Trekking through the Scriptures is an adventure. Feel free to comment here, or email me personally.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Acts 10:9-35


                           Confidence and Confirmation
            Who are your heroes?  ________________________________
___________________________________________________________
What is it that makes you want to be like them?  Is it easier to aim to be like a “superhero” of the movie/comic book sort, or is it easier to aim to be a hero like a real live person who has not only strengths, but some very real weaknesses too?  What role did/does confidence play in your hero’s life?
One of the things I love about scripture is that we get to see people in both their strengths and their weaknesses.  That is a critical factor for having realistic heroes.  Peter is one of mine.  On the one hand it may appear he suffered from “foot in mouth”, but on the other hand he was open and honest about what he was thinking and feeling.  He needed restoration for his failures, and he received it, and moved forward.  He wasn’t “healed” of his personality, he was graciously ministered to by God in his weakness as well as his strength.
Isn’t it interesting how Cornelius, who had much less ‘Jesus experience’ than Peter, has a vision and immediately obeys while Peter requires a little repetition in his lesson?  He gets the message three times:  “What God has cleansed you must not call common.”  The great part, is that with a threefold confirmation, Peter could move forward, confident in God’s grace, to do what would have previously been unthinkable for him. 
How much better it was that he did not fake an understanding or obedience.  He persisted until he understood the truth, and then he acted on it.  God was opening the gospel to all people, and Peter had the privilege of standing at the door.  To many of the Jews, his words and actions may have seemed out of line and I’m sure they did not hesitate to make that known.  What a blessing that Peter had the confidence of God’s confirmation.
            If there are areas of life that you are struggling with right now, spend some time with God and in scripture.  Seek out what God has to say on the matter.  It is in Him and in His word that you will find the confirmation of what you are to do, along with the confidence and ability with His Spirit, to do it.

Read and Pray:  Proverbs 15:14, Psalm 119:33-40, Romans 14:19

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Acts 10:1-8


                           Awe and Obedience
            If your life is filled with self-gratification, fear of man, condemnation and pride, then these, and things related to these will fill your mind and be your greatest concerns. 
            From this passage, we know just a few things about Cornelius, but it is enough.  He experiences an unusual vision, and though he is afraid at first, he receives instructions and proceeds to obey.
Most of us will say that we want to obey God, but in our weakness, in our “passions of the moment”, or in our discouragement, or our fleeting “feelings”, we sometimes stray from what we know to be a good and right response:  obedience. 
A healthy fear of God combined with a desire to know and fellowship with God, leads to obedience.   But how do we foster a good growth of a healthy ‘fear of offending God’?  How do we nurture a desire to really know God better?
The more you know another human being, the more you will know both their strengths and weaknesses.  Depending on what you do with these, you may begin to care more deeply for the person, or you may grow to dislike them.  The outcome ironically, will not be based so much on what the other person is really like, as on how you choose to think about the things you perceive.  If your information is filtered through the “truth sieve” of grace (both toward yourself and toward others) in the midst of God’s creation, you will probably love that person more than before.
How much more might we appreciate the comfort of God if we call on the Holy Spirit to help us!?  How much more might we grow into love with Jesus if we take the time to get to know Him and his character better!?  And the Father—how much greater our awe will be if we begin to understand more of what He is like, what He has done, what He is doing.  If our sense of appreciation, grace, awe and trust in what He has intended, can all grow, then our desire and ability to respond appropriately will increase as well.
There are at least three things we can do to foster this good growth.  Like Cornelius:
  1. Become better acquainted with God’s power and intolerance of sin
  2. Become better acquainted with God’s character and nature
  3. Spend time in prayer, praise, and silence with God.
Read and Pray:  Psalm 5, Romans 11:33-36, Colossians 1:15-23

