“While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar.” Acts 21:31.
Sometimes, we don’t have to go looking for trouble; trouble just seems to find us. While in Jerusalem, Paul was apprehended by Jewish authorities, who sought to do away with him. Paul wasn’t looking for trouble; it just followed him wherever he went. Here in Jerusalem, while Paul sought to follow the instructions of his elders and do what he thought God desired for him to do, the citizens of Jerusalem sought to kill him. News of the crowd’s uproar came to the attention of the commander of the Roman guard, and he stepped in to deal with the explosive situation. God used this commander and his troops to deliver Paul from the trouble that he faced with the crowd.
When we face troubles of various kinds, God can deliver us from them, if He so desires. Or He can deliver us through the troubles, knowing that in the process, we become more transformed to His image. While God chose not to deliver me from the severe pain I have been experiencing, He is using these troubles to (hopefully!) make me more like Him. I didn’t have to go looking for this trouble to happen, yet God allowed it to happen and is using it to transform my heart to be a bit more like His. Paul didn’t go looking for a fight, yet God used the situation for His purposes, and Paul was a willing servant to do God’s bidding.
Questions to consider: How do you respond when troubles come into your life? How willing are you to go through various troubles in order for God’s purposes to be fulfilled through you?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to be your servant, willing to go through whatever circumstances or troubles necessary for Your purposes to be fulfilled. Amen.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
December 22, 2011 - Luke 1:38
“’I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered, ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38.
During this Christmas season, I’ve been reflecting some on Mary’s response to God. She faced incredible adversity, considering her situation. Being a young, single teenage girl, Mary understood the severity of becoming pregnant outside of being married. She was betrothed to Joseph, which meant that they were in the year of waiting, leading up to the week of wedding celebration. Her relationship with Joseph was jeopardized, and she was confronted with this dilemma – be ostracized, and possibly killed by stoning, by the citizens of the town, or obey God. In a flash, Mary humbled herself, saying that she would submit to and obey what was said to her by Gabriel.
I must confess that I have had a difficult time embracing a similar attitude as Mary seemed to display. She exhibited true submission of her own will and understanding to the will of God and true humility in releasing her will into His hands. “May it be to me as you have said.” Mary stated. Amazing! I wonder how difficult it was for her to do this. As you take time in this season packed with wonder, please reflect on the courage it took for this poor, single, teenage girl to submit to God’s will nine months prior to the Son’s birth. It would be easy for me to say the same words as Mary as I gaze through my stained-glass, religious glasses, yet she spoke these words in the heat of the moment.
Questions to consider: In the moment, how difficult would it be for you to respond as Mary responded? When you’ve faced adversity, what was your first response? Did you sense God’s leading within the tough times? How did you obey His leading?
Prayer: Father, I desire to be one who says the same words as Mary, yet I know that I come up so short. Please help me to find the grace and humility to submit my will to Yours as You gently speak to me and guide me. Amen.
I hope that each of you, with your family, have a wonderful – a season full of wonder – Christmas!
During this Christmas season, I’ve been reflecting some on Mary’s response to God. She faced incredible adversity, considering her situation. Being a young, single teenage girl, Mary understood the severity of becoming pregnant outside of being married. She was betrothed to Joseph, which meant that they were in the year of waiting, leading up to the week of wedding celebration. Her relationship with Joseph was jeopardized, and she was confronted with this dilemma – be ostracized, and possibly killed by stoning, by the citizens of the town, or obey God. In a flash, Mary humbled herself, saying that she would submit to and obey what was said to her by Gabriel.
I must confess that I have had a difficult time embracing a similar attitude as Mary seemed to display. She exhibited true submission of her own will and understanding to the will of God and true humility in releasing her will into His hands. “May it be to me as you have said.” Mary stated. Amazing! I wonder how difficult it was for her to do this. As you take time in this season packed with wonder, please reflect on the courage it took for this poor, single, teenage girl to submit to God’s will nine months prior to the Son’s birth. It would be easy for me to say the same words as Mary as I gaze through my stained-glass, religious glasses, yet she spoke these words in the heat of the moment.
Questions to consider: In the moment, how difficult would it be for you to respond as Mary responded? When you’ve faced adversity, what was your first response? Did you sense God’s leading within the tough times? How did you obey His leading?
Prayer: Father, I desire to be one who says the same words as Mary, yet I know that I come up so short. Please help me to find the grace and humility to submit my will to Yours as You gently speak to me and guide me. Amen.
I hope that each of you, with your family, have a wonderful – a season full of wonder – Christmas!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
December 15, 2011 - Acts 21:30
“The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple and immediately the gates were shut.” Acts 21:30
On the last day of the purification rite, Paul was recognized by some of the Jews that had misrepresented him to the Jewish leadership. Word spread quickly around Jerusalem that Paul, the ex-Pharisee-turned-follower-of-Jesus, was in the city and was to be captured and taken before their leaders. Paul’s reputation had been well known, as he was an up-and-coming Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee. It was also well known that Paul had turned away from being a Pharisee in order to follow Jesus, the itinerant preacher that had been crucified in the city. Now, Paul was here in Jerusalem, and many of the people rushed to see this man with such a reputation.
It is interesting the reputations that we have. Each of us is thought of in many different ways by different crowds. For instance, in some crowds, I am considered rather handsome, and in others, not so much! For some of us these reputations may be positive or negative. Sometimes, we have both. We also attribute people with reputations. We have our opinions of some people, regardless of how well we actually know them. Just driving home today, I spoke badly about someone’s reputation as a driver, since he wouldn’t move out of the fast lane! As absurd as this may be, most of us do this sort of thing. Paul, too, was confronted with a bad reputation and faced the Jewish authorities in order to defend it. Sometimes, though, our reputations are indefensible.
Questions to consider: What kind of reputation do you have? What would you like for it to be? Do others around you have reputations? How does someone’s reputation affect the way that you treat them?
Prayer: Father, help me to be the kind of person who does not confine someone to their past reputation but is willing to extend grace, just as You extended grace to me. Amen.
On the last day of the purification rite, Paul was recognized by some of the Jews that had misrepresented him to the Jewish leadership. Word spread quickly around Jerusalem that Paul, the ex-Pharisee-turned-follower-of-Jesus, was in the city and was to be captured and taken before their leaders. Paul’s reputation had been well known, as he was an up-and-coming Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee. It was also well known that Paul had turned away from being a Pharisee in order to follow Jesus, the itinerant preacher that had been crucified in the city. Now, Paul was here in Jerusalem, and many of the people rushed to see this man with such a reputation.
It is interesting the reputations that we have. Each of us is thought of in many different ways by different crowds. For instance, in some crowds, I am considered rather handsome, and in others, not so much! For some of us these reputations may be positive or negative. Sometimes, we have both. We also attribute people with reputations. We have our opinions of some people, regardless of how well we actually know them. Just driving home today, I spoke badly about someone’s reputation as a driver, since he wouldn’t move out of the fast lane! As absurd as this may be, most of us do this sort of thing. Paul, too, was confronted with a bad reputation and faced the Jewish authorities in order to defend it. Sometimes, though, our reputations are indefensible.
Questions to consider: What kind of reputation do you have? What would you like for it to be? Do others around you have reputations? How does someone’s reputation affect the way that you treat them?
Prayer: Father, help me to be the kind of person who does not confine someone to their past reputation but is willing to extend grace, just as You extended grace to me. Amen.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
December 8, 2011 - Acts 21:26
“The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.” Acts 21:26.
To prove that he lived in obedience to the Law of the Jews, Paul joined himself to four men who were to go through a Jewish purification rite in accordance to a vow they had made. Paul not only joined these four men in the rite, but he also paid for all of their expenses. It was the church leaderships’ thought that the serious charges brought against Paul would be dismissed as untrue as a result of Paul’s obedience. Paul went to the temple with the four men and began to fulfill the purification rite, including supplying the offering to be made for all of them. Instead of fighting with the leadership, Paul submitted to their request and sought to bring reconciliation within a volatile situation.
I’ve imagined at times that Paul was a rugged, independent person, who struggled summiting to leadership. This passage clearly demonstrates that Paul was anything but independent. He appears to have humbly submitted himself to the church leadership, as well as having submitted himself to the purification rite. Paul could have stood on his principles and fought for what he believed was right, yet he chose submission. As an American, this is a difficult concept for me to live by. After all, I, like many of you, was brought up to be an independent individualist. It’s all about me, and I am the one who has to make it happen in life or it just won’t happen. Paul demonstrates a living example of honoring the leaders of the church, from which I have much to learn.
Questions to consider: Can you think of a time when you submitted to an authority that you didn’t agree with? What was that like for you? How do you feel about submission, as a principle in your life? Where does submission work in your life? And where doesn’t it?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Paul’s example of submission to his leadership authorities. Help me to learn from his example. Amen.
To prove that he lived in obedience to the Law of the Jews, Paul joined himself to four men who were to go through a Jewish purification rite in accordance to a vow they had made. Paul not only joined these four men in the rite, but he also paid for all of their expenses. It was the church leaderships’ thought that the serious charges brought against Paul would be dismissed as untrue as a result of Paul’s obedience. Paul went to the temple with the four men and began to fulfill the purification rite, including supplying the offering to be made for all of them. Instead of fighting with the leadership, Paul submitted to their request and sought to bring reconciliation within a volatile situation.
I’ve imagined at times that Paul was a rugged, independent person, who struggled summiting to leadership. This passage clearly demonstrates that Paul was anything but independent. He appears to have humbly submitted himself to the church leadership, as well as having submitted himself to the purification rite. Paul could have stood on his principles and fought for what he believed was right, yet he chose submission. As an American, this is a difficult concept for me to live by. After all, I, like many of you, was brought up to be an independent individualist. It’s all about me, and I am the one who has to make it happen in life or it just won’t happen. Paul demonstrates a living example of honoring the leaders of the church, from which I have much to learn.
Questions to consider: Can you think of a time when you submitted to an authority that you didn’t agree with? What was that like for you? How do you feel about submission, as a principle in your life? Where does submission work in your life? And where doesn’t it?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Paul’s example of submission to his leadership authorities. Help me to learn from his example. Amen.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
December 1, 2011 - Acts 21:21
“’They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs.’” Acts 21:21.
Paul arrived in Jerusalem and was greeted warmly by the leadership of the young church. On his second day in Jerusalem, Paul explained all that had happened on his journeys since his last time with them. There was much rejoicing among the leadership, for they had heard false reports that Paul had been telling the Jews he encountered to turn away from Moses and to not live according to the Jewish Law. Being there in person, Paul was able to correct these false reports. The problem was that there were now thousands of Jews in Jerusalem who were following Jesus, yet they were adamant about following the Law of Moses. They had their minds set against Paul, and nothing could be done to change them. Paul was now going to face those who misrepresented him and the purpose of his ministry. It is interesting to see how Paul handled being misrepresented in such a central area of his life.
When I have been misrepresented by others regarding an important (to me, at least) issue, I have usually reacted with frustration or anger and have thrown up my hands in disgust. I take it as a personal attack and have a defensive posture. When I take a breath, though, and catch myself before reacting, I usually will stay calm enough to begin thinking through the issue and considering how I have been misrepresented and how I should, if necessary, respond. It seems that Paul was willing to work through the issue and was willing to do what was necessary to demonstrate this willingness. He seemed to handle himself with dignity and humility.
Questions to consider: Have you ever been misrepresented by others? If so, how did it make you feel and how did you handle it? How did Paul handle it? What can you learn from how Paul handled being misrepresented?
Prayer: Father, I know that there will be times when I am misrepresented by others. Help me to remain calm and prayerful and to not react. Please give me insight as to how to respond in those situations. Amen.
Paul arrived in Jerusalem and was greeted warmly by the leadership of the young church. On his second day in Jerusalem, Paul explained all that had happened on his journeys since his last time with them. There was much rejoicing among the leadership, for they had heard false reports that Paul had been telling the Jews he encountered to turn away from Moses and to not live according to the Jewish Law. Being there in person, Paul was able to correct these false reports. The problem was that there were now thousands of Jews in Jerusalem who were following Jesus, yet they were adamant about following the Law of Moses. They had their minds set against Paul, and nothing could be done to change them. Paul was now going to face those who misrepresented him and the purpose of his ministry. It is interesting to see how Paul handled being misrepresented in such a central area of his life.
When I have been misrepresented by others regarding an important (to me, at least) issue, I have usually reacted with frustration or anger and have thrown up my hands in disgust. I take it as a personal attack and have a defensive posture. When I take a breath, though, and catch myself before reacting, I usually will stay calm enough to begin thinking through the issue and considering how I have been misrepresented and how I should, if necessary, respond. It seems that Paul was willing to work through the issue and was willing to do what was necessary to demonstrate this willingness. He seemed to handle himself with dignity and humility.
Questions to consider: Have you ever been misrepresented by others? If so, how did it make you feel and how did you handle it? How did Paul handle it? What can you learn from how Paul handled being misrepresented?
Prayer: Father, I know that there will be times when I am misrepresented by others. Help me to remain calm and prayerful and to not react. Please give me insight as to how to respond in those situations. Amen.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
November 24, 2011 - Ephesians 5:20
“…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20.
As I am writing this thought, I am looking around at the many wonderful ways that God has blessed me and my family. My wife and I enjoy a warm, loving relationship with each other, as well as with our children and grandchildren. We have food and shelter and are able to go to some really beautiful locations. He has provided a job with income for both my wife and me (and has provided a wonderful health insurance plan!).
It is relatively easy for us to give thanks for the many ways God has blessed each one of us. Could we be just as thankful for a debilitating or chronic illness or condition? Or for a financial meltdown or job loss? What about being thankful for being mistreated, ostracized, or even persecuted in some way? What is our frame of mind when adversity comes upon us? My initial reaction is usually negative and complaining, yet I am attempting to see things and circumstances in a different light. I realize that God has my best interest at heart and that He would never let anything happen to me unless He knew that I needed the adversity to help me grow closer in conforming to His image.
For this Thanksgiving season, it is my hope that each of us will take some time to reflect on God’s amazing goodness in our lives, and especially His goodness in giving Himself to us…sacrificing for us…in His son, Jesus, and for ushering in His kingdom for us to begin to walk in. It is also my solemn hope that each of us will “always (give) thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Questions to consider: What does it mean for you to always give thanks to God for everything? Are there some things, situations, or people that it is difficult for you to give thanks? How does your frame of mind need to adjust when adversity comes upon you?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You know what I need better than I know myself. Please help me to embrace all that happens in my life in a way that is thankful and grateful for how You are conforming me to Your image. Amen.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
As I am writing this thought, I am looking around at the many wonderful ways that God has blessed me and my family. My wife and I enjoy a warm, loving relationship with each other, as well as with our children and grandchildren. We have food and shelter and are able to go to some really beautiful locations. He has provided a job with income for both my wife and me (and has provided a wonderful health insurance plan!).
It is relatively easy for us to give thanks for the many ways God has blessed each one of us. Could we be just as thankful for a debilitating or chronic illness or condition? Or for a financial meltdown or job loss? What about being thankful for being mistreated, ostracized, or even persecuted in some way? What is our frame of mind when adversity comes upon us? My initial reaction is usually negative and complaining, yet I am attempting to see things and circumstances in a different light. I realize that God has my best interest at heart and that He would never let anything happen to me unless He knew that I needed the adversity to help me grow closer in conforming to His image.
For this Thanksgiving season, it is my hope that each of us will take some time to reflect on God’s amazing goodness in our lives, and especially His goodness in giving Himself to us…sacrificing for us…in His son, Jesus, and for ushering in His kingdom for us to begin to walk in. It is also my solemn hope that each of us will “always (give) thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Questions to consider: What does it mean for you to always give thanks to God for everything? Are there some things, situations, or people that it is difficult for you to give thanks? How does your frame of mind need to adjust when adversity comes upon you?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You know what I need better than I know myself. Please help me to embrace all that happens in my life in a way that is thankful and grateful for how You are conforming me to Your image. Amen.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
November 17, 2011 - Acts 21:13
“Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’” Acts 21:13.
Paul finally arrived at Caesarea, the last port before traveling by land to Jerusalem. At Caesarea, Paul and his companions stayed with Philip and his family for several days. While there, prophetic words came forward, telling the people of Paul’s arrest and almost certain death. Silencing their pleas to not go to Jerusalem, Paul stated that it was breaking his heart to see all of the people pleading for him to not do something he was being compelled to do by the Holy Spirit. As he stared death squarely in the face, Paul told the people that he was willing to die for the sake of Jesus and His kingdom. This was not just an idle comment but expressed Paul’s willingness to face the reality of death in Jerusalem for the sake of the kingdom of God.
