Category: Good Life Journal

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 22

    Journal Acts 22 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture: “And one Ananias, a devout man (according to the law), well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there (in Damascus), came to me, and standing by me said to me, “Brother Saul, receive your sight.”  And at very hour I received my sight and saw him (Ananias).

     

    And (Ananias) said, “The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.  And now, why do you wait?  Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” Acts 22:12-16

     

    “But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why (Paul) was being accused by the Jews, (the Centurion) unbound (Paul) and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.” Acts 22:30

     

    Observation: Curiosity.  Should be insatiable when it comes to the Scriptures.  Not in a challenging the Word of God sort of way, but “what does this mean?  Why?  What is the “real reason” (just like the Centurion asked).

     

    Analysis:  There are times I am suspicious of curiosity.  I think that most curiosity I encounter will lead someone down the wrong path.  I address it with anguish and fear.

     

    Oh, not my curiosity.  My curiosity is as pure as the driven snow; I am disciplined, righteous, educated, mature…. right.  Thing is, curiosity is not a bad thing, but I have to acknowledge—it can bite.

     

    It is one of the main reasons to “study to show (myself) approved … rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Tim 2:15)

     

    Do I think that Ananias kept thinking about Jesus’ command to go to Straight Street in Damascus, even though Jesus gave him explicit instructions?  “I wonder what the real reason is… I don’t want to deal with this murderer…” and then, he laid hands on Paul to regain his sight.

     

    What about the Centurion?  “This is stranger than I could ever imagine … Those priests are nutty when times are normal, but all of this for what?  And this guy claims to be a Roman Citizen?  I gotta know…”

     

    I really would like a day where someone comes up and asks, “Please, sir: Explain to me about the Hope that is evident in you…”  But that isn’t the way described in the Bible.  What is predominant, though, is the phrase “Declare the Kingdom of God” or “Preach the Gospel.”  The closest so far (that I can think of) is writing like this and declaring the Gospel (and what I learn of the Gospel) to my wife daily (#1 disciple).

     

    I think the reason why many don’t do it this way, is because they are not curious; curious about the Scriptures, about sound doctrine.  Maybe this sounds like chains and not freedom?  Another reason is maybe, just maybe, conviction of sin would be found between the pages of the Bible.

     

    Maybe, then, I am just fine not asking the questions that will know Him more… too, bad.

     

    Prayer: Lord, I can imagine myself in Ananias.  You know that it has happened, except I stopped and argued with you in my mind, until I convinced myself I was imagining things.  How I wish I would have dropped what I was doing and went.

    Every so often after those times, you give me opportunities.  Sometimes I respond, sometimes I chicken out.  Still, after confessing, repenting, and listening for another opportunity from You, I strain to hear your voice.

    Help me to hear your whisper, Jesus.  Help me to serve in secret, doing what you want me to without calling attention to myself.

    Yours, O Lord.  Surrendered.

    Bring revival, heal this land.

    AMEN

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 21

    Journal Acts 21 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture: “And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days.  And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem…

     

    (Arriving at Tyre and continuing to Ptolemais) …we greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day.  On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea and we entered the house of Phillip the evangelist (who was one of the seven) and stayed with him.  He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

     

    While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.  And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hand and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, this is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”

     

    Observation: The stories of Acts are instructive in many ways.  Not only do they tell what happened (and are very interesting, even exciting with a little imagination), they even describe how the early church (and believers) functioned.  Behold the Toolbox of the Gifts…

     

    Analysis: Paul is a heroic figure.  Not as a fictional example, but someone real, someone who was committed to “walking the walk.”

     

    Not that I could ever imagine myself like a Paul, but I can imitate his attitude.

