March 10 - Power and Authority

Matthew 20:17-28

Today we read about the mother of Zebedee’s sons (James and John) asking Jesus to grant that they sit at his right hand and left hand in his kingdom.

References to the right hand in the bible were often associated with power and authority. In Exodus 15:6 we read “Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy.” I did not find much information on the left hand, but it seems to be a safe assumption that the left hand was second in power and authority to the right.

The desire for power and authority has been with us for a long time. We see it in governments, the workplace, families, and our own lives. Certainly there is a need for the order and leadership that comes from properly exercised power and authority, but far too often power and authority are sought for selfish purposes and are abused.

It is interesting to note that Matthew places the story about the mother of Zebedee’s sons immediately after Jesus predicts his suffering, death and resurrection and refers to himself as the “Son of Man”. Two weeks ago I learned about the term “son of man” as I was writing my blog. If you recall, this term goes back to Daniel 7:13-14: 13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,[a] coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

After establishing who he was Jesus uses the request from the mother of Zebedee’s sons to make a radical point about power and authority. He says that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” Then he backs this up by citing his own life (and death) as an example. These are certainly not the words that we would expect to hear from the “son of man”, and yet that is the character of Jesus.

As we think about this reading from Matthew, are we really much different than the mother of Zebedee’s sons? Are we different than the disciples who were “indignant” when they heard about her request? Do we have servant hearts and do we live our lives like Jesus desires?

Lord, help us to better understand what it is to be “great”. Help us to know what it takes to be “first”. You demonstrated servant leadership as the “son of man”. Help us to demonstrate servant leadership as your disciples. Amen

Being the Most Powerful Person in the Room

by Thomas Denegre

Today’s reading from Mathew 5:38-47

As a Christian, you are called to be the most powerful person in the room. I’m not talking about Bill Gates power, or President of the United States power, or a mafia boss power.  I’m talking about the power of God that is within us to change people and to change the world.  Let me tell you about Louie Zamperini.

In the true story called Unbroken, Louie Zamperini was an American Olympic runner from the 1936 Berlin Games.  In World War II his plane crashed in the Pacific and he spent 45 days adrift in a life raft. Hardly alive he was captured by the Japanese and was tortured for the next two years. Barely holding himself together after the war, he recounts his story to crowds of people.  But he must first numb himself with alcohol to tell his stories.  Living in a death-ward spiral in alcohol, Louie attended a Billy Graham crusade giving his heart to Jesus.  His life became transformed and renewed where he set up a powerful ministry transforming the lives of thousands. Truly, when his heart broke for Jesus, life, meaning, and power entered into Louie.

So let’s explore the nature of power.

To satisfy justice, Jesus explained the old way of tit for tat; or eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth.  Throughout the ancient world the custom was revenge for a wrong against you.  This was the code of the sinner or the ungodly, (Psalm 1:1) who used their force of will upon one another. Force is not power.

We all know the outcomes of using the force of our will against another because for every push we impose we get one back.  Force always has a counter force.  Force seeks conflict and justification. Force is prideful, selfish, and brutish.  Force seeks to judge and condemn.  It results in polarization, not unity and its costs are high. Someone must always win or lose, whereby enemies are created requiring a constant defense. Being defensive is always costly as the anger, bitterness, envy, lust, and resentment will result in negative outcomes personally and culturally. This is the way of the sinner, the ungodly person, and the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23

Then Jesus tells us how to become the most powerful person in the room.  He said we must love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us, “that you may be the children of your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:45) Finally, Jesus said, “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”(Matt 5:48)

Being perfect throws us all off, because we think it’s impossible.  Yet, we know our loving Father would never set us up for failure.  The Greek word here is 'teleios' and it can mean ‘perfect’ but it is more usually used to refer to maturity or wholeness. Research indicates the writers of the Vulgate translated the word into ‘perfectus’, when it really means “to be complete.” Or, to be made whole.

To understand this mystery the Lord brought to my attention two pieces of artwork.  In Japan, Kintsugi artwork will deliberately break a pottery bowl and mend it back with gold transforming it into a unique beauty.  The other artwork shows major cracks in a human sculpture with bright light shining through it.

The answer becomes obvious.  It is through our brokenness that our creator makes us whole and complete with the power of the Holy Spirit. Our brokenness does not come in our destruction, but when we open our hearts to God's love and trade in our pride for humility. In the same way, Louie didn’t become transformed and powerful until he opened his heart to Jesus. 

