Do As I Say...

Today's Reading Acts 16:1-5 - A short one!

Text:

1He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. 2The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

The fact that Timothy had not been circumcised tells us a lot about how he grew up. His father was obviously the head of the household and ruled in matters of key religious rituals or his mother would have insisted that he be circumcised on the eighth day as required by her faith. She may have continued to follow the laws of Moses as best as she could, and may have passed on her faith to her children when possible, but it can be presumed that Timothy was also well versed in whatever religion his father professed. The text doesn't tell us that his father was a believer in Christ, so it is logical to presume that he wasn't.

We have just read about a major meeting of the elders and apostles where they determined that circumcision was not necessary for Gentile believers. Why would Paul, who was the primary speaker against circumcision, require that Timothy undergo this painful ritual? Wouldn't it have been a good example to show that it wasn't necessary since the purpose of their trips at this point was still to deliver the decisions of the council in Jerusalem? Besides, how would they know?

It is encouraging to see that the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew daily in numbers. Do you believe the church is still doing that?

First Letter of the New Testament

Today's Reading Acts 15:22-41

Text: Acts 15:22-23

22Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two men who were leaders among the brothers. 23With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

This is the first evidence of a letter sent from any of the apostles or church elders to a group of believers in the early church. It is interesting that they sent both a written letter and two men to confirm what was written about the issue of what was to be required of Gentile believers. No mention was made of circumcision, the key issue that caused the uproar in the first place.

It says the people were glad for its encouraging message. I'm sure they were encouraged that there were very few rules to follow in the message, but if you look at the message itself, it doesn't give very much information about how to live as a Christian -- not nearly as much as we have today from all the later letters of Paul. Here's the text of the letter:

24We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. 25So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— 26men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. 28It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.

I think I'd be asking for more...so what do we need to do to be closer to Christ, to be more like him? How do we get closer to God? How do we go deeper in our faith? Could it be that those weren't the most important things to discuss?

How Come He Doesn't Have To Follow The Rules?

Today's Reading Acts 15:1-21

Context:
In Antioch some men were teaching that people could not be saved if they were not circumcised and were not following the laws of Moses. Paul and Barnabas began a sharp debate with them, causing several people to go up to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders about the issue. After much discussion, Peter got up and talked about how God had given the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles and had purified them by their faith alone, not by having them follow the law.

Today's Text Acts 15:12-21

12The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. 14Simon[a] has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. 15The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:
16" 'After this I will return
and rebuild David's fallen tent.
Its ruins I will rebuild,
and I will restore it,
17that the remnant of men may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who bear my name,
says the Lord, who does these things'[b]
18that have been known for ages.[c]

19"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath." (NIV)
Footnotes:

1. Acts 15:14 Greek Simeon, a variant of Simon; that is, Peter
2. Acts 15:17 Amos 9:11,12
3. Acts 15:18 Some manuscripts things'— / 18 known to the Lord for ages is his work

taken from www.biblegateway.com

It is interesting to see how the early church leaders decided what should and what should not be a 'rule' in the church. Since they only had the Old Testament law, which was now superseded by the sacrifice of Jesus, it was hard to know for sure what must be followed and what was covered by grace. Jesus himself said that the law was important, yet God had given the gift of the Spirit to those who where totally ignorant of the law. So what did that mean?

The elders looked first at what actions God had taken, then they verified them with scripture to be sure they were consistent with God's character. Then they chose to ensure that they weren't applying anything additional to the new Gentile Christians that God wasn't requiring. It is interesting to see the things that they thought were still important for the Gentiles to remember -- food polluted by idols, sexual immorality, strangled animals, and blood.

Why would they choose these things and not the myriad of other things that were listed in Leviticus? Later Paul himself would say that eating food dedicated to idols was ok if you believed God said it was ok for you. Other times they would say to remember the widows and the poor.

What would we say were the most important things for new Christians to remember today? Do we make it too hard for them to become believers?

