A Surprise Appearance

Scripture – Acts 13:1-3: ¹In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. ²While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Reflection: – In the midst of worship, the Holy Spirit broke in with a new message for the church in Antioch. However that happened or whoever heard, the message was clear. Barnabas and Saul were called to a new ministry – one that would send them out into the Gentile world with the message of Christ. The church, after fasting and praying some more, laid their hand on them and sent them off as the Spirit directed.

The striking thing to me in this passage is the surprise appearance by the Spirit during worship. It’s easy to come into a worship experience without any great expectations. A lot of times the order of the service is pretty straightforward. I know when to stand and when to sit. Perhaps I’m looking forward to a good speaker and/or music. But I often forget to keep myself open and ready for the Spirit to break in with something new. I’m going to do that today. I’ll keep myself open and tuned in to the Spirit’s nudging. And tomorrow, as we gather for worship in the morning, I’ll be expecting something special to happen. How about you? How do you approach worship?

This passage today leads into a whole new experience for Barnabas, Saul and the church. So this is where we leave our travels in Acts for the time being. As you see in tomorrow’s reading, we’ll pick up in a different book of the New Testament. I wonder what the Lord has in store for us there?

Reading for Sunday, August 31

Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3: ¹Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. ²We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. ³We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

A Humble Helper

Scripture – Acts 12:24-25: ²⁴But the word of God continued to increase and spread. ²⁵When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.

Reflection: – Nothing will stop the word of God from spreading! I can get on board and be part of the spreading enterprise. Or I can stand around and watch. But the word itself will continue to increase and spread.

So it was in Jerusalem. The Jewish leaders tried to stop it. Young Saul tried to stop it. Herod tried to stop it. Yet it increased and grew stronger.

I find ministry keeps me walking a fuzzy line between my responsibility and that of the Spirit. It’s humbling to remember, God does not need me. He has things for me to do. He lets me help Him in His work. But…..He is not dependent on me.

In light of that, I am motivated to be one on whom He can depend. I do want to serve Him and be useful to Him. He’s given me eternal life and perfect forgiveness for my sin. I just want to express my thanks. So that’s why I serve Him.

Lord, please show me what you want me to do today. Teach me to be an asset for you and not a liability. Thank you for your grace and trust.

Stealing God's Praise

Scripture – Acts 12:20-23: ²⁰Herod had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. Having secured the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply. ²¹On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. ²²They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” ²³Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

Reflection: – Herod appears to have been a pretty unpleasant, self-centered sort of person. I think he enjoyed having power, even though he was in a mid-management position. The Roman Empire was in control of all the land. Herod still had to answer to them, even though he was the king of the Jews. My guess is he resented that. So he abused the power he had over the local people.

Here we see that the people of Tyre and Sidon depended on Herod for their food supply. So they tried to play up to him and pretend they really respected him.

On this particular day, he accepted the praise of the people as they equated him with God. Finally, the Lord had had enough. He was struck down, eaten by worms and died. What a nasty way to die! And it came about because he “did not give praise to God.”

I have to be careful about that. It’s easy to say, “Praise the Lord.” It’s harder to keep that clear in my own mind and heart. Today I will keep that consciously in mind. I will give God the praise that is His.

Peter Kept on Knocking

Scripture – Acts 12:16-19: ¹⁶But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. ¹⁷Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the brothers about this,” he said, and then he left for another place. ¹⁸In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. ¹⁹After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there a while.

Reflection: – I wonder what Peter thought about this. He’d been miraculously freed from prison. It looks like he was a little nervous about being spotted. So he came to a place he thought was safe, and they wouldn’t let him in. How did he feel standing outside that door?

I wonder, as well, what it was like in the prison that morning. “No small commotion” seems an understatement. Seeing how Herod treated the guards, I imagine they were terrified to find that empty cell.

Given all that, I must admit I don’t see any striking lesson here. The Lord had more plans for Peter. And certainly the faith of the other disciples would have been strengthened.

What about you? Do you see something more here? What lesson or application do you find?

A Surprising Response

Scripture – Acts 12:12-15: ¹²When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. ¹³Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. ¹⁴When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” ¹⁵“You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”

Reflection: – Here’s a little comic relief in the midst of the story. Have you ever prayed for something to happen and then been surprised when it did?