It is somewhat easy for me, in the comfort of my home, to say that I am willing to die for Jesus, but it is quite another when facing that reality. In many parts of the world, followers of Jesus are threatened, beaten, and sometimes killed for spreading the life giving message of Jesus. For them, this is a reality. Most of us in the West are spoiled with all the comforts of a “prosperous” life. These comforts can anesthetize us to the realities of the kingdom of God. Paul was fully aware of these realities and willing to look fully into the face of death as he spread the life-giving message of Jesus and His kingdom.
Questions to consider: What are you willing to die for? How anesthetized are you? Are the comforts you live in dulling you to the realities of the kingdom of God? What can you do about it?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for relying on the comforts that surround me. Please help me to see the reality of Your kingdom, which has come, and is continuing to come, here on earth, and to respond accordingly. Amen.
Paul finally arrived at Caesarea, the last port before traveling by land to Jerusalem. At Caesarea, Paul and his companions stayed with Philip and his family for several days. While there, prophetic words came forward, telling the people of Paul’s arrest and almost certain death. Silencing their pleas to not go to Jerusalem, Paul stated that it was breaking his heart to see all of the people pleading for him to not do something he was being compelled to do by the Holy Spirit. As he stared death squarely in the face, Paul told the people that he was willing to die for the sake of Jesus and His kingdom. This was not just an idle comment but expressed Paul’s willingness to face the reality of death in Jerusalem for the sake of the kingdom of God.
It is somewhat easy for me, in the comfort of my home, to say that I am willing to die for Jesus, but it is quite another when facing that reality. In many parts of the world, followers of Jesus are threatened, beaten, and sometimes killed for spreading the life giving message of Jesus. For them, this is a reality. Most of us in the West are spoiled with all the comforts of a “prosperous” life. These comforts can anesthetize us to the realities of the kingdom of God. Paul was fully aware of these realities and willing to look fully into the face of death as he spread the life-giving message of Jesus and His kingdom.
Questions to consider: What are you willing to die for? How anesthetized are you? Are the comforts you live in dulling you to the realities of the kingdom of God? What can you do about it?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for relying on the comforts that surround me. Please help me to see the reality of Your kingdom, which has come, and is continuing to come, here on earth, and to respond accordingly. Amen.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
November 10, 2011 - Acts 21:4-5a
“Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. Acts 21:4-5a.
On his way to Jerusalem, Paul and his companions landed in Tyre, which is on the Mediterranean coast 80 miles north of Jerusalem. Once there, Paul found some followers of Jesus and stayed with them for one week. These believers heard from the Holy Spirit what Paul was headed for in Jerusalem and urged him not to go. Christians were being persecuted throughout the Roman Empire and especially in this Middle Eastern region, and they didn’t want to see Paul go through pain and possibly death in Jerusalem.
It is interesting that Paul heard clearly from the Holy Spirit that he was to go to Jerusalem and would face very harsh treatment; yet, the same Holy Spirit seemed to have led these believers in Tyre to tell him not to go. It appears there is some confusion. I believe that the disciples in Tyre heard correctly from the Holy Spirit that Paul was headed for trouble in Jerusalem, but instead of encouraging him to stand firm in his faith, these disciples urged Paul not to go. They translated what the Spirit told them in a way that could have actually hindered Paul from fulfilling the mission God had called him to do.
Sometimes I don’t pay very close attention to the power that is in my tongue. I may speak up too quickly or too flippantly, and realize later that what I said had negative outcomes as a result. I didn’t control my thoughts and allowed my tongue to speak. These disciples in Tyre had good intentions and spoke to Paul out of their love for him, but if Paul had followed through with their request, he might have missed doing God’s bidding.
Questions to consider: How can you know if what you say on an issue is accurate and not misleading? What can be done to take more care in controlling the tongue? Is there a situation today that you need to go back and straighten out as a result of what you said?
Prayer: Father, please help me to take care in what I say to those around me. Help me to temper my words with gentleness and thoughtfulness. Amen.
On his way to Jerusalem, Paul and his companions landed in Tyre, which is on the Mediterranean coast 80 miles north of Jerusalem. Once there, Paul found some followers of Jesus and stayed with them for one week. These believers heard from the Holy Spirit what Paul was headed for in Jerusalem and urged him not to go. Christians were being persecuted throughout the Roman Empire and especially in this Middle Eastern region, and they didn’t want to see Paul go through pain and possibly death in Jerusalem.
It is interesting that Paul heard clearly from the Holy Spirit that he was to go to Jerusalem and would face very harsh treatment; yet, the same Holy Spirit seemed to have led these believers in Tyre to tell him not to go. It appears there is some confusion. I believe that the disciples in Tyre heard correctly from the Holy Spirit that Paul was headed for trouble in Jerusalem, but instead of encouraging him to stand firm in his faith, these disciples urged Paul not to go. They translated what the Spirit told them in a way that could have actually hindered Paul from fulfilling the mission God had called him to do.
Sometimes I don’t pay very close attention to the power that is in my tongue. I may speak up too quickly or too flippantly, and realize later that what I said had negative outcomes as a result. I didn’t control my thoughts and allowed my tongue to speak. These disciples in Tyre had good intentions and spoke to Paul out of their love for him, but if Paul had followed through with their request, he might have missed doing God’s bidding.
Questions to consider: How can you know if what you say on an issue is accurate and not misleading? What can be done to take more care in controlling the tongue? Is there a situation today that you need to go back and straighten out as a result of what you said?
Prayer: Father, please help me to take care in what I say to those around me. Help me to temper my words with gentleness and thoughtfulness. Amen.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
November 3, 2011 - Acts 20-36-37
1. “When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him.” Acts 20:36-37.
Paul was about to leave his Ephesian friends for the last time, as he journeyed on to Jerusalem. Paul and the elders of Ephesus knew that there would be no other time that they would be able to speak to each other. Knowing this, they knelt together, prayed and cried, and hugged and kissed each other. This was a bitter, sweet picture of the tender care and concern that each had for the other. They deeply loved each other.
As I am writing this thought, I am sitting at the foot of my brother’s bed trying to be a comfort to him. My brother is in the final stage of his fight with cancer and could pass away at any time. I sit with my dear sister-in-law, as she seeks to make him as comfortable as possible, and we pray and cry together. She hugs and kisses him, speaks assuring and comforting words to him, and we cry and pray some more. We know that we will never see my brother and her dear husband again. It’s final. This scene must have contained very similar emotions to the tender love that was expressed between Paul and the elders of Ephesus. It was final.
As I sit and reflect on this scene, I remember that the love and compassion that we feel for each other is but a reflection; a glimpse of the deep feelings of love that our Father in heaven has for each of us. Can you imagine that love? We love imperfectly and selfishly, yet God’s love for us is perfect, complete, and sacrificial.
Questions to consider: Have you ever felt that kind of deep love for someone that you knew you would never see again? Can you recall what that love felt like? What kind of love do you think that God has for you? Can you imagine the tenderness and compassion that He has for you?
Prayer: Abba…Daddy…thank You for Your deep love for us. When we couldn’t do anything to deserve it, You did everything that You could to help us receive Your love and Your embrace. Amen.
(Since the time I wrote this thought two days ago, my brother passed away. He is pain free and at peace.)
Paul was about to leave his Ephesian friends for the last time, as he journeyed on to Jerusalem. Paul and the elders of Ephesus knew that there would be no other time that they would be able to speak to each other. Knowing this, they knelt together, prayed and cried, and hugged and kissed each other. This was a bitter, sweet picture of the tender care and concern that each had for the other. They deeply loved each other.
As I am writing this thought, I am sitting at the foot of my brother’s bed trying to be a comfort to him. My brother is in the final stage of his fight with cancer and could pass away at any time. I sit with my dear sister-in-law, as she seeks to make him as comfortable as possible, and we pray and cry together. She hugs and kisses him, speaks assuring and comforting words to him, and we cry and pray some more. We know that we will never see my brother and her dear husband again. It’s final. This scene must have contained very similar emotions to the tender love that was expressed between Paul and the elders of Ephesus. It was final.
As I sit and reflect on this scene, I remember that the love and compassion that we feel for each other is but a reflection; a glimpse of the deep feelings of love that our Father in heaven has for each of us. Can you imagine that love? We love imperfectly and selfishly, yet God’s love for us is perfect, complete, and sacrificial.
Questions to consider: Have you ever felt that kind of deep love for someone that you knew you would never see again? Can you recall what that love felt like? What kind of love do you think that God has for you? Can you imagine the tenderness and compassion that He has for you?
Prayer: Abba…Daddy…thank You for Your deep love for us. When we couldn’t do anything to deserve it, You did everything that You could to help us receive Your love and Your embrace. Amen.
(Since the time I wrote this thought two days ago, my brother passed away. He is pain free and at peace.)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
October 27, 2011 - Acts 20:28
“’Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.’” Acts 20:28.
Among Paul’s final words to the elders at Ephesus, whom he loved so deeply, was this charge to “watch over” or to take care of the Ephesian people that God had given them. He reminded them that they were to shepherd the flock of God and that these people were owned by God, as they had been purchased with an extravagant price: His blood. God had given these elders the responsibility of caring for the people of the church. It is interesting to me that Paul encourages the elders take care of themselves, as well as the flock. It would be difficult to care for the people without taking care of themselves.
It seems that every year, when I arrive home from the Lake Champion Men’s Weekend, I am drained; physically and emotionally drained. I put so much into the weekend that it empties my emotional and physical tank. If I’m not more careful, I could become physically sick or emotional depressed (or both!) when I come home. I am still in the process of learning what are the activities that refill my tank. For instance, this past Sunday, my wife and I went for a leisurely hike along a stream. We enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and the color of the leaves during the changing season. It fed my soul! It prepared me for a difficult week ahead. I am better prepared to care for others more deeply. Paul’s word to the Ephesian elders applies to us today: “Keep watch over yourselves.”
Questions to consider: What are you doing to take care of yourself? Why should you be sure to take care of yourself? Have you found the things that you can do to fill your tank? When is the last time that you worked on filling your emotional tank? Your spiritual tank?
Prayer: Father, thank You for providing so many various ways for me to take care of myself. Help me to recognize when my tank is getting low and need to do what is necessary to fill it back up. Amen.
Among Paul’s final words to the elders at Ephesus, whom he loved so deeply, was this charge to “watch over” or to take care of the Ephesian people that God had given them. He reminded them that they were to shepherd the flock of God and that these people were owned by God, as they had been purchased with an extravagant price: His blood. God had given these elders the responsibility of caring for the people of the church. It is interesting to me that Paul encourages the elders take care of themselves, as well as the flock. It would be difficult to care for the people without taking care of themselves.
It seems that every year, when I arrive home from the Lake Champion Men’s Weekend, I am drained; physically and emotionally drained. I put so much into the weekend that it empties my emotional and physical tank. If I’m not more careful, I could become physically sick or emotional depressed (or both!) when I come home. I am still in the process of learning what are the activities that refill my tank. For instance, this past Sunday, my wife and I went for a leisurely hike along a stream. We enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and the color of the leaves during the changing season. It fed my soul! It prepared me for a difficult week ahead. I am better prepared to care for others more deeply. Paul’s word to the Ephesian elders applies to us today: “Keep watch over yourselves.”
Questions to consider: What are you doing to take care of yourself? Why should you be sure to take care of yourself? Have you found the things that you can do to fill your tank? When is the last time that you worked on filling your emotional tank? Your spiritual tank?
Prayer: Father, thank You for providing so many various ways for me to take care of myself. Help me to recognize when my tank is getting low and need to do what is necessary to fill it back up. Amen.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
October 20, 2011 - Philippians 4:8-9
Here are a couple of verses from Paul’s writings that I would like for us to read through…slowly….taking time to realize how precious our lives really are; the amazing gift of life that God breaths into each of us. A dear friend reminded me of these verses that she holds dear to her during some very rough days.
Please take some time to reflect on these words.
“Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable –
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy –
think about such things.
Whatever you have learned
or received
or heard from me,
or seen in me –
put it into practice.
And the God of peace with be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
Ask God to speak to your heart. Take some time from the busy-ness of our schedules to reflect on God’s life-giving words. Take some time to “think about such things.” Amen.
Please take some time to reflect on these words.
“Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable –
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy –
think about such things.
Whatever you have learned
or received
or heard from me,
or seen in me –
put it into practice.
And the God of peace with be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
Ask God to speak to your heart. Take some time from the busy-ness of our schedules to reflect on God’s life-giving words. Take some time to “think about such things.” Amen.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
October 13, 2011 - Acts 20:24
“’However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.’” Acts 20:24.
Paul was expressing to the Ephesian elders something that had become such a deep part of who he was. He believed that his whole life was wrapped up in bringing Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Lord of All, to all people, Jews and Gentiles, in this known part of the world. This was not just giving an intellectual assent to following Jesus; it was the total thrust of Paul’s life and his total focus and involvement. He had staked his life on this, and nothing in life came anywhere close to being worthwhile to take its place. Not even life itself was as important to Paul as was bringing the message of salvation through Jesus to all people. He would not stop this mission for the remainder of his life. Jesus was truly Paul’s all in all.
I am deeply challenged to consider whether or not Jesus is my all in all. If that were so, I would not be concerned about what people, even my own family, would think of me. Fear would no longer have its grip on my life. Many other obstacles would no longer stand in the way. My only concern would be to love and to glorify God in each and every area of my life.
Questions to consider: What hinders you from having Jesus be your all in all? How do these hindrances keep you from wholeheartedly following Jesus? What steps can you take to move closer to following Jesus with all that you are? Are you willing to take that step?
Prayer: Father, I confess to You that I do not follow You with all that I am. I still hold things back. Please help me to lay these things aside and follow You wholeheartedly. Make me hungry and thirsty to see that being in Your presence is the only thing that will satisfy all of my needs. Help me to say, with all of my heart that which Paul stated: “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race…the Lord has given me.” Amen.
Paul was expressing to the Ephesian elders something that had become such a deep part of who he was. He believed that his whole life was wrapped up in bringing Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Lord of All, to all people, Jews and Gentiles, in this known part of the world. This was not just giving an intellectual assent to following Jesus; it was the total thrust of Paul’s life and his total focus and involvement. He had staked his life on this, and nothing in life came anywhere close to being worthwhile to take its place. Not even life itself was as important to Paul as was bringing the message of salvation through Jesus to all people. He would not stop this mission for the remainder of his life. Jesus was truly Paul’s all in all.
I am deeply challenged to consider whether or not Jesus is my all in all. If that were so, I would not be concerned about what people, even my own family, would think of me. Fear would no longer have its grip on my life. Many other obstacles would no longer stand in the way. My only concern would be to love and to glorify God in each and every area of my life.
Questions to consider: What hinders you from having Jesus be your all in all? How do these hindrances keep you from wholeheartedly following Jesus? What steps can you take to move closer to following Jesus with all that you are? Are you willing to take that step?
Prayer: Father, I confess to You that I do not follow You with all that I am. I still hold things back. Please help me to lay these things aside and follow You wholeheartedly. Make me hungry and thirsty to see that being in Your presence is the only thing that will satisfy all of my needs. Help me to say, with all of my heart that which Paul stated: “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race…the Lord has given me.” Amen.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
October 6, 2011 - Acts 20:22-23
“’And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.’” Acts 20:22-23.
Paul’s journey brings him to a port close to Ephesus, so he summons the elders of the community of believers to come to him. When they arrive, Paul speaks of the commitment of his ministry among them. He encourages them to stay true to the message of Jesus even through tough times. Paul shifts his message to the future of his ministry, indicating that he is going to Jerusalem. Yet he doesn’t know much else. He only knows what the Holy Spirit has been speaking to his heart along the way to Jerusalem. Paul knows that he is going to face even rougher times than he experienced before in Ephesus, yet he is compelled to go.
I would like to think that if God required me to go through hard times or go to prison for His sake that I would stay fully true to Him, glorifying Him in all things. In a sense, I am going through some rough times with the chronic condition manifesting in my foot. It is my desire and my hope that I continue to glorify God through all of the pain. This is a prison of sorts in that I am locked up within this pain. Yet, I have never felt closer to God, and I am learning so many things that I would not have learned if I wasn’t in this condition. The difference is that I had no indication beforehand that this was going to happen. Paul knew that going to Jerusalem meant “prison and hardships.” And Paul knew that for some reason this was God’s clear direction for him. And God was always with him through all of pain that was to come.
Questions to consider: Have you ever been compelled to go somewhere or do something fully knowing that something negative was going to happen? If so, what was it like, and what was your response? Has God told you to do anything that you thought was not going to end well? If so, how did it turn out?
