Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture:  

“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia they came to Thessalonica where there was a synagogue of the Jews.  And Paul went in (as was his custom) and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures—explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ!”

And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women.”  Acts 17:1-4

Observation:

Paul had customs.  He had habits.  His custom and habits kind of revolved around the Word of God and especially the Gospel.  Had results that some would sort of call “success”, other results that some would call a “riot.”  I am afraid of riots.

Application:

Something I am committed to in posting these Journal entries is being transparent.  I wonder about reading Christian stuff that isn’t talking about where the rubber meets the road.

Paul is a guy to imitate.  By the way, he wasn’t afraid to tell folks “follow me as I follow Christ.”  He understood his life, full of warts like it was, was still something to imitate because he had his eye firmly upon the “prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

I am stirred to imitate his customary Synagogue appointments.  Not that I have a hankering to hang out at the nearest Temple, but that his mind was on “reasoning from the Scriptures…”

Talking, discussing, and yes, reasoning was a pastime that wasn’t foreign to Paul.  But it is in this day and age.  Talking about the Scriptures like what is described above is viewed as arguing, or puffery concerning knowledge.  What I have encountered as a result is a lowest common denominator sort of tacit, peaceable, agreement concerning the Scriptures.  “Don’t talk about anything and I won’t call you [insert a name of a favorite legalist here].

Not good.  I need to be speaking night and day about my Lord; seeking Him; peeling back the curtains of my mind and fervently exploring the Scriptures.  Paul did: 3 Sabbath days in a row—spoke confidently, thoroughly….as a result of a lot of practice.  I lack practice.

Today I want to keep my mind steadfast on Him.  I woke up thinking about the Eternalness of God, my chained temporal point of view and how I might exert myself, there is no way I can understand God’s omniscience—I don’t have the tools necessary.  What does this mean?  It means that as much as I want to talk about God walking in time duration with me, I shouldn’t—it diminishes the view of God in my mind.

I wish I could at least speak like Paul to the face in the mirror.

Prayer:

Father, I am glad for the ups and downs of my physical and emotional state.  I can tell in my writing that emotionally I have headed for the pits.  But writing this entry makes me understand how I need to rule my heart, renew my mind, not forget all Your benefits.  When I am down and feeling alone, I know I am not.  Emphatically not.  Why?  Because Your Word is greater than life.  “Where am I to go, Lord?  Only You have the words of Life.”  AMEN.

Scripture:

Acts 16:3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 

Observation:

Paul was a part of the counsel in Jerusalem where he argued hard that circumcision was not required for salvation. He later circumcised Timothy, knowing that people would be aware of his gentile heritage, for fear this would be a distraction. 

Application:

Freedom is a right in American culture. We are raised to believe that we have rights given to us by God and that we should fight, even to the point of death, to keep those rights. My culture simply does not understand Paul’s decision in this passage , nor Timothy’s obedience. A few things…

-Paul knew circumcision was not a requirement for a relationship with Jesus. He had witnessed the Holy Spirit fall on  uncircumcised gentiles and that the circumcision that truly mattered was a circumcision of the heart. However he also knew that it was a highly debated issue and that it could become a distraction to the effectiveness of their mission.

So Paul decides its best to circumcise Timothy for the sake of mission. (Mission trumps freedoms)

-This was a sacrifice for Timothy. He was a teenager at this point. Circumcision was typically performed on the 8th day of a child’s life in accordance with the law. Putting myself in this situation it is hard for me to think I would go for it, especially since I knew the guy telling me to do it preached that it wasn’t necessary. There was a level of trust, respect and honor here that I don’t think I have experienced. However the effectiveness of their ministry was directly connected to the trust between them. Timothy trusted Paul and when things got hard this helped them both stay true to the task. (Respect and trust in ministry is essential to effectiveness) 

-Tough decisions were made with other people in mind. The decision to circumcise Timothy was a decision for other people. Paul knew that the distraction an uncircumcised preacher would have on the Jews in each city would potentially limit the gospel being preached and people responding. Therefore the sacrifice was made. In a modern day church culture that sacrifices until its hard, Paul and Timothy exemplify a culture of sacrifice until it’s enough. (Love others Enough to share the good news and life, even at a high cost to myself) 

Prayer:

Father thank you for this word this morning. Please help this shape the way I lead and minister. May I sacrifice, even my own comforts for the sake of others.

