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Category Archives: Acts

Peter & John — Acts 11:1-18

23 Dec

Acts 11:1-18 NIV
[1] The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. [2] So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him [3] and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.” [4] Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: [5] “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. [6] I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. [7] Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ [8] “I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ [9] “The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ [10] This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again. [11] “Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. [12] The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. [13] He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. [14] He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’ [15] “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. [16] Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ [17] So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” [18] When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

Dear God, I am intrigued by the racism in the early church in this story. They just couldn’t imagine that they weren’t superior in your eyes—simply because of their fortune to have been born Jewish. I suppose that outside of Jesus, this might be the first time that racial barriers are broken down and we are left to look at each other as equals under your eyes.

Why do we do that? What is it about us that feels the need to elevate ourselves at the expense of others? I suppose it is insecurity and the true knowledge of how flawed we each are. As I sit here and think about it, our nation is in the throws of a struggle over how to deal with people who live in Latin America and want to immigrate here. The irony is, most people want to focus on protecting the border and keeping them out. In my mind, that’s like treating cancer with morphine. You’ll feel Breyer for a while, but the cancer will grow. In this case, Latin American immigrants have been wanting to come here for jobs since before I was born. Isn’t it time we went to the source of the problem and figured out how to root out corruption and develop the nations to our south to make them stronger? Isn’t a strong Latin America in our national interest? As Christians, isn’t a strong Latin America in the interest of our fellow humans?

Father, I know I still have vestiges of racism with me. Help me to see it, repent, and then use the knowledge to do something about it. Use me in your plan however you wish.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 23, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 10

21 Dec

Acts 10 NIV
[1] At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. [2] He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. [3] One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” [4] Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. [5] Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. [6] He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” [7] When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. [8] He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. [9] About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. [10] He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. [11] He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. [12] It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. [13] Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” [14] “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” [15] The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” [16] This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. [17] While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. [18] They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. [19] While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. [20] So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” [21] Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?” [22] The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” [23] Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. [24] The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. [25] As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. [26] But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” [27] While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. [28] He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. [29] So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” [30] Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me [31] and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. [32] Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ [33] So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” [34] Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism [35] but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. [36] You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. [37] You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— [38] how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. [39] “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, [40] but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. [41] He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. [42] He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. [43] All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” [44] While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. [45] The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. [46] For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, [47] “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” [48] So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Dear God, in this one story you are accomplishing so many things, but from a big picture perspective I think what you’re doing is what Peter says in verses 34 and 35: Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism [35] but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” This is the paradigm shift that, as memory serves, he will have to defend later.

I was also struck by the scene of the Centurion bowing to him (which is a remarkable act in and of itself). Peter’s response is to decrease and point him to you. Yes, that’s what it’s all about and that’s an area where I continue to strive to improve. I must decrease and you must increase.

Father, lead me like you led both the Centurion and Peter. Help me to be able to look beyond what I think I know and be willing to wisely and shrewdly examine and openly explore the many many things you have for me but I can’t see.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 21, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 9:32-43

20 Dec

Acts 9:32-43 NIV
[32] As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. [33] There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. [34] “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. [35] All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. [36] In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. [37] About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. [38] Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” [39] Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. [40] Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. [41] He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. [42] This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. [43] Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Dear God, as I think about what is going on in my life right now, especially professionally, this passage strikes me from the perspective of Peter figuring out why kind of ministries and activities to be about. What I see here is a man who is completely being led by the Holy Spirit to do this thing or that.

It feels like a theme of my prayers lately have been around the Holy Spirit. Maybe that’s because I’m in Acts right now. But it is a good reminder to be seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, counsel, love, and comfort. I also need to remember to pray the Holy Spirit over others as well.

Father, make me mindful of your call. Every good gift this year at work, every provision seems to have come from you. Really, I can think of huge amounts of financial resources that seem to have come because you (not me) stirred someone’s heart. It wasn’t anything brilliant I did. When we needed a key staff person, you brought them to us. I told the board of directors that if they want to give me credit for anything it can be that I am a praying person and you have said yes to my prayers. So with your yes comes responsibility. Help me to not miss the opportunities you’re bringing me to glorify you and serve your world.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 20, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — 8:14-25

19 Dec

Acts 8:14-25 NIV
[14] When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. [15] When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. [18] When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money [19] and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” [20] Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! [21] You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. [22] Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. [23] For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” [24] Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” [25] After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.