Prayer: Father, help me to know that You are with me through pain and difficult times. You may not deliver me from experiencing rough times, but please help me to know that Your presence is with me in and through rough times. Amen.
Paul’s journey brings him to a port close to Ephesus, so he summons the elders of the community of believers to come to him. When they arrive, Paul speaks of the commitment of his ministry among them. He encourages them to stay true to the message of Jesus even through tough times. Paul shifts his message to the future of his ministry, indicating that he is going to Jerusalem. Yet he doesn’t know much else. He only knows what the Holy Spirit has been speaking to his heart along the way to Jerusalem. Paul knows that he is going to face even rougher times than he experienced before in Ephesus, yet he is compelled to go.
I would like to think that if God required me to go through hard times or go to prison for His sake that I would stay fully true to Him, glorifying Him in all things. In a sense, I am going through some rough times with the chronic condition manifesting in my foot. It is my desire and my hope that I continue to glorify God through all of the pain. This is a prison of sorts in that I am locked up within this pain. Yet, I have never felt closer to God, and I am learning so many things that I would not have learned if I wasn’t in this condition. The difference is that I had no indication beforehand that this was going to happen. Paul knew that going to Jerusalem meant “prison and hardships.” And Paul knew that for some reason this was God’s clear direction for him. And God was always with him through all of pain that was to come.
Questions to consider: Have you ever been compelled to go somewhere or do something fully knowing that something negative was going to happen? If so, what was it like, and what was your response? Has God told you to do anything that you thought was not going to end well? If so, how did it turn out?
Prayer: Father, help me to know that You are with me through pain and difficult times. You may not deliver me from experiencing rough times, but please help me to know that Your presence is with me in and through rough times. Amen.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
September 29, 2011 - Acts 20:13
“We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot.” Acts 20:13.
Paul and his traveling companions left Troas, heading for Assos, with Jerusalem as their final destination. By sea, this trip was about 40 miles, and by foot, it was about 20 miles. Paul sensed that he should go by foot, while sending his friends on by sea. He planned on meeting them in the port city of Assos. We have no account for why they traveled to Assos by different methods, but it’s clear that they split up for a time. Perhaps Paul needed some time alone to think about what was to come in Jerusalem, or perhaps it was for some other reason. I would like to think that Paul had a sense from God, maybe a whisper from His voice, that he should make that hike alone, sending the others by sea. Paul could have had a strong sense of following after God in this particular direction.
As I reflected on this verse, I thought about God’s direction in my life. And I started asking myself some questions concerning His leadings. Suring this time, I realized that there have been many times when I did what I wanted to do without consulting God. There have also been times when I had a sense of God’s direction, yet I chose not to move that way, either out of fear or some other negative reason. Finally, I have experienced times when I sensed His direction and I actually moved as I believed He wanted me to go. In looking back, when I did the first two, I realized, to my own shame, my sin, and I confessed and received His forgiveness and cleansing. When I have done the third, I sensed God’s pleasure. Paul showed himself to be a man that followed after God in the big things, as well as the smaller, seemingly insignificant things.
Questions to consider: Have you sensed God’s direction in your life? In significant ways? In less significant ways? What was your response? How do you sense His direction in your life? What stands in the way of you following through with God’s direction in your life?
Prayer: Father, please help me to hear Your quiet voice as You whisper direction to me. Give me the will and the strength to follow through with it. Amen.
Paul and his traveling companions left Troas, heading for Assos, with Jerusalem as their final destination. By sea, this trip was about 40 miles, and by foot, it was about 20 miles. Paul sensed that he should go by foot, while sending his friends on by sea. He planned on meeting them in the port city of Assos. We have no account for why they traveled to Assos by different methods, but it’s clear that they split up for a time. Perhaps Paul needed some time alone to think about what was to come in Jerusalem, or perhaps it was for some other reason. I would like to think that Paul had a sense from God, maybe a whisper from His voice, that he should make that hike alone, sending the others by sea. Paul could have had a strong sense of following after God in this particular direction.
As I reflected on this verse, I thought about God’s direction in my life. And I started asking myself some questions concerning His leadings. Suring this time, I realized that there have been many times when I did what I wanted to do without consulting God. There have also been times when I had a sense of God’s direction, yet I chose not to move that way, either out of fear or some other negative reason. Finally, I have experienced times when I sensed His direction and I actually moved as I believed He wanted me to go. In looking back, when I did the first two, I realized, to my own shame, my sin, and I confessed and received His forgiveness and cleansing. When I have done the third, I sensed God’s pleasure. Paul showed himself to be a man that followed after God in the big things, as well as the smaller, seemingly insignificant things.
Questions to consider: Have you sensed God’s direction in your life? In significant ways? In less significant ways? What was your response? How do you sense His direction in your life? What stands in the way of you following through with God’s direction in your life?
Prayer: Father, please help me to hear Your quiet voice as You whisper direction to me. Give me the will and the strength to follow through with it. Amen.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
September 22, 2011 - Acts 20:10
“Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘He’s alive!’ Acts 20:10.
Sometime during Paul’s all-night preaching, a young man named Eutychus fell asleep while sitting in the window on the third floor. As he slept, the young man fell out of the window. Upon hitting the ground, he “was taken up dead”. The people in the house rushed out to see if anything could be done for the young man. Paul came out and wrapped his arms around Eutychus, and brought this young man back to life.
Many times, healings are clearly miracles of God. Jesus performed many during his three year ministry, and many people were healed under Peter’s and Paul’s ministries. In this particular situation, we are not sure what Paul prayed, if he did pray, but this young man who was dead came back to life. A miracle was performed and God was glorified. Many times in our daily life we miss many of God’s miracles. The earth held in its perfect axis. A baby being born. Observing the intricacy of our hands and fingers. God performs many miracles each day that we can observe, and, if we take the time, we can glorify Him for all He does.
Questions to consider: Have you observed any of God’s miracles today? Will you take some time today to watch and write down what you see? How does observing God’s miracles cause you to respond? How could you live your life as a result?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your creative genius in putting all of the cosmos together. When I see from the furthest stars down to the smallest of particles, I am amazed at how You have made it all one seamless universe. I praise You today! Amen.
Sometime during Paul’s all-night preaching, a young man named Eutychus fell asleep while sitting in the window on the third floor. As he slept, the young man fell out of the window. Upon hitting the ground, he “was taken up dead”. The people in the house rushed out to see if anything could be done for the young man. Paul came out and wrapped his arms around Eutychus, and brought this young man back to life.
Many times, healings are clearly miracles of God. Jesus performed many during his three year ministry, and many people were healed under Peter’s and Paul’s ministries. In this particular situation, we are not sure what Paul prayed, if he did pray, but this young man who was dead came back to life. A miracle was performed and God was glorified. Many times in our daily life we miss many of God’s miracles. The earth held in its perfect axis. A baby being born. Observing the intricacy of our hands and fingers. God performs many miracles each day that we can observe, and, if we take the time, we can glorify Him for all He does.
Questions to consider: Have you observed any of God’s miracles today? Will you take some time today to watch and write down what you see? How does observing God’s miracles cause you to respond? How could you live your life as a result?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your creative genius in putting all of the cosmos together. When I see from the furthest stars down to the smallest of particles, I am amazed at how You have made it all one seamless universe. I praise You today! Amen.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
September 15,2011 - Acts 20:7-8
“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting.” Act 20:7-8.
Paul, on his way to Jerusalem, journeyed to Troas, which was a port city in the Northwest corner of modern-day Turkey. Paul ended up staying in Troas for seven days. During this time, he spoke or taught whenever the followers of Jesus would gather. On the day before he was to leave, Paul gave a farewell talk in an upstairs room at night. The lamps were lit, and some in the crowd must have drifted off to sleep as Paul’s sermon continued on. It is not clear when this gathering started, but Paul preached until daybreak. The text doesn’t indicate how many were present or whether or not any of them slept, although most listened intently to Paul’s spoken words.
Can you imagine sitting in a room listening to someone preach or teach for six, seven, or maybe more hours at one time? I don’t know about you, but one hour is about my limit! My seat cannot take much more, so I’m not sure how I would have done in that crowd. The difference may have been that this crowd might have realized that this was the last time that they would see and be with their beloved Paul, their spiritual father. Even though it may have been hours that they sat there, this crowd probably hung on Paul’s every word, trying to remember all the wisdom that he shared before his departure.
Questions to consider: Have you ever listened to someone speak for more than an hour? How about 3 or more hours? Is there anyone who would cause you to hang on every word that they taught, especially if you knew that this was the last time you would see or hear them? How thirsty are you for the word of God? Would you stay up all night to feed on it?
Prayer: Father, I confess that I take Your Word for granted. I act like it will be available whenever I want. I don’t hunger for it, as in a dry and thirsty land. Please give me a heart that is thirsty and hungry for Your Word. Amen.
Paul, on his way to Jerusalem, journeyed to Troas, which was a port city in the Northwest corner of modern-day Turkey. Paul ended up staying in Troas for seven days. During this time, he spoke or taught whenever the followers of Jesus would gather. On the day before he was to leave, Paul gave a farewell talk in an upstairs room at night. The lamps were lit, and some in the crowd must have drifted off to sleep as Paul’s sermon continued on. It is not clear when this gathering started, but Paul preached until daybreak. The text doesn’t indicate how many were present or whether or not any of them slept, although most listened intently to Paul’s spoken words.
Can you imagine sitting in a room listening to someone preach or teach for six, seven, or maybe more hours at one time? I don’t know about you, but one hour is about my limit! My seat cannot take much more, so I’m not sure how I would have done in that crowd. The difference may have been that this crowd might have realized that this was the last time that they would see and be with their beloved Paul, their spiritual father. Even though it may have been hours that they sat there, this crowd probably hung on Paul’s every word, trying to remember all the wisdom that he shared before his departure.
Questions to consider: Have you ever listened to someone speak for more than an hour? How about 3 or more hours? Is there anyone who would cause you to hang on every word that they taught, especially if you knew that this was the last time you would see or hear them? How thirsty are you for the word of God? Would you stay up all night to feed on it?
Prayer: Father, I confess that I take Your Word for granted. I act like it will be available whenever I want. I don’t hunger for it, as in a dry and thirsty land. Please give me a heart that is thirsty and hungry for Your Word. Amen.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
September 8, 2011 - Acts 19:30
“Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him.” Acts 19:30.
In a very dramatic scene, Paul had already spoken before the crowd in Ephesus and caused an uproar. The local merchants, who made money by selling articles representing their gods, realized that their business was being disrupted by Paul’s message of salvation through Jesus. The crowd attempted to apprehend Paul, but some of his disciples whisked him away. Two other disciples, who traveled with Paul, were taken by the crowd to be judged before the Ephesian city clerk. The mood of the crowd was becoming explosive. Paul, seeing what was happening, desired to go before the crowd again to preach Jesus at this pinnacle moment, but the disciples with him would not let him go. They didn’t just suggest that he not go; they kept him from going for his own protection.
Paul was not afraid of anything. His life had been threatened several times already, yet he continued with great zeal. Yet, he was restrained from going. This protected him from probable death at the hands of the violent crowd.
While not necessarily leading to death, I have been restrained from doing things on occasion by those around me who care about me. I am usually not aware of just how close I have come to dangerous situations, but in looking back on the incident, I have seen God’s protective hand. I am learning to trust that God loves me and has my best interest at heart. I am thankful for those times I listened to those around me and did not go off to do my own thing. There is wisdom and protection in staying connected with those around you.
Questions to consider: Have you ever been in a situation where you were protected from doing something that you wanted to do and were guarded from danger, as a result? Do you have any people around you that have spoken, or could speak, words of protection to you? Are there people around you that allow you to say protective words to them?
Prayer: Father, thank You for having our best interest at heart when You protect us from some situations that could be unnecessarily harmful to us. Thank You for using close friends to speak protective words to us. Amen.
In a very dramatic scene, Paul had already spoken before the crowd in Ephesus and caused an uproar. The local merchants, who made money by selling articles representing their gods, realized that their business was being disrupted by Paul’s message of salvation through Jesus. The crowd attempted to apprehend Paul, but some of his disciples whisked him away. Two other disciples, who traveled with Paul, were taken by the crowd to be judged before the Ephesian city clerk. The mood of the crowd was becoming explosive. Paul, seeing what was happening, desired to go before the crowd again to preach Jesus at this pinnacle moment, but the disciples with him would not let him go. They didn’t just suggest that he not go; they kept him from going for his own protection.
Paul was not afraid of anything. His life had been threatened several times already, yet he continued with great zeal. Yet, he was restrained from going. This protected him from probable death at the hands of the violent crowd.
While not necessarily leading to death, I have been restrained from doing things on occasion by those around me who care about me. I am usually not aware of just how close I have come to dangerous situations, but in looking back on the incident, I have seen God’s protective hand. I am learning to trust that God loves me and has my best interest at heart. I am thankful for those times I listened to those around me and did not go off to do my own thing. There is wisdom and protection in staying connected with those around you.
Questions to consider: Have you ever been in a situation where you were protected from doing something that you wanted to do and were guarded from danger, as a result? Do you have any people around you that have spoken, or could speak, words of protection to you? Are there people around you that allow you to say protective words to them?
Prayer: Father, thank You for having our best interest at heart when You protect us from some situations that could be unnecessarily harmful to us. Thank You for using close friends to speak protective words to us. Amen.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
September 1, 2011 - Acts 19:27a
“’There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited….’” Acts 19:27a.
Paul’s preaching in Ephesus was so transformative that many people were leaving their old lifestyles and turning to follow Jesus. Becoming a follower of Jesus meant that these people were in immediate conflict with the culture that they lived in. The people of Ephesus worshiped all kinds of gods, and especially the goddess, Artemis. Because the people followed various gods, there was quite a bit of money that was to be made from those paying tribute to their gods, and local venders took full advantage of this. This was the norm for their culture, so when many people become Jesus-followers, it effected the local economy considerably. And conflict with the culture ensued.
No matter what period of time we are in, our stance as Christ followers will be in conflict with the surrounding culture and with the businesses that make their living off of that culture. It may mean that we will no longer do some of the things that we did before. It may mean big changes in our lifestyle, as we no longer conform to the world around us, but, instead, be transformed by the Holy Spirit’s work inside us. And this can have economic ramifications. When we impact people’s money, we come close to their heart. That’s when we start receiving a strong, adverse reaction from the culture. That’s when we need to take a strong stand for what we know is right.
Questions to consider: How much different are you from the culture around you? How much different, if at all, should you be, and in what areas of your life? Where do you take a stand if the gods of your culture – money, greed, sex, and so forth – are running rampant?
Prayer: I praise You, Father, that You are the Living God and not an imposter like so many around me. I pray that You give me guidance in how to live my life in obedience to You, wholeheartedly following You at all times. Amen.
Paul’s preaching in Ephesus was so transformative that many people were leaving their old lifestyles and turning to follow Jesus. Becoming a follower of Jesus meant that these people were in immediate conflict with the culture that they lived in. The people of Ephesus worshiped all kinds of gods, and especially the goddess, Artemis. Because the people followed various gods, there was quite a bit of money that was to be made from those paying tribute to their gods, and local venders took full advantage of this. This was the norm for their culture, so when many people become Jesus-followers, it effected the local economy considerably. And conflict with the culture ensued.
No matter what period of time we are in, our stance as Christ followers will be in conflict with the surrounding culture and with the businesses that make their living off of that culture. It may mean that we will no longer do some of the things that we did before. It may mean big changes in our lifestyle, as we no longer conform to the world around us, but, instead, be transformed by the Holy Spirit’s work inside us. And this can have economic ramifications. When we impact people’s money, we come close to their heart. That’s when we start receiving a strong, adverse reaction from the culture. That’s when we need to take a strong stand for what we know is right.
Questions to consider: How much different are you from the culture around you? How much different, if at all, should you be, and in what areas of your life? Where do you take a stand if the gods of your culture – money, greed, sex, and so forth – are running rampant?
Prayer: I praise You, Father, that You are the Living God and not an imposter like so many around me. I pray that You give me guidance in how to live my life in obedience to You, wholeheartedly following You at all times. Amen.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
August 25,2011 - Acts 19:17
“When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.” Acts 19:17.
After the incident in which the evil spirit jumped on the seven brothers for misusing Jesus’ name, the people in the region around Ephesus realized the power that was in the Jesus that Paul proclaimed. Even the evil spirits recognized and submitted to Jesus, and Paul was His representative to the people. This fear translated into having a great deal of respect for Jesus. This incident became widely known among all the people of the region around Ephesus. This incident could have been disastrous for the name of Jesus. Even situations that could have been viewed as negative can work for the good. God’s name spread widely around with fear, respect, and honor.