Sticks and Stones

Today's Reading Acts 14

Context:
Paul and Barnabas went to Iconium and preached so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed. But again the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the crowds and they were chased out of the city. They preached in the surrounding countryside. In Lystra they healed a man who was lame since birth, and the crowd believed Paul and Barnabas were the gods Zeus and Hermes in the flesh. They tried to offer sacrifices to them but Paul and Barnabas shouted back at them the truth about the only living God, barely keeping the crowd contained.

Today's Text Acts 14:19-23

¹⁹Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. ²⁰But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.
²¹They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²²strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said. ²³Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

The first time we ever hear about Paul/Saul is in Acts 8:1, when he is watching over the cloaks of those who are stoning Stephen. During that episode, Stephen fell to his knees in prayer and vocally forgave his persecutors. I imagine that scene was heavily imprinted in his mind as each stone hit his body. Do you think he felt that he deserved this punishment? I wonder if he knew that he would live through this or if he was hoping he would die sooner rather than later. Was he able to muster up forgiveness for his tormentors?

Just a few days later he is again preaching the Good News. As he revisits the very city where he was stoned, maybe even before all the cuts and bruises have faded, he tells the believers of Jesus' words that there will be trouble in this world. I'm not able to find any information in my reference books about Paul's statement that "we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." It almost sounds like there is a need for us to be persecuted and complete difficult tasks to accomplish entrance, although there are many passages that convince me that salvation is attained at the moment of repentance/surrender.

I know that entire religions have been formed to address passages like this, and I won't pretend to have theological wisdom for this argument. I do know that we in America are pretty clueless about the realities of persecution the folks suffered in the early days of the church. I've never been purposely hit with stones for what I believe, have you? Regardless, Paul was a very credible witness. I think I would have gone far out of my way to avoid revisiting a city that had caused so much physical pain and I would have let someone else strengthen the members of that church. How about you?

Shake off the dust

Today's Reading Acts 13:13-52
NOTE: While we are in Acts, I'll add a link for daily reading in case you want to read both chapters before we have class. Just click on the text reference above and it will take you directly to http://biblegateway.com and the verses for the day.

Context:
Paul and his companions sailed to Pisidian Antioch (please note this is not the Antioch where they started this first missionary journey) and they went to the synagogue on the Sabbath. Upon the request of the rulers, Paul told how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament and many of the Jews followed him to hear more. The following week almost the whole city gathered to hear Paul preach and the Jewish leaders were jealous and began speaking abusively against Paul and Barnabas.

Today's verses -- Acts 13:46-52

⁴⁶Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. ⁴⁷For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
" 'I have made you^a]">[a] a light for the Gentiles,
that you^b]">[b] may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'^c]">[c]"

⁴⁸When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

⁴⁹The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. ⁵⁰But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. ⁵¹So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. ⁵²And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

Footnotes:

1. Acts 13:47 The Greek is singular.
2. Acts 13:47 The Greek is singular.
3. Acts 13:47 Isaiah 49:6

I wonder what it must have felt like to be a Gentile in those days. The Good News had always been preached first to the Jews and most likely not many had heard of the few times Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit up to this point. I imagine they stood outside the synagogue (because they weren't allowed in) or on the edges of the crowd anxious to understand what all the excitement was about.

If they heard the message and believed, did they think that they first had to become a Jew to receive the gifts of Christ and the Holy Spirit? Were they facing the pain of circumcision and significant life changes due to all of those rules? It says that they were glad when they heard that Paul and Barnabas were commanded to turn to the Gentiles -- what a relief that must have been! They honored the word of the Lord and they believed.

I do find Paul's words interesting in verse 46. Instead of berating the Jews for their disbelief, he instead lays full blame for their decision at their feet, "Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life . . .." I wonder how that technique would work today for some of the folks we witness to? I imagine we'd have to use those words carefully.

It would have been easy for Paul and Barnabas to be discouraged as they left Pisidian Antioch since they were expelled from the region amidst great persecution, however the text tells us they were filled with joy as they shook the dust from their feet (verse 52). Aren't you discouraged when you give others good news and advice that can change their lives forever but they refuse to listen -- they even go so far as to tell you to butt out of their lives? We've had several situations in our lives where we have had direct experience and training in the very thing others are struggling with, but even when they requested our help they refused to believe our recommendations were better than the way they had always done it. And to be honest, we were never filled with joy as we watched them continue to struggle.

