Until the Whole World Hears

Yesterday Paul shared an inspiring story about his friend Tammy. Tammy has a heart for the lost and I love how creative she will get to reach just one person with the message of Jesus. This week we have been reading a lot about the Apostle Paul, who also did whatever it took to reach the lost for Jesus.

These past weeks have shown us how fragile life is. We have witnessed consuming fires blaze across the west, earthquakes in Mexico, hurricanes, and violence in Las Vegas. So many lives lost and I can't help wondering how many never knew the saving love of Christ. 

As inspiring as Paul is, we don't have to be a missionary across the globe to tell people about Jesus. We can do it right where we are.

My son just recently joined Taekwondo and I have met several of the parents watching their child. Evan asked me the other night if I talk to the parents because I am looking for a friend for him to meet. He still does not have any friends since we moved this past June. I kinda felt bad, but I had to answer him honestly and say, "no."  I hadn't even thought of it. I explained to him that I am meeting people so that I can start a conversation about our church and invite them to come and check us out.

Luckily Evan was happy with my answer. He said that that was more important because there are so many people who don't know Jesus.

In our passage today we learn that Paul, "witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe."

Some were convinced, others would not believe.  It is not our job to convince everyone, but there are so many people who do not know Jesus and it is our job to tell them about him. Whether you are a global missionary or a soccer mom, we don't know what tomorrow will bring let's not waste another moment.

Read today entire passage here Acts 28: 23-30

The Believer’s Pray-Be Bold

 Have you ever been so passionate about something that you spoke with the intensity of a great warrior or scholar and had no idea where the words came from? Was there a time when you stood strong for a cause in a way that you would have never believed you could?

Perhaps this is the type of inner passion today’s scripture refers to as speaking the word of God boldly.

Peter and John were seized and taken to jail because of what they were sharing about Jesus.  They were questioned and warned multiple times not to speak of or teach in the name of Jesus. Upon their release, Peter and John were even more intent on their mission.

They prayed; “Now Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your Holy Servant Jesus.”

Verse 31 goes on to say; After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

We can be bold and assertive without being aggressive or pushy. Being bold for the Lord is a great honor. Meeting people where they are with the confidence of the Holy Spirit within us will draw others to us.

Perhaps you are not a bold person by nature, but you will be amazed at what can come forth from within even the small and meek when the Spirit is near and we are open to it. Be bold for the Lord! He has certainly been bold for us!

Read/Listen to Acts 4:23-31

God's Message Is For All

Acts 10: 34-38

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.”

Peter received the vision for us all and was directed by God to share it. The Lord does not speak specifically to each one of us in a clear dream or visualization. If he did there would be no need for faith. He does however; whisper his will in quiet, gentle ways. Some of us hear but many of us miss out.

God calls us to be still.

He promises us that if we seek him we will find him.

He urges us to listen for his voice.

He encourages us to give our burdens to him.

He modeled the way we are to live upon this earth through Jesus.

He sent the gift of the Holy Spirit to be with us and support us.

God may not send an angel to each of us, but he does speak to us through the Bible and through others who strive to live as Christ did. He communicates his message through music, experiences, trials and joys.

As we live this life we have been graciously given, perhaps we need to slow down, look around, and listen. His great grace is there, and thank heaven, so is his mercy!

Like many Christian performers,Casting Crowns took a verse from the bible  and weaved it into a message through their song Courageous, regarding what the Lord requires of us; Micah 6:8 “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 

The courage to live as Jesus did starts in our hearts and homes. Then with God's help, we can take it beyond as we love and accept all others regardless of their religion or status. The message Jesus brought to this earth was not just for Jews. His chosen people are all who believe. 

Song & Video: Courageous

Read/Listen to: Acts 10:34-38

Acts 19:1-7

In the name of the Father 
and of the Son 
and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

We have a vision of who the Father and Son are, but the Holy Spirit seems more mysterious. 

