help me to have ears to hear You, and a heart to obey. Amen.

June 25, 2009 - Reflection on trip to Southwest US

We just returned from a vacation to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Colorado. My brother arranged for us to journey around the Colorado, Arizona, and Utah areas to visit the amazing natural wonders there. He took us to see the Navajo Indian’s Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Glen Canyon, Lake Powell, and the Capital Reef National Park. We camped for a couple of nights and “roughed it” in motels the remaining time and did a large amount of hiking.
But what struck me over and over was the amazingly creative hand of God. In such a relatively small region of the United States, there is a diverse amount of natural beauty and wonder. We were continually awed at the sheer size, beauty, and majesty of each location. Over and over again, we could not imagine how anything could be more beautiful, and yet, as we travelled on, in the diversity of the surroundings, we experienced more of the same – this amazing beauty! We witnessed how artistically God’s hand used the wind and the water to sculpt out of the earth these works of art for our enjoyment.
On our trip home, I reflected on our time away and, as I gazed at my wife sitting next to me, realized the amazingly creative hand of our God in making the natural beauty and wonder of this person sitting next to me. I realized that, just as God had taken His time to create the beauty in nature around us, He has taken even more time to give special attention to the creation of His image bearers – you and I.
“So God created man (and woman) in his own image… (And) God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:27a and 31a.
Questions to consider: Have you taken some time to reflect on the creative beauty that is around you from God’s hand? Have you taken time to reflect on the amazing way that nature has been put together? Have you taken time to reflect on the amazing way that you are put together by God?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your creative hand in putting nature together in such a beautiful and wonderful way. And thank You for putting us together in a beautiful and wonderful way, as Your image bearers. Amen.

June 18, 2009 - Acts 9:13

“’Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.’” Acts 9:13.
The Lord had given Ananias specific instructions to go to Saul, who was in Damascus, and to pray for the restoration of his sight. Ananias responded to the Lord with a reminder of what Saul had been doing to Ananias’ fellow followers of Jesus in Jerusalem and beyond. Ananias’ reply to the Lord is totally understandable, yet it is interesting that he felt that he needed to “remind” the Lord concerning the reports about Saul, as if the Lord did not know or remember what business Saul was about.
During times of prayer, I know that there are many times when I seek to remind the Lord or to “fill Him in” on information that He might have overlooked. I know that this sounds a bit silly, for who can “inform” the Lord about anything, yet I cannot tell you how many times I, or someone else who I am praying with, have talked to the Lord in just this sort of manner. I, personally, do not think that the Lord minds, because I believe that He loves the relationship between us and Him.
I remember “talks” with my children, when they were young. Often, they would “inform” me of things that I already knew, yet I was totally delighted to hear their comments. The relationship brought so much joy to me that I did not mind in the least any of these types of comments. If I, as an imperfect father, feel that way, imagine what our Father feels when we come to Him.
Questions to consider: Have there been times when you were “informing” the Lord about something? Have you ever experienced someone doing this to you, yet you care so deeply for them that it didn’t matter? How do you imagine God feels toward you when you do that in your relationship with Him?
Prayer: Father, thank you so much for loving us so thoroughly and completely so as to cover some of the silly things that we communicate to You. Thank You that You do not shame us, but instead, You dearly love us. Amen.

June 11, 2009 - Acts 9:11

“The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.’” Acts 9:11.
Ananias, a follower of Jesus, who lived in Damascus, is having a conversation with the Lord. Once He has gotten Ananias’ attention, the Lord gives him instructions on how to get to the house in Damascus where Saul, known to be the arch-enemy of the Church, is staying. He hears from the Lord that Saul is in prayer at this house. The Lord also indicates that Saul has seen in a vision that Ananias is to come to him and will pray for his sight to be restored.
I have heard it said, “I do not doubt that God speaks clearly; I doubt my ability to hear what He said clearly.” This really resonates with me! I hear Him “speak” to me in the Scriptures, through friends and those around me, through books and writings, and through nature, but I am not so sure that I have heard Him speak to me as if we were talking together, face to face. I have a sense that this has happened, yet since I could not see Him with my eyes or touch Him with my hands, it is still difficult to fully and clearly understand His specific instructions for me. Again, I do not doubt that He does this; what I doubt is my ability to hear His words clearly.
That is what makes this verse amazing to me! Ananias has no doubt that the Lord is speaking to him and that He has given him specific instructions for a specific job.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced God speaking to you? Have you ever doubted that you heard Him correctly? Have you ever known that you understood the specific instructions that He gave you?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You care so much for each of us that You speak to us in personal ways. Give us ears to hear You, even when what You say to us is difficult for us to hear and understand. Amen.

