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Category Archives: Acts

Peter & John — Acts 3:1-10

05 Dec

Acts 3:1-10 NIV
[1] One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. [2] Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. [4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” [5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. [6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. [9] When all the people saw him walking and praising God, [10] they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Dear God, we never, to my memory get stories like this where John is the one who speaks and/or heals. It’s obvious why Peter is the leader of this group. He is constantly sticking himself out there.

Luke tells us twice that the gate where he sat is called Beautiful. My temptation is to read this as a reference to how beautiful this ever was, but he might have just been giving people of the time a description of exactly where this happened because they knew the spot. It helped to put them in the moment.

For Peter, I think he had a couple of things happening with him here. First off, he is obviously a man of compassion. That’s not a word we normally associate with him. But he looked right at the man and he acted. John, on the other hand, looked right at the same man and didn’t act. He never really does anything in this entire story. Is this an indictment of him or an acknowledgment that each of us has a role to play?

Father, help me to not be guilty of missed opportunities. Help me to be compassionate on every person who comes my way. Love through me and give me the boldness I need to act.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 5, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 2:14-41

04 Dec

Acts 2:14-41 NIV
[14] Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. [15] These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! [16] No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: [17] “ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. [18] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. [19] I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. [20] The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. [21] And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ [22] “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. [23] This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. [24] But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. [25] David said about him: “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. [26] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, [27] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. [28] You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ [29] “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. [30] But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. [31] Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. [32] God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. [33] Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. [34] For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand [35] until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ‘ [36] “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” [37] When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” [40] With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” [41] Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Dear God, I wonder what it would be like to take this sermon, outline it, and then preach a version of it today. It starts with establishing Jesus’ authority, backing it up with prophecy, pointing out their guilt in rejecting Him, and then offering grace through repentance.

It’s pretty simple really. I don’t know how much of it Peter planned out and how much was just the Holy Spirit overcoming him. It’s hard to imagine he had those passages from Joel and Psalms memorized. And maybe he paraphrased and Luke filled in with the actual text later. Either way, this was obviously and inspired moment and 3,000 people were converted.

When I am asked to preach I spend a lot of time in prayer while I prepare, but before I go up, my prayer shifts to simply asking the Holy Spirit to flow through me so that people will be able to hear my delivery. One thing I don’t do enough, I suppose, is praying for the hearts of those who are about to hear me. I can still be so self-centered that I care more about what I’m saying than the filters each person brings to the table when they are receiving what I have to say.

Father, move me one step closer to selflessness. Thank you for Peter’s message that morning 2,000 years ago. Thank you for its truth and power. Thank you for the life, death, resurrection, and reign of Jesus. I accept. I repent. I worship you.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 4, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Acts 1:16-26

03 Dec

Acts 1:15-26 NIV
[15] In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) [16] and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. [17] He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” [18] (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. [19] Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) [20] “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “ ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ [21] Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, [22] beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” [23] So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. [24] Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen [25] to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” [26] Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Dear God, though it’s never mentioned, I think Peter and the apostles make a mistake here. I think they were trying too hard. I’ve mentioned this in reference to this passage before. It’s interesting to note that Matthias is never mentioned again the the Bible outside of these verses.

I think that Peter was trying too hard and trying to take upon himself the responsibility of fulfilling prophecy. Better said, he was looking to prophecy as his guide. And in the case of David’s 109th Psalm, I question how much of that was prophecy anyway. And it’s important to note that no one is recorded as disagreeing with him. John and everyone else followed his lead.

Peter did a lot of things right, but he did them when he wasn’t really trying. He healed people. He broke the ground on eating unclean food. But in the confusion of this time—in the fog of war—he tried to rush your timing. There is no way he could have foreseen what would end up happening with Paul’s conversion and subsequent apostleship. But I think this is a lesson for all of us that if we are faithful about your work then you will bring us what and who we need.