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Read Acts 9:32-43


                                                      stepping out
            One of the things that strike me in reading about Peter in this passage is the confidence with which he spoke to, and prayed for other people.  How did he know that these individuals would be healed?  Were all of his prayers completely answered?  Or are we just given a glimpse of some of the more spectacular occurrences?
            When was the last time you stepped out and tried something that is truly spectacular, beyond your own strength? _______________________
Are you willing to try something like that for the kingdom of God?___________
Do you consider praying for another person in the category of ‘big’ or ‘scary’?  
Why or why not? _______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
            What do you think are the key factors in why some people experience healing? _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
            What should be our attitude regarding praying for healing for other people? _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
What is/would be your reaction if you pray for healing for someone and it doesn’t happen?_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
What does David’s example demonstrate in 2 Samuel 12:13-23 _____________
______________________________________________________________
            In Christian circles we sometimes use the phrase “hold it lightly” because we know, (at least intellectually), that when we cling and clutch at something, it has probably become too important to us.  If we truly trust God, we have no need to cling to lesser things –even loved ones.  They belong to God, not us.
With that in mind, why not dare to step out and actively, and openly offer to pray for people you come across who are in need—at a minimum, they will know you care, and God may just choose to use you to minister His healing.
Read and Pray:  Psalm 139, Romans 9:31-39

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Acts 9:1-31


                                            encountering the darkness
            Paul had a plan that was backed by his intelligence, experience, and determination.  He intended to stop those he perceived as misguided people of the Way.  Yet he was stopped in his tracks by God’s divine intervention.  This not only disabled his determination, it brought about a couple other things as well:  (1) humility –with no sight he needed to be led by the hand  (2) godly fear –he was shaken up and fasted the whole three days
What do you think might have been running through his mind during these days of darkness? Clearly he experienced a greater revelation of what he was really doing—not only opposing a particular group of people, but opposing Jesus who was raised from the dead, and ultimately, opposing God, the very One he originally intended to serve.  He had gotten far off of that track, but in his literal darkness he encountered his own spiritual darkness.  Once he recognized it, he could repent.
            Sometimes we too can be headstrong about a viewpoint, an approach to doing something, or when, how, and where we want something to happen.  In His mercy, God still sometimes stops people in their tracks.  Obviously the way in which this happens can vary widely, but the question for each of us is the same: What will we do in our “darkness”?  It is a place for humility, godly fear, and repentance.
            After Paul’s experience, He had a godly fear that brought Him to honor and appreciate other human beings—even those mired in sin—for each person is made in the image of God, and saved purely by the grace of Jesus.  He was broken of his self-exaltation, humbled, and recognizing that his only hope was in Jesus Christ—not himself. 
By encountering not only the darkness of being blinded, but the darkness resident in himself, Paul was able to see truly.  The healing, baptism, strengthening and preaching which followed testify to what God desires for each of us.  Encountering the darkness in our own hearts is key to humility, godly fear, repentance and greater revelation.
Read and Pray:  John 1:3-5, 1 John 1:5-7, Revelation 21:22-27

Monday, April 23, 2012

Acts 9:1-19


                             fruits of faithfulness
            Ananias was a faithful disciple.  On this occasion he heard from the Lord in the form of a vision.  It was an experience in which he was able not only to receive information, but he was able to respond with his own personal thoughts:
1.       “Here I am”
2.      “The fact is, this guy has authority to bind all who call on Jesus” 
3.       “I’ve heard from many about how he has harmed your saints”

Can you see yourself in these responses?  Sometimes we affirm that we belong to God and we want to do whatever He wants us to do, but we have many reasons why we “shouldn’t”!  Apparently Ananias did not just lay out his objections, he also listened for, and heard a response:
1.      “Go”
2.      “He is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear my name to others”
3.      “He will suffer greatly for My name’s sake”

The Lord’s response speaks to, and elaborates on Ananias’ objections:
1.      If you are truly here with Me, be willing to go with Me.
2.      Man has granted another man authority to bind people who call on the name of Jesus, but I am giving this man authority to set people free in the name of Jesus
3.      He has sown harm and suffering in His personal quest, and he will reap suffering at the hands of those who act like he did.