     

    However, can I do that with the surrounding characters?  What were they like?  Am I even noticing?  Do I just read past them, focusing on the heroics of Paul?  Listing what I see:

    • Everyone listed was hospitable.  Paul and his bandmembers were welcomed into homes, not just overnight, but for days and weeks.
    • They were “in the Spirit.”  How did they get ‘in the Spirit?”  From my own experience it is too easy to step out of the “Spirit”;I  no less for those guys.  But the scripture evidence speaks…
    • They were unafraid to speak their mind.  They all had their say and did not defer to “leadership” positions or responsibilities.
    • Gifts of the Spirit were used, not abused.  Five specific NT prophets were identified here.  In light of 1 Cor 14:1 (…earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesize…) did these folks seek this functionality?  Cultivate it?  Mature in it?
    • They were communal.  Hanging out with one another wasn’t strange, it was obviously pursued so that comfort in their own skin around folks was evident.

     

    These five observations are longed for, but not evident in my own life.  Is it because of pandemic stuff, or is it something deeper?  Am I cultivating a fear, a self-protective spirit, so that I cannot be found out of a deficient character?

     

    I write provocatively on purpose.  I have to question myself, keep me thinking and “examining myself to see if I am in the faith…” (2 Cor 13:5) It is not a matter of doubt, but of how diligently I am walking worthy of the Gospel.

     

    These folks (including, but not limited to Paul) deserve a lot of thought and being inquisitive in the Spirit.  How can I be like them?

     

    Prayer:  Father, imitation is a gift of Grace that is not often mentioned or encouraged.  I think of imitating You, Lord Jesus, but I don’t often think of other characters or worthy men and women in the Faith that have gone before. (Heb 13:7)

    I so appreciate your Word, lively and piercing.  I don’t want to skip over what I could consider the mundane parts, letting my eyes glide until I have a juicy quick quote.  Help me change my ways, O Lord.

    Lead me in next steps, bring revival, heal this land.

    AMEN

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 20

    Journal Acts 20 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture: “…for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

     

    Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock (in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers), to care for the church of God which he obtained with his own blood.  I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw disciples after them.

     

    Therefore, be alert—remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.

     

    And now I commend you to God and to the word of his Grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”  (Acts 20:27-32)

     

    Observation: I have noticed that Paul, when talking, points to the Word of God: Pay attention; attend to; pay careful consideration, etc. for it will be your (my) sanctification.

     

    When at a decision cross-roads, always take the path towards the Holy Scriptures…

     

    Analysis: I recognize that this passage is slanted towards the leadership of the local church, but because there isn’t a “book” of leadership stuff that is restricted only to the “leadership”, I have to assume that there is stuff that rank and file folks (like me) should pay attention to.

     

    What is “the whole Counsel of God?”

     

    Paul describes himself as “not shrinking, not ceasing” over “three years” from this.  3 years, 36 months, 156 Sundays, 1,000 days, preaching, teaching, admonishing the local church with the whole counsel of God.

     

    What subjects presume the “Whole Council?”  How many?  How would he do that?  What would he have to repeat?

     

    What do I know of the “Whole Council?”  Fact: Not enough.

     

    So, what is the assignment?  Figure out what the Whole Counsel of God encompasses.  Make searching for the “Whole Council” my life’s work—the minimal pursuit of God.

     

    Prayer:  Triune God, Father, how can I know You better?  Through your Word.  I might be able to do tasks, assignments, functions and sense your Pleasure, but I can only know you in an ever-increasing manner through Your Word.

    Make it so, in me, O God.

    Bring revival, heal my land.

    AMEN

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 19

    Acts 19

     

    Scripture

     

    V 23 … There arose no little disturbance concerning the Way.

    V 24-27… Demetrius, who made silver shrines to Artemis, … gathered tradesman saying, “You know that from this business we have our wealth. … And you know this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people saying gods made with hands are not gods. … There is danger our trade may come in disrepute, …

     

    V 28 …When the craftsmen heard this, they became enraged …

    V 29 So the city was filled with confusion ….

    V 32 … some cried out one thing, some another … and most of them did not know why they had come together …

     

    V 35 … the town clerk quieted the crowd …,

    V 39 … there is no cause that we can give to justify the commotion.