We become a unique beauty that radiates the light and power of God’s love.  By dying to Jesus, we admit to our brokenness, humility, failure, and incompleteness. We just can’t do things without God. By being born again, we become saints, (Eph.2:1-10) who are set apart to be with God. By living in life union with Jesus and having his words living powerfully within us, the power of God transforms us while His power radiates through our cracks into to the world.

When Jesus said, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one,” (John 17:20-23) we become the most powerful person in the room as the same glory of God that filled Jesus, fills us.  Did not Jesus say we will be doing greater things than himself? (John 14:12)  By being broken to God, His glory and power is allowed to complete us and to transform.

As a son or daughter of God we must understand the power of God’s glory is within us. Unlike the sinner’s (ungodly) use of force, a son (saint) of the light knows God’s power is rooted in love, meaning, significance, and purpose. Rather than having a counter-power, power stands still. It is like a standing field, such as gravity, that does not move, for love, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, compassion, and generosity are always received and never reacted to.

By being in God’s power we find nobility of purpose and sacrifice are inspirational, giving life significance. Like water filling a sponge, God’s glory completes us, enables us, and nourishes us.  God’s power is self-evident in that life is more important than death, that honor is preferable over dishonor, that the constructive is preferable over the destructive, that forgiveness is preferable over revenge, and that mercy is preferable over judgment and condemnation.

We become the most powerful person in the room by allowing our brokenness or humility to reveal God’s power through non-judgmental love, understanding, mercy, and forgiveness. By extending these powerful forces to friend and foe alike, we allow God to disarm them while soothing their wounded heart.  By living in life union with Jesus, we are given the ability or power to see people as God sees them.  Compassion, wisdom, and mercy will arise in our hearts from Jesus to make us the most powerful person in the room to transform lives such that, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

What Does Your Desk Look Like?

2 Chronicles 20:17

You can tell a lot about a person by their desk or work space or living area. For instance, my desk is almost always uncluttered and neat. Everything is in its place. You won’t find papers scattered all over my desk or a half-eaten sandwich stuffed in a drawer. Do you know why? Because it’s an attempt to control a small part of my world.

The story in 2 Chronicles 20 that surrounds verse 17 is about the struggle between trust and control. Early in the chapter, King Jehoshaphat learns that there is a “vast army from Edom” that is marching against them. His immediate reaction is to be terrified, but this leads him to “beg the Lord for guidance”.

The men of Judah begin praying. They plead for the Lord to rescue them based on the history of God’s work with Israel and on who God is – His promises, faithfulness, love and power. While praying, Jahaziel receives a word from the Lord. That word is “do not be afraid... for the Lord is with you”. Just trust Him.

It sounds easy, but it isn’t. Keep in mind, while the men of Judah are praying instead of preparing for battle, the mighty army from Edom is steadily marching towards them. Talk about trust and giving up control.

What the Lord said through Jahaziel was counter-intuitive. There were no instructions to prepare for battle; no strategizing; no sharpening of swords. In fact, the only action to be taken was, “take your position; then stand still and watch. Watch the Lord’s victory”. Impossible for us as humans who need control.

We don’t like to trust others because it involves risk. And risk can result in failure, losing valuable resources, rejection or just plain looking bad. We prefer to keep control ourselves in an attempt to avoid the painful consequences of risk, and to gain power over our circumstances and people.

Our lives are like my desk. I try to control my life as much as I can so that everything has its place; everything is orderly. That way I know what to expect. Risk is minimized. But what about trusting the Lord? Where does that fit in with my orderly life? I frequently need to remind myself of Jahaziel’s word: “the Lord is with you” Joe.

What does your desk look like? Is it neat and orderly because you have control, or does God have control?

¹⁷ But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”     NLT

PLUGGED IN?

Scripture: John 14:15-27

We recently had a heater/air conditioning unit installed in our 3-season room to make the room useful year-round.  We hired a handyman experienced in working with such units.  And after several hours of work, it looked great, was solidly attached through the wall and ready to do its work of climate control in our room.  Only one problem – we don’t have a 220 volt power source to that room!  So it sits there, a bundle of potential but doing nothing to help heat the room.  What needs to be done? We need to have an electrician connect it to a 220 circuit.