It’s difficult to picture what a Holy Spirit looks like and because of our human limitations

 we seem to need things somewhat concrete to understand.

In Acts 2, the Pentecost took place. Luke writes of a violent blowing wind that came from 
             heaven. What appeared to be tongues of fire rested upon each of their heads and they began              to speak in tongues as the Spirit enabled them. As a crowd gathered these disciples’ words 

were clearly understood by each one in their own native language.

Acts 19 tells of another incident of disciples receiving the Holy Spirit. Perhaps we are those 

disciples. Before Jesus was taken up into heaven he promised the power of the Holy Spirit 

would come. That promise was not just for the twelve chosen Apostles, but for all men.

The Holy Spirit is the power of God here on earth. We are all free to receive it, but we must 

be still and open our hearts to feel and accept it. It need not happen in a great and glorious 

manner with wind and fire. It is a personal experience meant to help us feel and 

understand God’s purpose and our mission.

Might speaking in tongues to us be simply meeting people where they are, identifying

 with their pain, and walking them through it toward the Lord?

We have been given this gift of the Holy Spirit, but it does us no good to simply look 

at the beautifully wrapped package. We must open it, acknowledge its contents,

 thank our God, and use it for His purpose.
"Bringing Faith To Life"

Read/Listen to Acts 19:1-7

Acts 9: 10-15

The Story of Ananias

Who? The Journey Bible (NIV) describes him this way; Ananias: 1. The husband of Sapphira; he was struck dead for lying to God  2. disciple who baptized Saul  3. The high priest before whom Paul was tried in Jerusalem

So Ananias was in good standing with God, and then he wasn't, and then he was, and then he wasn't. That sounds familiar doesn't it!

At one point in his life, Ananias was used by God in one of the most significant transformations recorded in the bible-Saul converting from God hater and Christian killer to a Christ following disciple willing to speak out and suffer intensely in the name of the Lord. (Paul)

We all fall in and out of God’s favor, as we allow our human desires and tendencies to control our thoughts and actions.  His grace however, always remains and regardless of our sin, we can be used by God.

Ananias was instructed by God to go to Saul. He did not want to go. Ananias had heard about all the terrible things Saul had done and of his murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He did as God called him to do though, and through him, Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and was changed.

It is difficult to imagine the Lord using us to deliver the Holy Spirit to others in this way, but it happens. Regular God loving folks like you and I are used as vehicles for God’s purpose all the time.  We may need to approach scary and uncomfortable people or situations for His purpose. We might be stretched far beyond our comfort zone only to feel our actions are futile, but often we are not meant to see the difference we make. The result of our actions may not surface for years, and perhaps we will never know one way or the other, but it doesn't matter. We are to simply  follow Jesus' example, and let the Holy Spirit guide us to where God wants us to be.

Live, Love, Reach out. Our actions may change the life of another,....... for eternity!

Read/Listen to Acts 9:10-15

Live!

Acts 9:36-43

Today’s reading is about a woman named Tabitha. Scripture describes her as a disciple who was always doing good and helping the poor. She became ill and died. Many who knew her mourned with great sadness.  Knowing Peter was near, they sent for him. Peter bowed in prayer and directed Tabitha to get up. She was offered another opportunity to live; to extend her earthly life. She rose as Peter directed her. This became know all over the area causing many people to believe in the Lord.

We too are offered new life on a daily basis. With each setting sun, God offers his forgiveness if we go to him with a sincere heart and confess our sin with repentance and cleansing as our motive. Every dawn brings us a fresh, new beginning in his grace if we so choose.

1 John: 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

God has provided a way out from under the heavy weight of guilt. That way begins with basic acknowledgment, continues with confession and remorse, and ends with accepting his forgiveness.

Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

We CAN begin anew, with a fresh opportunity to live, love, and reach others, for the sake of the kingdom of God. Accept this most precious gift of forgiveness; and do what may be even more difficult-forgive yourself as well, and LIVE! 