     

    Observation

     

    The town craftsmen of Ephesus were challenged with the message of Jesus.

    But this challenge was rooted in selfishness & greed.

    They didn’t want their life & livelihood disrupted.

    A charismatic leader, Demetrius, rallied the other tradesmen to riot against the Gospel.

     

    Paul and Demetrius used the same technique: Persuasion.

    But the persuasion came from the opposite source.

    For Paul it was the love of God.

    For Demetrius it was the love of money.

     

    Jesus said we cannot serve two masters, God & money.

    Here we see it causing a riot in the earliest days of the church.

    This is not a new phenomenon.

     

    Application

     

    When the Good News of Jesus enters a space, it disrupts.

    Old thinking & doing is no longer sufficient.

    Our motivations change. And this may cause our activities, even our livelihood to become “is disrepute”.

     

    The Gospel forces choices. … “Choose this day whom you will serve”.

    New information and new choices can create confusion, as we saw in these verses.

    But the Gospel can also settle confusion.

     

    God is not a God of confusion!

    God does not want me confused!

    God wants me to know very clearly who He is and what role He has in my life!

     

    Am I confused by a choice or behavior or activity?

    The Gospel should clarify, not confuse.

    What will honor God more?

    What will glorify God more?

    What will help spread the Good News of Jesus more?

    What shows love more?

     

    The world is chaotic, for sure. This is not God’s doing.

    God is a God of order, not chaos.

    When chaos seems to being reigning & confusion abounds in my life, my house, the broader community or the world, I need to go back to the Good News.

    God so loved …

     

    Prayer

     

    Father, thanking you that you are sovereign over everything.

    Thank you that your wisdom is perfect.

    God when my life needs disruption, when things seem chaotic, show me how to honor you in it.

    When things are confusing, show me how to best choose You!

    Thank you for your Word!

    Thank you for your Love!

    Amen!

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 18

    Acts 18

    Scripture:

     

    [5]  When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. [6] And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

     

    Observation:

     

    In this situation, as Paul preached the gospel to the Jews, it wasn’t just that they didn’t believe, they reviled him – they were scornful and became abusive. His time was far better spent for the Kingdom of Jesus elsewhere.

     

    Application:

     

    This is a direct application of what Jesus taught in Mat 7:6  –  Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

     

    It is one thing to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to unbelievers who can hear, and totally another thing to be abused in the process. God will put plenty of unbelievers with open hearts in our path. Our time is far better spent giving our personal gospel story to them than to waste it on scoffers and abusers.

     

    Prayer:

     

    Lord I love you. Help me recognize the unbelievers in my path with whom you want me to spend  time telling my gospel story. I pray you help me know when their hearts and eyes are open enough for them to listen to your word. Lord I know you love everyone but help me know when I should move on and when I should dig deeper with people in my sphere of influence. I pray I glorify you in those decisions. In Jesus holy name I pray, amen.

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 17

    Journal Acts 17 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture:  “And Paul went in (as was his custom), and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures—explaining and proving it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead… Acts 17:2-3a

     

    The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.  Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so… Acts 17:10-11

     

    Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols.  So, he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.” Acts 17:16-17

     

    Observation: Here the Scriptures show a tactic of Paul: He reasoned.  The brothers of Berea showed a related thought process: They were eager to hear but verified what was being said.

     

    The common denominator?  They were thinkers.

     

    Analysis:  A person pursues what they value.

     

    Simple enough explanation.  As a Christian, what then about being a Christian, do I value?  What is it about being a Christian do I find significant?

     

    More importantly, what is it that Jesus wants me to value, and then, how do I get there?  These questions are what comes to mind reading this chapter and especially these 3 passages.

     

    A key word to consider: Reasoned (or reasoning) as in the act of persuasive discussion.