Reading between the lines, it seems there is a message, “Do not be one who opposes me by opposing the people I choose to use.  There is already suffering.  Your job is to bring healing, encouragement, and strength in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Doing certain things for the kingdom of God may seem a bit frightening, or at least awkward.  But if we consult with Scripture and with God in prayer, we can trust the Holy Spirit to direct our steps, even as He did with Ananias.  Who could have imagined the great fruit resulting from his faithfulness?  What might result from ours?!
Read and Pray:  Joshua 24:21-24, Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 139:17-18

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Acts 8:25-40


                               listening  and  looking
            If you had a successful ministry where many people were believing in Jesus and being baptized, would you be willing to pick up and leave, heading toward an uninhabited desert?  Philip was willing. 
            He had received divine direction, so he arose and went.  Surprisingly, he met someone on the road, riding in an ox drawn chariot.  This someone was a eunuch, a high ranking official for a queen.  Though he had been to Jerusalem to worship, as a eunuch, he would have been forbidden entry into the temple.  Even so, he seems to have been a God-fearing man.
            Normally, an ordinary person would not approach a person of high rank—that would be outside the bounds of social mores.  Had it not been for his assurance that the Spirit of God was giving directions, it is very unlikely someone like Philip would have approached someone like the Ethiopian eunuch.
            Happily, the eunuch seemed to be prepared in heart and mind for this very meeting.  It was the right place at the right time for a greater revelation of the truth of Jesus.
            The working of the Holy Spirit is always remarkable when we recognize it.  This passage inspires me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading of my days.  I may not audibly hear an angel give specific instructions, but I can always respond to the still small voice of God if I will simply quiet my own mind and plans to listen.
            How about you?  Are you listening and looking for God to work in and through you in remarkable ways?  That is His nature.
Like Philip, keeping the love of God as our priority, let’s be diligent in the work that is before us, faithful and adaptable in changing circumstances, and sensitive to the leading of His Spirit.
Read and Pray:  Isaiah 56:1-8, Psalm 23, Luke 4:1, Galatians 5:16

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Acts 8:6-24


                            the intent of my heart
            Philip is one and the same as the one listed in Acts 6:5.  His “simple” job of serving in the daily distribution, was obviously not the “end of the line for him”.  Faithful in his duty he served as unto the Lord.  He was one of those who were scattered due to persecution, but the displacement ended up being an opportunity for the Gospel. 
            It is worth noting that up to this point, there was real hostility between Samaritans and Jews.  The former were viewed by the latter as being part of the “lost sheep of Israel”—that is, heretical in beliefs.  In this setting, faith in Jesus unites people, and brings the gospel one step closer to the even larger gap between Jews and Gentiles.
            Those who heard Philip’s preaching not only intellectually believed, but they chose to act on their belief by being publically baptized.  Prior to this, Simon the magician, had quite a following.  Yet his impressive acts could not garner the allegiance and dedication brought about by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The gospel engages every aspect of one’s being.
            Simon himself believed, was baptized, and continued with Philip.  It is noted that he was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs that were done, but perhaps his focus was a bit askew.  Was he looking through the lens of “What an awesome God this is!” or “What amazing things these men do!” ?
            Philip puts his finger on it when he says, “you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity”.  Bitterness usually relates to our feelings about other people, their words, and/or their actions.  If these feelings are not brought into the light of truth, they will become a reflection of lies, and penetrate our entire outlook on life. Related, but not identical to this, is the state of one who is bound by iniquity.  In this case, the individual has lost self-control, and is under sin’s control.  
Simon, under the control of sin (perhaps that of seeking to be adored, followed and praised by me), and filled with bitterness (perhaps over the Samaritan’s new dedication to Jesus rather than himself), seeks to change the situation by trying to acquire the thing that he sees as most influential:  supernatural power to impart the Holy Spirit (not the Holy Spirit Himself).
            Philip and Simon exemplify two responses to spiritual gifts and realities.  Which one bears an intent of the heart most like your own?   
Read and Pray:  Proverbs 21:27, 2 Chronicles 28:9, Hebrews 4:12-13, Ephesians 4:31-5:2