Maybe we need to shake the dust off of our feet and admit that they have rejected the advice and they don't consider themselves worthy of what it is they seek. Let them take the responsibility for their choices and move on to other areas, allowing ourselves to be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and work in areas where His light can shine more brightly.

I wish it were as easy to do as it is to type. . .

Following Blindly?

After a long 'vacation', I am starting up the daily devotions again since we are once more on a regular study schedule with our Sunday School lessons. We are back in the book of Acts, and this week we are studying chapters 13 and 14.

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Today's Verses: Acts 13:6-12

Context:
There was a meeting of prophets and teachers at the church in Antioch, and the Holy Spirit requested that Barnabas and Saul be set aside for special work. After fasting and prayer, they went to preach the word of God in Jewish synagogues in Cyprus, and John (probably John Mark) was there to help.

Text:

⁶They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, ⁷who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. ⁸But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. ⁹Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, ¹⁰"You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? ¹¹Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun."

Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. ¹²When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Verse 9 is the first time that Saul's new name, Paul, is referenced. Saul is a Hebrew name meaning "asked (of God)", and Paul is a Roman name which means "little". From this point on, he is called Paul in Acts. We don't know if Paul chose his new name himself or if someone else gave it to him. Some believe that he earned this new name at the time of this particular passage -- from preaching so successfully to Sergius Paulus. I've also heard (but can't quickly find a valid reference) that when people got baptized in Bible times they often took on a new name to reflect their new life in Christ. Kind of a neat concept! What does your given name mean and what new name would you take on to reflect your life in Christ?

As we read a little further, we see that Paul chastises Bar-Jesus, a false prophet and Jewish sorcerer, the same person whom is also called Elymas later in the passage, for being a "child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!" Then Paul performs his first recorded miracle -- to cause someone else to be blind as a way for him to see the true light. It is interesting that he uses this treatment on someone who is "perverting the right ways of the Lord" just as he was (maybe not with exactly the same intent, but with the same end result -- anything against the will of God takes people further away from God), most likely with the hope that it will turn Elymas around just as significantly as it did himself.

We see in this situation it had a significant effect on Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, but we don't know what happened to Elymas. Did he convert? Did he get his sight back? Did he become an advocate for Christ? His name means 'sorcerer' in Hebrew, so I imagine he changed it if he converted to Christianity, so he could well be referenced in future texts, but we may never know. And we don't hear any more information about Cyprus, although Barnabas and Mark spent time there after they separated from Paul's ministry for a time.

I wonder if any of the people who were with Saul at the time of his conversion were also amazed at the work of the Lord?

God Doesn't Show Favoritism

Today's Verses -- Acts 10:44 - 48

Context:
After Cornelius had a vision from God to go seek the man staying at Simon's home in Joppa, Peter had a vision, too. Peter was on Simon's roof when he fell into a trance. Three times God showed him 'unclean' food and told Peter to eat it. When the vision ended, Cornelius's men had arrived to request that Peter go with them to Caesarea. They arrived to see that a crowd had gathered at Cornelius's home and Peter was asked to share the message of Christ.

Text:

44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who
heard the message. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were
astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the
Gentiles. 46For they heard them speaking in tongues[a]
and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47"Can anyone keep
these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit
just as we have." 48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus
Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Acts
10:46 Or other languages

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Up to this point, only Jews or those who were converted to Judaism had received the Holy Spirit. It was a shock to see Gentiles who had obviously received the Spirit, and had it not been for the vision Peter saw, he probably wouldn't have believed it was possible.

Have you ever felt like someone (or a group of someones) didn't deserve the love of God? It is reported that Jeffrey Daumer, the serial killer who ate his victims, received salvation and spent the last few years of his life as a devout Christian. Many doubt his conversion. And what of men like Saddam Hussein, Adolf Hitler, and Attila the Hun? Would you be shocked to see them in Heaven?