People often equate “answered prayer” with God doing what they wanted Him to do. It’s important to remember God always hears our prayers. Sometimes He chooses to remain silent. Sometimes His answer is a clear, “No.” Sometimes He does do what I’m asking Him to do.

In this passage the church is having a prayer meeting, as they had done since Peter’s arrest. We don’t know what they were praying for exactly. Once in a while, if I don’t pay attention, my prayers turn into wishes – things I would like to happen, but I don’t expect them to happen. I can easily imagine some of the prayers were that Peter would be released, even as people never really expected that to happen. I’m afraid I pray like that sometimes myself. I forget that part of effective prayer is bringing myself into God’s presence and submitting myself to His will.

How has the Lord surprised you in response to prayer? How do you handle it when God does not respond as you would like?

Now I Know!

Scripture – Acts 12:10-11: ¹⁰They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. ¹¹Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”

Reflection: – Peter kept learning. Or more accurately, he kept being reminded that the Lord can do anything. However it all looked, the angel led Peter out of the jail. Then, it was like Peter woke up and realized he really was not dreaming.

There are times I still doubt that God can do anything He chooses. I’ll find myself facing a situation and I don’t see how the Lord can possibly work it out. When He does, even though it might not be to my satisfaction, I step back like Peter and say, “Now I know.”

I don’t know why I fall into those doubting times. Christ has done so many miraculous things in my life, I don’t know how I can forget. At the same time, I must admit I’m getting better. I often step back these days and wonder, “How is the Lord going to work this out?” It’s not a question of doubt, but one of expectation. For in my good days, I know He will come through.

What causes you to doubt? What are some reminders God has sent your way?

Standing Firm in the Face of Fear

Scripture – Acts 12:1-5 ¹It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. ²He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. ³When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. ⁴After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. ⁵So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

Reflection: – I really take the freedom I have for granted. I can’t imagine living in a setting where I have to keep looking over my shoulder. In many places in the world there are Christians who live daily with such risk. To openly claim allegiance to Christ carries great consequences for them. Yet they stay faithful. It leaves me wondering how strong my faith really is.

As we can see, a new round of persecution was breaking out in Jerusalem. James was killed. Peter was arrested. It looks like Herod’s strategy was to pick off leaders of the church one by one. This must have been quite intimidating for the rest of the believers. In the face of that, they stayed faithful, they stayed together and they prayed earnestly.

When have you experienced any kind of persecution because of your faith? What risks do we face as Christians today? How do we stand firm in the face of intimidation?

Reading for Sunday, August 24

Scripture – Acts 12:6-9: ⁶The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. ⁷Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. ⁸Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. ⁹Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.

Spontaneous Giving

Scripture – Acts 11:27-30: ²⁷During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) ²⁹The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. ³⁰This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Reflection: – Agabus is not one of the Biblical names that readily comes to mind when I’m thinking of New Testament characters. Yet through him the Spirit spoke to the believers in Antioch. It’s a reminder to me that God can and does speak through people – often very ordinary people. I’ll be sure to keep my ears open today as I meet different individuals.

A second striking thing in this passage is the love offering collected for “the brothers living in Judea.” Even though the church is beginning to spread throughout the world, there’s still a unity. We are one today with Christians all around the globe.

This is the first special offering taken by Christians in one town to help people living somewhere else. It has a spontaneous look to it. Everyone gave as they were able. And they trusted Barnabas and Saul to deliver the gift on their behalf.

I have discovered spontaneous giving is fun. Like many people, my wife and I plan our giving at the beginning of the year. We have many regular contributions that are part of our monthly budget. Sometimes, however, a need comes up and I’m able to pull some cash from my wallet and give it away. There’s no counting or accounting. There’s great freedom in that and no small amount of joy. What opportunities will we have to give today? What will you do when one of them comes to you?

The Right Man for the Job

Scripture – Acts 11:22-26: ²²News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. ²³When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. ²⁴He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. ²⁵Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Reflection: – Barnabas must have been one terrific person to know. When the leaders in Jerusalem heard that the gospel had spread to the Greeks in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to check it out. He was the perfect man for the job.

