Scripture: Acts 5:27-32
Summary: (Previously, the apostles had been arrested, thrown in jail, an angel released them from jail, and they returned to preach in the temple) They are brought before the council and questioned by the high priest. He says we told you not to preach about jesus but here you are filling the city with your teachings. Peter's reply is "We must obey God rather than any human authority." Then he explains that Jesus was raised by God after he was killed by them and they are witnessing to him.
Thoughts: Peter says, "We must obey God." How would my life be different if I followed these simple words? Although I claim to be a follower of Christ, am I really obeying God in all that I do? Unfortunately, the short answer is no. All too often I let myself be carried away by things that I think I need. My current "need" is an iPhone, because my current Android phone is old and incredibly slow! But how does that need stack up against the need of the homeless man outside the church who needs new socks? Or the need of the young lady whose grandmother is hours away from dying? I pray every morning that God will use me in the place where I am most needed. I long to follow God, to serve each day in the way that God is calling me to serve. I want to obey God but often I let my own desires get in the way. But being a part of a faith community helps me to return my focus to God so that I might follow God's path more closely.
Prayer: God, you are always present to lead me where you want me to go. Help me to open my eyes and ears and mind to your guidance so that when the high priest of today questions me about my actions I can honestly answer "I must obey God." Amen.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Acts 5:21b-26 - What is God going to do?
Scripture: Acts 5:21b-26
Summary: (Previously, the high priest had arrested the apostles and put them in prison but an angel set them free and they went directly to the temple to teach) That morning the high priest sent to have the apostles brought to him from the prison but they weren't there. The doors were locked, the guards were there, but the prisoners were gone. Someone arrived saying that they were at the temple teaching so the police went and brought the apostles to the high priest.
Thoughts: The high priest and his council are said to be "perplexed, wondering what might be going on." They have no idea that God might be behind the oddness of the situation. Then someone arrives, telling them "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!" The temple is probably the last place that they expected the apostles to be when they didn't find them in prison. The priests most likely assumed that they were in hiding since they had escaped from prison. But instead, the disciples are in the temple teaching people about Jesus Christ. The priests council had left out a crucial factor when considering what would happen to the followers of Jesus. What was God going to do? I often find myself surprised when God has acted in the world around me. I too easily discount God's influence in our world when I try to figure out what is going to happen next. And it is in those times that God turns things around, bringing light to the darkness, bringing hope to the hopeless. So I encourage you to watch today to see what God is going to do next!
Prayer: God, even though we often forget the fact, you are the most important actor in our world. Help us to see you working in the midst of our lives in this world you have given us for a home. Amen.
Summary: (Previously, the high priest had arrested the apostles and put them in prison but an angel set them free and they went directly to the temple to teach) That morning the high priest sent to have the apostles brought to him from the prison but they weren't there. The doors were locked, the guards were there, but the prisoners were gone. Someone arrived saying that they were at the temple teaching so the police went and brought the apostles to the high priest.
Thoughts: The high priest and his council are said to be "perplexed, wondering what might be going on." They have no idea that God might be behind the oddness of the situation. Then someone arrives, telling them "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!" The temple is probably the last place that they expected the apostles to be when they didn't find them in prison. The priests most likely assumed that they were in hiding since they had escaped from prison. But instead, the disciples are in the temple teaching people about Jesus Christ. The priests council had left out a crucial factor when considering what would happen to the followers of Jesus. What was God going to do? I often find myself surprised when God has acted in the world around me. I too easily discount God's influence in our world when I try to figure out what is going to happen next. And it is in those times that God turns things around, bringing light to the darkness, bringing hope to the hopeless. So I encourage you to watch today to see what God is going to do next!
Prayer: God, even though we often forget the fact, you are the most important actor in our world. Help us to see you working in the midst of our lives in this world you have given us for a home. Amen.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Acts 5:17-21 - Are you sharing the whole message?
Scripture: Acts 5:17-21
Summary: The disciples had been preaching and healing and it was making the people in charge jealous. They arrested the apostles and put them in prison. But that night the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and told them to preach in the temple. So they went at daybreak to teach in the temple.
Thoughts: The angels instructions to the disciples were: "Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life." Even though they had been thrown into prison for preaching already, they went to the temple and began preaching again. And the angel was very clear that they were to teach the whole message. What does this mean? Well, I think that they were being called to tell the entire story of Jesus Christ, his life, his works, his words, his death, and his resurrection. Too often when we tell people what it means to be a Christian, we don't deliver the whole message. We don't tell them how hard it can be to follow Christ. We don't tell them that they might end up in jail, or worse. But even this is not the whole message. Because the most important part is that God is with us. We are not alone. We are not being called to do God's work on our own. We not only have other Christians to help us but we have the Holy Spirit with us. Are we telling people the whole message about this life?