June 4, 2009 - Acts 9:10

“In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered.” Acts 9:10.
Saul was in Damascus when God spoke to a follower of Jesus in Damascus, named Ananias. We do not know what this disciple was doing at the time; we only know that God called out to him and he answered. He might have been in prayer or busy at his work, yet it seems that Ananias recognized the Lord’s voice and answered Him. It seems that Ananias had an intimate relationship with God, since he was able to recognize His voice immediately.
This verse challenges me! I don’t know if I would be as ready as Ananias was to respond to the Lord. And while I have sensed God speaking to me in the impressions within my mind, through my reading and studying in the Bible, or through some other means, I am not so sure that I would recognize His voice, if He spoke to me. In those times when I believe that He has spoken to me, I recognize that I had a sense of peace, even though I may not have understood what He said. The challenge for me is to place myself in a position that would allow me slow down enough to hear from Him and to learn to recognize His voice.
Ananias is a good model for me, for it is my desire to recognize the Lord’s voice and to respond right away.
Questions to consider: Have you ever sensed that God has spoken to you? How did that happen? How did you respond? What would it take for you to learn how to recognize His voice when He speaks to you?
Prayer: Lord, help me to slow down enough to recognize Your voice as You speak to me. Help me to do what is necessary to develop a more intimate relationship with You. Amen.

May 28, 2009 - Acts 9:8

“Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.” Acts 9:8.
On his way to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, Saul was struck by a shining light that knocked him to the ground. It was Jesus who manifested Himself through the light in order to confront Saul and change the course of his life forever. Upon getting up, Saul realized that he was blind, and his companions led him to Damascus. Once he arrived, he waited there for what he was to do next, and he did not eat or drink anything for three days. The direction of his life had been radically changed, and with the blindness, he had no idea what adjustments to his life would now be required of him.
I recognize that I didn’t have such a radically life changing moment like Saul, I have had a few occurrences or decisions that changed the course of my life. My marriage and my decision to become a follower of Jesus were two clear moments. A third moment occurred when I was eighteen, and it happened before I was a follower of Jesus. I was in a church service with a girl that I was dating at the time, when I sensed a voice whispering in my ear. I looked around to see who it was and saw no one. The voice stated that he wanted me to go into full time ministry. At the time, I had no idea what that meant, yet as the journey of my life has unfolded, I recognize that this was the voice of Jesus leading the way for me. It was a powerful moment by which I am still impacted – after 40 years.
Questions to consider: When you look back, do you remember any incidents that changed the course of your life forever? What were they? How are you different as a result?
Prayer: Father, thank You for those moments of direction that You use to guide us along the way that we need to walk. Help me to always keep an ear out to hear You and to do what You say. Amen.

May 21, 2009 - Acts 9:7

“The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.” Acts 9:7.
While Saul was being confronted by Jesus, who manifested Himself as a powerful, bright light, the men who had come with Saul had no idea what was going on. To paraphrase a thought: some people make it happen, some people get in the way of what is happening, and others wonder, “What’s happening?” These men with Saul were in this last group. They happened to be present at one of the most dramatic moments in the life of the Church over the last 2,000 years – Paul’s conversion – and these men did not have a clue what was going on.
As I sit and ponder this, I reflect on how many times I really did not have much of a clue as to what was going on around me. I was so wrapped up in my own stuff that I was fairly oblivious to important events happening around me. In this passage, Saul was entering into a revolutionary relationship with Jesus, and these men missed it. I wonder how many relationship opportunities I have missed along the way. When I just consider the missed opportunities with my wife and children, I shudder to realize how many I have missed! Then, to think of the missed opportunities of sharing the story of Jesus with those around me, I shudder that much more.
I do not wish to be one who wonders “What’s happening?” I desire to be proactively available to God to make things happen.
Questions to consider – Are you like these men who traveled with Saul in this verse? If so, how? What can you do to make yourself more proactively available to God?
Prayer – Father, help me to be proactively involved and available for Your service. Give me eyes to see where You are moving in this world and the strength and courage to step out and do something. Amen.