There has been many times when my actions, which I thought were being done for God and in His purposes, turned out to fall apart or to be a disaster, yet God has used many, if not all, of them for His glory. I remember talking with a man about a difficult issue. He rejected my input and walked away from the relationship. Did I come on too strong? Had I overstepped my bounds? I wasn’t sure how I had blown it, yet the relationship was broken. A few years later, the same man saw me at a meeting and came over to talk. Upon joining another organization, he was challenged with the same input I had given him, and he just wanted to let me know that I was right and thanked me. While many situations fall apart, that particular relationship worked out.
Questions to consider: Have you ever done something that could be viewed as negative that turned out to be positive? Is there a situation that you are currently in that feels very negative? Is there anything that you need to do to improve the situation?
Prayer: Father, because of Your creative touch, You can work all things in my life according to Your purposes. I mess up many times, yet You are there to pick me up, clean me off, and put me on the path again. Thank You. Amen.
After the incident in which the evil spirit jumped on the seven brothers for misusing Jesus’ name, the people in the region around Ephesus realized the power that was in the Jesus that Paul proclaimed. Even the evil spirits recognized and submitted to Jesus, and Paul was His representative to the people. This fear translated into having a great deal of respect for Jesus. This incident became widely known among all the people of the region around Ephesus. This incident could have been disastrous for the name of Jesus. Even situations that could have been viewed as negative can work for the good. God’s name spread widely around with fear, respect, and honor.
There has been many times when my actions, which I thought were being done for God and in His purposes, turned out to fall apart or to be a disaster, yet God has used many, if not all, of them for His glory. I remember talking with a man about a difficult issue. He rejected my input and walked away from the relationship. Did I come on too strong? Had I overstepped my bounds? I wasn’t sure how I had blown it, yet the relationship was broken. A few years later, the same man saw me at a meeting and came over to talk. Upon joining another organization, he was challenged with the same input I had given him, and he just wanted to let me know that I was right and thanked me. While many situations fall apart, that particular relationship worked out.
Questions to consider: Have you ever done something that could be viewed as negative that turned out to be positive? Is there a situation that you are currently in that feels very negative? Is there anything that you need to do to improve the situation?
Prayer: Father, because of Your creative touch, You can work all things in my life according to Your purposes. I mess up many times, yet You are there to pick me up, clean me off, and put me on the path again. Thank You. Amen.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
August 18, 2011 - Acts 19:16
“Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.” Acts 19:16.
Seven brothers, whose father was a Jewish chief priest in the region around Ephesus, attempted to cast out an evil spirit from a person. They had seen Paul doing this and thought that they could do the same by using the name of Jesus. The spirit turned on the brothers, overpowered them, and beat them, leaving them naked and bloodied. Seven brothers overpowered by one spirit. These men obviously did not go forward with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and in dramatic fashion, they were beaten up.
One of the by-products of spending time getting to know and be known by God is that we can potentially know more clearly God’s timing on advancing His kingdom. Not only will we be in a better position to know what God desires for us to do, but we will know better His timing on doing it. One big mistake we make as followers of Jesus is to presume on God. By this I mean that we sometimes presume we know His timing for doing His work. We may hear the direction that He desires for us to go, but we haven’t been patient enough to wait on His timing. Because these seven brothers may not have had any understanding of God’s direction and timing, it is easy to see why they got into the mess that they did.
Questions to consider: Have you ever had direction from God, yet had wrong the timing for what He wanted done? What was that like for you? How willing are you to wait patiently for God’s proper timing?
Prayer: Father, I desire to do Your will, but I have been impatient and haven’t waited to do those things in Your timing? Forgive me, and help me to wait patiently for Your will to be done in Your proper timing. Amen.
Seven brothers, whose father was a Jewish chief priest in the region around Ephesus, attempted to cast out an evil spirit from a person. They had seen Paul doing this and thought that they could do the same by using the name of Jesus. The spirit turned on the brothers, overpowered them, and beat them, leaving them naked and bloodied. Seven brothers overpowered by one spirit. These men obviously did not go forward with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and in dramatic fashion, they were beaten up.
One of the by-products of spending time getting to know and be known by God is that we can potentially know more clearly God’s timing on advancing His kingdom. Not only will we be in a better position to know what God desires for us to do, but we will know better His timing on doing it. One big mistake we make as followers of Jesus is to presume on God. By this I mean that we sometimes presume we know His timing for doing His work. We may hear the direction that He desires for us to go, but we haven’t been patient enough to wait on His timing. Because these seven brothers may not have had any understanding of God’s direction and timing, it is easy to see why they got into the mess that they did.
Questions to consider: Have you ever had direction from God, yet had wrong the timing for what He wanted done? What was that like for you? How willing are you to wait patiently for God’s proper timing?
Prayer: Father, I desire to do Your will, but I have been impatient and haven’t waited to do those things in Your timing? Forgive me, and help me to wait patiently for Your will to be done in Your proper timing. Amen.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August 11, 2011 - Acts 19:15
“One day the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’” Acts 19:15.
In the region surrounding Ephesus, many people experienced bodily healing and release from the grip of evil spirits through the ministry of Paul in the name of Jesus. Having witnessed Paul casting evil spirits out of people, some Jews went about the region attempting to do the same. On one occasion, while attempting to cast a spirit out of one person, the evil spirit spoke back to them, recognizing Jesus and Paul but not the men casting it out. The spirit acknowledged the authority in which Jesus and Paul spoke, but did not recognize the authority of these men. It did not turn out well for those men, of which I will speak next week, but at this point, I desire to have us look at the authority of which Jesus and Paul spoke.
These men attempted to cast out the demon by invoking the “name of Jesus” about whom Paul preached. They used what they thought was a special (maybe even magical) formula to free people. They might have even had good motives for doing this, but were playing with fire, so to speak. When I invoke the name of Jesus, either in my prayers or for other reasons, I need to understand why I am using His name in this way. Is it because of some formula that I learned or is it from a heart-felt conviction that I am under the authority of Jesus? This verse (and the ones to follow) is a sobering to reflect on concerning the authority of God. Take some time to reflect on power of the authority of God.
Questions to consider: When you pray, do you always end “in the name of Jesus?” Do you know why you pray this way? Why do you suppose the evil spirit recognized Jesus and Paul? Would an evil spirit recognize you? Why or why not?
Prayer: Father, it is a mystery why You would allow me to pray with Your authority, but I realize that You do. Please guide me in the use of Your name with reverence, respect, and humility, recognizing that You are the source of all power. Amen.
In the region surrounding Ephesus, many people experienced bodily healing and release from the grip of evil spirits through the ministry of Paul in the name of Jesus. Having witnessed Paul casting evil spirits out of people, some Jews went about the region attempting to do the same. On one occasion, while attempting to cast a spirit out of one person, the evil spirit spoke back to them, recognizing Jesus and Paul but not the men casting it out. The spirit acknowledged the authority in which Jesus and Paul spoke, but did not recognize the authority of these men. It did not turn out well for those men, of which I will speak next week, but at this point, I desire to have us look at the authority of which Jesus and Paul spoke.
These men attempted to cast out the demon by invoking the “name of Jesus” about whom Paul preached. They used what they thought was a special (maybe even magical) formula to free people. They might have even had good motives for doing this, but were playing with fire, so to speak. When I invoke the name of Jesus, either in my prayers or for other reasons, I need to understand why I am using His name in this way. Is it because of some formula that I learned or is it from a heart-felt conviction that I am under the authority of Jesus? This verse (and the ones to follow) is a sobering to reflect on concerning the authority of God. Take some time to reflect on power of the authority of God.
Questions to consider: When you pray, do you always end “in the name of Jesus?” Do you know why you pray this way? Why do you suppose the evil spirit recognized Jesus and Paul? Would an evil spirit recognize you? Why or why not?
Prayer: Father, it is a mystery why You would allow me to pray with Your authority, but I realize that You do. Please guide me in the use of Your name with reverence, respect, and humility, recognizing that You are the source of all power. Amen.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
August 4, 2011 - Acts 19:11-12
“God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Acts 19:11-12.
Illnesses cured by the touch of handkerchiefs? An apron used to heal the sick? That is very extraordinary! Yet that is what was happening, as God was performing amazing miracles through Paul. Paul continued to live and minister in Ephesus for two years, and during that time, God did astounding things among the Jews and Greeks living in the surrounding province. Paul went about doing the things that he normally did upon entering a new town. Only this time, it was different. While Paul did his normal activities, God moved in miraculous ways! Nothing had changed with Paul, yet God moved in a very dramatic manner, much more than what usually occurred in his ministry.
There have been times when I wondered why God wasn’t moving like I thought He should. I was doing all the right things. I prayed. I read my Bible. I said all the right words (in the right order!). I even fasted….okay…maybe I didn’t fast, but I was working hard and was available to be used by God to do miraculous things. So why did God move sometimes and not move most of the time? What I discovered is that I need to live my life doing what I believe God wants me to do, and God will do whatever He desires to do, when He desires to do it. Paul wasn’t concerned about whether or not God was using him. He knew that God was using him, and left the results in His hands.
Questions to consider: Why do you suppose God sometimes did these amazing miracles through Paul but didn’t do them most of the time? Do you think that a person must achieve a certain level of spirituality in order to be used by God? Have you seen God do any “extraordinary miracles?” Why do you suppose they happened?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your involvement in our lives. Thank You for loving us and for stepping into our world, especially most clearly in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Illnesses cured by the touch of handkerchiefs? An apron used to heal the sick? That is very extraordinary! Yet that is what was happening, as God was performing amazing miracles through Paul. Paul continued to live and minister in Ephesus for two years, and during that time, God did astounding things among the Jews and Greeks living in the surrounding province. Paul went about doing the things that he normally did upon entering a new town. Only this time, it was different. While Paul did his normal activities, God moved in miraculous ways! Nothing had changed with Paul, yet God moved in a very dramatic manner, much more than what usually occurred in his ministry.
There have been times when I wondered why God wasn’t moving like I thought He should. I was doing all the right things. I prayed. I read my Bible. I said all the right words (in the right order!). I even fasted….okay…maybe I didn’t fast, but I was working hard and was available to be used by God to do miraculous things. So why did God move sometimes and not move most of the time? What I discovered is that I need to live my life doing what I believe God wants me to do, and God will do whatever He desires to do, when He desires to do it. Paul wasn’t concerned about whether or not God was using him. He knew that God was using him, and left the results in His hands.
Questions to consider: Why do you suppose God sometimes did these amazing miracles through Paul but didn’t do them most of the time? Do you think that a person must achieve a certain level of spirituality in order to be used by God? Have you seen God do any “extraordinary miracles?” Why do you suppose they happened?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your involvement in our lives. Thank You for loving us and for stepping into our world, especially most clearly in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
July 28, 2011 - Acts 19:6
“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.” Acts 19:6.
When Paul laid his hands on these twelve disciples in Ephesus, there was an outward display of speaking in other languages and in prophetic words. It is very interesting that there was a public demonstration of God’s blessing in their lives. Everyone who was present became aware of what God had done in that moment. Even these twelve men knew that something different and special had happened in them and through them. They had evidence that the Holy Spirit of God had come to them.
I remember a few times in my life where I was keenly aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in and around me and the group that I was with. Once, I even felt the Spirit was doing “surgery” on me on His “operating table.” I am not exactly sure what work He was doing, but I knew for sure at the time that I was on the ground, as if on the operating table, and that something was happening within me. My eyes were closed and I sensed a peace and a joy all around me and in me. It was as if I was under His anesthesia and He was doing the work necessary on me in the moment. It was an amazing time, and I wish that I could have stayed right there! It was an outward manifestation of the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, which I am so thankful to have experienced.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced any outward expression of the Holy Spirit’s work within you? If so, what do you remember about that time? If not, would you be interested in having some outward expression of the Holy Spirit’s work within you?
Prayer: Father, I desire to be filled afresh with Your Holy Spirit. It is not that I want to have the experience, in and of itself. I desire to know You better, and if the fresh filling of the Holy Spirit will do that, I want it. Amen.
When Paul laid his hands on these twelve disciples in Ephesus, there was an outward display of speaking in other languages and in prophetic words. It is very interesting that there was a public demonstration of God’s blessing in their lives. Everyone who was present became aware of what God had done in that moment. Even these twelve men knew that something different and special had happened in them and through them. They had evidence that the Holy Spirit of God had come to them.
I remember a few times in my life where I was keenly aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in and around me and the group that I was with. Once, I even felt the Spirit was doing “surgery” on me on His “operating table.” I am not exactly sure what work He was doing, but I knew for sure at the time that I was on the ground, as if on the operating table, and that something was happening within me. My eyes were closed and I sensed a peace and a joy all around me and in me. It was as if I was under His anesthesia and He was doing the work necessary on me in the moment. It was an amazing time, and I wish that I could have stayed right there! It was an outward manifestation of the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, which I am so thankful to have experienced.
Questions to consider: Have you ever experienced any outward expression of the Holy Spirit’s work within you? If so, what do you remember about that time? If not, would you be interested in having some outward expression of the Holy Spirit’s work within you?
Prayer: Father, I desire to be filled afresh with Your Holy Spirit. It is not that I want to have the experience, in and of itself. I desire to know You better, and if the fresh filling of the Holy Spirit will do that, I want it. Amen.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
July 21, 2011 - Acts 19:4
“Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’” Acts 19:4.
Upon arriving in Ephesus, Paul asked some disciples that he encountered what baptism they had accepted and believed. They responded that they had received John’s baptism for repentance, and that they were trying to live a holy life as a result. Paul realized that they didn’t have the power of God that alone would enable these disciples to actually be successful in living a repentant life. They didn’t know Jesus, nor had they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, who Jesus had sent to empower His disciples.
Sometimes, I observe that I am trying to live according to John’s baptism; that is, I am trying hard to live a repentant life. As a result, I find myself in a “sin management” phase of my journey. Because I am doing it on my own strength, I continually fall short and mess up. It is not until I receive freely the gift of God, the Holy Spirit, that I am able to release myself into the arms of the One who can do all things within and through me. On my own, I always fail; released into God’s arms, I can walk freely in the Holy Spirit.
Questions to consider: Whose baptism do you find yourself living under, John’s or Jesus’? Have you truly experience what it means to live under the Holy Spirit’s power? Have you ever asked for God to fill you afresh with the Holy Spirit?
Prayer: Father, I desire to walk in Your strength and not my own. I continually fail to walk a repentant life on my own. I need to be filled afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Please fill me in a new way today. Amen.
Upon arriving in Ephesus, Paul asked some disciples that he encountered what baptism they had accepted and believed. They responded that they had received John’s baptism for repentance, and that they were trying to live a holy life as a result. Paul realized that they didn’t have the power of God that alone would enable these disciples to actually be successful in living a repentant life. They didn’t know Jesus, nor had they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, who Jesus had sent to empower His disciples.
Sometimes, I observe that I am trying to live according to John’s baptism; that is, I am trying hard to live a repentant life. As a result, I find myself in a “sin management” phase of my journey. Because I am doing it on my own strength, I continually fall short and mess up. It is not until I receive freely the gift of God, the Holy Spirit, that I am able to release myself into the arms of the One who can do all things within and through me. On my own, I always fail; released into God’s arms, I can walk freely in the Holy Spirit.
Questions to consider: Whose baptism do you find yourself living under, John’s or Jesus’? Have you truly experience what it means to live under the Holy Spirit’s power? Have you ever asked for God to fill you afresh with the Holy Spirit?
Prayer: Father, I desire to walk in Your strength and not my own. I continually fail to walk a repentant life on my own. I need to be filled afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Please fill me in a new way today. Amen.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
July 14, 2011 - Acts 18:27
“When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.” Acts 18:27.
Apollos was having great success in Ephesus, preaching the good news concerning Jesus. He now had a more full understanding about the work of the Holy Spirit, having been taught by Priscilla and Aquila. He sensed that he should travel on to the region of Achaia. This is the region in Greece where Corinth is located. Apollos evidently did not desire to go without the consent of the brothers in Ephesus. These brothers showed their consent to Apollos by encouraging him and writing a letter of introduction to the followers of Jesus in Achaia.
What I found interesting about this verse was Apollos’ submission of his trip to Achaia to the spiritual leadership in Ephesus. These brothers did not appear to function alone or individually. They recognized that their strength and protection lay in seeking the Lord’s guidance as a community rather than relying on their own personal insight. This sense of being sent out with the blessing of the leadership provided a base of support that would carry Apollos through difficult times ahead.