Prayer: Speak through me as I attempt, with my insufficient words, to share with others the message about life with Jesus Christ. Help me to share the whole message of his witness. Amen.
Summary: The disciples had been preaching and healing and it was making the people in charge jealous. They arrested the apostles and put them in prison. But that night the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and told them to preach in the temple. So they went at daybreak to teach in the temple.
Thoughts: The angels instructions to the disciples were: "Go, stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life." Even though they had been thrown into prison for preaching already, they went to the temple and began preaching again. And the angel was very clear that they were to teach the whole message. What does this mean? Well, I think that they were being called to tell the entire story of Jesus Christ, his life, his works, his words, his death, and his resurrection. Too often when we tell people what it means to be a Christian, we don't deliver the whole message. We don't tell them how hard it can be to follow Christ. We don't tell them that they might end up in jail, or worse. But even this is not the whole message. Because the most important part is that God is with us. We are not alone. We are not being called to do God's work on our own. We not only have other Christians to help us but we have the Holy Spirit with us. Are we telling people the whole message about this life?
Prayer: Speak through me as I attempt, with my insufficient words, to share with others the message about life with Jesus Christ. Help me to share the whole message of his witness. Amen.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Acts 5:12-16 - healed by a shadow?
Scripture: Acts 5:12-16
Summary: There were many signs and wonders done among the people by the apostles. The people held them in high esteem and many believers were added to the Lord. They carried the sick into the street in order that Peter's shadow might fall on them as he came by. Many from surrounding towns brought their sick and all were cured.
Thoughts: There are lots of references to great numbers in this scripture. Many signs and wonders, great numbers of believers added, and a great number of people from surrounding towns. And at the end of all of this, the scripture says "and they were all cured." All of them were cured. Not just those who believed. Not just the lucky few who were noticed by the apostles. But all of them. To the point that even the sick people who laid in the shadow of an apostle were healed! This is an amazing story! And it's only a short story in many chapters of amazing stories in Acts. What if each of us believed as these people obviously did? What if we were willing to put ourselves out there like the apostles did? What miracles could we perform in the name of Jesus Christ? And so I find myself wondering, if Peter could heal people with his shadow, what can I do if I really put my mind to it?
Prayer: God of power and amazing miracles, help me to see the people in the shadows around me who need healing. Help me to use your power to change their lives by loving them as they are and lifting them up out of the shadows and into the sunlight. Amen.
Summary: There were many signs and wonders done among the people by the apostles. The people held them in high esteem and many believers were added to the Lord. They carried the sick into the street in order that Peter's shadow might fall on them as he came by. Many from surrounding towns brought their sick and all were cured.
Thoughts: There are lots of references to great numbers in this scripture. Many signs and wonders, great numbers of believers added, and a great number of people from surrounding towns. And at the end of all of this, the scripture says "and they were all cured." All of them were cured. Not just those who believed. Not just the lucky few who were noticed by the apostles. But all of them. To the point that even the sick people who laid in the shadow of an apostle were healed! This is an amazing story! And it's only a short story in many chapters of amazing stories in Acts. What if each of us believed as these people obviously did? What if we were willing to put ourselves out there like the apostles did? What miracles could we perform in the name of Jesus Christ? And so I find myself wondering, if Peter could heal people with his shadow, what can I do if I really put my mind to it?
Prayer: God of power and amazing miracles, help me to see the people in the shadows around me who need healing. Help me to use your power to change their lives by loving them as they are and lifting them up out of the shadows and into the sunlight. Amen.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Acts 5:1-11 - Giving Until it Hurts?
Scripture: Acts 5:1-11
Summary: A couple, Ananias and Sapphira, sold a piece of property. They decided to keep some of the money for themselves. They brought the rest of it to Peter to share with the church, pretending that it was all that they had received for the land. Peter asked him why he was lying, that he could have kept part of the money without lying about it. He said "You did not lie to us but to God!" Then Ananais fell down and died. When Sapphira came in and told Peter the same thing, she also died.