     

    Paul had a custom to “reason” in the local Synagogue.  He did this in Thessalonica to explain why Jesus had to die and rise again.  After being run out of town, they went to Berea, where those guys listened to Paul and Silas eagerly, but went off to reason and study among themselves to consider if it was true.  Last example was Athens: Paul, looking around, saw idols, idols, everywhere and was provoked (incited, triggered) and then—went to the synagogue and reasoned for 3 consecutive Saturday’s.

     

    There is something that I have to consider for myself: Do I regularly talk about the Scriptures?  Do I ask questions?  Do I think about this position or that and try to see if it is so (like the Bereans)?  Outside of the Core doctrines (like faith in the Atoning work of Christ), do I wonder if I got it right?  And if I am convinced that I got it right, how and why and could I convince (persuade with sound reasoning) someone else?

     

    I wonder if “studying to show myself approved, rightly handling the Word of Truth” is more that just stuffing memorized verses between my ears?  Is it also moving away from “reason(ing) like a child (c. 1 Cor 13:11)” and walking into reasoning like an adult?  A disciple growing in maturity, or not?

     

    Paul told Timothy this: “But as for you, continued in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been ACQUAINTED with the sacred writings (which are able to make you wise for salvation).  All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable (advantageous, beneficial, valuable) for:

    • Teaching
    • Reproof
    • Correction, and,
    • Training in righteousness,

    That the mand of God may be complete—equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:14-17)

     

    Stuffing information into my skull, doesn’t make me wise, it makes me taught, learned, just like someone out of high school.  I have to press in being trained if I am going to be complete in Christ.

     

    Prayer: Father, hear my prayer and change, make wide my heart towards You.  “I want to do what you want me to—no empty words, no white lies, no token prayers, no compromise.” (Keith Green).  Sometimes the best prayer comes from other saints gone before.

    Cause revival.  Heal this land.

    AMEN

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 16

    Acts 16:30-31 – Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

    Observation –

    The Philippian jailer was originally fearful enough to take his own life thinking that he had lost his prisoners.  God uses Paul to intervene and stop the jailer from harming himself.  Then the jailer poses the question to Paul and Silas what is required of me to be saved?  The answer is not quit your job as jailer or clean up.  Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved along with your family!

    Application

    When the question is asked to me let me answer with the clarity and boldness of Paul and Silas.  Let me be Great Commission minded to ask that question of others to ascertain their understanding of salvation and tell them they simply have to place their faith in Jesus.  There is nothing I can do or anyone can do to be saved other than by the grace of God.  Therefore, I need not complicate the truth in the gospel message by adding anything.  We are saved by grace alone not by any works we do.  As a man, I have an important role of spiritual leadership in my family.

     

    Prayer

    Father,

    Thank you for the truth in your word and your love grace and mercy for us.  Let the power of the Spirit lead me to clearly and boldly proclaim your gospel to honor you.

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 15

    Journal Acts 15 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture: “But some men came down from Judea (to Antioch) and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

     

    And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.

     

    So, being sent on their way by the church (at Antioch), they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.  When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they (Paul and Barnabas) declared all that God had done with them.

     

    But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”  Acts 15:1-5

     

    Observation: It is this kind of stuff that causes division, dissention, and denominations.

     

    Analysis:  Reviewing the story so far, Paul and Barnabas are in Antioch, preaching the Kingdom and the Grace of God; maybe doing a miracle or two, just like in Lystra.

     

    Some guys from Judea, are crowding into their territory, teaching authoritatively, that the brothers need to be circumcised to be saved.  Who and what should the Lystra church believe?

     

    This kind of deliberation is tough, especially if young believers are around—but it doesn’t help ungrounded older believers either.  Hopefully the newbies are sponges at this age, but who will protect them from bad doctrine and stinking thinking?

     

    What happened, then, with Paul and Barnabas is that they were dispatched to Jerusalem to bring the matter before the Apostles and Elders at the Jerusalem church.  Eventually wisdom broke out and the subject of circumcision was set aside (but not forever, nor at all places).  While this was put to the side back then, this current age has a similar issue: “Is water baptism essential for salvation?”  Is this a stretch?  I don’t think so.  There have been folks that left this local church because “Salvation” and “Water Baptism as necessity” wasn’t linked hard enough to suit them.