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Acts 8:1-5


                                               Persecution
What was happening back in New Testament times is not terribly different from what is still happening in some parts of the world today.  Here in the United States we can easily forget that real persecution happens each day because of faith.  And like Saul, certain powers may exert influence and try to stamp out faith in Jesus, yet for all their stamping, they simply spread embers upon dry ground. 
The following is an excerpt from a Voice of the Martyrs update:
Chinese Pastor Zhang Rongliang, reports that the seven years and six months he spent in prison were a fruitful time of ministry.  “I am happy that you and others tried to arrange for my release, but in one way, I am happy that you failed.  You almost made a big mistake.  If you had been successful, there would be no church in that prison today.”
                Chinese Christians are not allowed to visit prisons or start prison outreach ministries, so Zhang ministered to everyone he could while in prison—prisoners, prison guards and officials he could never have met outside prison.  Over 5,000 men lived in prison with Zhang, and many of them were able to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
                Zhang, a founder of one of china’s largest churches with over ten million members, has endured constant persecution for his ministry in China.  Zhang has been imprisoned five times and spent about a fourth of his life in prison.  “These new converts were the only way that I could forget the suffering I was going through in prison.”[1]
            The type of persecution you or I may be faced with is unlikely to match that of Pastor Zhang.  However, our responses can all be unified by pursuing the common goal of knowing God and making Him known.  Instead of stewing over, or focusing on the hardship, may we learn to focus on the good things God is doing in us, through us, and in and through others.
            Being thrust out of, or into new circumstances may in reality be the presentation of new opportunities to share the gospel. Yes, there will be some suffering, (that is part of living anyway!)  What matters most is the One who most loves and desires goodness and truth for all people.  Let us not forget  what a privilege it is to walk in, and share that truth.
Read and Pray:  John 15:18-21, Matthew 13:18-23, 2 Timothy 3:12

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Acts 7:54-60


               discerning between gods and God
            When something has become too important to me, it edges toward “idol” status.  What are some indicators of this?
  1. I become defensive when challenged about it
  2. I feel I must have it in order to be happy
  3. I am angry if it is hindered, damaged, spoken against, or not prioritized by others
It seems that in Christian realms, we are pretty good at recognizing the “bad” things: murder, sexual immorality, drunkenness, lies and deception,…  But we often fail to recognize that some really good things can become really bad for us if they become our idol.  These may be things that began in a good, right way:  health, beauty, godly parenting, community service, good education, control of circumstances and emotions, wealth, a good job, fun, popularity, intelligence, art, music, ministry, family and/or church traditions.  Even good things can become idols when they become preeminent above all else. 
How ironic that good things placed too high are the subjects of the accusations against Stephen.   He refers to Psalm 102 and how God cannot be contained, and how even though they have a heavenly revelation of God’s will in the law, they still don’t obey. Was Stephen really guilty of blasphemy?  What he spoke against was a high, hypocritical holding, and exclusive guarding of God’s gracious gifts.
            Were the religious leaders really defending “God’s temple and Law”, or were they defending their control and containment of God’s temple and Law?  It seems it was the latter.  God is into delivering all people, reaching all nations, writing His law on the tablets of all people’s hearts---uncontainable!!!
If the temple and the Law had become too high, as that of a god, then yes, Stephen was guilty of blaspheming (speaking against) their idolization of good things.  He was not blaspheming against God and His good gifts.  The people had chosen to worship the gifts over the giver, and made the gifts to be their god, under their control.
By keeping focus on God and His purposes, Stephen was able to see the big picture and sidestep and personal offense.  Instead, he responds as did God’s other deliverers:  Joseph, Moses, Jesus—He forgives, intercedes for the wicked, and surrenders completely to God.
May God grant us the grace and courage to do the same!
Read and Pray:  1 Corinthians 10:23-24, Revelation 22:1-5, 1 John 5:21