Thoughts: I have always wanted to use this scripture to preach from during a stewardship campaign. Give everything you can to the church or you will die! I suppose, though, that it is a little extreme. I think that the real purpose of this scripture is to get people thinking about honesty. The problem with Ananais and Sapphira is not that they did not give all of their money to the church. The problem is that they wanted everyone to believe that they had given all of the proceeds but kept some for themselves. How do we approach giving to the church? Do we give whatever is left over at the end of the month? Or do we determine ahead of time how much we want to give and give it at the beginning of the month? I confess that I have too often followed the first option, giving only what remains at the end of the month. It's easy to use the excuse that we have to make sure that we can make the house payment and pay the electric bill. But there are many things that I get each month that I don't really have to have. What would it take for you to give generously to the church at the beginning of the month? What is God calling you to give?
Prayer: God, give me the courage to take a leap of faith and give generously to my faith community. I want to be a part of this congregation and I have pledged to support it with my prayers, my presence, my gifts, my service and my witness. Help me to do so generously! Amen.
Summary: A couple, Ananias and Sapphira, sold a piece of property. They decided to keep some of the money for themselves. They brought the rest of it to Peter to share with the church, pretending that it was all that they had received for the land. Peter asked him why he was lying, that he could have kept part of the money without lying about it. He said "You did not lie to us but to God!" Then Ananais fell down and died. When Sapphira came in and told Peter the same thing, she also died.
Thoughts: I have always wanted to use this scripture to preach from during a stewardship campaign. Give everything you can to the church or you will die! I suppose, though, that it is a little extreme. I think that the real purpose of this scripture is to get people thinking about honesty. The problem with Ananais and Sapphira is not that they did not give all of their money to the church. The problem is that they wanted everyone to believe that they had given all of the proceeds but kept some for themselves. How do we approach giving to the church? Do we give whatever is left over at the end of the month? Or do we determine ahead of time how much we want to give and give it at the beginning of the month? I confess that I have too often followed the first option, giving only what remains at the end of the month. It's easy to use the excuse that we have to make sure that we can make the house payment and pay the electric bill. But there are many things that I get each month that I don't really have to have. What would it take for you to give generously to the church at the beginning of the month? What is God calling you to give?
Prayer: God, give me the courage to take a leap of faith and give generously to my faith community. I want to be a part of this congregation and I have pledged to support it with my prayers, my presence, my gifts, my service and my witness. Help me to do so generously! Amen.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Acts 4:32-37 - Let's Return to the Early Church!
Scripture: Acts 4:32-37
Summary: The group of Christians was of one heart and shared everything. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of Christ. There was not a needy one among them.
Thoughts: How did the church go from this picture of the early church, where everyone is taken care of and they share all things together, to the situation that we have today with needy people on almost every street corner? Sometimes I find myself longing for those days when everyone in the church took care of each other. But then I begin to think of the reality of that scenario and find that my selfishness comes out and I don't really want to share all of my things with other people! Our apartment in Wichita Falls is downtown, six blocks from First United Methodist Church where I work. Every day I drive down 13th Street and turn on to Travis, driving right past the parking lot where the day labor workers gather. Each time I go by I wonder what I can do to help these people who do not have full-time employment. As a part of the church, shouldn't I be helping them find work so that they can support their families? But looking at the number of people gathered there, I feel discouraged and give up. Perhaps, however, I can find some work for one person for a day. Or maybe I can stop and talk with them and just hear their stories. Each of us can make a difference, we just have to be willing to do so!
Prayer: Creator God, oftentimes the church has not done a very good job of being the hands and feet of Christ. There is so much suffering in this world, even in my neighborhood, that we often feel overwhelmed. Give us faith and hope that we can make begin to make changes around us. Amen.
Summary: The group of Christians was of one heart and shared everything. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of Christ. There was not a needy one among them.
Thoughts: How did the church go from this picture of the early church, where everyone is taken care of and they share all things together, to the situation that we have today with needy people on almost every street corner? Sometimes I find myself longing for those days when everyone in the church took care of each other. But then I begin to think of the reality of that scenario and find that my selfishness comes out and I don't really want to share all of my things with other people! Our apartment in Wichita Falls is downtown, six blocks from First United Methodist Church where I work. Every day I drive down 13th Street and turn on to Travis, driving right past the parking lot where the day labor workers gather. Each time I go by I wonder what I can do to help these people who do not have full-time employment. As a part of the church, shouldn't I be helping them find work so that they can support their families? But looking at the number of people gathered there, I feel discouraged and give up. Perhaps, however, I can find some work for one person for a day. Or maybe I can stop and talk with them and just hear their stories. Each of us can make a difference, we just have to be willing to do so!