Scripture:

Vs 1 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

Vs 2 Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them …

Vs 11 “But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”

Vs 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree …

Vs 19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God.

Vs 22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, along with the whole church …

Vs 28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden …

Vs 31 They rejoiced because of its encouragement. 

Vs 36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” 

Vs 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

Vs 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Observation:

Two major conflicts arise in Acts 15.

One relates to theology: How are we saved? Works of the law or the grace of God?

The other relates to personality: Do we continue to work with someone who abandoned us previously?

The theological debate was resolved with thorough discussion with “apostles and elders”, and reference to God’s Word “the word of the prophets” and seeking guidance the Holy Spirit “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit”.

Their own experience also showed them they were saved by grace and should not lay a burden of law on the people they themselves couldn’t bear.

This encouraged the church and led to rejoicing.

The personal conflict led to separation of individuals who could not agree on working together.

They resolved to move on separately, but it was still after consultation of others “commended by the brothers”.

And they did not abandon the greater mission of “strengthening the churches”.

Application:

Conflict is inevitable. I am a sinful human and so is every person I will encounter.

So what then do I do? Unfortunately, my first inclination is to avoid it.

I can seem righteous by just saying I want to seek unity rather than conflict.

But, really, by avoiding conflict I am avoiding people … and very likely people God has placed in my path.

So what then must I do?

I must seek wise counsel… “the apostles and elders, along with the whole church”.

I must also seek agreement with the word of God …”the words of the prophets agree”.

I must also seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit … “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit”.

And what then if a mutual reconciliation can not be had through the conflict? (Like Paul & Barnabas)

I must not make my personal preferences priority over the greater mission.

I must recognize that all personal conflict may not be resolved with hugs and handshakes.

Maybe people will go their separate ways.

But as believers in the grace of God and fellow workers for the gospel, I must continue to work for the mission of “strengthening the church” even if it is not with whom I anticipated it would be.

God is in control. God is sovereign. God’s kingdom reigns.

And God works all things for His good … even conflict.

Prayer:

Thank you God for your grace

Thank you that it saves me,

But also that you lavish me with it when I’m stubborn and full of conflict        

Help me Holy Spirit in leading me with wisdom

In Jesus name

Amen

Scripture:

Vs 8-10 [8] In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. [9] He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed [10] and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

Observation:

Paul had discernment – enough to know that the lame man had faith and that Jesus would heal him. Paul allowed himself to be used by Jesus

Jesus enabled Paul – He showed his power and authority through Paul

The man listened – step 1

The man had faith – step 2

The man obeyed and acted – step 3

Jesus did not necessarily heal him because of his faith and obedience but certainly without his faith and obedience Jesus would not have healed him.

Application:

Applications from two different perspectives – one from the Apostle Paul’s perspective and one from lame man’s.

From Apostle Paul’s perspective:

Know that, as believers, the we have the same power that raised Jesus from the grave living within us.

We may never be used by Jesus to directly heal a faithful lame man to walk, but certainly that same power is enough to get us through our rough times and circumstances, and enough to help someone else who desperately needs it.

From the lame man’s perspective:

As we face our battles (social issues, sickness, financial, and so on..) we need to act as the lame man did.

Listen – read the Word, pray, worship, live life with other believers and go to them for advice.

Have faith – have faith that Jesus is who He says He is, that He is omnipotent and omnipresent, that He loves us..

Obey and act – when we hear from God (Word, worship, Godly counsel, or however we hear from Him) we must obey.  There will always be an action step we must follow, even if the action is to be still, know that He is God and let Him handle it.

Having faith and exercising obedience doesn’t guarantee a life without pain, stress, and strife, in fact, we are guaranteed to have trials.  Listen, obey and act through the trials and use them as the Lord will have us use them.

Prayer:

Lord I love You and believe in your promises.  Let me have the faith and obedience of of the lame man.  Help me remember that Your power lives in me and that with that power, I can overcome my fears and trials of this life. Let me use these for Your good.  Amen

Scripture:  

“For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep…”
Acts 13:36a 

Observation:

Serving the purpose of God in my generation…David’s vision.  Is it mine? 