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Acts 7:35-53


                        reflection leading to revelation
Stephen emphasized the Israelites’ actions in order to help his accusers recognize they are of the same ilk as their fathers.  We could try to excuse ourselves as not being Jewish, but looking at underlying principles behind the actions it’s unlikely we would be found innocent. 
            Do we reject people, (as they initially did with Moses), on the basis of our own judgments, perceptions and small understandings?   –God works and delivers anyway—showing that it is He Himself at work.   God gives instructions.  Do we receive what He has to say and obey?  Is our heart turned toward or away from God?
            The Lord gave the Israelites over to their own desires which would have ultimately led to their own demise.  But something interesting happens that Stephen does not mention.  Read Deuteronomy 9:24-29 to find out. (It was _____________________)
            In His mercy, God gave His wayward people a focal point which emphasized His holiness:  the tabernacle.  He gave them the tablets and the Law to help them enjoy His good will and intentions for their lives.  Both the place of worship and the instructions were important to help instruct wandering people and to keep them well. 
            Even so, they seem to persist in self-direction.  Are we like them?
  • Rejecting people who speak clear hard truth
  • Rejecting people we don’t expect to be helpful to us
  • Seeking tangible, immediate, comforts rather than patience
  • Acting as if the gifts are the ultimate things, and serving them
  • Exalting self, and rejoicing in personal accomplishment
  • Choosing not to obey what we know to be true.
How much better it is to follow in the footsteps of Moses, Stephen and others like them:
  • Obeying instructions
  • Forgiving others
  • Interceding for those who are living/doing like the Israelites
  • Trusting fully in God’s goodness and waiting for Him
 Either way, there is bound to be some suffering—how much better it is though, to suffer for doing good, with a heart full of peace and joy in our salvation, and with thankfulness for His Spirit of comfort in us!
Read and Pray:  Romans 10:16-21, Proverbs 29:18, Ephesians 1:17-19

Monday, April 16, 2012

Read Acts 7: 17-29


                                            good ideas or God ideas?
From this text, it seems that Moses, at the age of being considered an adult (40 years old in those days!), had an idea of God’s purpose for his life.  He had a heart for the oppressed Israelites and it seems he was seeking to defend the downtrodden.  Maybe his assumption was something like this, “I get it!  These people are severely oppressed, and God has positioned me to be able to help them, I should get busy!”
However, as we know from the scriptures, the oppressed people either did not have that revelation of deliverance, or they did not accept the possibility of Moses being an agent of their deliverance.  They were not willing to receive Moses at this time, so they struck out against him with “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?  Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?”–Where did things go wrong?
Is there a problem with Moses, the children of Israel, or the political system? If so, what would you say the problems are?
Moses_________________________________________________________
Israelites_______________________________________________________
Political System__________________________________________________

How did Moses respond to this, the first recorded incident of his efforts to help the Israelites?
_____________________________________________________________

How can you differentiate from when you are doing what God wants you to do, and when you are simply doing what you want to do? 
_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________
Forty years after his first recorded attempt to help the Israelites, when he returns as the deliverer of the people, Moses demonstrates a quiet confidence unshaken by threats which surpassed any he received before.  What changed?  ____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
What a great reason to seek God regarding the use of our time, energy, and money.  Our own “good ideas” can accomplish some things, but God-directed ideas and activities accomplish immeasurably more.  And if we are operating in a trusting relationship with God, we will be able to walk with His grace in the midst of all that comes our way.

Read and Pray:  Psalm 27, 1 John 2:16-17, John 14:15-17, 15:4-5

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Acts 7:9-16


                                      by faith or by default
Faithfulness can be a lonely road.  It will often lead one away from the beaten path, away from the crowd.  But when we are faithful to God, His intentions will be fulfilled and these may be beyond our comprehension.
In this passage, Stephen cites Joseph’s experiences with his brothers, Pharaoh and the famine. (Read the details in Genesis 37-47)  These very experiences reflect a variety of truths.  What do you find here about:
1.  Human nature demonstrated in Joseph _________________________________________________________________
2.  Human nature demonstrated in Joseph’s bothers _________________________________________________________________
3. God’s nature in the midst of human nature _________________________________________________________________

In what ways do you personally identify with Joseph? [boasting, careless words, faithful in small and in hard things…] ___________________________________________________________________
In what ways do you identify with the brothers? [i.e. mob/crowd mentality and influence, jealousy, envy…] _________________________________________________________

What do you identify as God’s overarching purposes?  _______________________ _________________________________________________________________
Can you identify God’s overarching purposes at work in your life—even in spite of you? ______How so? ________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

I believe that part of what Stephen is demonstrating in this speech is that people will reject God’s plan and provision, but because He Himself is faithful, His plan and provision will still be carried out.  There is still hope, even in the face of faithlessness of men, for God is faithful.  His purposes and prophecies will be fulfilled.  

The choice before us is to participate in His plans willingly, faithfully, and joyfully, or to experience His plans by default. 