May 14, 2009 - Acts 9:6

“’Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’” Acts 9:6.
Paul, having been confronted by a powerful, bright light who called Himself Jesus, is now told what he must do next. He is to proceed to Damascus, which was to be his intended destination, but instead of rounding up the followers of Jesus to arrest them, he was instructed to wait for what he was to do next.
It seems to me that Saul was a hard-charging individual who was not accustomed to being “told what (he) must do.” I don’t believe that he was used to waiting for much, as well. Yet, just after this life-changing occurrence, Saul was told to go into town and wait for what he was to do next. And he did it.
I must admit that I tend toward the “American way” in regard to waiting, as well as handling being told what to do! I struggle with both areas! Even after years of following Jesus, this is a struggle, yet I recognize that it is a healthy one for me to deal with – being patient and being told what to do. It seems that Saul’s attention was captured by Jesus, and he was ready to do whatever he was told.
Questions to consider: How ready are you to wait for God to speak to you? Upon hearing, how willing are you to obey His instructions? Is there anything that God has spoken to you that He is still waiting for you to obey?
Prayer: Father, give me the heart to wait on You, and give me the strength to obey You once I hear from You. Give me the humility to not go charging off on my own, doing my will and purpose. Help me to follow after You. Amen.

May 7, 2009 - Acts 9:5

“’Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked.”
“’I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.’ He replied.” Acts 9:5.
Saul is stopped in his tracks on his journey to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus and bring them back to Jerusalem. A bright light surrounds him and he falls to the ground, and a voice speaks to him, saying, “Saul, why do you persecute me?” Upon hearing this voice asking him this question, Saul responds with his question, wondering who it is that is speaking to him. The answer is Jesus. It is Jesus, Himself, who is speaking to Saul, and He states Saul is persecuting Jesus directly; not just His followers.
In this pivotal moment in the life of Saul, he is dramatically and directly challenged by this presence of power and light who calls Himself “Jesus.” From Saul’s perspective, this could have been a very confusing moment. The people travelling with him saw the bright light, heard the noise, and saw Saul on the ground, but they did not understand what was going on. Saul could have passed off all of this as another strange occurrence that happens while travelling in arid wildernesses, yet he knew deep within that this was very different. And this caused him to stop and wonder as to its meaning.
Occasionally, important moments occur in my life, and at those moments, I am usually confronted with a choice. It is instructive to me that at this decisive moment in Saul’s life, he saw the Lord in the choice and decided to follow Him. It is my hope that I, too, will look to the Lord for my choice instead of relying on my own thoughts.
Questions to consider: Do you remember any important moments in your life where you were confronted with an important choice? How did it work for you? Do you tend to rely on your own strength or do you look to God? How is your life changed by deciding either way?
Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see Your movements in my life, especially in those particularly important ones, and give me a heart and mind to make the right choice in following after You. Amen.

April 30, 2009 - Acts 9:3-4

“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’” Acts 9:3-4.
Saul was journeying to Damascus to persecute the followers of Jesus who resided there. He had the proper papers in hand from the Temple leadership, giving him authority to arrest these followers and bring them to Jerusalem for trial. As Saul came near to Damascus, this dramatic scene occurred, and a voice spoke to him, saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
Now I have heard some fairly dramatic stories before, but this one takes the cake! Saul was such a focused, intense person that it took something like this to get his attention and turn him around. In my personal journey, there were a series of events that led up to my making a decision to follow Jesus on December 19, 1970. Since then, I have continually “re-decided” to follow Him. For Saul, it was that definitive moment on the Damascus road that totally and radically changed him forever. For me, it took time to take that step. For many others, the journey is a gradual movement toward God.
Dramatic events make for interesting stories, but I find that they don’t necessarily keep us on the journey with God. Being on the journey is what keeps us engaged in seeking God. Saul was “on his journey” when he met God. Whether you experience the extraordinary event like Saul’s or the ordinary, routine process of daily life, keep on the journey,
Questions to consider: How is your journey going? Are you seeking more understanding of who Jesus is, or have you arrived? What decisions have you made on your journey with God? Are there any decisions that you have made on your journey that you need to dust off and renew?
Prayer: Father, help us in our journey to find You and to follow You. Help us to come to a place where we make a decision to follow You and to decide to keep on following You. Amen.