Father, I am in the midst of the time of year when we need donations at our clinic. It’s fundraising season. And I confess to you that I get fearful and my temptation is to try to force things. Help me to have the faith I need to watch your plan unfold over time. Help me to live not in denial, but in your peace. And work through me so that others might see you in everything I do and be drawn to you.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 3, 2018 in Acts, Peter and John

 

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The Prison Epistles – Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians

02 Dec

Ephesians

  • Ephesians 1:3,11-12 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ…In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
  • Ephesians 6:19-20 – Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly. Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

Philippians

  • Philippians 1:7, 12-14, 18b-26 – It is right for me to feel this way about all o you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me…Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly…Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live in Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you gain your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
  • Philippians 4:10-13 – I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Colossians

  • Colossians 1:22-29 – No I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
  • Colossians 4:2-4, 10-11 – Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim it clearly, as I should…My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me.

Dear God, I had a bit of a revelation a few weeks ago. This might sound silly to some, but I saw it in a new way: Paul had a very mature faith.

In my study of Job, I came across commentary that discussed The Stages of Faith by James Fowler. Here they are as described by him:

  1. Intuitive – Projective Faith: Associated with the child’s faith, based upon fantasy and imagination.
  2. Mythical-Literal Faith: The family faith of the early school years, which is sustained by moral rules and either/or thinking.
  3. Synthetic-Conventional Faith: Adolescent phase that conforms to the tradition of the community and creates the “kind” of person of faith it models or rejects.
  4. Individuative-Reflective Faith: The faith of the young adult who is capable of critical thinking, independent reflection, and comparative reasoning.
  5. Conjunctive Faith: A mid-life and old-age faith that integrates self-identity with a comprehensive world view to see the order, coherence, and meaning of life in order to serve and be served.
  6. Universalizing Faith: The rare faith of the world citizen who incarnates a transcendent vision into a disciplined, active, and self-giving life.
    (source: James W. Fowler, The Stages of Faith (New York: Harper and Row, 1976), chap. 14.)

He talked about how Job grew through his experience to the ultimate faith–Universalizing Faith. As I looked into it and thought about other biblical characters who had reached this faith, I came up with a few New Testament examples. Jesus was obviously one. But Paul was one of the others.

The passages above actually start with Acts 20:24 when Paul is on his way to certain arrest in Jerusalem and people warning him to not go. Paul’s answer is, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the goal and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to me. The task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” The remarkable thing is that these are not just words. While Peter only thought he knew what he was getting into when he told Jesus at the Last Supper that he would follow him to death, Paul actually lived up to his boldness recorded in Acts. How do I know this? Because of what he wrote while he was in prison.

That’s what I’ve recorded from three of the four letters he wrote while in prison (the fourth was a personal letter to Philemon about a slave). He doesn’t complain. He doesn’t try to figure out a way out of incarceration. He has enough perspective to use the incarceration to finish the goal and complete the task the Lord Jesus gave to him.

Imagine if he sat around and complained. Imagine if his letters had started out, “You people need to be grateful you aren’t where I am and you need to be getting about spreading the gospel because I can’t.” Or, “Why is God doing this to me? I was just trying to follow Him and do what is right, and now look where I am. Where is God is all of this?” That would have left us all a completely different example.

But Paul had “the rare faith of the world citizen who incarnates a transcendent vision into a disciplined, active, and self-giving life.” And he applied that faith to everyone else around him. He didn’t look at them and judge them by their outward circumstances. He evaluated them based on their motivations. He is quick to both praise and criticize in his letters, but he judges motivations and actions only.

Father, I am about to teach all of this to a Sunday school class this morning. Most are seniors who have lived lives longer than mine. They have seen more than I have, and goodness knows I am still learning these lessons. I still evaluate relationships based on what I am getting out of the instead of looking at what the other person needs that I can provide. That doesn’t mean I should allow myself to just be abused and have one-way, co-dependent relationships, but I can conduct myself in a way that considers my life worth nothing to me, if only I can finish the goal and complete the task you have given me. The task of testifying to the gospel of your grace.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on December 2, 2018 in Acts, Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians

 

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Acts 20:24

24 Oct

Acts 20:24 NIV
[24] However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Dear God, I first read this verse 31 years ago. It was fall of my senior year in high school. I had committed myself to learning more scripture, and, although I don’t remember how I found this passage, this was one of the first ones I memorized. I should note that the project didn’t live much past this and scripture memory is not one of my strong suits.