As I read this passage in John 14, I thought of our non-working heating unit.  Jesus was with his disciples for one of the last times before he would ascend.  They had sat under his teaching for 3 years, learning what it means to follow Jesus fully.  They were full of potential, ready to work for the Kingdom.  But they had no power to do what was required – it was too big a job, needing greater strength and wisdom than they had as humans.  The resistance to their work would be too great.

So, Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit when he returned to the Father.  “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor (or Advocate) to be with you forever (vs 16).”  Further, he gave more description of the Holy Spirit’s purpose: Since he is the Spirit of Truth, he will teach the disciples all things;  and, since he promised to be with and in Christ’s disciples, the Holy Spirit will remind them of everything Jesus said.

These are potential benefits the Holy Spirit has for all disciples – but how do we get plugged in?  Jesus tells us 3 different times in this passage:

·         If you love me, you will obey what I command (vs 15)

·         Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me (vs 21)

·         If anyone love me, he will obey my teaching (vs 23)

Did you get that answer?  Loving God, shown through obedience, connects us to the Holy Spirit’s power. 

The result?

·         All the promises God offers through the Holy Spirit are ours (God’s presence, his truth, his wisdom, his help in trouble)

·         We have the peace of Christ in our hearts

 

Do you want more power in your life to be able to do what God calls you to do?  Get “Plugged In" to the Power Source 

by loving God and obeying him.

 

 

[BTW, we just got power to our heater, and our plants in the 3-season room are happy!]

 

 

Standing Firm

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Our scripture today is the famous, Armor of God passage.  Filled with so many tools for us to take advantage of.  We must remember though, that the fight we face is;

1.   NOT against flesh and blood.  So that coworker, neighbor, or family member is not the enemy. Our enemy resides in the spiritual realm.

2.   We are not to fight in our strength.  We actually don’t have the strength or ability to fight the spiritual on our own.

God has given us what we need to be strong in HIS mighty power. What has he given us?  If we look at Ephesians 6:10-18 we find God has provided truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and his word. All of these things not only fight for us, but they protect us from the evil one.

Our job is to;

1.   Stand firm through the battle, trusting that God loves us and has won. 

2.   Keep on praying.  Pray all kinds of prayers not only for yourself, but for other believers standing firm in the trenches. 

Praying keeps us connected to God, reminding us that the battle is a spiritual one.  If we stop praying, we will start doubting God’s power and start trusting our own. Prayer is the key to standing firm.   We acknowledge that we cannot do this on our own.  Our only hope is to be strong in the Lord and his mighty power.

Luke: 23: 13-25

    Rejected by the Gentiles

My first taste of being unjustly accused was in kindergarten. It was play time and the class had just finished a painting project. Each masterpiece was strategically laid out on the floor to dry in the kitchen area. At some point two of my classmates ran through that area and over the top of the paintings. The teacher was furious when she discovered the footprints. She had warned us all not to go into that space. She demanded we all gather around and admit who had run over the paintings.

One student hesitantly raised her hand. The teacher said, “Who was with you?” The girl pointed at the child next to me, but Mrs. Gerhartz thought I was the culprit. She raised her voice again telling the girl to sit behind the piano. Up to that point, my favorite teacher, then took me by the hand, pulled me over to the piano, slapped my hands and forcefully sat me down behind the piano with the other offender. I sobbed.

Things changed that day.

Jesus was brought before Herod and wrongly accused by the Jews. Then he was presented to Pilate and condemned by Gentiles.

Things changed that day.

I do not mean to minimize the intensity of Jesus plight by comparing it to my kindergarten experience but things do change as a result of learning to follow the will of God and live our lives as Jesus did. I have had many experiences since that day in kindergarten when my character, intentions or faith were wrongly judged. Lashing out never brings about positive results. Grace always wins.

As we step into the Father’s will it is no longer about our feelings or hurts. Worldly power is temporary. True power is sacrifice.

No matter what our age, when we make it about God and not ourselves, we don’t feel the pain in the same way. When we leave things in the hands of the Father we truly can get through anything.

“When your eyes are on the storm, you wonder if I love you still.

But when your eyes are on the cross, you know I always have and I always will.”