April 23, 2009 - Acts 9:1

“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples….” Acts 9:1.
Saul, a young, zealous Pharisee, had witnessed the stoning of Stephen, and was one of the leaders who carried out the plan to exterminate this new movement. He was a very educated man for his time period, having trained under the tutoring of Gamaliel, a famous and respected teacher and Rabbi. Carrying out these “murderous threats” was Saul’s efforts to keep his religion pure and to make sure that heresies were dealt with. These early followers of Jesus were viewed as being just as bad as their leader, and they needed to be dealt with.
On one hand, it is understandable that Saul was zealous to keep his religion pure. However, his outward response – arresting, beating, and killing these people – although an extreme way to accomplish this, was allowed by the Law of Moses. Saul was zealous for purity, yet we see the fruit of such zealousness in his vindictive attitude toward the followers of Jesus.
It does not take me very long to realize that I have some of Saul’s vindictiveness within me. How do I respond when I believe that someone has wronged me, or how do I react when I believe that someone is doing wrong? On a macro scale, how did the Crusades help the cause of Christ in the world? The truth is we can justify our actions, even when our actions may blatantly be destructive to our world, as well as to us. And we do this in the name of the Lord or “security” – protecting our territory and keeping it pure.
Questions to consider: When does “protecting our territory” cross the line from loving God and neighbor into protecting my own interests? When have you seen a vindictive attitude rise up within you, and why do you think that happened? What would God say about “protecting our territory?”
Prayer: Father, please help me to lay down my own desire to protect, and help me to see when I am mistakenly doing it in Your name. Help me to walk in love with my neighbors, whoever they are. Amen.

April 16, 2009 - Acts 8:39

“When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:39.
On their journey together, the Ethiopian eunuch and Philip spotted water and stopped, so that Philip could baptize the eunuch. He had become convinced that Jesus was the long-awaited-for Messiah and was ready to do whatever was necessary to be His follower. So they stopped and he was baptized. As they came out of the water, Philip was taken away by the Holy Spirit and was not seen by the eunuch again. The eunuch did not seem to be surprised, since he went on his way rejoicing.
It seems that when he came out of the water, he experienced a joy and freshness in his life that he may never have experienced before, and he did not seem to mind that Philip was no longer there. He also could have seen Philip being carried away by the Spirit and realized the significance of the event, and, because of that, rejoiced at this manifestation of God’s power and presence. In any event, Philip being taken away by the Spirit was an event that was wrapped up in wonder, awe, and mystery.
There is part of me that would like to figure this out. How did the Holy Spirit actually carry Philip away? What did that whole situation look like? It is just like me to want to know exactly how it happened, instead of enjoying the supernatural mystery of the event. God, in His purposes, decided that Philip was the right person to be transported from this spot in the desert to another location and that it needed to be done right away. And I need to be comfortable with this unexplained mystery in the Scriptures.
Questions to consider: How comfortable are you with the mysteries in the Bible? How comfortable are you concerning the mysteries that occur in your life?
Prayer: Father, thank You for being a God that doesn’t feel it necessary to explain everything. Help me to be comfortable with not being able to know and understand it all. Help me to be comfortable with mystery. Amen.

April 9, 2009 - Romans 8:11

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:11.
When we think of the Easter season, many of us reflect on the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. As we do this, often we find it difficult to move past the gruesomeness of Jesus’ death and focus on the purpose of His death. This year, for some reason, I have spent more time reflecting on His resurrection. This verse from Romans, chapter 8, speaks deeply to me. As one of my friends in one of our small groups stated the other day, “The same Spirit that raised Lazarus from the dead is the same Spirit that is in me today.” Take a moment and let that sink in. And then reflect on verse 11 from Romans 8.
God, the Holy Spirit, raised Jesus from the dead, and that same God, the Holy Spirit, lives in you and me. He is the same Spirit, and He can be as active today in our lives as we will allow Him to be. He can raise us up from whatever “death” we may find ourselves in today…or tomorrow…or any day from now on.
The resurrection of Jesus from the grave, which we celebrate on Easter, is as much of an assault – a storming of the beach – as was the Normandy invasion in World War II. His resurrection was an assault on death, the grave, and the gates of hell. God has brought forth His kingdom, and is in the business of reconciling the world – His creation – to Himself. And on Easter, we celebrate the return to life of the King of Kings, and the beginning of the restoration of His Kingdom here on earth. All of this is powered by the same Holy Spirit that lives within you and me!
Questions to consider: How aware are you of the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life today? Do you limit His activity in any way, and if so, how? Is there any “death” in your life today that you need to ask Him to raise up to new life?
Prayer: Father, I thank You today for Your great love for us and for Your creation. You did not leave us alone, but You lead an assault to win us and all of creation back to You. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for raising Jesus from the dead and for being present in our lives today. Amen.