Read/Listen to Acts 9:36-43

Pray. Give. Go.

The Mission Challenge

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. Acts 1:9

The apostles heard the last words of Jesus just before He ascended into heaven. What an incredible honor, accompanied by an assignment of amazing significance and responsibility!

The words of verse 8, a variation of what is often called the “Great Commission,” offer a purpose and direction for all of Jesus’ followers. Jesus was saying, Go! Do not stand and watch my cloud dissolve into the evening sky. Get out there and make a difference for others, as I have for you.

When I realized my next assignment was addressing Acts 1:8, my thoughts went immediately to the Acts 1:8 Ministry I have heard so much about. I then realized how much I didn’t know, so of course, I Googled it.

 Their Home Page reads:

God is seeking to enter the heart of every person on this planet, but many Christians are intimidated by the idea of sharing their faith. Planned Acts of Christian Kindness (P.A.C.K.®) operates on a simple premise, sharing our faith in practical ways by being an example for Christ.

Reach out!

We are not all preachers, missionaries, or speakers, but we do have God given gifts the Lord expects us to use for His purpose. Perhaps Acts 1:8 Ministry is just the ticket for some of us to get started.

Acts 1:8 Ministry offers a FREE Christian outreach program to churches, organizations and individuals. 

Every day as we walk out of our homes, we are entering the mission fields. Each encounter we have with others opens a door to share the love of Christ with others. What are we waiting for? 

“It’s Time For Us To Do Something!”

Read/Listen to Acts 1:8

Watch and Listen to: It’s Time For Us To Do Something by Mathew West

Check out Acts 1:8 Ministry

Shhhhhh,.... Listen.

Acts 16: 6-15

As Paul continued on his journey, he followed the guiding of the Holy Spirit. As I read this, I couldn’t help but think, “Why is it that the messages from the Lord were so clear to Paul, and many of us continue daily, asking God what direction He wants us to take without so much as a nudge?” How awesome would it be to have a crystal clear understanding of what God wants of us!

Acts 16 tells of Paul and his companions being kept by the Holy Spirit from going to the Province of Asia. It also says that the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to enter Bithynia, and that during the night Paul had a vision of a man in Macedonia begging him to come and help them. He was specifically guided as to what he should do, and what he should not do. It was very clear for Paul according to this scripture. If only our purpose and expectations were this obvious.

Perhaps Paul was more still and quiet, waiting for the Lord to speak to him than we are in our busy world. Maybe if we stopped to “Be still and know that He is God,” we would hear his whispers.

 I challenge you to quiet yourself, ruthlessly eliminate hurry, and listen. What harm could come of it? A task might go unfinished for a time, but just think of the eternal gift that could result. Our Lord waits for us to hear Him, but we cannot hear if we do not listen.

Read/Listen to Acts 16: 6-15

Acts 14: 18-28

Witness, Persecution, and Encouragement

In this passage Paul and Barnabas were together. Paul cured a cripple man, and the crowd that witnessed this miracle began to worship Paul and Barnabas. Knowing that not they, but God was responsible for the healing, they rejected the praise and redirected it to the Lord. Paul also advised them to turn from their worthless things to the living God who created all things. Paul and Barnabas attempted to minister to them, and appeal to their sinful nature, however were persecuted in return. The crowd stoned Paul, dragged him outside of the town, and left him for dead. 

“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of heaven,” was Paul’s message to the disciples. He picked himself up, and returned to the city! This was not about to stop Paul from preaching the good news. There are people in this world today who risk physical mistreatment similar to Paul’s, and possibly death for the sake of Christianity. Please pray for them.

Though stoning is not the type of treatment we endure, at times we may feel pretty beat up. Christ followers in this country are ignored, ridiculed, put town, verbally assaulted, and at times physically attacked for their beliefs. Many struggle within their own families to hold tightly to the word, when in the midst of relatives resistant to a lifestyle we are called to through the bible. Please pray for them.