Anyone can have a deathbed conversion...if he or she honestly believes, repents, and seeks salvation, even in the last moments of life, we are told that God will welcome him or her with open arms. Somehow that doesn't always seem fair.

But a sinner is a sinner...there isn't any priority of 'good sins' and 'bad sins'. We don't deserve to be in the presence of God any more than these men do, for all have sinned and fallen short of God's expectation. We are all 'unclean'.

It is up to us to show others that they can receive Christ's salvation...even if they don't consider themselves 'worthy'. Because in reality, none of us is worthy. Praise God that he loves us anyway!

Great Gifts

Today's Verses -- Acts 10:1 - 8

Context:
After bringing Dorcas back to life, Peter stayed in Joppa for a while with a tanner named Simon.

Text:
1At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"
4Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked.
The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."
7When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Sometimes it is easy to see God as the Ruler of the Universe, almost like the CEO of some major corporation. He is in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly, but doesn't really pay attention to any specific employee out in the workforce.

These verses throw that 'model' of God out with the trash! God is specifically paying attention to the prayers of a Gentile, a soldier reporting to those who have caused great harm to His son and His people. He pays close attention to our prayers, our gifts, and our service to others.

On the one hand, this is rather scary. God knows the gory details of the times I chose to give hesitantly or not at all. He seeks out those who have been devout and have given generously. Compared with the widow who gave her last penny, I'm sure I don't have a very outstanding giving record.

On the other hand, God loves us and sees us as out children. This morning one of our sons, Kevin, wanted two quarters from his 'spending' jar. It is Popcorn Day at school, and he wanted to take an extra quarter in case one of his friends forgot. It made my heart melt to realize that he is thinking of others and is more than happy to share.

God looks at us the same way. While he does have expectations that we tithe, he smiles when we willingly give to others without thinking much about the impact on our own lives. He isn't counting the pennies we give in an attempt to punish us when we don't give enough...He wants to bless us because we care for others.

I want God to feel good about my giving, just like I felt good about Kevin's. What can you do to make God smile today?

Back Home From Paradise

Today's Verses -- Acts 9:36-42

Context:
The Church has enjoyed a time of peace and strengthening by the Holy Spirit. Peter has been traveling around the country, healing people and growing the Church.

Text:
36In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas[a]), who was always doing good and helping the poor. 37About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!"
39Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. 42This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Acts 9:36 Both Tabitha (Aramaic) and Dorcas (Greek) mean gazelle.
There has been quite a bit of controversy in the Church about people who claim to have died, gone to Heaven, then been brought back to Earth. I wish Luke (the presumed author of Acts) had interviewed her about the experience and recorded her story in more detail! Likewise we don't hear what happened to Lazarus during his days of death.

When Jesus was on the cross, he told the thief next to him "Today you will be with me in paradise." Before Christ's death a Jew had to be obedient to the laws of God to get into Heaven. Afterwords we are told that only by believing in Christ, repenting and being baptized will provide entrance to Heaven. We know that Dorcas was a disciple, so it makes sense to suppose that she was a resident of Heaven after her death.

It was wonderful for the followers of Christ to have their dear friend back, and we presume she went back to her acts of love and service for others. And many more believed in Christ as a result of this resurrection.

But I really wonder how she felt about the whole incident. After all, she'd been in paradise! I'm not sure I'd be thrilled to come back to earth after an experience like that.

There were many believers who died ...both for their faith and from illness or old age. Why did Peter bring Dorcas back and not Stephen?

Does God bring people back from the dead in our time?

Standing Firm

Today's Verses -- Acts 9:23-29

Context: Saul has been obedient to Christ, and he is able to see again. He has been baptized and after spending several days with the disciples in Damascus, he has begun preaching the Good News in the synagogues.

Text:
23After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
26When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

God didn't give Saul much time to perfect his sermon before throwing him in to the fray! He went from persecuting to being persecuted in approximately one week.

It would be one thing if the people just ignored him, taunted him, or labeled him a fool. But they were so upset with his teaching that they were ready to kill just to silence him. In just a few days Saul's message was so powerful that devout Jews knew they had to eliminate him or their way of life was endangered.