When he got there and saw what was going on, he was glad. There was no finger-pointing – no concerns about Jew and Gentile issues. It didn’t matter what the background of these people were. They had found Christ and the new life and hope He brings. So he encouraged them in their new faith, and more and more people were brought to the Lord.

Then Barnabas remembered Saul – the one who had been sort of banished to Tarsus. I imagine the leaders in Jerusalem hoped he would kind of fade away so they wouldn’t have to deal with him anymore. Whatever was behind that decision, Barnabas remembered Saul. He went and found him, and brought him to Antioch. Somehow Barnabas knew Saul was the right man for this new area of ministry. Our history as a church was altered that day. In Antioch we also picked up the nickname that’s stayed with us ever since.

Who has encouraged you to do new things? Who has seen potential in you that others might have missed? Who might you encourage today?

A New Twist

Scripture – Acts 11:18-21: ¹⁸When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” ¹⁹Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. ²⁰Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. ²¹The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

Reflection: – This is very interesting. The apostles in Jerusalem accepted Peter’s explanation and even praised God that the Gentiles (non-Jews) had been granted “repentance unto life.”

However, some of the believers traveled up to the city of Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks in that community. A great number of them turned to the Lord. These were people from an entirely different culture. This was a slightly new twist on what Peter had just learned.

Cornelius, you see, was a friend of the Jews. He was a believer in God. Through Peter, the Holy Spirit brought him into the fellowship of Christ. He was someone who could easily join that fellowship because he shared a common cultural bond.

There are people today who carry the message of Christ into the culture of motorcycle gangs and street gangs. There are people witnessing primarily in Muslim communities. These folks are reaching out into areas so foreign to me, I can’t imagine what I’d do. Yet the good news of Christ is for all people. This passage today marks the beginning of an exiting new twist in our story of the church and who we are today. A new tension is about to be introduced. Some old friends are about to re-appear.

Right Then.....Right Now

Scripture – Acts 11:11-17: ¹¹“Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. ¹²The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. ¹³He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. ¹⁴He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’ ¹⁵“As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. ¹⁶Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ ¹⁷So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?”

Reflection: – “Right then,” Peter said. Just after he had seen his vision, three non-Jewish men arrived. All his life Peter had been taught to avoid contact with people who were not Jews. That, however, was before Christ came into his life.

The Spirit gave Peter more specific instruction. He was to go with the men back to Cornelius’ home. That’s what he did. And what happened there provided convincing proof that God means for all people to know Christ. There are no limits to the family today.

How do you experience the Spirit’s direction? One of the ways I’ve learned to watch for are so-called coincidences. Those get my attention. While it’s not 100% true, most of the time I find them to be signs of the Spirit at work. Sometimes it’s a sign I’m moving in the right direction. Sometimes there’s a call to something right now. Sometimes it’s just a reminder that Christ is alive and interacting in my life. In all of those times I’ve learned to thank God. How about you? How will you experience the Spirit today?

Traditions and Truth

Scripture – Acts 11:4-10: ⁴Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: ⁵“I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. ⁶I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. ⁷Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ ⁸“I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ ⁹“The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ ¹⁰This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.

Reflection: – This vision Peter describes seems strange to us. However, it carried an unmistakable message for Peter – one that called him to change his whole life.

One of the tensions we constantly face in the church is that between Biblical truth and church traditions. This is true for long-established mainline churches, and it’s true for the newest emerging churches today. It doesn’t take long for traditions to establish themselves – even if it’s a tradition of being non-traditional.

Now, traditions themselves are not bad things. It’s just so important that we recognize them for what they are. Once they begin losing their meaning they can become burdensome and boring. Peter was able to let go of a life-long tradition because the Lord told him it was time. And we have all benefited from his faithful response.

When you think about the beliefs that guide your life, what role do Biblical truths play versus traditions?

The Gift for All People

Scripture – Acts 10:44-48: ⁴⁴While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. ⁴⁵The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. ⁴⁶For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, ⁴⁷“Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” ⁴⁸So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Reflection: And so, the Spirit finally shows His hand. Salvation is for everyone – even those from a non-Jewish background. This marked the beginning of a huge adjustment in the thinking of the original apostles. (As you can see in tomorrow’s reading, Peter had some questions to answer back in Jerusalem.)