Heavenly Father, we praise you and lift our hands and hearts to you for all the goodness you provide. Your loving ways are beyond our comprehension, yet we attempt to understand and minister to others your message of forgiveness, grace, and hope. Please remain with us as we carry on through this journey, and bring us strength to persist as Paul did, to bring your message to those who so desperately need it. Amen.

Listen to/Read Acts 14:8-28

Give Me Your Eyes

Acts 11: 1-18

In those days, the Jews considered themselves the chosen people. They were the ones God loved and protected. All others were Gentiles, non-Jews, considered unclean, unworthy of the Lord’s grace and mercy. What made them think that just because others were not born into that elite group they were less than they, and not privileged to know the savior? What makes us think there are people in our world who do not deserve to be a child of God?

Even back in Genesis 12, the Lord spoke to Abraham saying “…all people on earth will be blessed through you.” He did not say those who are in a particular group or of specific status, but ALL PEOPLE. That means you, me, your ornery neighbor, the unborn child, old men and women across the globe, and the proclaimed atheist you see on television. This declaration was all inclusive.

I encourage you to journey through the next few days, keeping this in mind. No matter where you are, what or who you encounter, do your best to keep in the forefront of your mind that each and every person you come across is a child of God, welcome in His heavenly kingdom. Regardless of how rude the clerk may be, how uncaring your ex-wife may come across, or how self centered your teenager is, see them all as innocent children of the Lord with a purpose on this earth.

This reminds me of a strategy that was once shared with me regarding dealing with difficult people. I was told that when confronted in a negative or uncomfortable manner, I should view that person with no clothes on. This was not meant to be a perverted way to deal with a situation, but to be real about who people really are. We all came into this world the same way, naked and vulnerable, innocent and pure. It is the world that changes us, and pulls us away from that beautiful God given condition.

So, let’s be real, loving and accepting all people the way our God loves us. Ask the Lord to give you His eyes so you can see all people the way He sees us…..as His children.

Read/Listen to Acts 11:1-18

See and listen to "Give Me your Eyes" by Brandon Heath

Saul’s Conversion

 Acts 9: 1-20

I have a few observations and questions I’d like to share:

I have  noticed that some people have to be hit up along side the head with a brick before they get it!

Many are hit up along side the head with a brick and still don’t get it!

How often do some people have to get hit up along side the head with a brick before they do get it? And finally, why is it that some people get hit up along side the head with a brick time and time again and never get it?!

Receiving a devastating blow can be the greatest blessing of our life, though at the time it is impossible to see.

Saul was known to be a mean, cold hearted opponent of the Christian faith. He “was still breathing murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples,” in Acts 9:1. While in the process of seeking letters to the synagogues in Damascus from the high priest, granting him permission to capture and imprison anyone Saul found to be Christ followers, was literally blindsided. A sudden light from heaven flashed around him. Saul fell to the ground and heard, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” The Lord directed him to get up, go into the city, and he would be told what he must do there. Upon standing and opening his eyes, Saul found he was blind. Now that’s being hit up along side the head!

Saul was guided to Damascus by the hand, and for three days he was blind. In the mean time, a disciple named Ananias was called upon by the Lord to go to Saul, place his hands on him and restore his sight. Ananias was reluctant because he knew of Saul’s history. The Lord said to Ananias in Acts 9:15, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer in my name.” This was done, and Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit. Most of us know the rest of the story of Saul, otherwise known as Paul.

The message to Saul was very clear. Today not many people have the privilege of such an obvious and undeniable communication direct from God. We must quiet ourselves, feed ourselves from His Word, and P. R. A. Y.  