April 2, 2009 - Acts 8:36

“As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?’” Acts 8:36.
The Ethiopian eunuch had invited Philip into his chariot to discuss a portion of the writings of Isaiah. He did not understand who the author was writing about, and asked Philip to explain. In doing so, Philip told him all about Jesus, the One to whom Isaiah was pointing. During the conversation, the eunuch must have become convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, and requested that Philip baptize him, since they had come upon some water.
One of Jesus’ last instructions recorded before His return to the Father (in Matthew 28:19) was this: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Philip, having been directed to do so, was following through with his Master’s instructions. As a result, the eunuch became convinced that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. He was baptized and then took the Good News of Jesus back to his country and to the continent of Africa. Philip had obeyed Jesus’ simple instructions: to go, to disciple, and to baptize.
Sometimes, I sit around, waiting for some grand plan from God, instead of moving forward with one or two simple instructions on which I need to follow through. This is a prideful thing on my part, and I recognize my need to choose to humble myself in order to do the simple things that I need to do. It is a wonderful practice for me to remember to do those simple things, for it does keep me in a place of humility under His Lordship. Philip was obedient to these simple instructions, and, as a result, imagine how many lives were transformed.
Questions to consider: Has God given you a few simple instructions to follow through with? What are they? Are you doing them? If not, why not?
Prayer: Father, thank You for caring for me in such a personal manner that You have given me some simple instructions for me to do? Help me to be faithful to obey You and to complete that which You have given me to do. Amen.

March 26, 2009 - Acts 8:35

“Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.” Acts 8:35.
Philip had been invited up into the Ethiopian eunuch’s chariot in order to help the eunuch understand what he was reading. By “coincidence”, he was reading from the book of Isaiah, chapter 53. In this passage, Isaiah tells of the person who, like a sheep being led to the slaughter, willingly humbled himself to the point of death for justice to be served for the many. As the eunuch read this, he did not understand and needed help to see who Isaiah was talking about. Since the events around Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection were so fresh, Philip knew exactly the meaning of this passage, and he began telling the eunuch the great story of Jesus.
Philip did not have the luxury of having his NIV (or whatever translation!) Study Bible, with all of the notes, charts, and maps, to assist him. He spoke to this man from his memory and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, starting with the scroll that the eunuch had with him. He told the story, from his perspective, as he sensed God leading him.
I wonder how many times I have held back from sharing the story of Jesus when God has given me opportunity. Unfortunately, it is probably many more times than I would care to remember! Often times in the past, I have felt that I was not adequately prepared to share the story. I was sure that I did not know enough scripture, or I was not sure if I had properly interpreted the scriptures. The truth of the matter was that I was fearful of being rejected by my audience!
I have, more recently, become more “freed up” to tell the story of Jesus. It has been exciting to see what God is doing and how He is leading, and to then for me to follow after Him.
Questions to consider: Does anything hold you back from sharing the story of Jesus? If so, how can you begin to overcome it? Do you remember times when God led you to someone to share the story of Jesus? What did that feel like?
Prayer: Father, give me eyes to see what You are doing and how You are leading, and help me to follow after that. Give me boldness, when I need it, to share Your story, and give me patience when I need to wait on You. Amen.

March 19, 2009 - Acts 8:34

“The eunuch asked Philip, ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?’” Acts 8:34.
Philip has been asked to join the Ethiopian eunuch in his chariot to discuss the book of Isaiah. The eunuch was journeying back to his home country when Philip caught up to him traveling on a desert road in Gaza. In seeking to understand this passage from Isaiah, chapter 53, the eunuch asks this searching question. It seems that this man was genuinely seeking to get at the truth, and he was not embarrassed to ask whatever question necessary to understand it. No question was a bad question; just the one not asked.
There was a time in my journey with Jesus that I hid behind a mask of knowledge, not knowing what else to call it. I acted as if I knew many of the “secrets” of the kingdom of God, not realizing at the time how ridiculous I appeared to those around me. I came off as a prideful know-it-all (want-to-be, at that!). As I have journeyed on, I realized to my embarrassment that I did not know it all. In fact, I am not sure that I understood much at all. But what I did have was a thirst to understand more and to learn. It was around that time that I learned there was no such thing as a dumb question other than the one not asked. Learning became a positive motivation in my life, and was now something that I would seek to do for the rest of my life. I decided to be a learner for life!
Questions to consider: Like the eunuch, are you still seeking to understand truth? Are you still growing, or are you in a rut? If you are in a rut, what will it take for you to get out?
Prayer: Father, I ask that You will always stir me up and cause me to always be a seeker who is desiring to learn Your truth. Help me to not just fill my head, but to have my life impacted for Your kingdom’s sake. Please help me to continue on the journey and use me to help others find the truth in You. Amen.