Application:

I am at that time of life that I think about my obituary a little.  This scripture reference has gripped me for years.

David: A man after God’s own heart.
David: Died, having served the purpose of God in his generation.

What am I like?  What fills my eyes every day?  What fills my mind every day?
When I gaze on the horizon of my life, do I stand solid on the Rock?  Or am I paying attention at all?

Prayer:

Lord God: You said “without vision, the people perish.”  There are a few things that you have provided vision upon.  This is one.  I want to serve You with all my heart (dark and stony as it is).  At the end of my days, may it be said “He served the purpose of God in his generation.”  I wholly trust You to bring that selfishly and silently to pass, O Lord of my life.  Thank You for the reconciliation of the Cross.  AMEN.

Scripture:

Acts 12:5,23-24- So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worm and breathed his last. But the word of God increased and multiplied.

Observation:

Herod was persecuting the church, had James killed, Peter arrested and put in prison. Herod is in direct opposition to the work of God as he sought acclaim for himself. The church gathered together in prayer to God for Peter. An angel of the Lord appeared and rescued Peter, a man who feared God and who was serving him. An angel of the Lord struck down Herod who was harshly treating the church while seeking his own glory. During this time of persecution by Herod, the word of God was increased and the church multiplied.

Application:

Earnest prayer to God by the body of believers is heard by God. Many were praying from the time of Peter’s imprisonment till the angel released him and he appeared at the home of Mary. Prayer should always be our first option not our last resort. Everything we do as believers should be to point to God thereby giving Him all the honor and glory. Even in ministry or however we are serving we need to be careful that there is less of us and what we doing rather more of God. The word of God can not be stopped. In places where there is persecution, like India, we see God working in a powerful way and the church multiplying.

Prayer:

Father,
Help me to be someone who seeks you powerfully in word and prayer. Let me serve you and whatever I do be to glorify you and spread your gospel.

Scripture:

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:

From the beginning of the chapter to this point, the Jewish Christians, these new believers, who are still working out what they believe, realize for the first time that salvation through Jesus isn’t just a jewish thing, it is an everyone thing. This is powerful to see. It is also amazing for us as we walk through life realizing that as we grow in the Lord, our heart will be shaped & molded and changed to more align with Jesus & his mind.

Application:

These men who held the belief that the Cross was only for Jews were really devout men, believers, saved. They really knew Jesus. They had walked with Jesus but they were wrong on this reality. They thought Jesus only saved the Jews or only was for the Jews. But they learn here that was not true. They wake up to the truth of gospel that it is for all people groups, all tribes, all tongues.

As we grow in the Lord, we are constantly being molded and shaped and matured. The theological word is: Sanctified. Daily, we are becoming more like Jesus, not only in our actions but our thinking as well. As we gaze on Jesus, through the Word, we become more like him. Expect it. Assume it. Don’t be surprised when it happens.

We aren’t where we are supposed to be, we are growing & changing. And that is a good thing.

Prayer:

I pray that I would see, that our church would see that you are growing & maturing us and sometimes that takes hard conversations, that takes wake up call moments. Let us be ready for those times Lord!

Scripture:

“So Peter opened his mouth and said…As for the word he (God) sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened…from Galilee…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.  He (Jesus) went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil (for God was with him).  And we were witnesses…they put him to death by hanging him on a tree…but God raised him on the third day…and made him to appear…And he commanded us to preach to the people and testify that his is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and of the dead….”  Excerpts from Acts 10:34-42

Observation:  

The Spirit gave Peter instructions that went against all of his background and experience.  “Here (the angel said), have a big bite of snake.”  What would I do given the same circumstances? 

Application:

“Have some bacon, Peter…If I say it is good, who are you to contradict me?”  Besides, bacon is real good.

It has only been recently that I have thought about this scene; and, taking the serious subject being addressed off to the side, it had to be a hoot.  Peter is gagging, turning green, and all that.  And in a vision, no less.

But it led to a serious subject: Gentiles in the Kingdom.  God answered it concretely—“If I say good, it is good.”  Yea for us!! 