(Lyrics by Casting Crowns)

Listen to/Read Luke23:13-25

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

The God of All Comfort

I had long been an adult before I heard the word duvet (due vay). I thought to myself, “What in the world is that?” To have posed that question aloud may have made me look dumb or uneducated. Once I figured it out however, it did not become a part of my general vocabulary because it seems unnatural. I am not French or British, so I call it a quilt or comforter. That feels right to me.

No matter what we may call it, we all have the same basic visual in our heads. We see a large, cozy and perhaps fluffy bed covering that brings warmth, comfort and a quiet peace when nestled under it or wrapped within it. Everyone loves comfort. Why then must we endure so much human suffering?

The Apostle Paul offers some reasons why we are allowed to suffer.

First in verses 3-7; God allows us to suffer so we can learn to treat others compassionately. When others are hurting we need to wrap them in the blanket of God’s care and comfort. Nobody can identify with hurting people like those who have suffered themselves.

Second in verses 8-9; Sometimes we suffer so we will learn not to be overconfident in ourselves. Nothing strips away arrogance and pride like hard times or physical difficulty. When such times come, even in the face of death, God wants us to turn to him and rely on his strength, not our own.

Third in verses 10-11; God allows us to suffer so we can see his power at work in practical ways. When we support others going through difficulties, and when we ourselves experience others rallying to support us-believers discover an aspect of God’s care unknown to those who do not live in a relationship with him.

There is power, comfort and peace lying beneath the comforter. It will bring us nothing however if we leave it on a shelf or have it neatly draped over a bed in the guest room so it looks pretty. That is like calling ourselves Christian but when dealing with others disregarding all we have learned in the scriptures. But, if we nestle into it, open up our heart to its warmth, and allow ourselves to feel “The God of All Comfort” he will meet us where we are and offer us the comfort and hope we all long for. 

Read/Listen to 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Prayers of Faith

James 5:13-16

I heard the term “Healing Ministry” and became rather nervous. How could I be part of a healing ministry? Only God heals. Jesus healed the sick when he walked the earth, but I surely cannot do that.

As I left my comfort zone with much doubt, I agreed to join the six week “Healing Ministry of Jesus Study Project.” With clammy palms and tightness in my shoulders I slowly entered the group room. There were some familiar faces, but I chose to sit alone and immerse myself in my discomfort.

Prior to this study project I thought I was praying faithfully, and when I told others I would pray for them, I did, but not in this way. As time went on, it began to make sense. We first studied each of the 26 healings Jesus performed in the Gospels. We analyzed specifically what the bible says without interpretation or personal opinion. Then we dug deeper into each encounter discovering their unique meaning.

In each instance of Jesus making people well Genuine Faith is what allowed the healing, and though physical healing often occurred, it was the spiritual wellness that made their lives different for eternity. Often that Faith came through someone other than the one with the ailment, perhaps a parent or friend.

It seems to me, no matter what we are praying for, it is a form of healing; physical, emotional, relational or spiritual. We may not always know what words to pray, but our God understands what is in our hearts. When we pray let us remember;

God the Father, The Son, and Holy Spirit are One

Focus on God first

Faith and power heal (God’s power not ours)

Relationship with God is key to healing

We can pray by faith on behalf of others

Pray without doubt

Pray for God’s love and peace to be clearly felt

Pray for the awareness of the presence of God’s Holy Spirit

God meets us in the pain; we need not run from it

Go to the foot of the cross

Father, we praise you and worship all that you are. Your love and mercy wrap around us like a blanket of protection. You are always here for us. Please Lord, help us to feel the gentle presence and security of your spirit, and heal our hearts from the pain with your great power. We kneel before the cross as children in waiting for our blessing of peace to touch our hearts and remain with us always. Amen 

James 5:13-16 

The History of Ourstory

For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  Acts 1:5, 8

It’s funny, isn’t it, how our feelings find a way to our faces?  Peace evokes a certain look, gratitude brings forth another.  Happiness, confusion, sorrow – all of our inner emotions bubble up and show up through facial expressions especially reserved for each.

Baptism is like that in a way.  It is an outward expression of an inward work of grace.  When John preached his message of repentance, for instance, immersion in the waters of the Jordan bore testimony to the people’s inner commitment to a new direction pleasing to God.

Similarly, when we entrust our lives to Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside of us, as so clearly promised by the prophets of old.  And what is the outward expression of such unimaginable grace?