Why was the message of Christ such a threat? Even today, people are at risk of death in certain countries for preaching, or even living, the Gospel.

We live in a country where all religions are supposedly tolerated, which in essence makes the Christian message (or any other message) meaningless. It's ok for people to believe whatever they want, our society says, because in the end it doesn't really make any difference. Religion is seen as a crutch and there isn't any true right or wrong, or all would be flocking toward the truth.

Even within our own Protestant faith there are so many denominations that outsiders see us as multiple religions who can't even define right from wrong within specific issues. If there is a strong disagreement within a church, people simply split and go their separate ways. The result is an entire country of lukewarm Christians.

What is truth, and how do we know? What do YOU stand for when it comes to God?

Instructions from God

Today's Text -- Acts 9:10 - 19

Context: Saul has just met Jesus for the first time on his way to Damascus to imprison the Christians. He's been blinded by the light from Heaven and is being led by his traveling companions into the city.

Text:
10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered.
11The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."
13"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."
15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you ever been told by God to do something that seemed unusual, dangerous, or even ridiculous? I've heard stories of people who are convinced that God has told them they should send certain amounts of money to particular addresses, without any particular reason. If they obeyed, the recipient was someone who needed that specific amount for a godly purpose!

Others, like Philip and the eunich, were told to go to a certain place or talk to a specific person.

I've had similar experiences, and it's hard to explain how I knew what I was supposed to do, but it was very clear. Sometimes I obeyed, and I am haunted by the times I didn't.

I'm not aware of anyone who claims God has spoke audibly to them (but I know he could if he wanted to), yet we can be certain we are receiving instructions. In today's text, Ananias had a vision, maybe a dream, and the Lord spoke clearly to him. I like that the author of Acts has included Ananias's response. He wanted to be really sure that God wanted him to go to Saul, because if he had misunderstood the message he could have easily ended up in jail.

The Lord didn't seem to be upset with Ananias (as we know, he could have taken any one of many measures to discipline Ananias for disbelief), but he patiently explained why it was important.

He even added in that Saul was going to have to suffer a lot. You notice Ananias didn't report that to Saul...at least not in record of the conversation.

Does God give each of us instructions that cause us discomfort at different times in our lives?

If it has happened to you, think about times when you thought God was asking you to take action. How did you know it was God? Did you act, or did you miss the opportunity? If we hesitate too long, does God bring someone else into the picture so his will is ultimately met?

An Encounter with God

Today's Text -- Acts 9:1-6

1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's
disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the
synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way,
whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he
neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you
persecute me?"
5"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.
"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6"Now
get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." NIV

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Frequently people will seem to be on a mission from God. They have decided, maybe they even believe they have heard from God himself, that they should take up a cause in the name of the Lord. Saul firmly believed he was doing God's work when he set out to make prisoners out of the followers of Jesus. He even had the blessing of the head honchos of the Synagogue. He wanted to be sure that the religion was not sullied by people who were promoting irreverent ideas.

I found an interesting twist in the King James Version. There, verses 5 and 6 read:

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I
am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he
trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord
said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou
must do.

I don't know which version is 'correct' from an original text perspective, but the Strongs Reference has the translation of these words from the Greek. When it talks about the pricks, it is referring to a large stick that had spikes or nails sticking out of it, often called a goad. It was used to prod oxen forward when they worked. To kick against it meant significant pain!

Jesus himself was telling this devout member of the Jewish race that he was not only doing something counter to God's wishes, but he was hurting himself in the process.

I also like the response of Saul to the Lord. He immediately knew that the speaker was God, but in the flash of a moment, when God identified himself as Jesus the son, Saul knew that he was on the wrong mission.

I wonder if he was waiting for that flash of light to turn into lightning or fire, searing him off of the face of the earth? Remember, the God of the Old Testament turned quickly to vengeance.

Saul was savvy enough to know that he needed to change his course. He truly desired to serve the Lord, and he wanted to know exactly what he should be doing instead, so he asked.