But what I thought really interesting was Peter’s reaction at Cornelius’s home—not the resisting response Peter had initially in the vision—but when Peter saw the Gospel being played out and presented in Gentiles no less, what did he do?  Peter recited the Gospel.

Now, it wasn’t fully thought out yet.  Those Apostles were still trying to put what they knew into words so as to become doctrine.  It really wasn’t until Paul came around that the Gospel as a doctrine started to take shape.  But that is not the point.

Even then, Peter was thinking of the Gospel.  He was looking through the lens of the Gospel.  He was renewing his mind to conform to the Gospel.  The scripture referenced above said “So he opened his mouth and said…”  I can’t help but think “Peter did this flat-footed.  It just blurped out.”  Peter appears to have prepared by constantly pondering and musing on the Risen Messiah and the implications of being the appointed Judge of the Living and the Dead.

I am set back on my backside again.  I don’t do this.  Not much anyway.  How can I mirror Peter so that I can be ready to give an account for the faith?  I wrote “the faith” on purpose.  Defend my faith?  I am already on shaky ground if I am offering a defense for MY faith.  Who cares about man?  An account of ‘The Faith.”  Ah, there’s the ticket!!

Peter didn’t talk about what Jesus meant to him (although he could eloquently I imagine), he talked about the objective truth, eye witness stuff AND what he has come to know as the unalterable facts concerning the Son of God.  Peter said things that are without refute.  He spoke about God. 

The Gospel can be told from an experiential point of view, no doubt.  “What has Jesus done for me?” and I can list out reams of pages.  But a better question may be “What has Jesus done?  What are his Works, what are his Ways?  Why is the Gospel the Gospel?”  These are the things the world needs to know.

And are the things I need to plow deep into the soil of my heart. 

Prayer:

Lord God: the Sin of Israel “They soon forgot!!”  Stir my heart mightily with this stuff, Lord.  I don’t want to forget or downplay your Word.  Peter did a little later in the record of Acts—forgot the vision given to him in lieu of fearing man.  I am old, and still dealing with that same thing.  Help me O God.  AMEN.

Scripture:

Acts 9:13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

Observation:

The Lord tells Ananias to go to Saul and he responds with “but…”. The church feared Saul and on the surface, this looked like a bad idea or an oversight by God. God responds with His own “but…”, revealing His predetermined plan for Saul’s life. Ananias responds in obedience.

Application:

Sometimes God tells me things through His Word or through His Spirit that seem like mistakes. The initial response from me is “But God!?” in a whinny voice. I can act or assume God is working without all the details or facts. “Invest in this person”, “give this”, “let this go”, etc. However, as it was with Ananias, so it is with me. The one working with the limited info and cloudy judgment is me, not God. I must change my “But God?!” response to a “BUT GOD CAN” response.

A few things…

-For every “but” I give, Jesus has a “but” to follow. Every excuse I give to ignore or disobey a directive from God will be met with a “but” from Him to redirect me back to what He originally called me to do. I sang last night, “I quit all negotiations with the God of all creation”. There is no negotiating. I just need to do it.

-People have a purpose. I don’t define that, God does. Therefore I must treat everyone like they have a divine purpose by loving and supporting them, whether it is a noble purpose or a common purpose. Both are divine.

-Our purpose, even our suffering is all part of God’s plan. Saul’s ministry victories and church planting legacy as well as his sufferings, imprisonments, near death experiences and his death itself were all planned by God. Suffering only makes sense when we see it as part of His story for our lives. Paul walked boldly into pain and sorrows because he knew that even those were God’s plan for him. Here I am 2000 years later still talking about it. (Even the pain is His plan)

Prayer:

Father thank you for this insight today. You know better than I do. Your plan is better than mine. My whole life, even the suffering is in your hands. May I love people well today and live out my calling to share the good news and my life as well.