Power.  When we live in Christ, we live in his power; when his Spirit indwells us, his power moves in with him.  Paul described it as God’s “incomparably great power for us who believe.”

But power unto what purpose?  Again, Paul opened a window for our understanding.  Praying for the church in Ephesus, he asked they be granted power – so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith ... and so that they could grasp the magnitude of Christ’s love for them ... and so that they might be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

God delights in working in us and through us – his people, his church.  If we don’t see his power in us, it’s not because it’s not there, rather we should pray that God would open our eyes to see it.

And if we do see the power of God working through us, we need to tell our story.  That’s what witnessing is: simply telling what we’ve seen.  Has God provided income when you were staring down a financial barrel?  Tell the story.  Did God open up an opportunity to tell someone about him?  Tell the story.  Have you seen him heal?  Tell the story.  Has Christ taken up residence in your life through faith?  Tell the story.  Has God brought you understanding and peace?  Tell the story.  Has God used you to bless someone else or has he blessed you through someone else?  Tell the story.

Whatever Christ has done in and around you, whatever the manifestation of his mighty power, tell the story. 

For our story is his story.  And in his story, there is power.

[Click here to see the daily reading, Acts 1:1-11.]

God, fools and electricians

But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So Pilate decided to grant their demand.  He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.  Luke 23:6-25

As we talked about home maintenance and remodeling projects one day, a friend unabashedly confessed the limit of his expertise.  “Wiring is for God, fools and electricians!” he declared.  His point was a good one: electricity is a power of its own and disrespecting it comes at great potential cost.

I find it fascinating to watch the powers in ancient Jerusalem try to deal with – or, better yet, not deal with – the arrest and trial of Jesus.  The chief priests and the elders handed him over to Pilate.  When he heard that Jesus was a Galilean, Pilate eagerly handed him over to Herod.  Unamused by the silent Messiah, Herod handed him back over to Pilate.  And despite three times declaring the charges against him to be baseless, Pilate had Jesus flogged and handed him over to be crucified.

Clearly, none of them were comfortable handling him who is all power, even though he showed no resistance.  Now, we might conclude that, given the three – God, fools and electricians – it was the fools who were in charge.  But not so.  For the night before Pilate surrendered Jesus to the will of the Jews, Jesus surrendered himself to the will of the Father.  God was in charge. 

He still is.  It may appear that fools run the world – or just our world – but all of us are subject to the sovereignty of God.  His will is done, on earth as it is in heaven.  As Jesus submitted his will to that of the Father, so can we.  So must we.   

Are you facing circumstances bigger than you?  He who holds all power is bigger still.  And he loves you.  We can trust him.

“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” – Jesus, to Pilate

[See the daily reading in Luke 23:6-25.]

True Power

“The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high ranking officers and the leading men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.”  Acts 25:23

Things aren’t always as they seem, are they?  Take power, for instance …

Who can forget the image of a solitary protester in Tiananmen Square, whose mere presence and conviction brought a roaring army tank to a complete standstill? Fortified both in strength of steel and the authority of the Chinese government, this massive, advancing behemoth lost its battle – failed its mission – against one man literally standing for freedom and armed only in courage.  The whole world was watching, but appearances deceived; power wasn’t as it seemed.

In today’s text, there convened in Caesarea the “machinery” of Judea – King Herod Agrippa, his sister Bernice, Governor Festus, and a room full of military officers and local leaders. And at the command of Agrippa, Paul was brought into the auditorium.  Bound with chains, he stood alone before them.

They had not assembled against Paul, but simply to hear the defense of him who had appealed his case to Caesar. Still, it was a display of authority that would intimidate just about anyone.

Paul, however, saw it for what it was, an opportunity ... not only for his defense, but also to witness to God's faithfulness to his promises. And like the lone figure in Tiananmen Square, Paul needed no weapons, for he was already armed with all the power he needed: Truth, freely spoken.

After greeting the King with respect, Paul spoke clearly and concisely about his hope in the long-promised Messiah ... and his faith in Jesus, who fulfilled all the Messianic predictions of Moses and the prophets.  And at that point, it became clear where the real power lay ...

For it was Festus, the governor, who first lost composure, shouting “You are out of your mind, Paul!”  (“I am not insane, most excellent Festus. What I am saying is true and reasonable.”)