P-Persevere

R-Repent

A-Act

Y-Yield

Read/Listen to Acts 9:1-20

Famine Relief and Mission

Acts 11: 19-30; 12:25-13:3

As our faith deepens, because we spend more time in God’s word and walk in His ways, we feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. The more deeply we pray, praising and thanking our God, our sense that His will is being done within us and around us is validated, which brings us peace. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done."  We are not going to change the whole world, but as famine spread through the Roman world as was prophesied in Acts 11:28-29,  “The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea." We too can use our gifts and abilities for the care and benefit of others.

Our God is relational. He came to earth to demonstrate for us just how personally important each of us is to him. He came to save us, and offer His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. He has given us the gift of His life in order for us to have the opportunity to live eternally with Him. What do we offer in return?

In Acts 13: “Barnabas and Saul Sent Off,” we are witness to the beginning of the first missionary journey. The teachers and prophets in the church at Antioch heard the message of the Holy Spirit while they were praying and fasting, that Barnabas and Saul should be set apart and sent out. They prayed over them, “placed their hands on them, and sent them off.” This scene is easy for us to envision in our minds for a moment and then release it, because this event was far away, a long time ago, and happened to someone else. Well, guess what…When our feet hit the floor each morning, we are in the mission fields. 

Read/Listen to Acts 11:19-13:3

Using Our Gifts

Acts 6: 1-7

We are all gifted. Some of us seem to have gotten in the right line and received many more gifts than others, but the fact is, we have all been blessed with the talents God intended for us. At what point we discover, and put these talents to use is our choice.

1 Peter 10:4 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

In today’s passage, seven men were chosen because they were known to be “full of the spirit and wisdom.” They combined their energy and together caused the number of disciples in Jerusalem to increase rapidly.

We do not have to be “full of the spirit and wisdom” to be a warrior for Christ (though it might help).  We simply need to make ourselves aware of the grace of God, and what vehicle he has given us to use as a means to serve Him, serve others, and bring honor and glory to Him.

In order to live a life of service, we are not required to be missionaries, pastors, or elders. We must be who we are, growing where we have been planted, and sharing the good news with a sincere heart. 

“Let The Glory Of the Lord Shine Among Us!”

Read/Listen to Acts 6:1-7

Acts 4:32-5:11

Bold Giving

Bold defined means: fearless and adventurous; willing and eager to face danger or adventure with a sense of confidence and fearlessness. Have you ever felt adventurous and daring when you dropped the envelope or roll of cash into the collection basket at church? Do you feel that way every time? Most of us don’t. Is that wrong? There’s a song by Matthew West called, My Own Little World. One of the lines reads; “I throw a twenty in the plate, but I never give ‘til it hurts.” Is it supposed to hurt?

Today’s reading holds a story about a group of believers who shared everything, including all of their possessions. They were “one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of the possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them.”

This makes me think of a commune situation. If the numbers weren't too high, and everyone shared what they had for the good of the cause it might be an awesome little community. But now look at this big world. How can we possibly even make a dent in the multitudes of needy across the globe? The numbers are unimaginable, yet God calls us to reach out in many places throughout the bible:

Romans 15:1-3.

Deuteronomy 15:11

1 John 3:17-18

Acts 20:35

Proverbs 19:17

Proverbs 22:9

Luke 12:33-34

…and the list of clear messages to serve others goes on. Whether it is giving at the church to be dispersed as the church ministries determine, or reaching out directly to those in need within our own life, it is what the Lord expects of us. And, our giving is not to be with reluctance, for “God loves a cheerful giver.” 

2 Corinthians 9:7

On last Monday’s radio show with Chuck Swindoll, he described world ministry in this way: It’s like working in a mine. Some go down, to do the actual work while others stay on the surface and hold the rope. Both are needed, as the job cannot be done without one or the other. We can jump in and directly serve if that is what we are called to do, or we can hold the rope in support of those who are equipped to go down. Holding the rope can be just as bold as going down, as long as we don’t let go.