This is a great reminder that God’s plan of salvation is for all people. I get a little skeptical when I read about churches aiming to reach a “target” group. I understand the need to be intentional about reaching certain groups of people. At the same time, it’s awfully easy to begin looking for people like me, or people that fit a certain set of parameters. And in that, I get in the way of what the Spirit wants to do.

The Holy Spirit and his gift of eternal life are for all people. I’ll keep myself aware of that. Peter asked, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water?” Well, the answer to that question is, “Yes!” And the reality is you and I are the ones who can do that or not. So will we get in the way of Christ or will be get in the Way of Christ?

Reading for Sunday, August 17

Scripture – Acts 11:1-2: ¹The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. ²So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him ³and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

Basic Beliefs

Scripture – Acts 10:39-43: ³⁹“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, ⁴⁰but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. ⁴¹He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴²He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Reflection: These are some powerful and very basic truths. As Peter reminds us of what we already know, he touches on four important realities.

One – Jesus was killed. He was born into this world as a human being. He lived and experienced life as all of us do. He felt things as we do – cold, heat, impatience, frustration, love, etc. And He died.

Two – God raised Him from the dead. In the resurrection, God demonstrated that death is not the end of life. Jesus Christ stood up against the worst the world could do to Him and He emerged victorious. That gives me great hope as I face the few troublesome things I have today.

Three – Peter was one of the witnesses to the resurrection. He knew Jesus before the cross. He ate and drank with Him after the cross. This resurrection really, physically happened.

Four – I have forgiveness of my sins through my belief in Christ. In Him I am freed from the natural consequences of my sin. Day after day, I have a fresh beginning in life. The grace of God is truly amazing.

How do these truths impact your life? What better option is there than trusting in Jesus Christ?

Remembering What We Already Know

Scripture – Acts 10:34-38: ³⁴Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism ³⁵but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. ³⁶You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. ³⁷You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—³⁸how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

Reflection: After all this – the visions of Cornelius and Peter, the travel to and from Joppa – after all this, Peter ends up reminding the people of what they already know. “You know,” he said. Then he went on to tell them about Jesus.

A lot of times, the most effective preaching is just that – reminding people. Most all of us know the “mega-story” of our faith. We know about Jesus coming to earth to die for our sins. We know He was raised and is alive today. We know He has already defeated the evil one. We know, in Him, we have new life – eternal life. We, in fact, know Him!

Sometimes we just forget to let our belief in Christ shape who we are on a daily basis. As I read once, we do no better even though we do know better.

So I’ll open myself intentionally and consciously to His shaping influence today. I wonder how I’ll be different when this day is done. How about you? What do you already know? What do you need to be reminded of today?

A Strange Opportunity

Scripture – Acts 10:30-33: ³⁰Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me ³¹and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. ³²Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ ³³So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

Reflection: This story continues to fascinate me. After the Spirit moves separately in the lives of these two men – after they respond and do what they’re told to do – they now find themselves face to face. What’s intriguing is they still, neither one, know exactly what’s going on.

Peter has just asked, “May I ask why you sent for me?” (Vs. 10:29) Cornelius has gathered a large group of friends and family, but he doesn’t know either. So his response is, “We are all here….to listen….to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

I wonder what went through Peter’s mind at that point. What would I do if all at once I was facing a crowd of eager listeners? What would you do?

Part of the adventure of following Christ is being ready for unexpected opportunities to share a word about Jesus. I’ll stay tuned into that today. I’ll keep myself ready to respond.

Letting Go of the Old Stuff

Scripture – Acts 10:23-29: The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. ²⁴The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. ²⁶But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” ²⁷Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. ²⁸He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. ²⁹So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

Reflection: This was an amazing transformation – one that had a great affect on the church. Peter did what he was called to do. Cornelius, likewise, believed and expected that Peter would come.

Peter’s Jewish background was still part of who he was. Even though he knew Jesus before and after the resurrection, he still was held back by his past. The lessons and traditions he had learned growing up were very hard to undo.

Yet the vision he had and the direction he received carried an unmistakable message: “But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.” In Christ we become new people – new creations.

Who are the people I consider “unclean” today? Who are the people I avoid associating with? Lord, please open my heart to receive all the people you love.