Scripture:

Vs 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go …”
Vs 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian …and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.
Vs 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join …”
Vs 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
Vs 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Vs 34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this … ?”
Vs 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.
Vs 36 “… and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”
Vs 38 … and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

Observation:

There is a tremendous amount of immediate Action/Reaction going on here between Philip and the Ethiopian.
“Rise and go” … “And he rose and went”
“Go over and join” … “So Philip ran to him”
“Someone guide me” … “He invited to come over”
“I ask you” … “Then he told him”
“What prevents me” … “They both went down”
The Ethiopan is hungry for something, but he’s not sure what he is hungry for.
Philip has exactly what the Ethiopian wants and needs.
When those two come together, the results are amazing

Application:

Response … so many immediate responses here!
Responding to the angel … responding to the Spirit … responding to questions … responding to answers!
So often the world clamors to see God at work.
I think I often want to see God make things happen that I can be a spectator of.
But God, in His grace and in His sovereignty, chooses to include us in His unfolding work.
It’s incredible, really! He doesn’t need to do that.
He wants me involved, He wants to include and use me and us in His plans.
The big question is … Am I willing to respond and be obedient?
Of course, the question that goes along with this is … Am I listening for the Spirit?
In a world of distractions, it’s easy to drown something out if I don’t want to hear it.
But I think the more intentional I am about hearing something, the more I will hear it.
This includes the Spirit. … But am I willing to response in obedience?
“And Philip rose and went …” … “So Philip ran to him …”
Philip not only heard, but responded to the Spirit and was used mightily by God.
(Not necessarily publicly, but mightily.)
Another big recognition here … Wherever I am, I am not there by accident.
There is someone around me hungry for the good news of Jesus.
When an eager obedience meets with a hungry heart the Kingdom reigns!

Prayer:

Thank you, God, for good news
May I be willing and obedient to share it
Show me the hunger around me
In Jesus name
Amen

Scripture:

vs 51-54, 57-60

[51] “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!

[52] Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— [53] you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

[54] When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.

[57] ..they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, [58] dragged him out of the city and began to stone him..

[59] While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” [60] Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Observation:

Stephen had a close relationship with Jesus.  He was guided by, and got his strength from the Holy Spirit.

As Jesus did, Stephen spoke the truth when the truth needed to be heard.  He spoke truth knowing his fate if he did not let up.  The Sanhedrin were spiritually lost and needed to hear it.  Stephen was in fact relentless – telling them truth that burned at their souls.  So much so that they were like evil creatures “gnashing their teeth at him”, rushed him like wild animals and finally stoned him to death.

Stephen knew where he would spend eternity and very much like Jesus, he asked for mercy on the people who would stone him to death.

Application:

As we each allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel, we will undoubtedly be faced with circumstances where we will have a choice – to speak truth, or to be silent;   to stand for Jesus or sit down and be quiet.  Expect pushback.  We’re not always going to be talking to people who are wide open to hearing the Gospel.  Some people who are not yet filled with the Spirit are incapable of understanding things of the Spirit, so the task is not always easy.

It’s unlikely any of us will actually be stoned to death if we stand for Jesus and speak the Gospel to undeserving people in this fallen world, but it’s also not unlikely that, if we do this relentlessly with passion as Stephen did, that we won’t be persecuted in some form either.  But listen, we didn’t deserve God’s grace either and yet Jesus died for us!  If we are persecuted in some form because of our passion to share the Gospel, try as Stephen did to be like Jesus and forgive them.  With hardened hearts, some people are incapable of understanding yet.  Share, keep it simple, and forgive them if they get infuriated and fail to understand.

Prayer:

Lord thank You for You’re grace – for sending Jesus to die for us.  Help us to keep the message simple and to share the Gospel with those who are open to hearing it and to those who are not.  If the message burns to cut through hardened hearts and the reactions are to lash out at us in some way, help us stay strong.  If they do lash out at us, forgive them because the are incapable of hearing Your Word at this time.  Let us be Your messenger Lord.  We know we don’t have the power to change those hearts but You do.  In Jesus name we pray this.  Amen.

Scripture:  

“And the word of God continued to increase and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”  Acts 6:7

Observation:  

This is an “if/then” type of chapter.  There was a problem brought up; a solution was found, implemented, and aligned with by all.  Result?  The word of God increased, disciples grew in number (multiplied, not additive) and priest became obedient to the faith.  What do I take away from this?  PS: We got Stephen out of this.

Application:

This entry is a bit difficult to write today. 

I have been in conversation with a few guys in the congregation about the Word of God v. the Love of God—essentially “What should come first: the Chicken or the Egg?”  The difficulty rides on trying to avoid contentiousness on my part attempting to make a particular case.  Which side of the discussion I am taking is irrelevant.  In fact, some of the things I have been attempting to say are pretty silly.