I wish I could say I have lived this verse out more. I guess I have to some extent. I’ve been willing to make some sacrifices based on what I feel like you are calling me to do. I think I’ve also been able to use it to shun prosperity Gospel preaching and even the kind of “God’s gonna getcha” preaching that some pastors do. Why is there suffering in the world? How can people do such evil things? If I’m suffering, does that mean I’ve lost your favor? Well, this sentiment from Paul reminds me that I shouldn’t ask these questions from the perspective of my own welfare or the welfare around me. I need to ask myself, what task has Jesus given me?

Father, my first task is to testify about you, your love, your grace, and your call to repentance. My second task is to respond to what you have for me to do. Today, I am going to meet my new mentee for the first time. Help me to do that in your strength and power. Tomorrow, I’ll be talking to the ministerial association about early childhood development and therapeutic nursery for traumatized children. I also have a board meeting this morning when I will have an opportunity to inspire them and help give them a sense of your calling to them as board members. So I consider my life worth nothing to me. I only want to finish the race and complete the tasks you have given me—even if it costs me everything.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 24, 2018 in Acts

 

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My Utmost for His Highest

23 Aug

Dear God, I was reading a friend’s blog this morning–it’s a weekly that I never miss. He talked about finding work that is within your gifting and how there is really nothing quite like it. I resonated with it. I’m in a job right now that I really do love, and my skillset seems to fit what’s required of me to be effective. It stretches me. It stretches my faith. I’m still wholly dependent upon you for the success of the organization, and I still do my best to give you the glory for the good that we do. But I feel really good about my career and am not seeking anything else.

As Fred’s blog progressed, however, he talked about Peter and how Jesus called him out of his natural proclivity for fishing and made him a “shepherd” instead. This wasn’t necessarily in Peter’s gifting, but he certainly had specific gifts of personality and ability that he brought to the job. One gift was his boldness. The church needed Peter in a way that it didn’t need John. For example, in Acts 3:1-10 Peter and John are walking to the Temple when a man “crippled from birth” calls to them for money. “Peter looked at him, as did John.” (verse 4) But it was Peter who spoke. It was Peter who called on Jesus’ power to heal the man. John was great, but he was often just a witness. The church wouldn’t have grown nearly as much if John had been the rock on which Jesus built his church. Being a “shepherd” might not have been in Peter’s wheelhouse, but it wasn’t “Peter’s Utmost for Peter’s Happiest.” It’s “Peter’s Utmost for Your Highest.” (For anyone reading this, this title and these quoted phrases are a reference to a daily devotion by Oswald Chambers called “My Utmost for His Highest.”)

This part of Fred’s blog got me to thinking about the things I’ve been called to do at which I didn’t turn out to be very good. One was parenting a teenager. Maybe there are a lot of people who would say that no one is good at parenting a teenager–and there might be some truth to that. For me, however, this is an area at which I feel like a complete failure. My children are older now and out of the house, but I still feel like I am an inadequate father for them. My prayer is that you are giving something that they specifically need through me of which I’m not aware. You made me their parent for a reason. I know I’ve prayed for them every day. I have faith that you have your hand directing their lives in ways that I cannot see. Part of that faith is believing that there is something I’m giving them as a father that I can’t see either.

Father, I give you my utmost for your highest in every aspect of my life. Of course, I will fail at this pledge, but I promise I’m not intentionally holding anything back. At this point, while my happiness is not irrelevant, it is certainly secondary (or even tertiary) to your will, your plan, and my duty to love you with all of my strength and love my neighbor as myself. You might now have happiness for me down this path, but I am assured by your word that you have peace for me there.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on August 23, 2018 in Acts, Miscellaneous, Musings and Stories, My Utmost for His Highest Scripture of the Day

 

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Acts 20:24

27 May

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

Acts 20:24

Dear God, I was 17 years old the first time I read this verse. It was early in my senior year and I was trying a short-lived plan to memorize scripture. But this was one of the first and it really stick with me. I don’t know if it’s fair to say that it is a “life verse,” but it’s close. I’ve always had a bit of an attitude of eschewing personal advancement or gain in deference to service. But frankly, I’ve always felt like a bit of a failure when it comes to the part about testifying about your Gospel.

But maybe I am doing the work assigned to me by you—no, that’s a cop-out. Yes, I do a lot of things to serve others in your name, but I am really weak in reaching out and offering your freedom that is available to others through your grace. The peace and joy that is available through the pursuit of relationship with you.