The Nudging of the Spirit

Scripture – Acts 10:17-23: ¹⁷While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. ¹⁸They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. ¹⁹While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. ²⁰So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” ²¹Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?” ²²The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” ²³Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.

Reflection: I love this story! It’s so cool the way it shows the Spirit at work. Often the Holy Spirit acts as a sort of secret communication link. The people involved usually don’t even know it at first.

Have you ever called someone and they said, “I was just thinking about you?” Or maybe you’ve felt the urge to go and talk to someone and it turns out they really needed a friend at that moment?

A lot of times that’s how it works for me. Seldom is it as specific as it was for Cornelius and Peter. Rather I feel what I’ve heard described as a “nudging” from the Spirit. It’s just a sense that says, “Act now.” I’ve learned to pay attention – to trust that nudging. Sometimes, I must admit, I ignore it. The next thing I know, something’s happened and I missed an opportunity. And it’s too late to go back.

How do you experience the Spirit’s nudging? How will you respond today?

Update: Last Monday I said I was going to practice letting the Lord change my attitude as I carried out his direction (as with Ananias). I also said I would report back on how it went. Well, it made a noticeable difference. I found myself led into some calls, visits and conversations that I sometimes would have tried to rush through. I found myself able to act out of concern for the other people, rather than focusing on how my schedule was being disrupted. I discovered a peacefulness I sometimes miss when I think about myself. I found the less I looked at the clock, the more time I had.

The "Why" of My Life

Scripture – Acts 10:1-8: ¹At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. ²He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. ³One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” ⁴Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. ⁵Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. ⁶He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” ⁷When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. ⁸He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

Reflection: This is the start of a great story. (Be sure to read Sunday’s scripture.) Here’s a God-fearing man who was close to the kingdom of God. His heart was in a great place. He just had not heard about Jesus.

One day, in the middle of the afternoon, the Lord broke into his life with something new. He had a vision of an angel. And the angel gave Cornelius very specific instructions. (I love it when God does that.) Cornelius did what the angel said.

Now, he was not told what Peter was going to do. He was not told why he was to do this. That did not stop him from obeying.

One of the things I have learned in my lifetime is that Christ is the “why” of my life. When He calls me to do something, He’s got a reason. I don’t have to know what that reason is. I just trust it’s there, and on my good days, I obey.

When has Christ given you specific directions that didn’t fit into any larger picture you could see? How did you respond? How will you respond today?

Reading for Sunday, August 10, 2008

Scripture – Acts 10:9-16: ⁹About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. ¹⁰He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. ¹¹He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. ¹²It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. ¹³Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” ¹⁴“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” ¹⁵The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” ¹⁶This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

Another Servant Perspective

Scripture – Acts 9:36-43: ³⁶In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. ³⁷About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. ³⁸Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” ³⁹Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. ⁴⁰Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. ⁴¹He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. ⁴²This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. ⁴³Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Reflection: Tabitha was disciple who was known for “always doing good and helping the poor.” What a reputation to have!

If people watched me over an extended period of time, what would they see? What reputation would I have? Maybe the tougher question is, what reputation do I have? For the fact is, people do watch me – just as they watch you.

Tabitha had that servant perspective. That is, she lived outside herself – looking for ways to serve. Lord, I’m sorry for the amount of time my attention stays on myself. Teach me to look outward. I trust you to take care of me. Please keep working on my heart. Help me follow your example today.

The Gift of Peaceful Moments

Scripture – Acts 9:31-35: ³¹Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. ³²As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. ³³There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. ³⁴“Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. ³⁵All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Reflection: The church “enjoyed” a time of peace. That’s a great way to think of it. There are peaceful times that come to life. Sometimes they last for several months. Other times it may be just for an afternoon. I’ve learned to enjoy those peaceful moments while they’re here.

I know a lot of people who don’t do that. They spend their peaceful moments worrying about the troubled times that will be coming. Those are the people who respond to a comment on how beautiful today is with a prediction of rain for tomorrow.

I will enjoy the peaceful times. I will let the Holy Spirit strengthen me and encourage me in them.

How about you? How do you handle times of peace? How can you let yourself enjoy the gift of peaceful moments when they come?