Read and Pray:  Romans 14:8-13, Philippians 2:9-11, 1 Samuel 15:22-23, Psalm 18:25-30

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Read Acts 7:1-8


                                   Calling You Out
Moving out of our comfort zone is usually not something we arbitrarily do.  Most often there is a catalyst in the form of circumstances and/or teachings that inspire us beyond our present borders. 
Abram made a radical move because of what God spoke to him. (Genesis 12)  I do not know in what particular way God spoke to Abram, but there are four things I can be pretty sure of:
  1. Apparently the message from God was clear
  2. Obedience to God was a high priority for Abram
  3. ‘Trusting God’ was Abram’s mode of operation
  4. He embraced the big picture of “God is in control”
Abram must have known there would be some rough road ahead.  As a matter of fact, he was not guaranteed any immediate reward.  He did encounter some real hassles (packing and moving, famine, Egyptians, strife among herdsmen, and evil kings). 
There was a promise of deliverance and a hope, and even if the benefits would not necessarily be for himself personally but rather for his descendants, he considered obedience the best option. He had faith that God was doing a good thing!  What would have happened if Abram’s mindset had been, “What’s in it for me?”  He probably would not have obeyed in the first place!  When Abram obeyed, others were blessed.  รจThis is an over-arching principle:  when we obey, others are blessed.  When we sin, we damage not only ourselves, but others as well. 

Is God calling you out of a comfort zone?  There are a wide variety of possibilities:
·         Into or out of a certain job and/or  ministry
·         Away from or toward certain people, activities, or habits
·         Out of a self-focused, self-serving mindset into greater focus on His kingdom purposes and loving others well
It is always a matter of seeking God’s leading and direction, obeying what He has already told you to do, and faithfully trusting in His goodness and His good intentions.
If God is calling you out, it is likely you are being invited to be one of His agents of blessing!  Today, in what area do you think He is ‘calling you out’?  ___________________________________________________________  
How might others be blessed if you choose to obey? ___________________________________________________________
            In what ways might this help you know God better? ___________________________________________________________

Read and Pray:  Genesis 15:1-6, 22:18, 26:1-6, Isaiah 42:5-6, Romans 8:27-28

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Read Acts Chapter 7


                                                                  overview
            It was being alleged that Stephen was attacking the temple and the law.  But Stephen’s preaching was very much in line with scripture and the teachings of Jesus, who Himself represented, and brought into reality, deeper fellowship with God.  This went far beyond what the old traditions could facilitate.
            Stephen’s speech was quite long, and we will look at it section by section.  Two themes run through the speech:
  1. God’s pursuit and guidance, and man’s rejection and disobedience
  2. Man’s mistaken belief that God can be contained

Right off the bat, it is demonstrated that God’s self-revelation is not confined to the land of the Jews—He revealed Himself to Abraham in Mesopotamia.  Could God’s revelation come to us in unexpected places or ways?  Or do we choose to keep Him contained in our traditions, our usual church settings, or our own limited expectations?
Read again through this chapter, taking note of two things (you can make columns for this):
What people do                                         What God does

Can you see and more clearly understand people’s actions or God’s actions?  ___________ Who seems to be doing more? ______________________
What do you notice about those who submit to God’s general guiding?________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
What do you notice about those who don’t? ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
Of all the people referred to in this chapter, who do you most resemble? (If you are not sure, look at your column of “what people do” and find actions which reflect your own) ____________________
How do you feel about that? _________________________________

Read and Pray:  Philippians 1:6

Friday, April 6, 2012

Read Acts 6:8-15


                           reflecting God’s glory
                Stephen’s gifts are a result of his being filled with the Spirit—not as a result of his recognized appointment.  In this passage, we see believers whose ancestors once served as slaves but are now free, and they are in dispute with Stephen.  Unable to resist the wisdom and Spirit of God which was operating in Stephan, they resorted to seeking false witnesses.
                It was being alleged that Stephan was attacking the temple and the law—allegations that were not much different from those brought against Jesus.
                Stephen stood his ground:   We live ultimately not for the function of the material temple, but for the body of Christ which is made up of the community of believers.  This new dimension of fellowship with God goes way beyond laws and regulations, for it goes to the heart and purpose of those very laws and regulations.
                What a threat that can be to a comfortable, defined, predictable way of living and operating!  The gospel Stephen was preaching was the hard-hitting truth that Jesus spoke.  (We will get to the details in the next chapter)  I imagine the faces of his opponents were tight with stress and anger and frustration.  They hurled insults and accusations, brought him before the authorities and threatened him.
                Yet, Stephen must be drawing his strength, stability and peace from somewhere else.  All who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.  That sounds like calm confidence. 
When we draw near to God, we experience Him.  When we abide with Him, we begin to take on some of His characteristics.  When we enjoy His glory, we reflect some of that glory.  It is a result of being in His presence, no matter where you are.  May you reflect His glory as you go about your activities today.
Read and Pray:  Proverbs 27:19, Romans 8:18-21, Philippians 2:12-15