Prayer: Creator God, oftentimes the church has not done a very good job of being the hands and feet of Christ. There is so much suffering in this world, even in my neighborhood, that we often feel overwhelmed. Give us faith and hope that we can make begin to make changes around us. Amen.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Acts 4:23-31 - Multiplication by the Holy Spirit
Scripture: Acts 4:23-31
Summary: When Peter and John were released from prison, they went to their friends and told them what the elders had said. The group "raised their voices together to God," asking God to help them speak God's word with boldness while healing and signs and wonders are performed in the name of Jesus. When they prayed the place was shaken and "they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
Thoughts: Peter and John not only told the elders that they couldn't keep from speaking about Jesus, but they went back to their friends and prayed with them. The result of this prayer was that all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and they all spoke God's word with boldness. Notice how God takes two men speaking about Jesus and multiplies it with the Holy Spirit! If we believe in Jesus and want to share his story with others, then through the Holy Spirit God can multiply the work that we can do. As human beings, there is very little that we can do on our own to change the world. But with the Holy Spirit multiplying our work, amazing things are possible! What can I do today to advance God's kingdom, that God might multiply?
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, come! Use me to change the world! Amen.
Summary: When Peter and John were released from prison, they went to their friends and told them what the elders had said. The group "raised their voices together to God," asking God to help them speak God's word with boldness while healing and signs and wonders are performed in the name of Jesus. When they prayed the place was shaken and "they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
Thoughts: Peter and John not only told the elders that they couldn't keep from speaking about Jesus, but they went back to their friends and prayed with them. The result of this prayer was that all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and they all spoke God's word with boldness. Notice how God takes two men speaking about Jesus and multiplies it with the Holy Spirit! If we believe in Jesus and want to share his story with others, then through the Holy Spirit God can multiply the work that we can do. As human beings, there is very little that we can do on our own to change the world. But with the Holy Spirit multiplying our work, amazing things are possible! What can I do today to advance God's kingdom, that God might multiply?
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, come! Use me to change the world! Amen.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Acts 4:13-22 - I Cannot Keep from Speaking
Scripture: Acts 4:13-22
Summary: The people in power saw that Peter and John were uneducated, ordinary men and they were amazed. They told them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John told them that they "cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Thoughts: Peter and John were uneducated and ordinary men. And yet, they could preach to a crowd and 3000 people come to follow Christ! (see Acts ch 2) So when the people in power put them in jail overnight, you might expect them to be afraid. But they are not afraid. Instead, when the elders tell them they must stop talking about Jesus, they refuse, saying they cannot keep from speaking about what they have seen and heard. How brave these apostles were! But what does this scripture say to us today? We are not threatened if we speak about Jesus Christ. But that doesn't mean that we take every opportunity that we have to do so. Jesus Christ changed my life. Because of that, I should be just like Peter and John, unable to keep from speaking about Jesus and how he has changed my life. The grace that God has shown me, through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, has changed my life. How am I going to respond to that grace?
Prayer: God, make me fearless to share what I have seen and heard so that all may know about your Son and thus know Your love. Amen.
Summary: The people in power saw that Peter and John were uneducated, ordinary men and they were amazed. They told them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John told them that they "cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Thoughts: Peter and John were uneducated and ordinary men. And yet, they could preach to a crowd and 3000 people come to follow Christ! (see Acts ch 2) So when the people in power put them in jail overnight, you might expect them to be afraid. But they are not afraid. Instead, when the elders tell them they must stop talking about Jesus, they refuse, saying they cannot keep from speaking about what they have seen and heard. How brave these apostles were! But what does this scripture say to us today? We are not threatened if we speak about Jesus Christ. But that doesn't mean that we take every opportunity that we have to do so. Jesus Christ changed my life. Because of that, I should be just like Peter and John, unable to keep from speaking about Jesus and how he has changed my life. The grace that God has shown me, through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, has changed my life. How am I going to respond to that grace?
Prayer: God, make me fearless to share what I have seen and heard so that all may know about your Son and thus know Your love. Amen.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Acts 4:5-12 - By What Name Do You Heal?
Scripture: Acts 4:5-12
Summary: After Peter healed the crippled beggar, Peter and John were arrested. Then the people in charge came to them, asking them by what power or name they had healed the man. Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and tells them that the man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified and God raised from the dead. He says that Jesus is the stone, rejected by the builders, that has become the cornerstone.