Jesus didn't bore him with a long instruction list telling Saul that he must convert to Christianity, leave his home and family to travel the world with the Good News, be shipwrecked, beaten, stoned, ridiculed, imprisoned, and eventually killed. All that would have been too much for Saul to handle.
Instead Jesus just told him the very next instruction...go into the city and you will hear what to do next. Almost like a treasure hunt...take six paces and find your next instruction hiding in the branches of the tallest tree!

I often wish God would let me know why certain things happen. But I can take encouragement from knowing that he only provides the information we need for the very next step. Perhaps we can't comprehend or handle the vision of the future. I just have to trust him enough to follow the clues which will eventually lead to the greatest treasure of all!

Are you on the right path...God's path not the worlds' (even if that worldly path is sanctioned by the church)? What is God telling you to do next?

So Many Questions

Today's Text -- Acts 8:14-17

14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of
God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15When they arrived, they prayed for them
that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16because the Holy Spirit had not yet
come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord
Jesus. 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the
Holy Spirit. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

Today we back up a few verses to one of the more controversial scriptures. I don't have any answers for you, but hopefully the questions this raises will cause you to think about what you believe!

If we look back to the beginning of this chapter, Philip had gone to Samaria and proclaimed Christ. He did a lot of miraculous signs, healing many and exorcising demons. The Samaritans paid close attention and there was great joy in the city.

It doesn't tell us how Philip baptized them, or even if he did, but our text for today tells us that the Samaritans had only been baptized into the name of Jesus. Therefore they hadn't received the Holy Spirit.

If we go back a little further, in chapter 2 Peter tells us to "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit".

So what had been done incorrectly? In our Sunday morning baptisms, we say something to the effect of 'I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of sins and to walk in the newness of life' (amazing how I hear it every Sunday and can't remember it word for word....). Does that mean that we did it correctly?

Do you know that you have received the Holy Spirit? How do you know?

Then there are the issues of those who died without baptism, like the man on the cross next to Jesus. He was going to Heaven that same day. But because he hadn't been baptized was he going to see Heaven and then be sent to Hell on the first available elevator?

This is one of the major controversies of the modern church -- is baptism required? Do you receive salvation only when you are baptized? Is sprinkling ok, or do you have to be immersed? When do you receive the Holy Spirit? Do you have to prove that you have the Holy Spirit by demonstrating a gift such as tongues?

What is the difference between legalism and obedience?

Not of Our Own Power

Today's Verses -- Acts 8:17-24
17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money 19and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."
24Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me." (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

When you first heard about Christ, did you make any rash comments or wrong assumptions about religion? Simon really missed the point here, but I still felt sorry for him the first time I read this. After all, he saw something that he wanted and he was willing to pay anything to get it. And boy, did Peter ream him!

It is really hard to understand the fact that salvation is free. God doesn't require us to pay large sums of money to buy our forgiveness (and some religions actually offer this with a payment plan!). He doesn't request that we spend 40 hours each week in a job that forces us to serve others. We don't even have a daily quota of Bible chapters to read. We are no more saved if we sell all we have and give it to the poor than we are if we don't tithe or read the Bible.

Yet, somehow, when we truly look to Christ as an example for our lives, we want to give, read, pray, and serve. And when new Christians see the faithful doing these things, they might think that the actions are requirements for walking through those pearly gates.

If you, like Peter, see someone who is struggling to attain salvation based on his or her own capabilities, help them understand the Good News that it has already been granted through Christ's sacrifice and God's grace.

But please, be a little more gentle than Peter was!

Go Tell It!

Today's Verses -- Deuteronomy 4:9-14

9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the
things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.
Teach them to your children and to their children after them. 10 Remember the
day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble
the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as
long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children." 11 You came
near and stood at the foot of the mountain while it blazed with fire to the very
heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. 12 Then the LORD spoke to you out
of the fire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only a
voice. 13 He declared to you his covenant, the Ten Commandments, which he
commanded you to follow and then wrote them on two stone tablets. 14 And the
LORD directed me at that time to teach you the decrees and laws you are to
follow in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

In the Old Testament, God commanded Moses to teach the Israelites about his laws and promises. They in turn were expected to teach these things to their children and their children's children. People were expected to read, memorize, and obey a long list of rules and regulations so that they might see the fulfillment of promises God had made to their forefathers.