     

    What is it?  Was being circumcised essential for Jesus to recognize one of his?  Is being water baptized essential for Jesus to recognize one of his?  Of course not.  Grace is Grace.  So, if it is not necessary from the Trinitarian God point of view, to whom’s POV does it matter?

     

    So, what is the point?  This post is not to make decisions, it is to say, THINK!!  I have to keep thinking about the Scriptures; to consider them reverently, thoroughly, methodically and never stop.  It is God’s Word, and the reader is emphatically encouraged to study and deliberate.  (c. Ps 119)

     

    Have conversations about God’s Word.  Savor it with each other.  Exalt it more than scores and statistics.  After all,

     

    “Where can I go, Lord?  Only you have the words of Life.”

     

    Prayer: I am nodding off in my chair writing this.  But I have to write.  It captures my soul.

    Bore down in my heart, O God, make my will, thine.

    Keep newbies in the Faith protected with Good and Sound Doctrine—keep them from ravenous wolves.

    Bring revival, heal this land.

    AMEN

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 14

    Journal Acts 14 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture: “So (Paul and Barnabas) remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who (Paul and Barnabas) bore witness to the word of His Grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” Acts 14:3

     

    “Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet.  He was crippled from birth and had never walked.  He listened to Paul speaking.

     

    And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.”  And he sprang up and began walking.

     

    And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!”  Barnabas, they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes (because he was the chief speaker).  And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifices with the crowds.

     

    But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, “Men, why are you doing these things?  We are also men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.

     

    In past generations he (God) allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.  Yet (God) did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”  Acts 14:8-17

     

    Observation:  It is not enough, reading the Scriptures, and cherry picking a verse here or there for memorization.  Like back when in English Literature, we are left with, “What does this story mean in my own words?  What is the book report on chapters like Acts 14?”

     

    Analysis:  The short story of Acts 14 at Lystra:

    • Paul and Barnabas went to Lystra, where there was a temple for Zeus.  Paul and Barnabas were preaching and teaching the Word of God and of His Grace.
    • Paul performed a miracle of healing to a lame man.  The crowd immediately misunderstood it and considered that our guys were Greek gods appearing as men.
    • Paul and Barnabas, very alarmed and frustrated squared, responded to this by yelling and ripping their garments, “We are just like you—no gods at all”, and then explaining the character of God.

     

    More could be shoved in this summary, but it is not necessary.  What was Paul and Barnabas doing at Lystra?  What was their message to these folks (more detail than just “Preaching salvation”)?  How did Paul evaluate (because he did—“…seeing he had faith to be made well…”) the lame man and then had the fearlessness to raise his voice from the podium to command the guy to get up and walk?

     

    Why aren’t I copying, imitating this?  Why aren’t I even thinking about this kind of imitation of faith?

     

    I think it is because I am not preparing myself according to the Word of God.  Not the lack of faith to perform miracles, but the faithlessness of not trying.  I saw this earlier in Acts 11: “…and he (Barnabas) exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose…” (v 23)  Synonyms of “steadfast” are unwavering, resolute, persistent, dedicated, firm, DEPENDABLE, and more.

     

    Therefore, I can take away that there is a component of being a follower of Jesus that takes effort and determination; that following the Spirit is parallel to being obedient to the Scriptures.

     

    I write this down, not caring if others read it, because I have to write to the face in the mirror.  Candidly, I am not faithful in this—but I want to be and the more I talk to myself like this (preaching this facet of the Gospel to myself), the less fearful I get.

     

    Prayer: Lord God, please make me steadfast in pursuing You in all facets of the Gospel.  I don’t want to be majoring in one aspect of the Gospel jewel, and utterly fail in the other 99 aspects.

    Make me your instrument of Grace, please.

    Bring revival, heal my land,

    AMEN

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 12

    Scripture

     

    Vs 12 …. many were gathered together and were praying.