Thoughts: The scripture says that "their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem." These are the people who are questioning Peter and John about how they healed the man. Why are they asking them "by what name did you do this?" rather than being grateful that the healing occurred? If a true healing occurred, wouldn't that always be a good thing? I understand that they believed that there were evil spirits in the world, but would an evil spirit do a good thing like healing someone? Does this happen in the world today, where people in power question why a good thing was done, rather than rejoicing in the good thing? Often we get so caught up in trying to explain everything that we see that we miss the miracle that occurred. What miracles have you seen today that you tried to write off as something entirely different?
Prayer: Lord, help me to rejoice in the miracles that I see rather than trying to explain them. You work in mysterious ways that I usually do not understand, but that doesn't mean that Your work isn't good. Amen.
Summary: After Peter healed the crippled beggar, Peter and John were arrested. Then the people in charge came to them, asking them by what power or name they had healed the man. Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and tells them that the man was healed by the name of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified and God raised from the dead. He says that Jesus is the stone, rejected by the builders, that has become the cornerstone.
Thoughts: The scripture says that "their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem." These are the people who are questioning Peter and John about how they healed the man. Why are they asking them "by what name did you do this?" rather than being grateful that the healing occurred? If a true healing occurred, wouldn't that always be a good thing? I understand that they believed that there were evil spirits in the world, but would an evil spirit do a good thing like healing someone? Does this happen in the world today, where people in power question why a good thing was done, rather than rejoicing in the good thing? Often we get so caught up in trying to explain everything that we see that we miss the miracle that occurred. What miracles have you seen today that you tried to write off as something entirely different?
Prayer: Lord, help me to rejoice in the miracles that I see rather than trying to explain them. You work in mysterious ways that I usually do not understand, but that doesn't mean that Your work isn't good. Amen.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Acts 4:1-4 Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Scripture: Acts 4:1-4
Summary: While Peter and John were speaking to the people the people in charge came to them and were very annoyed because they were telling people that in Jesus there was resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and put them in jail. But many who heard the word believed, about 5000.
Thoughts: Telling people about Jesus is always risky. Today, in many parts of the world, Christians are thrown into jail for talking about Jesus. Even in the United States, we can get in trouble with those in charge for telling people about Jesus. Perhaps we won't be arrested, but we might get put in detention at school or be asked to leave a public space because we are creating a public nuisance. It's risky to share our beliefs. We have to ask ourselves if it is worth the risk. While we do this, we might want to look at the end of this scripture and see what resulted from Peter sharing about Jesus. It says "But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand." We may not convert 5000 people at a time, but if one person hears and believes, it will have been worth it. Christ asks us to make disciples, not thousands at a time, but one at a time. You may never know who heard you and believed. It may be 20 years later before they turn and follow Christ. We have to let God use us and trust that God will use the results to further the kingdom of God.
Prayer: God, give me the courage to share the Jesus that I know with others. It's not fair to keep him to myself! Amen.
Summary: While Peter and John were speaking to the people the people in charge came to them and were very annoyed because they were telling people that in Jesus there was resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and put them in jail. But many who heard the word believed, about 5000.
Thoughts: Telling people about Jesus is always risky. Today, in many parts of the world, Christians are thrown into jail for talking about Jesus. Even in the United States, we can get in trouble with those in charge for telling people about Jesus. Perhaps we won't be arrested, but we might get put in detention at school or be asked to leave a public space because we are creating a public nuisance. It's risky to share our beliefs. We have to ask ourselves if it is worth the risk. While we do this, we might want to look at the end of this scripture and see what resulted from Peter sharing about Jesus. It says "But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand." We may not convert 5000 people at a time, but if one person hears and believes, it will have been worth it. Christ asks us to make disciples, not thousands at a time, but one at a time. You may never know who heard you and believed. It may be 20 years later before they turn and follow Christ. We have to let God use us and trust that God will use the results to further the kingdom of God.
Prayer: God, give me the courage to share the Jesus that I know with others. It's not fair to keep him to myself! Amen.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Acts 3:17-26 - A Time of Refreshing
Scripture: Acts 3:17-26
Summary: This section continues Peter's description of Jesus. He said that God fulfilled what had been fortold through all the prophets. Repent and turn to God so that your sins could be wiped out, that he may send the Messiah, Jesus. You are descendents of the prophets and the covenant that God gave to your ancestors.