March 12, 2009 - Acts 8:31

“’How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” Acts 8:31.
The Ethiopian Eunuch, traveling home from Israel, was reading from, but not understanding, the book of Isaiah, when Philip came upon him on the desert road in Gaza. After a brief conversation, he invited Philip up into his chariot, and asked him to explain the book to him. This powerful eunuch from the Ethiopian court was open, inquisitive, and desired to learn Philip’s perspective. And on Philip’s part, he was very likely beginning to realize that this meeting was the reason for his journey.
I am not certain that Philip understood the full implication of this encounter. He did not have the advantage of history and did not know that this was the beginning of the Ethiopian Church, which is still in existence today, and that the message of Jesus was now going to spread to the huge continent of Africa – all from this one, brief encounter.
As I live each day, I don’t understand the potential effects that may result from each encounter. I don’t have the vibrant expectancy that characterized the early church – that each meeting I have throughout the day holds incredible potential and power for God’s purposes. Many times, I slide through the day, or, worse, I bounce around like a pinball, reacting to various situations. What happened to Philip is very instructive, for he began his journey by receiving instructions from God. This probably came as a result of his seeking God and desiring to serve Him whole-heartedly. Philip began with seeking God, and his vibrancy and expectancy came from that seeking.
Questions to consider: How do you view the encounters you have with others throughout your day? Do you see God’s hand at work in them, or, as I have experienced, do you slide through your day? What would it take for you to view your encounters as God directed?
Prayer: Father, help me to be strengthened in my quiet moments with You, so that I would be more adequately prepared in my daily encounters with others. Help me to be aware when You desire to use me to touch others, even though I may never know the full effects of the encounter. Amen.

March 5, 2009 - Acts 8:30

“Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked.” Acts 8:30.
Philip was on his way having been instructed to go along the desert road to Gaza. As he was traveling, he noticed a chariot and heard the one sitting in it reading from Isaiah, the prophet. Philip ran up to the chariot and asked him if he understood what he was reading. At first glance this could look as if it were only travelers making conversation while on their journey together. But there was more going on here!
The eunuch in this chariot was an important emissary of the Queen of Ethiopia, and was probably not traveling alone. In fact, he most likely had quite an entourage traveling on official business from the Queen’s court. Philip could have been intimidated by the large traveling party, but he ran up to the chariot anyway. This meeting could have been viewed as quite a coincidence, yet Philip, ever keeping his awareness on what God had called him to do, stepped up to this chariot in boldness.
A friend of mine says, “When I pray more, it seems that more ‘coincidences’ happen.” I have also noticed that it is when I have the sense that fresh communication with God is occurring that things just seem to happen. Philip was keenly aware of the job that he was to do, yet he was not particularly sure how it was to be fulfilled. He was open to whatever opportunities were presented to him. Because of his freshness in relationship with God, he was more aware of those “coincidences” – those divine encounters – that God sets before all of us.
Questions to consider: How fresh are you with God today? If you are not particularly fresh, what will it take to get fresh? Do you see any “coincidences” happening in your life? Prayer: Father, it is my desire to be fresh and up-to-date in my relationship with You. Draw me close so that I might be better prepared to be Your ambassador in this world. Help me to see these “coincidences” that happen as Your divine encounters. Amen.

February 26, 2009 - Acts 8:27a

“So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.” Acts 8:27a.
Philip had received instructions from God through an angel to travel from the Samaritan city that he was in to the desert road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza. So he left as soon as he could and made his way toward Gaza. As he traveled along, he met an important official from the Ethiopian queen’s court. This eunuch was in charge of the whole treasury for the queen. He was an important person in Ethiopia.
As I think about this verse, what strikes me is that it was as he was “on his way” to following through with the instructions given to him, that Philip met the eunuch. It was as he was going – and, remember – at that point, Philip did not understand that meeting this man was the reason for this trip. He was not particularly certain why he was traveling the desert road, other than it was what God had told him to do. On his way – as he journeyed – he began to see God’s plan for him unfold and open up before him.
Many times in the past, I failed to move forward because I did not have the whole picture. And, because God had not unfolded it before me, I chose to wait, instead of moving forward. I have since learned, in my journey, that it may not be clear what is to happen next. What I do need to appreciate is that God unfolds situations before me as I step out in what I believe He would have me do. He steers me as I go, letting me know when I need to turn one way or the other, or to turn around all together. I do not need, indeed I most likely will not receive, the full, clear picture before stepping out.
Questions to consider: Have you ever not moved forward because you did not know the full picture of what was to happen? Are there any opportunities that the Lord opened up to you that you did not take advantage of because of waiting?
Prayer: Father, help me to step out and be “on my way” when I sense You calling me forward, even though I do not know the whole picture. Help me trust You to make it clear while I am on the journey. Amen.