    Vs 13 When (Peter) knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer.

    Vs 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate.

    Vs 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so.

    They kept saying, “It is his angel.”

    Vs 16 But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed.

     

    Observation

     

    The people of God we’re doing exactly what they were supposed to be doing:

    “… gathering together and praying”. This is beautiful to see.

     

    Their response to the oppression of their loved one (Peter who was imprisoned by Herod) was to immediately plea to God, not their oppressors.

    Clearly, these were people of faith.

     

    Yet, they, like us/me today, were shocked and surprised at the responsiveness of God, their Sovereign King, sovereign over all … even Herod who they were hiding from.

     

    Application

     

    We should gather and pray, just as this early group of believers did.

    In fact, it reminds me of Good Life’s mission to “share Good News and share Life together.”

     

    But our gathering and praying should be an act of hope, not fear.

    We gather and pray as a faithful act, not a social act.

     

    Our God is an active God, a God of movement. I don’t want to miss it.

    These gathered early followers told the girl she was “out of her mind”.

    It even seems that the people gathered argued for a while as to possibility that Peter (or anyone) was knocking outside.

     

    She “kept insisting”…

    They “kept saying”…

    Peter “kept knocking” …!

     

    We/I must never become a group of people that gather, yet stop listening for the knock of those outside our walls.

    We must be, I must be, perceptive to the opportunities God provides to open the door of his Good News to those outside.

     

    God will and does provide those opportunities.

    People are knocking. … Will I open the door?

    Or will I argue with other believers about what to do?

     

    Vs 16 says “they opened the door … and were amazed”.

    Want to be amazed by God?

    Open the door!

     

    Prayer

    God, you are amazing.

    You are sovereign. Never allow me to stop being amazed by you … in awe of you.

    Take whatever fear I have of opening doors when others knock.

    Replace my fear with the gift of your faith.

    I love you. And I’m grateful for your love.

    Amen.

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 13

    Journal Acts 13 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture: “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, but he whom God raised up did not see corruption.

     

    Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.  Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

     

    “Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.”

     

    As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.  And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who (as they spoke with them), urged them to continue in the Grace of God.” Acts 13:36-43

     

    Observation: What is it that I should aspire to?  What is it that I want?  What do I want to give up?  What do I want to be changed in me?  These are questions that do not go away; they are reflective questions for the face in the mirror all our days…

     

    Analysis:  Chapter 13 of Acts has this quote which has captured my heart for years: “For David, having served the Purpose of God in his generation…”

     

    I am not an “titled” servant of the local church; I am not appointed as pastor, teacher, elder, deacon, etc.  I am an “everyman” of the Faith.  Serving the Purpose of God in my generation happens every day I wake up and shake the cobwebs from the empty space between my ears—and it happens with intent.

     

    There can be a certain attitude that can be assumed that “Of course I am serving the Purpose of God” just by breathing—I don’t have to “do” anything.  It is the same thinking that because I said “Yes” to Jesus, I am therefore a disciple.  Nope, not any more than I know which end of a bat to hold makes me a Major League ball player.  To be sure, this “serving God’s purpose” mindset is true—but only from the view of God’s Sovereignty.  My responsibility of pursuing Sanctification means I have to truly exert EFFORT to pursue Jesus’ instructions and imperatives WHILE resting/trusting in His Grace.

     

    I look at the hunger for the things of God displayed: serving the purpose of God; exhorted by the scriptures (Beware…lest what is said in the Prophets should come about…); begging for Paul and Barnabas to come back next week and say the same stuff again, and; following with desire to learn the things of God.

     

    I want to daily be ASTONISHED by His Grace—not just acknowledge Grace—but be AMAZED!

     

    Prayer: Father, this stuff you are burning in my heart and I am, by your grace, acting on it.  I have to…what choice do I have?