Thoughts: This scripture says "Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..." In this time, between Christmas and New Years, the thought of a time of refreshing is very appealing to me. Right now I long for the time of refreshing that may come from God's presence in my life. The scripture says that I have only to repent and turn toward God. So with Christmas behind me and the coming of the saviour so fresh in my mind, I turn toward the New Year and the uncertainty that it brings. And I pray that God's presence will bring me a time of refreshing, allowing me to face the New Year with hope and the promise that God will provide. Because God promises to be with us throughout each hour, each day, each year. God will indeed provide.
Prayer: God, pour upon me a time of refreshing. A time to wipe my sins away and begin again with the new year. For You make all things new, even me! Amen.
Summary: This section continues Peter's description of Jesus. He said that God fulfilled what had been fortold through all the prophets. Repent and turn to God so that your sins could be wiped out, that he may send the Messiah, Jesus. You are descendents of the prophets and the covenant that God gave to your ancestors.
Thoughts: This scripture says "Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..." In this time, between Christmas and New Years, the thought of a time of refreshing is very appealing to me. Right now I long for the time of refreshing that may come from God's presence in my life. The scripture says that I have only to repent and turn toward God. So with Christmas behind me and the coming of the saviour so fresh in my mind, I turn toward the New Year and the uncertainty that it brings. And I pray that God's presence will bring me a time of refreshing, allowing me to face the New Year with hope and the promise that God will provide. Because God promises to be with us throughout each hour, each day, each year. God will indeed provide.
Prayer: God, pour upon me a time of refreshing. A time to wipe my sins away and begin again with the new year. For You make all things new, even me! Amen.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Acts 3:11-16 Believe in the Miracle!
Scripture: Acts 3:11-16
Summary: After Peter and John heal the lame man, everyone is astonished. Peter tells them that they didn't heal the man with their own power, but with the power of faith in Jesus Christ.
Thoughts: Peter says "the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you." The disciples were able to do amazing things because they had faith in Jesus. Especially in this time of Advent, while we are awaiting the birth of the Christ child, I wonder what miracles we might be a part of. I have seen lives changed by Christ. So why is it that I still lack faith in the power of faith in Jesus? Why am I hesitant to trust that God will provide what I need: healing, food, shelter, work? What kind of miracle do you need in your life? How might you be a miracle in someone else's life during this season in which we wait for a glimpse of the child who changed everything?
Prayer: God who sent Jesus to earth to be God with us, help us to have faith in you. Help us to be a miracle in another's life this holiday season. Let us open our hearts to the child you sent. Amen.
Summary: After Peter and John heal the lame man, everyone is astonished. Peter tells them that they didn't heal the man with their own power, but with the power of faith in Jesus Christ.
Thoughts: Peter says "the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you." The disciples were able to do amazing things because they had faith in Jesus. Especially in this time of Advent, while we are awaiting the birth of the Christ child, I wonder what miracles we might be a part of. I have seen lives changed by Christ. So why is it that I still lack faith in the power of faith in Jesus? Why am I hesitant to trust that God will provide what I need: healing, food, shelter, work? What kind of miracle do you need in your life? How might you be a miracle in someone else's life during this season in which we wait for a glimpse of the child who changed everything?
Prayer: God who sent Jesus to earth to be God with us, help us to have faith in you. Help us to be a miracle in another's life this holiday season. Let us open our hearts to the child you sent. Amen.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Acts 3:1-10 - Look Intently at Each Other
Scripture: Acts 3:1-10
Summary: Peter and John are headed to the temple to pray and they come upon a man who has been lame since birth. He asks them for money but Peter tells him to look at them. He does and Peter tells him that he doesn't have money but tells him to get up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ. He begins walking and leaping and praising God and everyone who sees him is filled with wonder and amazement.
Thoughts: What strikes me today about this scripture is Peter and John's immediate response to the lame man. The scripture says "Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said 'Look at us."" How many times have you walked or driven past someone who needed help, trying to avoid eye contact? I have often found myself staring at the light, wishing that it would go ahead and change so that I didn't have to look at the man outside my car asking for help. Now I have heard before that it is not a good idea to give a beggar money because they will most likely go spend it on alcohol or drugs. But Peter didn't give the man money either. Instead he gives the man what he has to give. He heals him so that he can walk. If I want to live like the apostles did, what should I give to the next person that I see in need? Perhaps I can't give them money, but I could give them a package of crackers or a bottle of water. But the most important gift I can give them is to look at them. Just as Peter and John did, I can really see them and recognize them as a child of God.