February 19, 2009 - Acts 8:26

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road – the desert road – that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’” Acts 8:26.
While Philip was in the Samaritan city, telling all the people he could about Jesus, an angel appeared to him with a message. He was to now journey south to the desert road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza. Apparently, the angel didn’t have much more to say, and Philip began to make his way to where he was instructed.
As I sit and ponder this verse, my natural thoughts go toward wondering about the angel – How did Philip know that an angel appeared? How did the angel make himself known to Philip? What did the angel look like? – That kind of thing. In focusing that way, I almost forgot about the message that he brought. I was getting so wrapped up in thoughts about the angel that I wasn’t paying attention to the message. Now, the message given to Philip was not what I would call exciting, unless, of course, you don’t mind going in a completely different direction than you were heading, plus the desert wasn’t necessarily the “hot” spot (no pun intended!) to visit. Actually, what was exciting was that Philip had heard from God and was, now, obediently moving forward with all his heart to complete the task given him.
Question to consider: Do you tend to focus on the messenger, whoever that would be, or the message given? If an angel appeared to you, with a message from God, would I hear more from you about the angel or more about the message, no matter how dull it appears to you? On what is our obedience dependent?
Prayer: Father, thank You so much for Your communication with us in various ways. Help me to hear You and obey Your instructions – whether given by an angel or by any other method You choose. Help me to hear and to obey. Amen.

February 12, 2009 - Acts 8:20

“Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!’” Acts 8:20.
When Simon the magician offers payment to receive the ability to do miracles through the Holy Spirit, Peter responds with this straight forward statement. But Simon didn’t really know what he was doing, and this was the only way he knew to obtain any new “magic” that he needed to maintain his livelihood. Peter, then, charged Simon to repent of his bitterness and his captivity to sin. Simon, to his credit, appears to have done just what Peter commanded.
This is quite a scene taking place in this Samaritan city. Simon, a powerful man in the city, is called out because of his sinfulness, and he responds by appealing to Peter for prayer. It could have been a tense moment, yet Peter stepped up to say what needed to be said in order to confront the problem. Simon was unable to see his problem clearly, yet he could have gotten really upset at Peter for his harsh treatment. It appears that he swallowed his pride and received Peter’s correction.
I must admit that there are times – many times – that I struggle to receive correction. My pride rises up within me, and before I know it, I am reacting all over the place. I either go into a funk, get angry, or have some other reaction but it all seems to come from those prideful thoughts that reside deep inside. Thanks be to God, for He is helping me to expose that problem and to deal with it, and I know that it is a long, painful process. My hope is that I continue on this journey and that God continues to help me deal with my pride.
Questions to consider: How do you handle being confronted with your problems or mistakes? What is it that rises up from within you that causes you to react in inappropriate ways? What can you do about it?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for this confrontation of Simon by Peter and for Simon’s response. I pray that I would have a similar, humble response when confronted. Please help me to have the grace to receive correction, as from Your caring hand in my life. Amen.

February 5, 2009 - Acts 8:18-19

“When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 8:18-19.
By this time, Peter and John had arrived in the Samaritan city in which Philip had proclaimed the good news concerning Jesus. Many people were responding the message, becoming followers of Jesus and being baptized in water. Peter and John began laying hands on these people so that they would receive an infilling of the Holy Spirit. Evidently, there was some outward manifestation of this indwelling, for Simon, the magician, wanted to purchase this “ability” so that whomever he laid his hands on would receive the Holy Spirit in the same manner.
I have been fortunate enough to have experienced some amazing occurrences in my journey with Jesus. I have seen people healed and set free from all kinds of oppression. And there have been times that I wish that I had that ability, and, I would hasten to add, not for all the right reasons. I wish I could say that I totally wanted God to get all the notice and attention, but that just wouldn’t be true. I really wanted, like Simon in these verses, to have the ability to do these amazing things, so that people would realize how “connected” I was to God and how “spiritual” they would think I was! Does that surprise you that I expressed this so openly? The truth of the matter is that each of us, to some degree, have similar frailties and feelings.
Questions to consider: Would you like to have similar gifting as did the disciples from these verses, or would you like to have some other gifting? What would you like for that to look like? For what reasons would you like to have this gifting?
Prayer: Father, thank You for putting me together the way that You did. In Your wisdom and creativity, You fashioned me this way for Your purposes. Help me to see how I can work toward Your purposes as we journey together. Amen.