    Cause revival, heal my land,

    AMEN

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 11

    Acts 11 vs. 11-18

    Scripture:
    [11] And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea.  [12] And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.  [13] And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter;  [14] he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’  [15] As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning.  [16] And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’  [17] If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”  [18] When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

    Observation:

    God went first and set the whole thing up. First God spoke to Peter in visions three times. Showing him a new way of thinking.. that salvation is for everyone who will know Jesus as their savior, not only for the circumcised.  Peter argued with God because he didn’t understand. He was hearing something that, until then, he believed to be false. But then, Peter reacted. As directed by the Holy Spirit, he listened and obeyed. Then God sent the three men in only God’s perfect timing.

    Net yet a follower of Jesus, the man in the house listened to the angel and then sent for Peter. God reached out for him and he was open enough to listen and obey.  What is this “..he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved..”? Why should he have even cared? But he did, and he obeyed. He opened the door when God knocked. He was open to hearing the Word. He was open to salvation.

    Application:

    It is okay to argue with God when we don’t understand but in the end, we need to listen. We need to obey and go out when God tells us and the Spirit leads us. Yes, we are saved but God will use us if we let him. This is not just a suggestion, to be used in helping others come to salvation, it is a mandate. He did not commission us to relax once we are saved. He will move to put people in our path with yees and hearts open to hear the Word. We are to respond with action. If we don’t know what to say or do when God puts these people in our path, don’t worry, the Spirit will lead us.

    Prayer:

    Lord I love you. I pray I recognize the people you put in my path who are open to your Word. Holy Spirit lead me. Use me as you choose and speak through me. Give me words and actions because I know that I am inadequate without you.  In Jesus’ holy name I pray, amen.

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 10

    Journal Acts 10 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture: “At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort—A devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

     

    About the ninth hour of the day (3 pm local), he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.”  And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it Lord?”

     

    And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God…” Acts 10:1-4

     

    Observation:  I have often thought about guys like these, who are devout, along with all their household.  Why wasn’t my household devout back then?  Why is it now?

     

    Analysis:  There are only a few folks I know of that display “devout” households.

     

    Devout (syn): Sincere, Earnest, Serious, Pious, Deep, Staunch, Devoted, Dedicated, and more.  I notice that “active” isn’t in this list.  Why?

     

    I think maybe “activity” can supplant “devout”—If I am “active” I can hide from being “devout.”  Maybe not, although I have seen folks who do just that.  I am pretty sure that tendency is present in the lives of Man.

     

    Perhaps it is because being Devout is first and foremost seen from the Throne and not Man: “Cornelius, your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God….”  I also notice that being devout included Fearing God, not “believing” God.

     

    There’s a puzzle here that I don’t quite know how to quantify: What’s the difference between “fearing” and “believing?”  There has to be one because it is referred to often in the NT.

     

    “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out you own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Phil 2:12-13; cp Ro 11:20, 2 Cor 5:1, 2 Cor 7:1, Heb 4:1)

     

    Another thing: Cornelius is head of household, and because of him the whole household is just like him: Believing devoutly, in the fear of God.  How many times have I settled for just “believing” and didn’t strive for “devoutness” in my household?  I have done just that: “Dad, I went forward today and accepted Jesus.” “That’s great, son” and I mentally checked off a box in my list of responsibilities—but went no further, expecting either “osmosis” maturity, a growing hunger for the things of the Kingdom (kind of like me) or abdicating his maturity to someone else.

     

    Where am I today?  Am I following in the example of the Scriptures and Cornelius?  I would like to think I am, second time around in marriage.  But, the more thorough question may be:

     

    Am I convinced and convicted to be devout and fear God in all my ways?

     

    Prayer:  Father, somehow, I do not find conflict in loving You and fearing You, knowing that You are Fearful in all your ways, and are Loving towards me individually.  Maybe it comes as a result of thinking hard about the ways of the Gospel and the Scriptures—I don’t know.

    What I do know is that I want to walk worthy of the Gospel all my days so, at the end of my days, it can be said that I served the purposes of God in my generation.