Prayer: God, help me to be more like Peter and John. Help me to really see everyone that I pass today and be kind to them. Amen.
Summary: Peter and John are headed to the temple to pray and they come upon a man who has been lame since birth. He asks them for money but Peter tells him to look at them. He does and Peter tells him that he doesn't have money but tells him to get up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ. He begins walking and leaping and praising God and everyone who sees him is filled with wonder and amazement.
Thoughts: What strikes me today about this scripture is Peter and John's immediate response to the lame man. The scripture says "Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said 'Look at us."" How many times have you walked or driven past someone who needed help, trying to avoid eye contact? I have often found myself staring at the light, wishing that it would go ahead and change so that I didn't have to look at the man outside my car asking for help. Now I have heard before that it is not a good idea to give a beggar money because they will most likely go spend it on alcohol or drugs. But Peter didn't give the man money either. Instead he gives the man what he has to give. He heals him so that he can walk. If I want to live like the apostles did, what should I give to the next person that I see in need? Perhaps I can't give them money, but I could give them a package of crackers or a bottle of water. But the most important gift I can give them is to look at them. Just as Peter and John did, I can really see them and recognize them as a child of God.
Prayer: God, help me to be more like Peter and John. Help me to really see everyone that I pass today and be kind to them. Amen.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Acts 2:42-47 - the early church
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
Summary: The people of the early church had all things in common and they gave to all who had need. Each day they spent time together in the temple, ate at home together with glad hearts, praising God. Each day the Lord added to their number those who were saved.
Thoughts: This scripture is a beautiful yet short description of the early church. It includes all of the components that we should include in our church today. They share everything that they have so that no one is in need. They spend alot of time together, at the temple. They break bread together (communion) and they eat together in each other's homes, with glad and generous hearts. They praise God and they have the goodwill of all the people. The outcome of all of this is that God adds more people to their church each day. What a long way we have come from this description of the early church! The church of today could more honestly be described as follows: they share with each other what they can easily afford to give up, they spend 1-4 days a month at the church, they have communion together once a month, they alienate many people outside of the church by telling them what they should do and say. What a difference 2000 years makes! What will we have to do to move from the church of today to the church of 2000 years ago? Is God calling us to build bigger and better facilities to use one day a week or is God calling us to share what we have with those in need? Where is God calling our church?
Prayer: God help us to listen for your word for our congregation. Open our eyes so that we might see the need all around us. Open our ears so that we might hear your call to us. Amen.
Summary: The people of the early church had all things in common and they gave to all who had need. Each day they spent time together in the temple, ate at home together with glad hearts, praising God. Each day the Lord added to their number those who were saved.
Thoughts: This scripture is a beautiful yet short description of the early church. It includes all of the components that we should include in our church today. They share everything that they have so that no one is in need. They spend alot of time together, at the temple. They break bread together (communion) and they eat together in each other's homes, with glad and generous hearts. They praise God and they have the goodwill of all the people. The outcome of all of this is that God adds more people to their church each day. What a long way we have come from this description of the early church! The church of today could more honestly be described as follows: they share with each other what they can easily afford to give up, they spend 1-4 days a month at the church, they have communion together once a month, they alienate many people outside of the church by telling them what they should do and say. What a difference 2000 years makes! What will we have to do to move from the church of today to the church of 2000 years ago? Is God calling us to build bigger and better facilities to use one day a week or is God calling us to share what we have with those in need? Where is God calling our church?
Prayer: God help us to listen for your word for our congregation. Open our eyes so that we might see the need all around us. Open our ears so that we might hear your call to us. Amen.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Acts 2:37-42 - The Promise of Jesus
Scripture: Acts 2:37-42
Summary: The people that had heard Peter preaching were cut to the heart and asked the apostles what they should do. Peter told them that they should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that their sins would be forgiven and they would receive the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you.
Thoughts: "The promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." The promise that Jesus brings us, through his life, teachings, death, and resurrection, is for all of us. It is for you. It's not just for those who deserve it. Because in reality, who among us can claim to deserve the promise that Jesus gives us? What a wonderful thing to contemplate as we prepare for the season of Advent. That the promise of Jesus is for me. And for you. And for that surly cashier at the grocery store. And for the guy that weaves in and out of lanes on the freeway, almost running me down. As Thanksgiving comes near, let us remember what we have to be thankful for: that Jesus Christ gives new life to us; to all of us. What do you have to be thankful for?