January 29, 2009 - Acts 8:9

“Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great.” Acts 8:9.
Philip, one of the original twelve disciples, traveled to a Samarian city, where he began to tell the good news concerning Jesus. God touched the hearts of the people and many decided to follow Jesus. Also, many miracles were performed and evil spirits were cast out from the people of the city. Simon, a sorcerer (or magician) in this region, had been held in high esteem by all of the local people. Simon paid attention and was amazed when he observed the miracles performed at the hand of Philip. He thought that this was a power that he could use for his own advantage. It seems that one clear difference between Simon the magician and Philip was their view of themselves. Simon thought that he “was someone great,” and he received accolades from all the people, yet Philip pointed everyone to God, with his words and his actions. For one of them, it was all about him, and for the other, it was all about God.
There have been times when I wanted nothing else but for God to get the glory and for Him to be recognized. Yet, I must admit that there have been a number of times that I desired to get that recognition. Whether it was because of some inner need for it or because I desired to manipulate a situation or for some other reason, I can look back at some situations and just cringe at how I wanted myself to be the focus of attention- rather than God. I do hope that I am getting better at pointing to God, but I also know that I am prone to self-deception. It helps for me to remember who I am in God’s eyes and heart – His child, whom He loves. Then, I remember how grateful I am for His life in me. It is all about Him!
Questions to consider: Do you remember times when you talked or acted in ways where your goal was your own recognition? How did that work for you? How has it worked when you have sought to only glorify God?
Prayer: Father, help me to break through my own self-deception to see as You see and to always remember that You are my total source of strength. Help me to stop boasting unless it is about You! Amen.

January 22, 2009 - Acts 8:6

“When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said.” Acts 8:6.
With the persecution and arrest of many followers of Jesus occurring in Jerusalem, they begin to disperse throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Philip ventured to a city in Samaria where he began to preach about Jesus. Evidently, as Philip spoke about Jesus, some miracles happened. This activity attracted a crowd of people, and, because of the amazing signs that they witnessed, the crowd “paid attention to what he (Philip) said.” It does not seem to matter what the miracles were; only that the crowd was attracted and that they listened closely to what was said.
I have been privileged to witness God performing miracles in people’s lives. I have, also, been witness to times when people tried to manufacture miracles. It seems to me that when God is really in it, miracles can happen, but they are not the point; touching people’s heart is the point. I believe that Philip just did what he knew to do – speak about Jesus – and God did the rest. I, also, know that this is all I am called to do.
Questions to consider: Have you ever witnessed any miracles? Have you seen any manufactured “miraculous signs?” What did each of these look like? Is there a difference in the fragrance of each? What is it? What has God called you to do?
Prayer: Father, I pray that You will help me to be obedient to what You desire for me to say and do. Help me not give in to the temptation to put on a show or do anything more than what You call me to do. Amen.

January 15, 2009 - Acts 8:3

“But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.” Acts 8:3.
Saul was a zealous Pharisee, who had a passion for following what he believed to be the truth, and, in doing so, he believed that he was following God’s will for the Jewish people. Because of this attitude and heart, Saul began arresting any followers of Jesus that he could find and imprisoned them. He actually thought that he was right in doing this and that he was keeping the Jewish religion and way of life pure. He believed that this sect of Jesus followers was heretical and that they needed to be brought to justice. God used Saul’s zealousness to push His little band of followers out into the next reaches of the world to start spreading the good news concerning Jesus. Yet Saul had no interest in that. He sought to snuff out this movement as quickly as possible.
As I thought about Saul and this situation, I realized that religion, in general, tends to do similar activities in order to “keep their faith pure.” I began to think about what Christians have done throughout our history to subject people to “our” God by force or threat of death, all in the name of Christ. Bringing it down to a my world experience, I began to think about how we act towards one another and how Christian churches do not relate to one another because of some difference or another. I even considered how in my own life, I make judgments on who is “in” or “out”, saying things like, “well, if they don’t do this or act in that way, they must certainly not be a Christian!”
I realize that in each case, from the macro, historical, like the Crusades, down to little ol’ me, each was trying to follow what they believed to be God’s will for them and to do what they believed to be right. And we can justify ourselves using the Word of God, just as Saul did, using the Jewish Law.
Questions: Have you ever experienced a time or situation where you were doing what you thought to be the correct thing, only to find out that you were wrong? What is the chief command of God (Luke 10:25-27) and how should we live according to it? What happened to Saul, and how did that impact his life and the life of the church?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for not loving my neighbor, even when they do not see things the way that I do. Forgive me for making judgments when I have no right to do so. Please give me a heart to love those around me. Amen.