I saw a Facebook post today from a woman I know very tangentially, but she was expressing fear. I’ll admit that part of my reticence in commenting of contacting her was that she was a female that I’m not that close to and I might have been more likely to contact her if she were male, but still, I wondered what I would say to her. What of you would I offer to her? I was glad to see that several people had reached out to her.

Father, I consider my life worth nothing to me. If only I might finish the task and complete the mission you’ve given to me. The task of testifying to the Gospel of your grace.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on May 27, 2018 in Acts

 

Acts 2:1-4

20 May

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:1-4

Dear God, I never thought about this before, but apparently you don’t need much of an invitation to show up in a big way. This group of people loved you. They prayed for you. They were probably praying for direction. But they never imagined what you could do or how you would show up.

That’s the thing I guess. We never really know what we are praying for. We think we know what we want or need, but we really don’t. I’ve prayed for jobs that didn’t work out, circumstances for my children that went a different way, and provision for friends and relatives that seem to have gone unheard. But you are there. Sometimes you have something even better waiting for me. Sometimes you just know it’s better if I don’t get what I want. Sometimes my getting a “no” will mean someone else getting a “yes.”

Father, make me patient with your will. As the father of two grown children, I am now in the biggest game of “trust” with you in which I’ve ever been. I am trusting that you will answer our prayers for our children and who they are in you, but I also know that it might take decades to see it come to pass. I might not see it on this side of death. The same goes for other family members, friends, and family about whom I am concerned. It also goes for my community, my state, my country, and my world. So today I will do what I can best discern I am supposed to do, wait on the Holy Spirit to move, and worship you (not necessarily in that order).

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on May 20, 2018 in Acts

 

Acts 1:15-26

08 May

During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.” (Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”) Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’ “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

Acts 1:15-26

Dear God, were you in Peter’s decision that they needed to replace Judas in that moment? Were you in the casting of lots? Was Matthias the answer, or did you intend for Paul to replace Judas all along? Did Peter in his impatience get out ahead of you, or did this happen just the way you thought it should?

I am preaching again on Sunday for the Presbyterian church and this is one of the scripture readings. This is where my lack of Christian education comes in because I’ve always thought that Peter did the wrong thing here for the right reasons, but the scripture never says he was wrong so my Baptist heritage tells me that the Bible is inerrant so Peter was right to do what he did. But the fact remains that you had another man lined up to be an apostle, and that man would write much of what would become the New Testament that we use to know you today.

Father, I need your help in figuring out what I should preach about this week. Since it’s Mother’s Day, I’m thinking about doing something that is totally unrelated to the week’s scripture readings. But then I read something like this and I wonder if there isn’t a sermon in the idea of getting out ahead of you and not waiting on your timing. I don’t know. So be with me today. Help me to do the right thing for this church on Sunday, but let that start with letting you change me today.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on May 8, 2018 in Acts

 

Acts 9:17-19a

02 Apr

17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Acts 9:17-19a

 
Dear God, the thing that strikes me about this story is how Paul went from really proud just days before to completely humbled. He carried a righteous indignation about persecuting Christians in your name. He arrested, at least was complicit in a killing, and reviled so many people. One of the interesting things about his transformation is that you were able to use the zealous part of his personality to great effect, but his anger seemed to subside. He no longer hated people who disagreed with him (although he was now on the other side of the fence). He loved them in a new way. In addition to his humility, your grace brought love to him too.
 

There are a lot of times that I am so prideful. Before I started working for nonprofits and depending upon the charity of others for my livelihood and the livelihood of my coworkers, I used to say that I could never be a missionary and live on the support of others. I also tend to get very proud of my political views, my religious views and my judgments on how others live their lives. But your grace is molding me. And it really does feel better to let go. There is freedom in letting go of any kind of façade that I might put on for someone else. Just as Paul experienced freedom and grace, so too have I felt more joy when I let go of my own life and simply embrace you and the reality that you give to me.

 
Father, help me to love well, worship you, and root out the remaining areas in my life where my pride rules me. Forgive me of my arrogance and help me to understand embrace humility—if for no other reason that my being humble makes it easier on the people who love me.
 

In Jesus’ name I pray,

 
Amen

 
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Posted by on April 2, 2018 in Acts, Uncategorized

 
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