Dear God, I love the image of Peter and John going out as a team. I wonder how much their enthusiasm for the belief of the Samaritans was informed by their experiences with Jesus and Samaria. The ones that come to the top of my mind are the stories of Jesus and the Samaritan woman and the well (followed by the entire village becoming part of the story), the time John asked Jesus if he wanted John to call down fire on the Samaritans for refusing Jesus to go through there and Jesus rebuked him, and then the parable of “The Good Samaritan.” Without these lessons from Jesus himself, would Peter and John have rejected this new faith from Samaria?

Then there’s the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I don’t pray this nearly enough for people. Whether it’s my children or my coworkers, I need to be more mindful of this. I have my own story of when I felt like I was baptized in the Holy Spirit and it was when my life was truly changed.

Father, I would be remiss in this email if I didn’t stop and thank you for some particularly great things you’ve done for me and those around me this week. Really, thank you. And now I pray that your Holy Spirit will come and flood those I know and love. Spirit, move. Become part of those who have called on the name of Jesus and believed. Fill them with your peace, love, joy, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, kindness, and self control. Protect them from Satan’s attacks and love them well.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 19, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 6:1-7

18 Dec

Acts 6:1-7 NIV
[1] In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. [2] So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. [3] Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them [4] and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” [5] This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. [6] They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. [7] So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Dear God, in this little series of scriptures I’m doing about Peter and John, I know this story doesn’t mention them by name, but they were both obviously involved in the decision to put this together.

I think it can be easy for a church to get wrapped up in its outreach and forget to be the body of Christ for each other. In this case, you had factions forming and causing division among the people. We just can’t help it, can we? The apostles were wise to put together a team to deal with this and pay attention to it. Satan attacks our unity first. As I’ve said before, that’s his Plan A and he rarely needs Plan B. He does it with marriages, families, friends, coworkers, churches, and I can look around and see that he’s doing it with our nation too. And of course, the world.

In my own world, I see it within my family and I see it at work. I can see divisions form and it all starts with the idea that someone sees some sort of injustice happening and then they respond to it destructively instead of constructively. Right now, I’m thinking of one particular thing at work that I need to address. It’s something that would be easier to ignore, but as the leader I need to ensure that it doesn’t develop into something that will damage the work we are doing with our patients.

Father, help me to do exactly what you need me to do to address issues of division around me. Make me part of the solution and not part of the problem. Give me empathy and help me to address problems at their core and not at the symptom level. Give me serenity, courage and wisdom.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 18, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 5:29-42

15 Dec

Acts 5:29-42 NIV
[29] Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! [30] The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. [31] God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. [32] We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” [33] When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. [34] But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. [35] Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. [36] Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. [37] After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. [38] Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. [39] But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” [40] His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. [41] The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. [42] Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Dear God, this is next-level faith stuff. The level where my own circumstances are irrelevant when conoared with how you need to use me. What strikes me is the difference in their attitudes than mine. If I were arrested, released by an angel, and then obeyed what the angel had said, I would have been upset, I think, about then getting flogged. But it says they rejoiced because they were considered worthy of suffering disgrace.

I told my wife just this morning about a failing of mine. There are times I allow my own hurt feelings to keep me from seeing the big picture and the needs of someone near me. I am not at the level where these people are.

Father, help me to hit that next level of faith—I admit I’m terrified to think about what you will have to do to me to teach me that. I feel like you’re already teaching me this lesson so maybe I’m on my way. Just help me, please, Father. I want to be the most good for you that I can be.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 15, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 5:1-11

13 Dec

Acts 5:1-11 NIV
[1] Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. [2] With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. [3] Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? [4] Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” [5] When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. [6] Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. [7] About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. [8] Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” [9] Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” [10] At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. [11] Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Dear God, I suppose there are at least two lessons in this story. The first is, you are not to be mocked/disrespected. Peter makes it clear that Ananias as Sapphira were not only lying to everyone else, but lying to you. Who did they they they were fooling?