This is definitely not the way it is in today’s culture, where the individual is more important than the community. Personal independence and freedom are lifted up as the way we should live. We rely on our own instincts more than submitting our will to a group of people or a community. This was quite a trip for Apollos and it certainly appears that he relied on the voice of the community for guidance in his life.
Questions to consider: How do you function in a spiritual community? Is there a group of people with whom you can discuss your important decisions? Is it more important for you to function independently or in a community?
Prayer: Father, help me to recognize the importance of connecting with some trusted people when discussing big decisions. Please remind me that “in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Remind me to not act alone, but to build relationships of trust with others. Amen.
Apollos was having great success in Ephesus, preaching the good news concerning Jesus. He now had a more full understanding about the work of the Holy Spirit, having been taught by Priscilla and Aquila. He sensed that he should travel on to the region of Achaia. This is the region in Greece where Corinth is located. Apollos evidently did not desire to go without the consent of the brothers in Ephesus. These brothers showed their consent to Apollos by encouraging him and writing a letter of introduction to the followers of Jesus in Achaia.
What I found interesting about this verse was Apollos’ submission of his trip to Achaia to the spiritual leadership in Ephesus. These brothers did not appear to function alone or individually. They recognized that their strength and protection lay in seeking the Lord’s guidance as a community rather than relying on their own personal insight. This sense of being sent out with the blessing of the leadership provided a base of support that would carry Apollos through difficult times ahead.
This is definitely not the way it is in today’s culture, where the individual is more important than the community. Personal independence and freedom are lifted up as the way we should live. We rely on our own instincts more than submitting our will to a group of people or a community. This was quite a trip for Apollos and it certainly appears that he relied on the voice of the community for guidance in his life.
Questions to consider: How do you function in a spiritual community? Is there a group of people with whom you can discuss your important decisions? Is it more important for you to function independently or in a community?
Prayer: Father, help me to recognize the importance of connecting with some trusted people when discussing big decisions. Please remind me that “in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Remind me to not act alone, but to build relationships of trust with others. Amen.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
June 30, 2011 - Acts 18:24-25
“Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:24-25.
Upon his arrival to Ephesus, Apollos began preaching about Jesus but only about what he understood to be true. Apollos was a dynamic speaker and was very educated. He knew the Jewish scriptures but was only familiar with the baptism of John. When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos, they were impressed with his persuasiveness but knew the incompleteness of the Gospel he was preaching. They sought to talk with him privately concerning the full story of Jesus’ filling the disciples with the Holy Spirit on the festival, called Pentecost. To his credit, Apollos was a good learner and received this additional knowledge with eagerness. Apollos could have reacted out of pride and rejected this new teaching. Instead, he continued to be learner.
Before I went to seminary, I thought that I knew the Bible really well. After graduating, I realize how little I know, and I am more aware each day how little I know. I think that I know some facts about various things, but what I learned most in this process is that I need to always be a continual learner. If I ever do stop learning, I will have died. I look back and am embarrassed at the pride that I had in thinking that I knew a lot. I have also been aware of the pride that comes with acting like I don’t know much. It’s actually more of a false humility. What I am searching for is being in the place where I am an open learner, able to hear the voice of God in various places that I wouldn’t ordinarily look.
Questions to consider: Where are you in the process of learning? Have you learned any new lessons lately? If so, what are they?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to continue to be a learner. Please guide me to those new lessons that I need to learn. Amen.
Upon his arrival to Ephesus, Apollos began preaching about Jesus but only about what he understood to be true. Apollos was a dynamic speaker and was very educated. He knew the Jewish scriptures but was only familiar with the baptism of John. When Priscilla and Aquila heard Apollos, they were impressed with his persuasiveness but knew the incompleteness of the Gospel he was preaching. They sought to talk with him privately concerning the full story of Jesus’ filling the disciples with the Holy Spirit on the festival, called Pentecost. To his credit, Apollos was a good learner and received this additional knowledge with eagerness. Apollos could have reacted out of pride and rejected this new teaching. Instead, he continued to be learner.
Before I went to seminary, I thought that I knew the Bible really well. After graduating, I realize how little I know, and I am more aware each day how little I know. I think that I know some facts about various things, but what I learned most in this process is that I need to always be a continual learner. If I ever do stop learning, I will have died. I look back and am embarrassed at the pride that I had in thinking that I knew a lot. I have also been aware of the pride that comes with acting like I don’t know much. It’s actually more of a false humility. What I am searching for is being in the place where I am an open learner, able to hear the voice of God in various places that I wouldn’t ordinarily look.
Questions to consider: Where are you in the process of learning? Have you learned any new lessons lately? If so, what are they?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to continue to be a learner. Please guide me to those new lessons that I need to learn. Amen.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
June 23, 2011 - Acts 18:18
“Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken.’” Acts18:18.
We are not told what the vow was, or why Paul took it. It may have been a Nazarite vow, which was a solemn commitment made by a Jewish man or woman. It had a rich and fulfilling history between God and His people, the Israelites. At the end of the fulfillment of the vow, the person, or group of people, would have had their head shaved after having not cut the hair during the whole time of the vow. Paul kept his word – honoring his commitment before God – by having his hair cut or his head shaved before leaving for Syria.
Have you ever made a commitment to God and not kept it? I know that I have. I cannot think of the number of times that I committed to lose weight and broke that commitment. I feel disappointment and shame whenever I don’t keep my word. I am confident of God’s forgiveness, yet I know that I become more calloused and ashamed. For those who know of my vow, they start to think that my word means nothing or at least that it is blemished. I, also, know the satisfaction of following through with my word, especially when I have kept it to my own hurt; that is, when it inconveniences me and requires a sacrifice. I realize growth in my commitment to God as I honor the vow given.
Questions to consider: Have you ever made a commitment to God and not kept it? How did that work out for you? Have you made a commitment that you did keep, or are currently keeping? How does that make you feel? Are there any commitments that you have made that you need to work on or follow through with?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your forgiveness for the times when I do not fulfill a commitment made before You. Help me to remember to keep those commitments, even to my own hurt, if necessary. Please help me, as I desire to be a person of honor and integrity – a person who keeps his word. Amen.
We are not told what the vow was, or why Paul took it. It may have been a Nazarite vow, which was a solemn commitment made by a Jewish man or woman. It had a rich and fulfilling history between God and His people, the Israelites. At the end of the fulfillment of the vow, the person, or group of people, would have had their head shaved after having not cut the hair during the whole time of the vow. Paul kept his word – honoring his commitment before God – by having his hair cut or his head shaved before leaving for Syria.
Have you ever made a commitment to God and not kept it? I know that I have. I cannot think of the number of times that I committed to lose weight and broke that commitment. I feel disappointment and shame whenever I don’t keep my word. I am confident of God’s forgiveness, yet I know that I become more calloused and ashamed. For those who know of my vow, they start to think that my word means nothing or at least that it is blemished. I, also, know the satisfaction of following through with my word, especially when I have kept it to my own hurt; that is, when it inconveniences me and requires a sacrifice. I realize growth in my commitment to God as I honor the vow given.
Questions to consider: Have you ever made a commitment to God and not kept it? How did that work out for you? Have you made a commitment that you did keep, or are currently keeping? How does that make you feel? Are there any commitments that you have made that you need to work on or follow through with?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your forgiveness for the times when I do not fulfill a commitment made before You. Help me to remember to keep those commitments, even to my own hurt, if necessary. Please help me, as I desire to be a person of honor and integrity – a person who keeps his word. Amen.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
June 16, 2011 - Genesis 3:21
“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” Genesis 3:21.
In this picture of God clothing Adam and Eve with the hides of an animal, we already see God at work in showing His grace and mercy toward humanity. Adam and Eve blew it in a big way, and God’s discipline had to be carried out, and, in covering Adam’s and Eve’s nakedness, God had to sacrifice an animal’s life. This sacrifice of an animal to cover the man and woman was a foreshadowing picture of the perfect sacrifice that was to be made on Calvary in order to cover humanity’s sin.
In the story of Adam and Eve, it is easy for me to see how we, as people, could believe that we have to work hard to prove our worthiness to God. The man and woman were expelled from the Garden and commanded to work harder than ever to survive. Guilt and shame at what they had done could easily have driven Adam and Eve to try to earn God’s favor again. In clothing them, God was showing Adam and Eve that there was nothing that they could do to earn God’s favor again and that He was providing another way.
In my life, I have had a difficult time receiving God’s grace. I have always attempted to find a way to please God through my actions. I am continuing to learn that God has already fashioned skins to cover me. There is nothing that I can do except receive the gift that God has given to me in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. God has already clothed me.
Questions to consider: How does God clothe you? Have you tried to earn God’s favor? How did that work for you? What does God’s grace in your life look like?
Prayer: Father, thank You for clothing me and drawing me back to You. Thank You for showing me that there was nothing that I could do to earn Your favor except to receive Your covering in Jesus. Amen.
In this picture of God clothing Adam and Eve with the hides of an animal, we already see God at work in showing His grace and mercy toward humanity. Adam and Eve blew it in a big way, and God’s discipline had to be carried out, and, in covering Adam’s and Eve’s nakedness, God had to sacrifice an animal’s life. This sacrifice of an animal to cover the man and woman was a foreshadowing picture of the perfect sacrifice that was to be made on Calvary in order to cover humanity’s sin.
In the story of Adam and Eve, it is easy for me to see how we, as people, could believe that we have to work hard to prove our worthiness to God. The man and woman were expelled from the Garden and commanded to work harder than ever to survive. Guilt and shame at what they had done could easily have driven Adam and Eve to try to earn God’s favor again. In clothing them, God was showing Adam and Eve that there was nothing that they could do to earn God’s favor again and that He was providing another way.
In my life, I have had a difficult time receiving God’s grace. I have always attempted to find a way to please God through my actions. I am continuing to learn that God has already fashioned skins to cover me. There is nothing that I can do except receive the gift that God has given to me in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. God has already clothed me.
Questions to consider: How does God clothe you? Have you tried to earn God’s favor? How did that work for you? What does God’s grace in your life look like?
Prayer: Father, thank You for clothing me and drawing me back to You. Thank You for showing me that there was nothing that I could do to earn Your favor except to receive Your covering in Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
June 9, 2011 - Acts 18:9-10
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’” Acts 18:9-10.
Evidently, Paul was experiencing some rough times in Corinth. He might even have been considering leaving Corinth. It was at this point that the Lord appeared to Paul in a vision, encouraging him to hang in there and to not fear any harm from attack. The Lord had many people in Corinth that He desired Paul to reach out to. Paul ended up staying another year and one half, working with and among the Corinthians.
If the Lord appeared to me in a dream or in a vision, telling me not to be afraid, I would probably start looking over my shoulder wondering what I should be afraid of. Actually, I would be very excited that the Lord appeared to me! Next, I would start worrying about what I wasn’t to be afraid of and what harm I was potentially to be exposed to. I don’t think that this was what happened to Paul. After all, he had already experienced near-death situations from beatings and floggings, and death didn’t seem to be something Paul was afraid of. We are not actually sure what Paul might have been afraid of, yet whatever it was did not stop him from doing the mission God desired for him to do. The encouragement from the Lord in this vision must have been enough for Paul to stand firm and proclaim the message of Jesus.
Questions to consider: Have you received an encouraging word today? Is there an encouraging word that you need to tell someone? Do you sense the Lord is near, helping you to handle any fears?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You give me words of encouragement that calm my fears and help me to face rough obstacles. Give me strength to push through those things that seek to bring me down. Amen.
Evidently, Paul was experiencing some rough times in Corinth. He might even have been considering leaving Corinth. It was at this point that the Lord appeared to Paul in a vision, encouraging him to hang in there and to not fear any harm from attack. The Lord had many people in Corinth that He desired Paul to reach out to. Paul ended up staying another year and one half, working with and among the Corinthians.
If the Lord appeared to me in a dream or in a vision, telling me not to be afraid, I would probably start looking over my shoulder wondering what I should be afraid of. Actually, I would be very excited that the Lord appeared to me! Next, I would start worrying about what I wasn’t to be afraid of and what harm I was potentially to be exposed to. I don’t think that this was what happened to Paul. After all, he had already experienced near-death situations from beatings and floggings, and death didn’t seem to be something Paul was afraid of. We are not actually sure what Paul might have been afraid of, yet whatever it was did not stop him from doing the mission God desired for him to do. The encouragement from the Lord in this vision must have been enough for Paul to stand firm and proclaim the message of Jesus.
Questions to consider: Have you received an encouraging word today? Is there an encouraging word that you need to tell someone? Do you sense the Lord is near, helping you to handle any fears?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You give me words of encouragement that calm my fears and help me to face rough obstacles. Give me strength to push through those things that seek to bring me down. Amen.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
June 2, 2011 - Acts 18:8
“Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8.
Paul moved on from Athens, going south to Corinth. After proclaiming his message about Jesus and His resurrection, many in the synagogue turned their lives over to God in this new way. And they were all baptized. Crispus, who was one of the synagogue rulers, and his entire family, including their slaves, believed in the Lord and were baptized. This leader, and his household, perceived that what Paul was speaking about was true, and he made the decision to stake his life on it. When Crispus was baptized, he was publicly telling the world that he was dead to his old life and that he had been made alive in Jesus Christ. He most likely gave up his high position in the synagogue and with the Jewish people in order to start a new life as a Christian. His becoming a Christian cost him a great deal, but it was worth it.
In thinking about Crispus’ sacrifice of his life within the Jewish community, I had a difficult time relating to the level of the sacrifice he made. In my life, I have never really made much of a sacrifice in my lifestyle. My language changed, and the way I treated people was more caring, but there was no positional changes – and the people that knew me before where still my friends. I wasn’t treated as if I were dead. I perceived no tangible sacrifice in my decision to follow Jesus. And because of this, I have never really felt a deep sense of dying to my old life and needing Jesus to raise me up into a new life in Him. I have lived a comfortable life and, as a result, seem to have settled into mediocrity.
Questions to consider: What sacrifices did you have to make in moving closer to Jesus? What was that like for you? What changed in your life after making a public commitment to follow Jesus?
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me a new life in Christ. Help me to connect with You and to serve You with all my heart. Amen.
Paul moved on from Athens, going south to Corinth. After proclaiming his message about Jesus and His resurrection, many in the synagogue turned their lives over to God in this new way. And they were all baptized. Crispus, who was one of the synagogue rulers, and his entire family, including their slaves, believed in the Lord and were baptized. This leader, and his household, perceived that what Paul was speaking about was true, and he made the decision to stake his life on it. When Crispus was baptized, he was publicly telling the world that he was dead to his old life and that he had been made alive in Jesus Christ. He most likely gave up his high position in the synagogue and with the Jewish people in order to start a new life as a Christian. His becoming a Christian cost him a great deal, but it was worth it.
In thinking about Crispus’ sacrifice of his life within the Jewish community, I had a difficult time relating to the level of the sacrifice he made. In my life, I have never really made much of a sacrifice in my lifestyle. My language changed, and the way I treated people was more caring, but there was no positional changes – and the people that knew me before where still my friends. I wasn’t treated as if I were dead. I perceived no tangible sacrifice in my decision to follow Jesus. And because of this, I have never really felt a deep sense of dying to my old life and needing Jesus to raise me up into a new life in Him. I have lived a comfortable life and, as a result, seem to have settled into mediocrity.
Questions to consider: What sacrifices did you have to make in moving closer to Jesus? What was that like for you? What changed in your life after making a public commitment to follow Jesus?
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me a new life in Christ. Help me to connect with You and to serve You with all my heart. Amen.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
May 26,2011 - Acts 17:32
“When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, ‘We want to hear you again on this subject.’” Acts 17:32.
Paul came to the end of his opportunity to speak to the people of Athens, and told them, in conclusion, about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. A number of the people were skeptical and scoffed, waving this message off as mere fable or story-telling. There were others among the crowd who were interested in learning more about what Paul had to say. There was a curiosity within these people that drew them to Paul to learn more about who Jesus was and to learn about this God who brings people back to life. Paul was not affected by anyone’s reaction or response. He was ready to give an explanation of his faith in Jesus to whoever sought to know more.
Often times when speaking to an audience, I look to the crowd to see their response or reaction. I have been swayed by my perception of what others thought of my message. In fishing for a positive response, I would even ask some individuals how they thought I did. I realized in doing this that my insecurity and lack of a healthy self-image was very evident. I have pushed through to the place where I do not care as much about what the people think, but, instead, I am more concerned about what God thinks. Looking at Paul’s example, I am trying to focus more on what God wants for me to say and focus less on the audience’s response.
Questions to consider: How can you tell when you are too concerned about what people think and too concerned about how they respond to you? How can you tell when you are focused on God and not others? Where is your security, in yourself, others, or God?