In Acts 6 there is a similar issue (and note that I am stretching a point here).  The Greek Christians are complaining that the Jewish Christians are showing favoritism to the Jewish widows and orphans over the Greek.  The basic idea is that one side is practicing a position (whether they are aware of it or not) and another side is saying “Wait a minute!”

This “one against the other” can (and does) happen within the Body of Christ (and especially the Local Church).  Many times this calls for wise men exercising conflict resolution.  There are times where out of the box, never before used, solutions are presented and executed.  There are times where reduction to the lowest common denominator to remove the conflict issues are employed—maybe not the best solution in the long run—the underlying conflict doesn’t get resolved and the result could be a softening of the Gospel. 

The Acts 6 conflict was resolved by adding deacons and taking the Apostles out of the day to day stuff so they could devote themselves to the Word.  The congregation applauded.  Another result?  The Word of God increased exponentially—and of note: “a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”  I would say that counts for a “win-win.”

Not all conflicts result like that (check out Acts 15 with Barnabas and Paul).  But the scripture is clear: God uses all things for good…according to His purpose.  (Ro 8:28 butchered)

So, why is this difficult today?  I recognize that I got “buck fever”, “target fixation.”  My “target” was so large in my eyesight that I forgot the main thing: God is sovereign and doesn’t need me for His defense.  So do I abandon whatever position I was taking?  No—I keep studying and praying and writing (yes, there are times I have to put thoughts on paper to see if I can make sense of the thing my head is swirling with) and praying and writing more.  Also, meeting with trusted brothers to bounce ideas off is highly profitable.  I should be wondering about the Word of God, I should be contemplating it, analyzing what it is saying (different from interpretation), and savoring the result of being built up in the most holy faith (Jude). 

So, what am I doing?  Backing up a bit, I am confessing my sin (basically self-importance), and repenting.  Then put my hand back to the plow and see what the Holy Spirit opens up through the Word and His Spirit.  The Gospel is beautiful, as it should be from God.  As multifaceted as God is, so is the Gospel and deserves a lifetime of study. 

Prayer:

Thank you Lord for allowing me the Grace from You to put pride in its proper place—at the foot of the Cross.  Pride can be savored, swirling about in my mouth, and I think it can be delicious.  Actually pride (exalting my own wisdom in this case) is bitter as wormwood (Prov 5).  I do not want a root of bitterness existing in my heart.  Thank you, O God, for setting me free from the dominance of sin.  AMEN.

Scripture:

Acts 5:29-32 – But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.  The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and for the forgiveness of sins.  And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Observation:

Peter and the apostles are being persecuted by the council for proclaiming the name of Jesus.  Peter, speaking with boldness from the power of the Spirit lays out an apologetic defense for Jesus.  Our first response is to be in line with God not man. God raised Jesus from the dead to be our savior and have forgiveness over sin.  Peter and the apostles were witnesses to the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus as is the Holy Spirit to those who believe in Jesus name.  

Application:

Jesus was persecuted, the apostles were persecuted in Jerusalem and believers are persecuted in many parts of the world every day for their faith in Jesus.  Step one is for me to be obedient to God not man. God is sovereign and he raised Jesus from the dead to be our Savior and offer the only way to have a relationship with the Father.  Jesus last words before he ascends into heaven are that, “He has all authority in heaven and on earth and we are to go and make disciples baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit teaching them to obey the commands I have taught you.  And know that I will be with you to the end of the age.” As Peter is given power through the Holy Spirit, we too as believers are called to be witnesses for Jesus by the power of the Spirit.

Prayer:

Father,

Thank you for your love, grace and mercy.  Let me obey you not men. May the power of the Holy Spirit guide me to be a witness for Jesus.  

Scripture:

Acts 4:8-12
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Observation:

The fullness of the Spirit in Peter gave him a boldness to clearly present the gospel in a difficult situation to intimidating people.

Application:

Acts 4:12 is one of the clearest statements about salvation through Christ in all scripture. It is crazy that it comes from the mouth of Peter, someone who was earlier terrified of persecution before the Holy Spirit came upon him. A few things.