    Bring revival, heal this land,

    AMEN

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 9

    Scripture

    Acts 9:31 –   So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up.  And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

    Observation –

    The early first century believers were living in fear of God and walking in His ways following Him.  The Christians were being led by the Spirit and believers were in that sweet spot of obeying.  Having fear of the Lord and following the Spirit are traits of spiritual maturity that are encouraging to build up and grow the church.

    Application

    As I reflect on the 21st century church in America and guidance to have a healthy church, I gain insight from verse 31 to apply in my daily walk.  Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  I must work to be in correct relation to God by humbly submitting myself before Him.  If I am submitted before God, I am in position to walk with wisdom and discernment along His path not wavering on my own way.  I need to fear the Lord not man or any of his constructs. Step 1 fear God, then I have to be receptive to both look for and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me. When I allow the Spirit to guide me there is encouragement I get from following Jesus.  If I am doing just these two things, I am in a position to build up and disciple others to then have them do that in turn thereby expanding the Kingdom.

     

    Prayer

    Father,

    Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me.  Let me humbly and fearfully submit myself before you to follow you.  Use me to encourage, disciple others to know you.

  • Good Life Journal – Acts 8

    Journal Acts 8 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

    Scripture: “But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great.  They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.”

     

    And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.

     

    But when they believed Phillip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.  Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Phillip.  And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he (Simon) was amazed.

     

    Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for He had not yet fallen on any of them, they had only be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus).  Then they (Peter and John) laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

     

    Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hand, (Simon) offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:9-19

     

    Observation:  Everyone wants to get in on the act of ministry, few are willing to wait patiently to be appointed (which is different from a “calling”).

     

    Analysis: Right off the bat, I confess that I don’t know all the ins and outs of the Holy Spirit and “calling.”

     

    I think this perspective seems right, that I can “self-call” and then be sympathetically appointed OR I can humbly ask a mentor (discipler) to teach me and watch over my life and see OBJECTIVELY whether my SUBJECTIVE impression is correct or not.

     

    Because this doesn’t often happen, when someone declares, “I have a “calling”, they are automatically shuttled into a different context—not often is there a question by others, “I wonder if that is true?”

     

    Simon was like that (sort of).  Simon wanted to “minister” and have the crowd’s adulation just like he did when he was performing magic.  Was the desire to “minister” real?  The desire may have been, but was he appointed by God to do so in such a public manner?  And then because Peter and John came laying on hands and baptizing in the Holy Spirit, Simon wanted it too, to so much an extent that he thought that ministry could be bought.

     

    How could have Simon done differently?

     

    One way was to be mentored in the Way of the Gospel, the Kingdom.  A newby has enthusiasm and desire but not much in the way of maturity.

     

    Another way is to look to physically serve, presumably in secret, with an effort to not draw attention to himself—look for those humble instances to serve.

     

    Me? I always thought that my calling was to teach and minister prophetically.  A prophet once told me that my gift was the gift of Wisdom.  Looking backwards I failed so many times.  Perhaps, proceeding in age, that I will eventually exhibit these gifts.  Until then I struggle with my desire for ministry and promoting myself.  I am looking for that “promotion” organically from the Holy Spirit.  I keep one foot in front of another and do what the Scriptures direct in humble obedience until God might open another way for me.

     

    I recognize Simon’s inclination in me.  And I confess that sin in me daily.

     

    Prayer:  Father, you know that I often think of Simon and me.  I have Dave’s book “Holy Ambition” in my bookcase—but have much gotten past the preface.  I don’t know where Ambition intersects “holy” and “worldly”, “Godly” and “Selfishly.”  So, I plod, quietly discipling my wife; writing; applying myself to learning and then applying these things to a public.

    I remember the story in Acts 3 where Peter and John were going to temple and they stopped for a lame man.  The story indicates that they weren’t looking for this guy, but the insinuation is that they were ready for the situation.

    That’s where I want to be—reflexive in You.

    Bring revival, heal this land.

    AMEN