Prayer: Father, help me to center on what You want of me and not on what people want. Give me strength to speak Your message through my words and my actions. Amen.
Paul came to the end of his opportunity to speak to the people of Athens, and told them, in conclusion, about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. A number of the people were skeptical and scoffed, waving this message off as mere fable or story-telling. There were others among the crowd who were interested in learning more about what Paul had to say. There was a curiosity within these people that drew them to Paul to learn more about who Jesus was and to learn about this God who brings people back to life. Paul was not affected by anyone’s reaction or response. He was ready to give an explanation of his faith in Jesus to whoever sought to know more.
Often times when speaking to an audience, I look to the crowd to see their response or reaction. I have been swayed by my perception of what others thought of my message. In fishing for a positive response, I would even ask some individuals how they thought I did. I realized in doing this that my insecurity and lack of a healthy self-image was very evident. I have pushed through to the place where I do not care as much about what the people think, but, instead, I am more concerned about what God thinks. Looking at Paul’s example, I am trying to focus more on what God wants for me to say and focus less on the audience’s response.
Questions to consider: How can you tell when you are too concerned about what people think and too concerned about how they respond to you? How can you tell when you are focused on God and not others? Where is your security, in yourself, others, or God?
Prayer: Father, help me to center on what You want of me and not on what people want. Give me strength to speak Your message through my words and my actions. Amen.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
May 19,2011 - Acts 17:31
“’For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising Him from the dead.’” Acts 17:31.
Paul comes to the pinnacle of his proclamation. He states that God’s just judgment of the world is proved by Jesus being raised from the dead. This just judgment by God is applied with mercy and grace, not only punishment for wrongdoing. It is more than that. It is bringing something that is dead and breathing new life into it, most clearly illustrated in the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is, also, what we are called to do in taking care of the poor, the disenfranchised, the exploited, and the oppressed. We do this by being agents of change in bringing new life, restoration, and reconciliation out of hopeless and helpless situations.
The other evening in a couples study group, I had an eye-opening experience. Perhaps for the first time ever, I began to realize how blind I have been to the injustices around me in the limited world that I live in on a daily basis. In an intellectual way, I have been ‘aware’ of many injustices around the world – slavery, child prostitution, oppression of the poor and disadvantaged, yet I had blinders over my eyes when it came to seeing prejudice and injustice happening right around me. Part of the working out of God’s just judgment in my life is by representing the resurrecting power of Jesus to those around me by living in a redemptive way. As happened with Jesus, this may involve confronting injustice, which can be costly and even life threatening, but it is the right thing to do.
Questions to consider: How is God’s judgment proven by the resurrection of Jesus? What injustice or oppression have you witnessed personally? What can you do, as an agent of the kingdom of God, to combat such exploitation?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You are a God of redemption, restoration, and reconciliation. Help me to recognize cruelty and repression and to be an ambassador of Your kingdom in the part of the world You’ve put me in. Amen.
Paul comes to the pinnacle of his proclamation. He states that God’s just judgment of the world is proved by Jesus being raised from the dead. This just judgment by God is applied with mercy and grace, not only punishment for wrongdoing. It is more than that. It is bringing something that is dead and breathing new life into it, most clearly illustrated in the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is, also, what we are called to do in taking care of the poor, the disenfranchised, the exploited, and the oppressed. We do this by being agents of change in bringing new life, restoration, and reconciliation out of hopeless and helpless situations.
The other evening in a couples study group, I had an eye-opening experience. Perhaps for the first time ever, I began to realize how blind I have been to the injustices around me in the limited world that I live in on a daily basis. In an intellectual way, I have been ‘aware’ of many injustices around the world – slavery, child prostitution, oppression of the poor and disadvantaged, yet I had blinders over my eyes when it came to seeing prejudice and injustice happening right around me. Part of the working out of God’s just judgment in my life is by representing the resurrecting power of Jesus to those around me by living in a redemptive way. As happened with Jesus, this may involve confronting injustice, which can be costly and even life threatening, but it is the right thing to do.
Questions to consider: How is God’s judgment proven by the resurrection of Jesus? What injustice or oppression have you witnessed personally? What can you do, as an agent of the kingdom of God, to combat such exploitation?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You are a God of redemption, restoration, and reconciliation. Help me to recognize cruelty and repression and to be an ambassador of Your kingdom in the part of the world You’ve put me in. Amen.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
May 5, 2011 - Acts 17:28
“’For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” Acts 17:28.
As he is speaking to the Athenian men, Paul quotes phrases from two Greek poets from their past, Epimenides and Aratus. These phrases would most likely have been known by the men in Paul’s audience, as they were very educated and astute thinkers. Paul uses these phrases as a starting point in proclaiming that God is not made by the handiwork of men but is a living being. We are made in the image of God, not the other way around.
There have been times when I have made God in my own image. I’m not exactly sure what that looks like, but I thought that God was all about love. And one aspect of that love was that God would love and accept me no matter what I did or how I acted. No change in character required! What a rude awakening I had! God does love me right where I am, but He doesn’t want to leave me there in that condition. God is so much bigger than that and there is so much more to Him than we can know or understand. The truth be known: I think that all of us tend to make God in our own image. We are just sure that God acts in this certain way because that is the image that I made of Him. Isn’t it about time that we relinquish our image of who God is and fall face down in worship to this awesome, wild God?
Questions to consider: How do you make God in your own image? Have you ever experienced God’s awesome power or experienced Him in a way that totally surprised you? What was that like? What is your response to knowing that you are created in God’s image?
Prayer: Father, I bow before You. You are awesome, holy, and righteous beyond expression. I am humbled by Your sheer power and strength. I am so glad that You are not made in our image, but that You are the creator of all things. Amen.
As he is speaking to the Athenian men, Paul quotes phrases from two Greek poets from their past, Epimenides and Aratus. These phrases would most likely have been known by the men in Paul’s audience, as they were very educated and astute thinkers. Paul uses these phrases as a starting point in proclaiming that God is not made by the handiwork of men but is a living being. We are made in the image of God, not the other way around.
There have been times when I have made God in my own image. I’m not exactly sure what that looks like, but I thought that God was all about love. And one aspect of that love was that God would love and accept me no matter what I did or how I acted. No change in character required! What a rude awakening I had! God does love me right where I am, but He doesn’t want to leave me there in that condition. God is so much bigger than that and there is so much more to Him than we can know or understand. The truth be known: I think that all of us tend to make God in our own image. We are just sure that God acts in this certain way because that is the image that I made of Him. Isn’t it about time that we relinquish our image of who God is and fall face down in worship to this awesome, wild God?
Questions to consider: How do you make God in your own image? Have you ever experienced God’s awesome power or experienced Him in a way that totally surprised you? What was that like? What is your response to knowing that you are created in God’s image?
Prayer: Father, I bow before You. You are awesome, holy, and righteous beyond expression. I am humbled by Your sheer power and strength. I am so glad that You are not made in our image, but that You are the creator of all things. Amen.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
April 28, 2011 - John 20:18
“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her.” John 20:18
On the first day of the Jewish week, which is our Sunday, Mary went to the place where Jesus’ body was placed after his death. Upon arriving at the tomb, she discovered that the large stone used to close the entrance of the tomb had been moved and Jesus’ body was missing. She went back to the disciples to report her findings and they returned with her to the tomb. After they searched, the disciples journeyed back to their meeting place. Mary, being very upset, stayed behind at the tomb. A person who she mistook for the gardener spoke to her, and when He spoke her name, she recognized that this person was Jesus, resurrected from the dead. They talked briefly and she was sent back to the others to tell them that Jesus was alive.
What a wonderful thing it was that a woman was the first to see the resurrected Jesus. Remember that the culture of their time was very strongly male-oriented, and patriarchal. I would have thought they would have preferred it had been one of the male disciples that met Jesus before anyone else. Instead, pleasantly enough, it is Mary who is first. That would have been fairly scandalous and controversial back in those times. And yet, Jesus chose to appear to Mary before any of the disciples. Outrageous!
Questions to consider: Do you think that Mary being the first to see Jesus was significant? Why, or why not? What application can you draw from this for your journey with Jesus?
Prayer: Father, Thank You that Mary was the first to see the resurrected Jesus. Lord, You have a purpose for everything that You do. Help me to recognize Your presence in some of the outrageous things that people say, write, or do. Please help me not to judge, but instead, listen for Your voice. Amen.
On the first day of the Jewish week, which is our Sunday, Mary went to the place where Jesus’ body was placed after his death. Upon arriving at the tomb, she discovered that the large stone used to close the entrance of the tomb had been moved and Jesus’ body was missing. She went back to the disciples to report her findings and they returned with her to the tomb. After they searched, the disciples journeyed back to their meeting place. Mary, being very upset, stayed behind at the tomb. A person who she mistook for the gardener spoke to her, and when He spoke her name, she recognized that this person was Jesus, resurrected from the dead. They talked briefly and she was sent back to the others to tell them that Jesus was alive.
What a wonderful thing it was that a woman was the first to see the resurrected Jesus. Remember that the culture of their time was very strongly male-oriented, and patriarchal. I would have thought they would have preferred it had been one of the male disciples that met Jesus before anyone else. Instead, pleasantly enough, it is Mary who is first. That would have been fairly scandalous and controversial back in those times. And yet, Jesus chose to appear to Mary before any of the disciples. Outrageous!
Questions to consider: Do you think that Mary being the first to see Jesus was significant? Why, or why not? What application can you draw from this for your journey with Jesus?
Prayer: Father, Thank You that Mary was the first to see the resurrected Jesus. Lord, You have a purpose for everything that You do. Help me to recognize Your presence in some of the outrageous things that people say, write, or do. Please help me not to judge, but instead, listen for Your voice. Amen.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
April 21, 2011 - Easter
For the Easter season, I decided to print out this famous sermon from Tony Campolo.
Dr. Campolo tells how he preached the perfect sermon in every way and had taken the congregation to ‘the heights of glory’. As he sat down beside his pastor, Tony patted him on the knee and simply said, “Top that.” The older black pastor looked at him and said, “Boy, watch the master.” Then Dr. Campolo recalls for us the very brilliant message which followed.
It’s Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It’s Friday; but Sunday’s a coming.
It’s Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them.” It’s Friday; but Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, “My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?” What a horrible cry. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. And at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that’s because it’s Friday, and they don’t know it, but Sunday’s a coming.
And on that horrible day 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought that he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the Garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But that was Friday.
Now it’s Sunday. And just about dawn on that first day of the week, there was a great earthquake. But that wasn’t the only thing that was shaking because now it’s Sunday. And the angel of the Lord is coming down out of heaven and rolling the stone away from the door of the tomb. Yes, it’s Sunday, and the angel of the Lord is sitting on that stone and the guards posted at the tomb to keep the body from disappearing were shaking in their boots because it’s Sunday, and the lamb that was silent before the slaughter is now the resurrected lion from the tribe of Judah, for He is not here, the angel says. He is risen indeed.
It’s Sunday, and the crucified and resurrected Christ has defeated death, hell, sin and the grave. It’s Sunday. And now everything has changed. It’s the age of grace, God’s grace poured out on all who would look to that crucified lamb of Calvary. Grace freely given to all who would believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary was buried and rose again. All because it’s Sunday.
(At the end of the message the pastor shouts out:)
It’s Friiidaaaay!
(And the whole congregation responds:)
But Sunday’s Coming!
If you would like to see Tony Campolo preach this sermon, here is a link to see it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuYk_D3OwpU&feature=related
Joyous Easter to each of you!
Dr. Campolo tells how he preached the perfect sermon in every way and had taken the congregation to ‘the heights of glory’. As he sat down beside his pastor, Tony patted him on the knee and simply said, “Top that.” The older black pastor looked at him and said, “Boy, watch the master.” Then Dr. Campolo recalls for us the very brilliant message which followed.
It’s Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It’s Friday; but Sunday’s a coming.
It’s Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them.” It’s Friday; but Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, “My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?” What a horrible cry. But Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. And at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday’s coming.
It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that’s because it’s Friday, and they don’t know it, but Sunday’s a coming.
And on that horrible day 2000 years ago, Jesus the Christ, the Lord of glory, the only begotten Son of God, the only perfect man died on the cross of Calvary. Satan thought that he had won the victory. Surely he had destroyed the Son of God. Finally he had disproved the prophecy God had uttered in the Garden and the one who was to crush his head had been destroyed. But that was Friday.
Now it’s Sunday. And just about dawn on that first day of the week, there was a great earthquake. But that wasn’t the only thing that was shaking because now it’s Sunday. And the angel of the Lord is coming down out of heaven and rolling the stone away from the door of the tomb. Yes, it’s Sunday, and the angel of the Lord is sitting on that stone and the guards posted at the tomb to keep the body from disappearing were shaking in their boots because it’s Sunday, and the lamb that was silent before the slaughter is now the resurrected lion from the tribe of Judah, for He is not here, the angel says. He is risen indeed.
It’s Sunday, and the crucified and resurrected Christ has defeated death, hell, sin and the grave. It’s Sunday. And now everything has changed. It’s the age of grace, God’s grace poured out on all who would look to that crucified lamb of Calvary. Grace freely given to all who would believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary was buried and rose again. All because it’s Sunday.
(At the end of the message the pastor shouts out:)
It’s Friiidaaaay!
(And the whole congregation responds:)
But Sunday’s Coming!
If you would like to see Tony Campolo preach this sermon, here is a link to see it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuYk_D3OwpU&feature=related
Joyous Easter to each of you!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
April 14, 2011 - Acts 17:24
“’The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.’” Acts 17:24. The Athens that Paul experienced was filled with many different temples, dedicated to the numerous gods the Athenians worshiped. These gods were thought to have particular powers that they used at the whim of their emotions. If bad things happened, it meant that one of the gods was angry about something. On the other hand, when things were going well, it was because the gods were appeased or content for the moment. Paul came proclaiming that there was one true God, the maker of all things, and this all-powerful and all-knowing God did not reside in man-made temples. In one of his letters written to the Corinthians, Paul explained that the Holy Spirit now lived within humans and that our body was the temple God lived in. This was not just for people 2000 years ago. This was true from that time forward to the present. Our bodies are temples for God’s presence to come into and make His home. I must admit that I have not taken care of my temple as well as I could have. For years, I ate foods that were horrible for my body. I gained way too much weight and became more sluggish. Because of this, I was less aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the present, I am doing what I can to reverse this. I am trying to discipline myself by exercising and eating correctly. I could also see how exercise and eating right could become my focus and I could totally miss the Holy Spirit’s presence. I realize that instead of focusing on me and my temple, I need to submit to the Holy Spirit within me. Questions to consider: How is your temple doing? How are you taking care of your body? Are there any changes that you need to make? How aware are you of the presence of God within you? Prayer: Father, thank You for helping me to take better care of the temple You have given me. Help me to remember that temples are not built by human hands but only by You. Amen.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
April 7, 2011 - Acts 17:23
“’For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with the inscription: To An Unknown God. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.’” Acts 17:23. In his travels, Paul journeyed to Athens, where he was brought to the Areopagus to tell about Jesus and His resurrection. As he was beginning his message, Paul spoke of the many objects of Athenian worship and of the specific one to the Unknown God. With all the gods that they worshipped, the Athenians made sure to cover all their bases. They made an altar for the Unknown God in case they happened to miss any gods along the way. Paul picked up right there in his effort to make known to the Athenians that which was previously unknown. Paul connected what was around him with that which was all he had to offer – the goods news concerning Jesus. Paul didn’t have anything else of importance to share with these people. All he desired to do was to declare who Jesus was and to proclaim the power of His resurrection. I must admit that there have been times when I have stayed away from sharing the message of Jesus and His resurrection. Whether out of fear or some other reason, I found other issues or subjects to talk about rather than Jesus. “Who do you want to win the Masters (Golf) Tournament?” “What about what’s happening in the Middle East?” “Hasn’t the weather been terrible this winter?” Yet, when it comes to talking about the most important issue, I have clammed up with people who desperately needed to hear the good news about Jesus. Perhaps I can learn from Paul and how he related what was happening around him to his most important message. Questions to consider: Is the message of Jesus and His resurrection the most important message in your life? If this is so, how do you relate the message to those around you? If not, why not? Prayer: Father, thank You for the message of Your Son, Jesus, and the importance it holds in my life. Please give me strength to boldly share this message to those around me who desperately need to hear it. Amen.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
March 31, 2011 - Acts 17:22
“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: ‘Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.’” Acts 17:22. Upon arriving in Athens, Paul was distressed by the number of gods and idols the Athenians worshipped. As he was debating with some of the philosophers of the city, they realized that Paul was talking of a foreign, unknown god. They encouraged Paul to come with them to the Areopagus, which was the place where the philosophers gathered to debate and discuss religious and moral issues. During the meeting, Paul stood up to speak and began with a positive statement that these Athenians were very religious in every aspect of their lives. This was a high compliment to this gathering and it paved the way for Paul to gain their full attention. Without compromising his beliefs, Paul built a platform of acceptance from which he proclaimed the good news of Jesus and his resurrection. Paul had a history of boldly stirring up crowds, yet here in Athens, he spoke in an appealing way so as to win the right to be heard with his audience. It seems that he learned a lesson in understanding the people he was speaking to. There have been times when I have come across in an abrasive way, which would sound judgmental or angry or both. What I thought was speaking with passion was perceived by my audience as something all together different. I actually had someone come to me to apologize for being a disappointment to me after one of my talks. As a result of not understanding my audience, I have been attempting to discover how to communicate in a loving way without loosing my passion. Questions to consider: When relating to people, whether giving a message or just talking, how do you think you come across to them? Does it matter to you how you come across? Should it? What can you do to understand your audience better? Prayer: Father, help me to learn how to communicate in a loving manner, yet with the passion You’ve given me. Help me to win the right to be heard with my audience, whether that be one person or many. Amen.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
March 24, 2011 - Acts 17:11
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11.