Second, there is great danger in just putting on a show for others. I’ve been where they are. I’ve wanted to make myself look better than I really am. And there are times when I give in to that temptation. In the case of these two, I don’t know what would have happened to them if they had just told the truth—here’s a lot of the money, but we are keeping some for ourselves. I don’t know why the peer pressure dictated that they give it all. But there was obviously something wrong with lying about it. Peter even tried to give Sapphira a chance to come clean, but she didn’t take it.

Father, I’m thinking this out Peter in an awkward spot too. He had to lead all of these people through uncharted waters. I guess my prayer for myself is that I ask your forgiveness for the times I misrepresent myself to others for my own glory’s sake. I’m sorry if that has hurt them or your plan in any way. And I pray that you help me to lead when I’m in uncharted waters. Help me to completely submit to you and your still small voice, even when I think I know what I’m doing. Especially when I think I know what I’m doing.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 13, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 4:23-41

12 Dec

Acts 4:23-31 NIV
[23] On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. [24] When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. [25] You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “ ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? [26] The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one. ‘ [27] Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] 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.

Dear God, I can’t even begin to put myself in their position. They were involved in something that no humans had ever experienced in history. They had this great news to share with people and they knew they were putting themselves in harms way with everyone if they shared it. Yes, on the surface you could say that others had been there before, but not like this.

I think they needed that filling of the Holy Spirit to even begin to move forward. How would they have ever done it otherwise? As much as they mention in their prayer about you giving The leaders the power to persecute, you also gave them the power to respond how they are responding. And these wonderful people and their reactions are part of the reason I am here today. I owe them a debt larger than I have probably considered before.

Father, please help me to be appropriately filled with the Holy Spirit at the moments you need me to be filled. Yes, I think the Holy Spirit is always with me and in me, but there is a difference between being present and those moments when you deem I need to be filled for your glory’s and plan’s sake. So help me to be sensitive to you and move through me so that I can be who you need me to be for all of those around me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 12, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 4:1-22

11 Dec

Acts 4:1-22 NIV
[1] The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. [2] They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. [3] They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. [4] But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. [5] The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. [6] Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. [7] They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! [9] If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, [10] then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. [11] Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ [12] Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” [13] When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. [14] But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. [15] So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. [16] “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. [17] But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” [18] Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. [19] But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! [20] As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” [21] After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. [22] For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Dear God, this must have been such a confusing time for the church leaders in Jerusalem. They had stooped to murder. Now they needed to justify their actions by dealing harshly with Peter and John. But then it was hard to deal too harshly with them because they had performed a great miracle in Jesus’ name. It’s a time like this when your lifelong beliefs combine with your sin to box you into a corner.

As I sit her, I’m trying to think of times when my ego has kept me from doing what was right because it would mean I am wrong. Probably the best examples involve parenting decisions I have made. When I take the things that were taught to me about parenting as I grew up and combine them with the sin of making some parenting decisions out of the pain I experienced in the moment I know there have been times when I doubled down on my mistake instead of just repenting and seeking out truth and a wise path forward. I see politicians do this all of the time.

Father, please help me to not fall into the trap of letting my ego and pride get in the way of your truth and love. Help me to love justice, have mercy, and walk humbly with you, for your glory’s sake.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 11, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 3:11-26

10 Dec

Acts 3:11-26 NIV
[11] While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. [12] When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? [13] The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. [14] You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. [15] You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. [16] By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. [17] “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. [18] But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. [19] Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, [20] and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. [21] Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. [22] For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. [23] Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’ [24] “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. [25] And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ [26] When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Dear God, this isn’t what I want to talk about, but I noticed something interesting in this. Peters short speech doesn’t include any action items beyond believing in Jesus and repenting. There are no commands to join a group of believers, love others, and/or sell what you have and give to the poor. Maybe these things were included in the speech and Luke omitted them, but it’s still interesting. I wonder what happened in the lives of those that believed that day.

What I really want to talk about is Peter taking full advantage of an opportunity. He had people gathered, a miracle happened, and so he shared with him the Good News.

It makes me wonder how many opportunities I’m missing. Should I be more intentional about the reading materials in the lobby? Should we be providing some sort of counseling at the food trailer when it comes to town? Should we maybe have a worship band there from First Baptist? I know I’m missing so many chances to touch people in need.

Father, make me mindful and direct me. Love through me. Bring others to you through me. Use me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 10, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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