An Encouraging Word

Scripture – Acts 9:26-30: ²⁶When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. ²⁸So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. ³⁰When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

Reflection: Quite understandably, Saul’s return to Jerusalem was met with skepticism by the believers there. Indeed, it would have been very hard to trust him. However, in this passage Barnabas again shows why he’s one of my heroes. He spoke up on Saul’s behalf. He put his reputation behind Saul. And so, however hesitantly, Saul was accepted.

Saul then began teaching and debating in the name of Jesus. Again, some of the Jews tried to kill him. The brother heard about this and shipped Saul off to Tarsus. My hunch is they were quite relieved to see him go.

Who have you had a hard time trusting? How do you handle that? Who might you speak up for today?

The Great Turnaround

Scripture – Acts 9:20-25: ²⁰At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. ²¹All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” ²²Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. ²³After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, ²⁴but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. ²⁵But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

Reflection: What a turnaround! Once Saul realized he’d been working against God’s plan rather than for it, the great passion in his personality turned toward the gospel. The change in him was so evident people couldn’t help but notice. I suspect there was a lot of skepticism as well.

His background also equipped him perfectly to carry the message of Christ to the Jews. He was an expert in the Jewish law and scriptures. So his logic “baffled” the Jews he spoke with. He proved from their own Bible that Jesus is the Christ.

The response was somewhat predictable. Just like today, unpleasant truth is met with persecution and resistance. If I don’t like the message I can at least discredit or dismiss the messenger.

What unpleasant truth do I ignore? What’s one tough Biblical direction you usually skip over? What will happen if you take it to heart?

Changes for Everyone!

Scripture – Acts 9:10-19: ¹⁰In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. ¹¹The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹²In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” ¹³“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. ¹⁴And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” ¹⁵But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. ¹⁶I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

¹⁷Then 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.” ¹⁸Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and ¹⁹after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.

Reflection: “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it.” That one simple phrase describes the essence of discipleship. Ananias was ready and open to hear God’s call. The instructions God gave were very specific. He was a little nervous about carrying them out. Nevertheless, he did what God called him to do.

I wonder what was going on with Ananias that day. What plans did he have? How far out of his way did this errand take him?

All we know is he went. And in the process of doing what he as called to do, something changed in him by the time he entered the house. He went to the man he was afraid of and called him, “Brother Saul.” That’s the transforming power of Christ at work in a believer’s heart.

How open am I to that? I might go where He calls me to go, but my heart’s not always in it. What keeps me from letting Him change my attitude along with my behavior? I’ll let Him do that this week, and I’ll report back on what happens.

Another Crucial Turn

Scripture – Acts 9:1-9: ¹Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest ²and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. ³As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ⁴He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” ⁵“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. ⁶“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. ” ⁷The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. ⁸Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. ⁹For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

Reflection: – Here’s another crucial turning point in the life of the church. Obviously, it was a dramatic change in the life of young Saul. At the same time, most of us know the rest of the story. God has great plans for this passionate, faithful man.

Part of Saul’s problem was that his passion and faith were off the mark. He thought he was serving God until the moment described here. All at once he realized he was acting against God’s plan. As he was trying to persecute those “who belonged to the Way,” it became clear he was getting in the way of what God was doing.

And so his transformation began. The transformation of the church continued – as it still does today.

Where are you in that transforming process? When have you experienced God changing your direction? How open are you to His leading today?

Moved By the Wind of God

Scripture – Acts 8:36-40: ³⁶As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” ³⁸And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. ³⁹When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

Reflection: – Through the scriptures, this man came to know and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. He was baptized as a sign of that new birth. His heart was changed. He “went on his way rejoicing.” And he never saw Philip again.

The Spirit had other plans for Philip. So he was taken to new places where he kept preaching this wonderful good news to all kinds of people.

I just finished reading John 3. In that chapter Jesus likens the movement of the Spirit to the wind. It’s a great image. Wind is invisible. I can only see its affects. Sometimes wind rearranges things. Sometimes it causes me to adjust the way I do things. Sometimes it brings refreshment to my body and soul. It can be used. It can never be owned or tamed.

How has the Spirit moved you in your life? At what points have you resisted? I think today I’ll practice being moved and see what happens. How about you?