Some of the Jews in Thessalonica made trouble for Paul and Silas to the point that the local brothers asked Paul and Silas to leave for their own safety. Not far from there was Berea, and, once they arrived, Paul and Silas went to the local synagogue to tell the Jews and God-fearing Greeks about Jesus. These people were more gracious in their acceptance of Paul and his message, listening and interacting with Paul concerning the message of salvation through Jesus. Each day the Bereans studied the scriptures to see the truth in what Paul said. As a result, many of the Jews and Greeks were convinced and became followers of Jesus. Paul found in the Bereans a receptive, gracious audience who were eager to listen and examine for themselves the truth in the scriptures.
When it concerns truth of what the scriptures say about God and His Son, Jesus, some of us are very dogmatic and not particularly interested in listening to those who may have a different understanding. On the other hand, there are those who seem to not have a firm belief, but flow from one new idea to the next. One is close minded and not interested in listening while the other is double minded and easily swayed. There seems to be an area where we can listen to other’s thoughts, while holding onto what we believe. Just as the Bereans showed, the challenge for us is to judge what is said without being judgmental.
Questions to consider: In which direction do you tend to lean – the one not interested in listening to others or the one who is easily swayed? Have you discovered that area where you can judge without being judgmental? Are you able to listen to what someone states without judging them for how they look or act?
Prayer: Father, help me to find that place where I can listen to others without being judgmental about them. Help me to hear what they say without rejecting who they are. Amen.
Some of the Jews in Thessalonica made trouble for Paul and Silas to the point that the local brothers asked Paul and Silas to leave for their own safety. Not far from there was Berea, and, once they arrived, Paul and Silas went to the local synagogue to tell the Jews and God-fearing Greeks about Jesus. These people were more gracious in their acceptance of Paul and his message, listening and interacting with Paul concerning the message of salvation through Jesus. Each day the Bereans studied the scriptures to see the truth in what Paul said. As a result, many of the Jews and Greeks were convinced and became followers of Jesus. Paul found in the Bereans a receptive, gracious audience who were eager to listen and examine for themselves the truth in the scriptures.
When it concerns truth of what the scriptures say about God and His Son, Jesus, some of us are very dogmatic and not particularly interested in listening to those who may have a different understanding. On the other hand, there are those who seem to not have a firm belief, but flow from one new idea to the next. One is close minded and not interested in listening while the other is double minded and easily swayed. There seems to be an area where we can listen to other’s thoughts, while holding onto what we believe. Just as the Bereans showed, the challenge for us is to judge what is said without being judgmental.
Questions to consider: In which direction do you tend to lean – the one not interested in listening to others or the one who is easily swayed? Have you discovered that area where you can judge without being judgmental? Are you able to listen to what someone states without judging them for how they look or act?
Prayer: Father, help me to find that place where I can listen to others without being judgmental about them. Help me to hear what they say without rejecting who they are. Amen.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
March 17,2011 - Acts 17:5
“But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. Acts 17:5.
For three Sabbaths, Paul proclaimed the good news concerning Jesus in the synagogue at Thessalonica. Some of the Jews at the synagogue became followers of Christ. There were others, though, who did not like what they were hearing and they were jealous of Paul and his ability to convince fellow Jews to follow Jesus. They formed an angry crowd and came after Paul. They acted on their jealousy by attempting to get rid of Paul and Silas by any means that they could.
Jealousy was a distinct problem that I struggled with, particularly in dating relationships. When those feelings of jealousy rose up within me, I usually said or did things that I regretted later. I was claiming territorial rights over people and in areas that I had no right to control. The Jews, too, where claiming territorial rights over their fellow Jews, and they acted on their jealousy with destructive anger. Instead of latching onto people, as if to control them, it is my goal to approach people openhandedly, placing them into the hands of the One who cares deeply for them.
Questions to consider: Do you have, or remember having, feelings of jealousy? If those feelings rise up in you, how do you deal with them? Have those feelings led you into any actions or statements that you later regretted? How can you avoid this from happening?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for acting out on feelings of jealousy. Help me find appropriate ways to openhandedly love those who I might feel jealous of. Amen.
For three Sabbaths, Paul proclaimed the good news concerning Jesus in the synagogue at Thessalonica. Some of the Jews at the synagogue became followers of Christ. There were others, though, who did not like what they were hearing and they were jealous of Paul and his ability to convince fellow Jews to follow Jesus. They formed an angry crowd and came after Paul. They acted on their jealousy by attempting to get rid of Paul and Silas by any means that they could.
Jealousy was a distinct problem that I struggled with, particularly in dating relationships. When those feelings of jealousy rose up within me, I usually said or did things that I regretted later. I was claiming territorial rights over people and in areas that I had no right to control. The Jews, too, where claiming territorial rights over their fellow Jews, and they acted on their jealousy with destructive anger. Instead of latching onto people, as if to control them, it is my goal to approach people openhandedly, placing them into the hands of the One who cares deeply for them.
Questions to consider: Do you have, or remember having, feelings of jealousy? If those feelings rise up in you, how do you deal with them? Have those feelings led you into any actions or statements that you later regretted? How can you avoid this from happening?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for acting out on feelings of jealousy. Help me find appropriate ways to openhandedly love those who I might feel jealous of. Amen.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
March 10, 2011 - Acts 17:4
“Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women.” Acts 17:4.
In Thessalonica, Paul and Silas proclaimed the good news concerning Jesus. The two of them visited the synagogue for three consecutive Sabbaths and reasoned with the Jews and others who had gathered to seek God. As a result of their efforts, Paul and Silas influenced some Jews and God-fearing Greeks to become followers of Jesus. In making this commitment, these Jewish followers of Jesus were disowned and treated as dead by their families and Jewish friends. All of the followers of Jesus, Jew or Greek, women or men, had to withstand persecution from the Romans, as well as from all those who lived around them. Because there was a big price to be paid by these people when they decided to follow Jesus, they must have really been hungry for this new life in Christ.
When I first heard about who Jesus was, I was intrigued and fascinated. I was at a place in my life where I was hungry for a new life. Since then, there has been many times when I have lost that hunger and I have been complacent, sarcastic, or cynical…or maybe combinations of all three.
With the persecution that was going on during the time of Paul and Silas, these early followers of Jesus did not have the “luxury” or the time to grow negative or become complacent. Possibly, it would have taken being in a time of persecution for me to have kept that hunger for Jesus alive. In other places in the world where persecution is occurring, the hunger for Jesus is alive and well. It’s even growing, as it was Paul and Silas.
Questions to consider: How hungry are you for new life? How hungry are you for Jesus? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to follow Jesus and keep that hunger alive?
Prayer: Father, give me a heart that is willing to do whatever it takes to follow You, even if You ask me to do something that I am resistant to doing. Please give me the strength to say, “Not my will be done, but Your will.” Amen.
In Thessalonica, Paul and Silas proclaimed the good news concerning Jesus. The two of them visited the synagogue for three consecutive Sabbaths and reasoned with the Jews and others who had gathered to seek God. As a result of their efforts, Paul and Silas influenced some Jews and God-fearing Greeks to become followers of Jesus. In making this commitment, these Jewish followers of Jesus were disowned and treated as dead by their families and Jewish friends. All of the followers of Jesus, Jew or Greek, women or men, had to withstand persecution from the Romans, as well as from all those who lived around them. Because there was a big price to be paid by these people when they decided to follow Jesus, they must have really been hungry for this new life in Christ.
When I first heard about who Jesus was, I was intrigued and fascinated. I was at a place in my life where I was hungry for a new life. Since then, there has been many times when I have lost that hunger and I have been complacent, sarcastic, or cynical…or maybe combinations of all three.
With the persecution that was going on during the time of Paul and Silas, these early followers of Jesus did not have the “luxury” or the time to grow negative or become complacent. Possibly, it would have taken being in a time of persecution for me to have kept that hunger for Jesus alive. In other places in the world where persecution is occurring, the hunger for Jesus is alive and well. It’s even growing, as it was Paul and Silas.
Questions to consider: How hungry are you for new life? How hungry are you for Jesus? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to follow Jesus and keep that hunger alive?
Prayer: Father, give me a heart that is willing to do whatever it takes to follow You, even if You ask me to do something that I am resistant to doing. Please give me the strength to say, “Not my will be done, but Your will.” Amen.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
March 3, 2011 - Acts 17:2
“As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.” Acts 17:2.
Whenever Paul came into a town or city for the first time, he made it his habit to first go to the local synagogue to meet with the Jews of that city. These were Paul’s people, the people of his own heritage, and, even though he didn’t specifically know these people, he knew that God desired for him to first go to the Jews to present the good news concerning Jesus. Paul didn’t just do his duty and then disappear, he invested time. Paul wasn’t concerned about whether or not he was rejected, he continued showing up to the synagogue. He had a deep burden to share Jesus with all that he met, especially his own people, the Jews.
There have been times when I have just done my duty in sharing Jesus, and, when rejected, I gave up and went my way. I tended to give up on people pretty easily, and I got fairly negative about being rejected. It was not a pleasant experience for me, so I didn’t put myself in that position very often, if at all. Paul seemed to relish going before people that he’d never met so that he could tell them about Jesus. He didn’t care what people thought of him. Paul’s only concern was what God thought of him. And he stuck with it.
Questions to consider: Are you more concerned with what those around you think of you or what God thinks of you? How willing are you to take the risk of reaching out with the good news concerning Jesus to people that you don’t know? What would it take for you to step out of your comfort zone to talk about Jesus with someone you don’t know?
Prayer: Father, help me to be more concerned with what You think of me, so that I would be free to share Jesus without worrying about what people think of me. Give me the strength and humility to do Your will and not my own. Amen.
Whenever Paul came into a town or city for the first time, he made it his habit to first go to the local synagogue to meet with the Jews of that city. These were Paul’s people, the people of his own heritage, and, even though he didn’t specifically know these people, he knew that God desired for him to first go to the Jews to present the good news concerning Jesus. Paul didn’t just do his duty and then disappear, he invested time. Paul wasn’t concerned about whether or not he was rejected, he continued showing up to the synagogue. He had a deep burden to share Jesus with all that he met, especially his own people, the Jews.
There have been times when I have just done my duty in sharing Jesus, and, when rejected, I gave up and went my way. I tended to give up on people pretty easily, and I got fairly negative about being rejected. It was not a pleasant experience for me, so I didn’t put myself in that position very often, if at all. Paul seemed to relish going before people that he’d never met so that he could tell them about Jesus. He didn’t care what people thought of him. Paul’s only concern was what God thought of him. And he stuck with it.
Questions to consider: Are you more concerned with what those around you think of you or what God thinks of you? How willing are you to take the risk of reaching out with the good news concerning Jesus to people that you don’t know? What would it take for you to step out of your comfort zone to talk about Jesus with someone you don’t know?
Prayer: Father, help me to be more concerned with what You think of me, so that I would be free to share Jesus without worrying about what people think of me. Give me the strength and humility to do Your will and not my own. Amen.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
February 24, 2011 - Acts 16:33
“At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.” Acts 16:33.
Soon after the Philippian jailor gave his life to Jesus, he was washing the wounds of Paul and Silas. It seems that this act of service came out of gratitude that the jailer experienced for having been saved from certain death at the hands of his authorities. It is interesting that the first thing the jailer does after becoming a follower of Jesus is to care for Paul’s and Silas’ wounds. He immediately started serving.
When I committed to following Jesus, my first response was not to serve. It wasn’t my second or third thought, either. I was still the selfish, me-oriented person I was before making this commitment. Eventually, I started doing things that could be considered service, but I was still trying to get personal recognition. “What a great guy!” “He is such a hard worker!” “He sure has a giving heart!” These were comments that I heard that just fed my ego. Over the next several years, I went through a step-by-step change, having several “ah-ha” moments. I wish that I could say that I was transformed, like the Philippian jailer, in a moment into a grateful servant of Jesus, but that just isn’t my story. And I still struggle to serve without getting any recognition. There is part of me that still craves it. I hope that one day I can say, as Jesus said, that I am here to serve; not be served.
Questions to consider: What is your attitude toward serving? In what areas do you struggle in serving? In other words, are there some areas that you have a more difficult time serving in? What does God have you doing in service to Him?
Prayer: Father, please help me to continue to be transformed into a person who seeks to serve You with all of my heart? Help me to obey You in Your call to serve, no matter what the area. Amen.
Soon after the Philippian jailor gave his life to Jesus, he was washing the wounds of Paul and Silas. It seems that this act of service came out of gratitude that the jailer experienced for having been saved from certain death at the hands of his authorities. It is interesting that the first thing the jailer does after becoming a follower of Jesus is to care for Paul’s and Silas’ wounds. He immediately started serving.
When I committed to following Jesus, my first response was not to serve. It wasn’t my second or third thought, either. I was still the selfish, me-oriented person I was before making this commitment. Eventually, I started doing things that could be considered service, but I was still trying to get personal recognition. “What a great guy!” “He is such a hard worker!” “He sure has a giving heart!” These were comments that I heard that just fed my ego. Over the next several years, I went through a step-by-step change, having several “ah-ha” moments. I wish that I could say that I was transformed, like the Philippian jailer, in a moment into a grateful servant of Jesus, but that just isn’t my story. And I still struggle to serve without getting any recognition. There is part of me that still craves it. I hope that one day I can say, as Jesus said, that I am here to serve; not be served.
Questions to consider: What is your attitude toward serving? In what areas do you struggle in serving? In other words, are there some areas that you have a more difficult time serving in? What does God have you doing in service to Him?
Prayer: Father, please help me to continue to be transformed into a person who seeks to serve You with all of my heart? Help me to obey You in Your call to serve, no matter what the area. Amen.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
February 17, 2011 - John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27.
Jesus makes this amazing statement to His disciples just hours before their world is turned upside down by Jesus’ arrest, trial, and execution. Jesus conveys His peace on His disciples, fully knowing that they will need every strand of peace possible to make it through this painful time. Please remember that Jesus never made flippant comments, as we do – when He gave them His peace, He really gave them His peace. This wasn’t a peace of appeasement or a peace at any cost. It was more like a peace that helps a person sustain and persevere through the storms of life, no matter how difficult.
It is very comforting to know of Jesus’ enduring presence with me through His Holy Spirit. I get myself all worked up with many of the problems of life, and I find that I am not focusing on His presence and on His peace with and in me. It is when I settle down, get quiet, and refocus that I realize the peace and presence of Jesus that has been with me through the whole troubling time. When I look at unsettling events around the world; when I hear all the problems in our country; when I see terrible things in our city, it is vital that I cling to these words of peace from Jesus. It is a commandment, not a suggestion that we not let our hearts be troubled or afraid. We are to intentionally decide to quiet down, receive His peace, and allow His Spirit to have His way.
Questions to consider: What causes you to lose the peace of God in your life? What can be done to get His peace back? How are you doing right now? Could you use His peace in your life right now?
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us a peace that is different from what the world attempts to give us. Please help us to lay our troubles, fears, and anxieties down at Your feet and receive Your peace. Amen.
Jesus makes this amazing statement to His disciples just hours before their world is turned upside down by Jesus’ arrest, trial, and execution. Jesus conveys His peace on His disciples, fully knowing that they will need every strand of peace possible to make it through this painful time. Please remember that Jesus never made flippant comments, as we do – when He gave them His peace, He really gave them His peace. This wasn’t a peace of appeasement or a peace at any cost. It was more like a peace that helps a person sustain and persevere through the storms of life, no matter how difficult.