I was unable to find any reference to a time in the Old Testament where God told His chosen people to go out and preach or teach those in surrounding communities about His promises and laws. The message was for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob alone.

There were times when others chose to become Jewish -- Ruth had been a Moabite who converted to Judaism so that she could live with her mother-in-law. She was received by the community (or at least by Boaz) as one of them.

But when Jesus came, He preached to anyone who would listen. There are several examples of times when He healed Gentiles, showing us that his message was for all -- Hebrew or not. As He ascended to Heaven, He told the followers to be his witnesses to Judea and Samaria (Hebrew communities) and to the ends of the earth. This fulfilled the prophecies of Isaiah about the Savior:

Isaiah 49:6 "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the
tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you
a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the
earth."

It really isn't fair. The Hebrews struggled for years to obey complex laws about what to eat, what to wear, even how to clean their homes. Millions of cute little lambs and doves were offered as sacrifices to God, showing the failure of His people to follow the rules. No matter what they did, they seemed unable to live up to His expectations.

And then we come along, the Gentiles. All we have to do is to believe, repent, and be baptized! After Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, He opened up the gates of Heaven to anyone and everyone. If we stick closely to Him, He will give us daily instructions that will result in a life that is full of peace and joy. This is the amazing Good News He wants us to share with the world.

Who will you tell today?

Share the Message

Today's Verses -- Acts 8:1b-4
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. 4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (NIV)

Have you ever thought about what it must be like to be a Christian in a country where Jesus was illegal? I believe God doesn't give us more than we can handle, and that's probably why I live in a country that just makes fun of Christians, doesn't persecute them.

These people packed up what little they could carry with them and left jobs, extended family, and the communities they had grown up in to start a new life somewhere else to avoid persecution. They had seen Stephen stoned to death and many of their friends put in jail just because they knew the truth about Jesus.

Yet, despite that fear of persecution, they were still so convinced that Jesus was the Savior and that he was the only way to salvation that they continued to tell everyone they saw the Good News! No amount of persecution has EVER wiped Christians off the face of the Earth for more than 2000 years!

Many people today face humiliation, being thrown out of their families or societies, imprisonment or death, yet they still tell the Good News. And I hesitate to tell others because I'm concerned about what they may think or that I might get the message wrong.

Shame on me.

Putting our Money Where Our Mouths Are...

Today's Verses -- Acts 4:32-37
32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
36Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet. (NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

If I'm totally honest, I really don't like these verses. I think it's really cool that the believers did this, but I don't want to have to do the same. I unfortunately hold on pretty tightly to lots of things...some of them are totally worthless and only take up space. Some of them I don't even like, but someone special gave them to me so I cling to them. I know that if a disaster occurred I'd get over this stuff, but in the meantime it's mine and I hold on to it.

Things that may come in handy some day, like business books. I might want to use them if I consult or write an article about that topic. In reality, I could get these books from the library with just a day or two notice. Or, worst case, I could purchase them again.

Or children's toys. They have been sitting unused for months, cluttering up the boys bedroom. The aren't played with anymore, but we spent money on them and I hate to see that wasted. Is it better to look at the pile of waste each day than to pass it on to someone who might enjoy them because they don't have any toys?

Unfortunately I could go on...clothes I hope to fit into again, furniture that doesn't get used much, extra cans of food because it was on sale, hobby supplies that I plan to use 'someday' (that one hurts...).

God will supply our every need (and lots of our wants, too). Sometimes it is truly miraculous, like the feast Jesus provided for the 5000. Othertimes is is simply an act of obedience as we give up our stuff so others can have their basic needs met.

It is easy to give a little spare money or a meal here and there...and it is greatly appreciated by others. But what have I done lately that was sacrificial? We've given away things that were in the way or unused, but we seldom change our lifestyle in order to help someone else.