-The Holy Spirit equips believers toward the mission of making disciples. Peter’s life was now resolute on preaching the cross and resurrection of Jesus for salvation of all who would believe. This is the Spirit’s work and mission through believers. (The Spirit will always lead me into the mission)

-Peter is giving an answer to a question. They are asking the question because Peter was part of a supernatural healing. Sometimes believers find themselves arguing with people who don’t believe. Why? Because we are attempting to answer questions they don’t ask. The best spiritual conversations I have ever had are when a person asks me why my life, attitude or experience is different than theirs. This gives me the chance to answer with the gospel. The best conversation starter is living out a spirit-filled and spirited-directed life that stands out in a dark and depraved world. When they ask, you have an answer. (Live out a life that demands an answer)

-The Spirit uses normal people who have failed in the past. Without the Spirit, Peter denied Christ three times to a young girl for fear of persecution. Now, filled with the Spirit, Peter boldly preaches Christ as Lord and Savior in front of some of the highest ranking Jews of the day. Peter hasn’t grown up on his own. His boldness comes from the power and presence of the Holy Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. (May my boldness be Spirit-filled and Spirit-directed instead of experience or self-confidence directed.)

Prayer:

Thank you for showing me how much your presence and indwelling Spirit can change a life. I know you changed me. May I have confidence and boldness today to live a life that demands an answer, step fully into the mission, and remember that it is only your Spirit that makes me who I am.

Scripture:  

“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer (the ninth hour).  And a man lame from birth was being carried (whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate) to ask alms of those entering the temple.  Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple he asked to receive alms.  (And) Peter directed his gaze at him (as did John) and said: ‘Look at us.’  And he (the lame man) fixed his attention on them expecting to receive something from them.  But Peter said “I have no silver and gold but what I do have I give to you.  In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk!”  And he (Peter) took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.

…all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s.  And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel: Why do you wonder at this or why do you stare at us as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?”  Acts 3:1-7; vs. 11b-12

Observation:  

This is not a record of a first miracle by any of the disciples—probably not the first by Peter or John.  It is a record of one of the first miracles done when Jesus wasn’t physically around.  What does this mean to a knucklehead like me?

Application:

When I read through the Scriptures I begin to wonder about how folks I read about decide to do what they do?  What triggers them?  At the extreme how spooky do they get? 

As a card carrying Charismatic from way back, I think this is stuff I ought to be doing.  But the flip side of my “card” reads Chicken as well.  Candidly, the times I have stuffed down my man-fear and reached out in courage in Jesus, I can count on the fingers of one hand how many times I have been in the presence of an immediate miracle like the lame man: ZERO. 

I have searched out, thought about, periodically prepared myself (deep breathing exercises, practicing in the mirror, and other silly things), and decided that the next time I am in the grocery store and see a wheelchair, I am going to stop and pray.  Did that a couple of times, more often than not I do like the old song “Walk on by…” 

So what should I be doing?  Again, candidly, this falls into Biblical understanding and consciously mirroring the Word of God—when I fail in doing something, confess, repent, and get going again.  Repeat until becomes habit. 

Here is what I am after in myself: I want what I see in Peter and John and indeed the whole Bible to become reflex in me.  I want what I learn and become convinced in to be seamless in my life from the time I wake up every morning to the moment I lay my head on the pillow at night.

I can’t help but think Peter and John did not have an idea that the lame man was going to be in their way.  They just had a nice lunch, talked about the scriptures, the local middle school sports, the weather… and then 3pm came around and they said “Let’s go up to the temple and pray.”  However, this may have been the difference: they were prepared, not in any overt or specific way, but they have been practicing “putting on the Lord Jesus and making no provision for the flesh.”  Peter and John did not switch into Christian gear; they were purposeful in pursuing seamless integration of the Scriptures in their life.

That’s what I want… 

Prayer:

Lord, do I reach too high?  I don’t think so.  It had been said of Charles Spurgeon “He bleeds the Bible.”  When I think of Charlie’s example I want to be like that—including Jesus’ life integrated into mine.  I am so disappointed in myself when I find myself “being religious”, as if an artificial cloud dropped over me.  Please make me holy in my secret places, in my house and around my wife, well before my footsteps outside in public.  AMEN.