It is very comforting to know of Jesus’ enduring presence with me through His Holy Spirit. I get myself all worked up with many of the problems of life, and I find that I am not focusing on His presence and on His peace with and in me. It is when I settle down, get quiet, and refocus that I realize the peace and presence of Jesus that has been with me through the whole troubling time. When I look at unsettling events around the world; when I hear all the problems in our country; when I see terrible things in our city, it is vital that I cling to these words of peace from Jesus. It is a commandment, not a suggestion that we not let our hearts be troubled or afraid. We are to intentionally decide to quiet down, receive His peace, and allow His Spirit to have His way.
Questions to consider: What causes you to lose the peace of God in your life? What can be done to get His peace back? How are you doing right now? Could you use His peace in your life right now?
Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us a peace that is different from what the world attempts to give us. Please help us to lay our troubles, fears, and anxieties down at Your feet and receive Your peace. Amen.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
February 10, 2011 - Acts 16:29-30
“The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’” Acts 16:29-30.
The earthquake that struck the jail where Paul, Silas, and the other prisoners were had opened all the cell doors, releasing them from their shackles. Upon discovering this, the jailer, thinking that the prisoners had escaped, was about to kill himself. From the darkness of the cells, Paul yelled out to the jailer to not harm himself. Grateful for hearing Paul cry out, the jailer got a torch and hurried into where Paul was and, upon arriving, fell at his feet. The jailer was so affected by having been so close to death, that he was willing to do whatever was necessary to live his life for the God of Paul and Silas.
This was a very dramatic, life-changing moment in the life of this jailer. I don’t think I’ve had anything even close to being this dramatic, yet I know that I’ve had some life-changing moments. Some were troubling, such as my parents’ divorce, and some were magical, such as the moment I met my wife, as well as the birth of each of our children. One moment that stands out in my memory happened many years ago. It was late one December night when I was asking more questions about Jesus than my friend Skip cared to answer. He was tired and I persisted in my inquisition. Finally, Skip put the question to me: Was I ready to follow Jesus? I said “Yes” and my life has never been the same since.
Questions to consider: What life-changing moments have you had? What have those moments meant to you? How have they changed your life?
Prayer: Father, looking back on my life, I see how You have given me moments that were important markers in my life. I am so thankful to You for those moments. Help me to have eyes to see those markers as I continue to walk with You. Amen.
The earthquake that struck the jail where Paul, Silas, and the other prisoners were had opened all the cell doors, releasing them from their shackles. Upon discovering this, the jailer, thinking that the prisoners had escaped, was about to kill himself. From the darkness of the cells, Paul yelled out to the jailer to not harm himself. Grateful for hearing Paul cry out, the jailer got a torch and hurried into where Paul was and, upon arriving, fell at his feet. The jailer was so affected by having been so close to death, that he was willing to do whatever was necessary to live his life for the God of Paul and Silas.
This was a very dramatic, life-changing moment in the life of this jailer. I don’t think I’ve had anything even close to being this dramatic, yet I know that I’ve had some life-changing moments. Some were troubling, such as my parents’ divorce, and some were magical, such as the moment I met my wife, as well as the birth of each of our children. One moment that stands out in my memory happened many years ago. It was late one December night when I was asking more questions about Jesus than my friend Skip cared to answer. He was tired and I persisted in my inquisition. Finally, Skip put the question to me: Was I ready to follow Jesus? I said “Yes” and my life has never been the same since.
Questions to consider: What life-changing moments have you had? What have those moments meant to you? How have they changed your life?
Prayer: Father, looking back on my life, I see how You have given me moments that were important markers in my life. I am so thankful to You for those moments. Help me to have eyes to see those markers as I continue to walk with You. Amen.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
February 3, 2011 - Acts 16:28
“But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’” Acts 16:28.
While in a Philippian jail, Paul and Silas, as well as the other prisoners, were released from their cells by an earthquake. Upon discovering that all the prison doors were open and all the prisoners most likely had escaped, the jailer was going to kill himself. This was going to happen because the jailer’s authorities would have held him responsible for the prisoners escape and would have certainly had the jailer put to death. Knowing that this was the case, Paul shouted to the jailer that none of the prisoners had escaped. All of this happened in the dark, as there was no light in the jail. Paul kept his head about him in the midst of very stressful circumstances to the point of saving the jailer’s life at just the right time.
In reflection, I thought about how Paul handled this very stressful situation in his life. Remember all the circumstances that he and Silas found themselves in? I, then, thought about how far away I am from handling this kind of stress, as well as having as clear a mind as Paul had under stress. Paul and Silas had just prior to the earthquake been praying and singing songs of praise to God. This connection must not have been merely a religious thing to them. It must have been a real lifeline for them, connecting them to a God who loved them and cared about their circumstances. And they absolutely needed this connection. I believe that this was the only way that Paul and Silas could have handled the extreme stresses they faced.
Questions to consider: How do you handle stressful situations? Do you find yourself having genuine connection with God through prayer or singing, or do you get all stressed out and tense up? How can you begin to handle stressful situations in a more clear-minded manner? Is there any action step that you can take in your connection with God?
Prayer: Father, help me to connect with You in such a deep, life-giving way that it affects the way that I handle stressful situations. Amen.
While in a Philippian jail, Paul and Silas, as well as the other prisoners, were released from their cells by an earthquake. Upon discovering that all the prison doors were open and all the prisoners most likely had escaped, the jailer was going to kill himself. This was going to happen because the jailer’s authorities would have held him responsible for the prisoners escape and would have certainly had the jailer put to death. Knowing that this was the case, Paul shouted to the jailer that none of the prisoners had escaped. All of this happened in the dark, as there was no light in the jail. Paul kept his head about him in the midst of very stressful circumstances to the point of saving the jailer’s life at just the right time.
In reflection, I thought about how Paul handled this very stressful situation in his life. Remember all the circumstances that he and Silas found themselves in? I, then, thought about how far away I am from handling this kind of stress, as well as having as clear a mind as Paul had under stress. Paul and Silas had just prior to the earthquake been praying and singing songs of praise to God. This connection must not have been merely a religious thing to them. It must have been a real lifeline for them, connecting them to a God who loved them and cared about their circumstances. And they absolutely needed this connection. I believe that this was the only way that Paul and Silas could have handled the extreme stresses they faced.
Questions to consider: How do you handle stressful situations? Do you find yourself having genuine connection with God through prayer or singing, or do you get all stressed out and tense up? How can you begin to handle stressful situations in a more clear-minded manner? Is there any action step that you can take in your connection with God?
Prayer: Father, help me to connect with You in such a deep, life-giving way that it affects the way that I handle stressful situations. Amen.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
January 27, 2011 - Acts 16:26
“Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.” Acts 16:26.
Paul and Silas had been arrested and brought before the magistrate of Philippi. The magistrate had them flogged and thrown in jail. Once in jail, they were taken to the inner jail, which evidently was for the really bad criminals, and they were put in stocks and chains. Sometime during the night, the prison shook from an earthquake and all the prisoners, including Paul and Silas, were released from their chains, as well as from their prison cells. All the doors were shaken and the chains were loosed.
As I thought about this amazing miracle, I started to reflect on the chains in my life that held me down and the locked prison doors that kept me from moving forward. There is no need for me to discuss any of the numerous chains that affected me. I remain thankful that God has shaken up my life so as to release me from that which has imprisoned me. I continue to be thankful for His on-going work in my life that releases me all the more. It seems that I have come a long way until I look at how far I have to go. I see that I have an even longer journey ahead. And the chains will continue to be shaken off.
Questions to consider: Have you seen chains in your life that God has released you from? Are there still chains that imprison you? What are they, and how can they be shaken off?
Prayer: Father, thank You for shaking off so many chains that held me down. Please continue to shake me up so as to set me free. Amen.
Paul and Silas had been arrested and brought before the magistrate of Philippi. The magistrate had them flogged and thrown in jail. Once in jail, they were taken to the inner jail, which evidently was for the really bad criminals, and they were put in stocks and chains. Sometime during the night, the prison shook from an earthquake and all the prisoners, including Paul and Silas, were released from their chains, as well as from their prison cells. All the doors were shaken and the chains were loosed.
As I thought about this amazing miracle, I started to reflect on the chains in my life that held me down and the locked prison doors that kept me from moving forward. There is no need for me to discuss any of the numerous chains that affected me. I remain thankful that God has shaken up my life so as to release me from that which has imprisoned me. I continue to be thankful for His on-going work in my life that releases me all the more. It seems that I have come a long way until I look at how far I have to go. I see that I have an even longer journey ahead. And the chains will continue to be shaken off.
Questions to consider: Have you seen chains in your life that God has released you from? Are there still chains that imprison you? What are they, and how can they be shaken off?
Prayer: Father, thank You for shaking off so many chains that held me down. Please continue to shake me up so as to set me free. Amen.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
January 20, 2011 - Acts 16:25
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25.
Paul and Silas were arrested in Philippi and charged with being disruptive to the Roman lifestyle in the city. The magistrate had Paul and Silas stripped and beaten severally before putting them in prison. Instead of grumbling about their situation, Paul and Silas focused on their connection with the living God by praying and singing to Him. There were other people in prison with them, and they were paying close attention to what Paul and Silas were doing.
I can only imagine what it would be like to be arrested, severely beaten, and thrown into prison because of my stand of faith in Jesus. Knowing me, I would be really upset, angry and depressed all at the same time! I would be beside myself with emotion. I would hope that I would turn to prayer in that time, but I’m not convinced. I judge this by reviewing how I have handled adversity. I must say that I am getting better, yet I am aware of the emotions that well up inside. I would say things like, “Why me?” or “They shouldn’t have treated me this way!” or “I got a raw deal here!” Needless to say, I would most likely have a different reaction than Paul and Silas. And look who was watching their every move. How they acted during adverse conditions would affect how the other prisoners would respond to Paul and Silas’ words of hope in Jesus.
Questions to consider: How do you respond/react to adversity? Is how you act consistent with the words that you speak? What steps could you take to help you respond to adversity in a positive, God-honoring way?
Prayer: Father, I am amazed at Paul and Silas’ desire and ability to praise You in all situations in life. Help me to have a heart that is so focused on You that I could respond in all situations in similar ways, especially in adversity. Amen.
Paul and Silas were arrested in Philippi and charged with being disruptive to the Roman lifestyle in the city. The magistrate had Paul and Silas stripped and beaten severally before putting them in prison. Instead of grumbling about their situation, Paul and Silas focused on their connection with the living God by praying and singing to Him. There were other people in prison with them, and they were paying close attention to what Paul and Silas were doing.
I can only imagine what it would be like to be arrested, severely beaten, and thrown into prison because of my stand of faith in Jesus. Knowing me, I would be really upset, angry and depressed all at the same time! I would be beside myself with emotion. I would hope that I would turn to prayer in that time, but I’m not convinced. I judge this by reviewing how I have handled adversity. I must say that I am getting better, yet I am aware of the emotions that well up inside. I would say things like, “Why me?” or “They shouldn’t have treated me this way!” or “I got a raw deal here!” Needless to say, I would most likely have a different reaction than Paul and Silas. And look who was watching their every move. How they acted during adverse conditions would affect how the other prisoners would respond to Paul and Silas’ words of hope in Jesus.
Questions to consider: How do you respond/react to adversity? Is how you act consistent with the words that you speak? What steps could you take to help you respond to adversity in a positive, God-honoring way?
Prayer: Father, I am amazed at Paul and Silas’ desire and ability to praise You in all situations in life. Help me to have a heart that is so focused on You that I could respond in all situations in similar ways, especially in adversity. Amen.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
January 13, 2011 - Acts 16:19
“When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities.” Acts16:19.
Paul and Silas were heading for a time of prayer while in Philippi. They were approached by a slave girl, who made money for her slave owners by telling fortunes. Influenced by an evil spirit, the girl followed after Paul and Silas, as they walked along, shouting out that these two men were servants of God. Paul turned to face the girl and commanded the evil spirit to leave her. The owners of the girl made money from the evil spirit speaking through the girl. Now with the spirit gone, the slave owners lost a source of their income. They overtook Paul and Silas and dragged them into court.
It’s funny, in a strange way, how people react when their stream of money is disturbed or even stopped. These people seized Paul and Silas and had them thrown in jail. That’s a pretty harsh reaction. In my life, when an investment lost much of its value, I was not a happy camper. I moaned and groaned and, in general, moped around, feeling sorry for myself. At other times, I have been really angry when I felt financially taken advantage of. It seems that I get a great deal of security and satisfaction from knowing that I am financially comfortable.
Questions to consider: How do you respond when your finances are disturbed in some way? Where is your security…really? Do you feel a tension between God and your finances? If so, what are you doing about it?
Prayer: Father, my heart wants to find its security in You, yet I wrestle with finding my security in my paycheck and savings account. Please help me to discover a healthy balance in my finances. Amen.
Paul and Silas were heading for a time of prayer while in Philippi. They were approached by a slave girl, who made money for her slave owners by telling fortunes. Influenced by an evil spirit, the girl followed after Paul and Silas, as they walked along, shouting out that these two men were servants of God. Paul turned to face the girl and commanded the evil spirit to leave her. The owners of the girl made money from the evil spirit speaking through the girl. Now with the spirit gone, the slave owners lost a source of their income. They overtook Paul and Silas and dragged them into court.
It’s funny, in a strange way, how people react when their stream of money is disturbed or even stopped. These people seized Paul and Silas and had them thrown in jail. That’s a pretty harsh reaction. In my life, when an investment lost much of its value, I was not a happy camper. I moaned and groaned and, in general, moped around, feeling sorry for myself. At other times, I have been really angry when I felt financially taken advantage of. It seems that I get a great deal of security and satisfaction from knowing that I am financially comfortable.
Questions to consider: How do you respond when your finances are disturbed in some way? Where is your security…really? Do you feel a tension between God and your finances? If so, what are you doing about it?
Prayer: Father, my heart wants to find its security in You, yet I wrestle with finding my security in my paycheck and savings account. Please help me to discover a healthy balance in my finances. Amen.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
January 6, 2011 - Acts 16:14
“One of those listening was a woman named Lydia…who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” Acts 16:14.
In Philippi, Paul was speaking about Jesus to a crowd of people, one of whom was Lydia, a woman of high standing in the community. As a Gentile, she always had a heart for God and worshipped Him. When she heard Paul’s message, the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to respond positively. Her openness to God allowed her to take the next step of her journey in life, and she became a follower of Jesus.
Throughout my life, I have tried to be open to truth, and in that process, had various encounters with God as I rambled along. In December, 1970, I took the step of becoming a follower of Jesus, and that’s when the adventure of life really began. On my journey as a Christian I have struggled to be true to the person God wanted me to be. When it seemed like God was leading me one way, it took me a while before I was open to that leading. It took time to get through my thick cranial cortex! I hope that over the years I have begun to soften and be more pliable in God’s hands, trusting in His leading. Just as Lydia was open to taking the next step, I am trying to be open for God’s next step, whatever that may be.
Questions to consider: What are some of the “next steps” in your life? What steps has God helped you to walk through? What is the next step that God has for you? Are you open to God and willing to obey?
Prayer: Father, thank You for guiding me in this journey of life. Help me to be open to Your next step, whatever that may be. Help me to not resist it but instead to embrace it, as Lydia did. Amen.
In Philippi, Paul was speaking about Jesus to a crowd of people, one of whom was Lydia, a woman of high standing in the community. As a Gentile, she always had a heart for God and worshipped Him. When she heard Paul’s message, the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to respond positively. Her openness to God allowed her to take the next step of her journey in life, and she became a follower of Jesus.
Throughout my life, I have tried to be open to truth, and in that process, had various encounters with God as I rambled along. In December, 1970, I took the step of becoming a follower of Jesus, and that’s when the adventure of life really began. On my journey as a Christian I have struggled to be true to the person God wanted me to be. When it seemed like God was leading me one way, it took me a while before I was open to that leading. It took time to get through my thick cranial cortex! I hope that over the years I have begun to soften and be more pliable in God’s hands, trusting in His leading. Just as Lydia was open to taking the next step, I am trying to be open for God’s next step, whatever that may be.
Questions to consider: What are some of the “next steps” in your life? What steps has God helped you to walk through? What is the next step that God has for you? Are you open to God and willing to obey?
Prayer: Father, thank You for guiding me in this journey of life. Help me to be open to Your next step, whatever that may be. Help me to not resist it but instead to embrace it, as Lydia did. Amen.
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