I have a challenge for you...and we'll take it too. During the month of February, see if you can adjust your eating habits so you spend no more than $100 on food during the month...that is at the grocery store AND eating out! Use your grocery money for the rest of this month to stock up on basics, and in February only buy fresh produce, bread, and dairy products. For the rest of your needs, clean out your pantries and freezers! Donate your savings to a needy family or TEAM (The Emergency Assistance Ministry).

We did this last year, so I know it's possible. You can see what lessons we learned on my blog. Click on 'frugal February' in the list on the left. Hopefully we'll do better this year.

If that doesn't work for you, see what you could give up for the month...your morning Starbucks, eating out, going to the movies, soda...you name it. Let's see how much we could collect in just one month! Leave a comment below and share your plans!

Giving When it Hurts

Today's Verses -- Luke 21:1-4
1As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.[a] 3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." (NIV)
Footnotes:
Luke 21:2 Greek two lepta
taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you ever had to really trust God for your daily bread? I read a book about Brother Lawrence, a man who decided to put his full trust in God (sorry, I can't remember the name of the book). He left his home in the same manner as the disciples -- with nothing but his cloak -- and he put full faith in God's provision. God never failed to deliver.

Compared with those who put their lives and livelihoods on the line in missionary roles, my level of trust is almost non-existent. I know that God has blessed us immeasurably and that everything we have is his, but I didn't have to consciously rely on him last night to keep our home warm.

As financial counselors, Doug and I see a lot of difficult, seemingly impossible situations. Unfortunately one of the first things people 'give up' is tithing or any level of giving...even before giving up cable, internet, or fancy cars.

I wonder if Jesus watched those in fancy robes cut back on their giving because they needed extra money that month to buy gifts for their family? Or so they could keep their membership at the local baths? It is so easy to justify that we'll get back to giving as soon as our financial situation improves. In Malachi 3:8, God calls this robbery.

God asks us to give regardless of our situation, and he never fails to return by "throwing open the floodgates of heaven and pouring out so much blessing that we will not have room enough for it." Have you committed to let him bless you this year, regardless of your situation?

Good Reminder

Today's Verses -- Matthew 25:34-46

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by
my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the
creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I
was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited
me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after
me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous
will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and
give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in,
or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and
go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth,
whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for
me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you
who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me
nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed
clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look
after me.'
44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry
or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not
help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did
not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46"Then
they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
(NIV)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

What have you done for Jesus lately? What has he done for you?

The Early Church

Today's Text -- Acts 2:42-47

42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to
the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many
wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were
together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods,
they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together
in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad
and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And
the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV)

Taken from www.biblegateway.com

When is the last time you talked with your neighbors? Really talked -- about how life was going and what issues and occasions they were facing. To be honest, I have to think hard to remember the first and last names of all of our neighbors. We wave as we pass and shout out an occasional "Hello", but for the most part we are all busy with our own lives.

It wasn't always like this. When we first moved onto our court, all the families were new to the neighborhood and we all had young children. The kids would ride their Big Wheels around the court at breakneck speed while we sat on the curb and talked. We knew each others birthdays, extended family members, backgrounds, hopes, and dreams. Often one of us would pull our barbeque pit out to the street, everyone would bring meat and a side dish, and we played, ate, and talked the night away.

As the kids grew large enough not to need immediate supervision and some of our neighbors moved away, we grew apart. We waved and pushed our garage door openers, talked occasionally about how the grass and weeds were doing, and we slowly turned our lives inward. As new families moved into the court, we didn't really have any reason to get together and now we are polite, but we aren't even aware when someone is ill or grieved.

The same thing seems to be happening in our churches. Our busy lifestyles, technology, and stresses cause us to keep to ourselves. We say we will pray for each other, but often we don't really even remember to do that.

The early church members were initimately involved in each others lives. They ate together, worshipped together daily, and compared spiritual growth. They discussed the difficulties in their lives and they helped each other make it through physically, emotionally, and financially.

How can we as a class regain the spirit of the early church? How can we not only carve time out of our busy schedules, but dedicate ourselves to loving each other as much as we love ourselves (and our stuff...)? Who can you help today?