And when Paul asked Agrippa, a Jew by birth, if he believed in the prophets, the king completely avoided the question, exposing his own inner weakness: “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”  (“Short time or long – I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”)

Outgunned, the king stood and left the room in full retreat, dignitaries in tow. Only when out of earshot did Agrippa privately confess, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”

Appearances had deceived; power wasn’t as it seemed. Those who entered the room ”with great pomp” left it ... pomp-less!  The real power in the room that day was truth simply spoken in faith by one physically bound by man, but spiritually free in Christ.

Whether we testify before small or great, Jesus tells us, “... do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. (Mark 13:9, 11)”

So speak truth freely!  And as you look upon things as they appear, confidently and joyfully remember this: he who holds all power lives within us.

[Read the entire story of Paul before King Agrippa in Acts 25:23 - 26:32. For the NIV, click here.  For The Message, click here.]

Keeping Cool When Things Heat Up

Acts 7:1-16 (NIV) Then the high priest asked him, "Are these charges true?"  

Stephen, while being questioned by the religious leaders, found himself accused by liars planted in the crowd. Even though innocent of these crimes, Stephen was calm and collected as he responded to his accusers. Using wisdom of the Holy Spirit he painted a picture for his enemies of their family tree.

The Sanhedrin, as religious scholars, likely studied scriptures more than most. The story narrated by Stephen would be familiar to these men and they would be able to discern the truth Stephen told. One would think they knew better, but it was obvious there were ulterior motives involved.

At times we operate with questionable ethics; we act out of selfish ambition or greed to obtain a place of power or authority over others. As humans we place our desire for comfort and convenience over sound morals and good principles.

The Sanhedrin acted out of fear. What are our motives? How often do I know better, but operate out of my own selfish ambition and desire for fame or fortune? Some days I have to remind myself over and over that a Christian doesn't act the way I just did. 

My impatience with drivers on the road is a good example of sin in my life. I found myself praying for God to change my heart but within the time it took me to drive five miles I had caught myself scolding two drivers.  It doesn't matter if they were in the right or not, it was not my place to even think the thoughts I was thinking.  Muttering under my breath only fills me with angst and puts me in a foul mood for the rest of the morning. This is not the behavior God wants his children to practice.

How do we overcome this type of behavior? I know that I need to stay close and in constant communication with Jesus.  I must call upon him, listen to praise and worship music on the radio, and remind myself minute by minute of Jesus' love for me and the grace He lavishes.  Practice, practice, practice.

Acts 7:1-16

So true!

“Then [the rulers, elders, teachers and high priest] called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” Acts 4:18-20

(To read the entire story of the healing of the crippled man, click here.)

When my wife was fifteen, she pondered Christianity for her own life. One day, her thoughts culminated in this question: “If God is real, what does he require of me?” Upon further reflection, she ultimately concluded: “What God requires of me is ... me!”

Truth is a powerful thing: it demands we deal with it and it exacts a response from all who encounter it. Following the healing of the crippled man and Peter’s ensuing sermonette, “many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.” But though the religious leaders of the day saw the same miracle and heard the same message, they remained faithless. All stood face-to-face with truth, and each had no choice but to choose between belief and unbelief.

Truth is immovable: we can align ourselves and flourish under its power and authority, or we can resist it to the point of exhaustion, collapse and inevitable failure. When the rulers asked, “By what power or what name did you do this?,” Peter replied, “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but who God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.... Salvation is found in no one else...” Seeing the courage of Peter and John (and, by the way, the now-formerly crippled man also standing there in front of them!), “there was nothing they could say.” Despite all their learning and sophistry, these religious leaders lost all confidence in their own understandings. Had they been able to articulate any error in the disciples’ message or harmfulness in their deeds, they certainly would have silenced them through rebuttal. Instead, the only “argument” they could muster was, in essence, “Shut up! Just shut! ... up!” Peter, John and the healed man all thrived under the certainty of truth, while the leaders exhausted their credibility – and exposed their fragility – against it.

Truth is a person. His name is Jesus. He stands powerfully and immovably before us all as “the way and the truth and the life.” Each of us will respond to him, some in belief and some in unbelief. And every one of us will either submit ourselves to him, or exhaust ourselves in resistance.

Yes, he who gave himself for us now calls us to give ourselves to him. And what does he promise to all who believe and obey? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

So true! So true. So true ...