Read/Listen to Acts 4: 32-5:11

Watch/Listen to “My Own Little World” by Matthew West

Acts: 4: 23-31

                                                           Praying Bold

Have you ever been so passionate about something that you spoke with the intensity of a great warrior or scholar and had no idea where the words came from? Was there a time when you stood strong for a cause in a way that you would have never believed you could? Did you ever impulsively grab a child just before he ran into the street or jump between two people when one was about to attack the other in some way? In these types of situations, it doesn't take a great deal of forethought, it happens because it is supposed to. The courage jumps into us swiftly and takes control.

I remember the last day of  my sophomore year in high school. I was very quiet and rather insecure. All of the students had to turn in their books, locks, etc., so it was an unstructured situation with many students hanging around, talking, and waiting for their friends. I was walking down a long corridor alone, when up ahead I watched as a group of “tough” girls grabbed hold of a student and were attempting to drag her outside. I recognized the girl as Ginger. She was somewhat heavy set, and was seldom seen in the school hallways because she had a cognitive disability. Ginger was obviously scared to death, as this gang of rough teens had hold of her on all sides. Without even thinking, I ran ahead and yelled at the top of my lungs, “Let her go!” I stepped into their arena as Ginger was attempting to grab on to the door frame. The girls let go of Ginger and she hurried off in a panic. They then grabbed hold of me and suddenly I became their target. I survived the ordeal, but have often thought about where that courage came from. There were about seven or eight of them and one of me. I knew Ginger would be of no help, and I had no intention of getting into a street fight, but when I saw her being brutalized by her peers I didn't think for a second about walking by. It was something that simply had to be done.

I believe this is the type of inner passion today’s scripture refers to: Being Bold!

Peter and John were seized and taken to jail because of what they were speaking about Jesus.  They were questioned and warned multiple times not to speak of or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Upon their release, Peter and John were even more intent on their mission. They prayed; “……now Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Verse 31 goes on to say; After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

We can be bold and assertive without being aggressive or pushy. Being bold for the Lord is a great honor. Meeting people where they are with the confidence of the Holy Spirit within us will draw others to us. Perhaps you are not a bold person by nature, but it is amazing what can come forth from within even the small and meek,  when the Spirit is near and we are open to it. In 2 Corinthians the Lord states, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Be bold for God.

Listen to/Read Acts 4: 23-31

Acts 3: 3-10

Healing and Preaching the Name

A crippled beggar saw Peter and John about to enter the temple. Knowing only what his worldly need was, the beggar asked them for money. Peter responded by telling the man he had no silver or gold, but would give him what he had. "In the name of Jesus Christ, walk." Peter brought God to the situation, and the beggar was healed with words.

Peter had no power to heal, but in deep faithful trust in the Lord, he knew he could be used as a vehicle for healing. With his whole heart and being Peter believed God would be with him and had such deep faith that he allowed the words of healing to come forth. The Father was with Peter, and offered this cripple a gift far greater than what he asked for.

Often those hurting ask for things that do not reflect their true need. A few pieces of silver would not have helped this man in the long run, and Peter recognized this. Though having his physical ailment cured was a true blessing and relief, being able to walk did not offer the man what he truly needed.

Peter offered him the gift of eternal life through the presence of God. Once he could walk the beggar went to the temple courts "walking and jumping, and praising God." He began to enter into a relationship with Jesus, that is what he really needed, and what true healing is.

Our world is filled with suffering individuals who require a relationship with God in order to heal. They may be depressed, bitter, physically compromised, or have mental illness. Many have been through momentary tragedies and others, heartbreaking situations for many years. No matter what the apparent cause of their difficulties, only the peace that comes from a relationship with our Lord will heal them.

As we live our Christian faith, we are called to pray and create a place for others to be in God's presence so they can feel His love, and experience His healing touch. We are commissioned to "Speak Life" in order to save the lives of those who so desperately need it.

Hear the words of Toby Mack "Speak Life"
Read/Listen to Acts 3: 3-10