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Read Acts 6:1-7


                                                       practical matters
                The believers at the time of the writing were primarily a mix of Aramaic and Greek speaking Jews.  Perhaps there were some oversights or some preferences that arose because of language, or geographical origin, but it does appear that the believers are trying to operate in unity, albeit imperfectly.
                Similar to when Moses was doing far too much for one man (Exodus 18:16-17), it seems the disciples had too much on their plates.  When tensions arose about some widows being neglected, they promptly responded to rectify the situation. 
Practical matters were not seen as lower, or less spiritual.  The apostles requested recommendations for men who would be good to appoint as overseers of the disbursement of goods.  The qualities that are identified as necessary are (1) a good reputation, (2) full of the Holy Spirit, and (3) full of wisdom.   Though the position may at first glance appear to be on a base physical level, it was in reality much more.
Once the appointment was made, the apostles prayed and laid hands on the men.  The selection was made and the appointment done with great care.  Do you sometimes seek and expect the glamorous leader positions to be influential, rather than the humble roles of servitude?
                What was the state of the church shortly after this? (verse 7)  ______________________________________________________________
                Jesus was very clear about the “upside-down” nature of His kingdom.  He did not need the brilliant, the beautiful, the powerful.  He wanted the humble and the willing.  I wonder if Stephen’s appointment positioned him in, and taught him more about, the body of believers so that when it came time for him to speak he was better able to do so.  As we will see in the coming chapters, Stephen and Philip,(and probably the others), were not just “servers”.  Later they are noted as also active in witnessing and evangelizing, and to some degree serving as a bridge to the next stage of witness and mission to Christians in Judea and Samaria.
We should never underestimate the incredible power and impact of humble service in practical matters.
Read and Pray:  Matthew 20:25-28, John 15:12-17, Colossians 3:17

Monday, April 2, 2012

Read Acts 5:40-42


                                                         joyful mindset
Can you imagine receiving a beating and then being happy about it?  In this case, the beating was probably that which was deemed appropriate by the Sanhedrin for offense against the temple and/or law—thirty nine lashes.[1]  This was meant to make a serious statement to those who were around.  How can it be that these apostles depart from the place of beating, rejoicing?!?  It must have to do with the source of their hearts’ desire. 
Where does your joy come from?  Being liked by other people?  Accomplishments?  Entertainment?  Wealth?  Health?  Of course, these all, (and more), will play into our mental feelings about being “happy”.  But if the temporal, changing aspects of life are the substance of our joy and contentment, then we will be in for a wild ride of ups and downs.
The disciples had grown deeply in their conviction of the truth that Jesus is the bridge to God; the Savior of mankind and the source of forgiveness and cleansing.  They had also grown more and more in an abiding everyday walk with the risen Christ.  Their hearts were joined with Jesus such that they were sensitive to, and seeking the purposes of God.
As we grow deeper in love with God, and more aware of life in Him, we can begin to recognize that suffering on account of him is a privilege of fellowship with Him.  A privilege to see as He sees, feel as He feels, respond as He responds.  If we will to submit to God in suffering, it can help strip away more of our self-focus, enabling us to take on more of Him.  We become more free of ourselves and our worldly cares and desires as we experience life with God, through His grace.
Truth may lead to trials, but the trials will lead to transformation when we submit to Him and His truth in the midst of it all.  There can be joy about entering in more deeply, more fully, into the fellowship and unity of the Father and the Son.
Read and pray:  Matthew 5:11-12,  James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:3-9



[1] Marshal, Howard, (Tyndale New Testament Commentary, 1980), Acts, p. 130