Prayer: Lord, open my heart so that I can see those around me as children of God, as the receivers of the promise of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Summary: The people that had heard Peter preaching were cut to the heart and asked the apostles what they should do. Peter told them that they should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that their sins would be forgiven and they would receive the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you.
Thoughts: "The promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him." The promise that Jesus brings us, through his life, teachings, death, and resurrection, is for all of us. It is for you. It's not just for those who deserve it. Because in reality, who among us can claim to deserve the promise that Jesus gives us? What a wonderful thing to contemplate as we prepare for the season of Advent. That the promise of Jesus is for me. And for you. And for that surly cashier at the grocery store. And for the guy that weaves in and out of lanes on the freeway, almost running me down. As Thanksgiving comes near, let us remember what we have to be thankful for: that Jesus Christ gives new life to us; to all of us. What do you have to be thankful for?
Prayer: Lord, open my heart so that I can see those around me as children of God, as the receivers of the promise of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Acts 2:29-36 - Just follow Jesus: If only it were that easy!
Scripture: Acts 2:29-36
Summary: Peter continues preaching: God raised Jesus up, exalting him, and Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit. God has made Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.
Thoughts: The scripture says that we should know with certainty that God made Jesus both Lord and Messiah. Jesus, the same guy that we crucified, is Lord and Messiah. We use these words so often that perhaps we don't usually take time to think about what they mean. What does it mean that Jesus is my Lord and Messiah? For me, this means that I give my life to Jesus Christ. That I stop thinking about myself and try to figure out where Jesus would have me go, what he would have me do. We are called to follow Jesus. A call to follow Jesus doesn't mean getting the biggest house we can buy, or the fastest car, or the best clothes. Instead a call to follow Jesus, the Messiah, means taking the time to see where Jesus is leading us. This is not an easy call. I struggle each day with the temptation to follow my own path. But on a regular basis Jesus calls to me, reminding me that I must follow him, not find my own way. So as I struggle with finding a new job I have to continually remind myself that I am following my Lord and Messiah, Jesus Christ. And if I let him, he will lead me to the place where I need to be.
Prayer: Lord, help me to follow Jesus; such a simple request, but so difficult to do. Amen.
Summary: Peter continues preaching: God raised Jesus up, exalting him, and Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit. God has made Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.
Thoughts: The scripture says that we should know with certainty that God made Jesus both Lord and Messiah. Jesus, the same guy that we crucified, is Lord and Messiah. We use these words so often that perhaps we don't usually take time to think about what they mean. What does it mean that Jesus is my Lord and Messiah? For me, this means that I give my life to Jesus Christ. That I stop thinking about myself and try to figure out where Jesus would have me go, what he would have me do. We are called to follow Jesus. A call to follow Jesus doesn't mean getting the biggest house we can buy, or the fastest car, or the best clothes. Instead a call to follow Jesus, the Messiah, means taking the time to see where Jesus is leading us. This is not an easy call. I struggle each day with the temptation to follow my own path. But on a regular basis Jesus calls to me, reminding me that I must follow him, not find my own way. So as I struggle with finding a new job I have to continually remind myself that I am following my Lord and Messiah, Jesus Christ. And if I let him, he will lead me to the place where I need to be.
Prayer: Lord, help me to follow Jesus; such a simple request, but so difficult to do. Amen.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Acts 2:22-28 What does Steve Jobs know?
Scripture: Acts 2:22-28
Summary: Peter continues preaching in this section. He says that even though Jesus was killed, God raised him up, freeing him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.
Thoughts: I think that this is one of the central tenets of the Christian life, that even though Jesus was killed, God raised him from the dead. Jesus has power even over death. If death is no longer our master, what amazing things will we be capable of?!?! I heard that before he died, Steve Jobs said that he wasn't sure what would happen to him after he died. He wondered if perhaps he would just be no more. This is why he never wanted to put an off switch on any Apple products! As Christians, we don't have to wonder what will happen after we die. We know that God has already taken care of that. This knowledge gives me great freedom to concentrate on the here and now, rather than worrying about the afterlife. I can focus on making a difference now, rather than worrying about later. And I can do this because Jesus conquered death. What an amazing gift this is that God has given us! Thanks be to God!
Prayer: God, you have power over everything, including death. Help me to focus on living, rather than on dying. Amen.
Summary: Peter continues preaching in this section. He says that even though Jesus was killed, God raised him up, freeing him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.
Thoughts: I think that this is one of the central tenets of the Christian life, that even though Jesus was killed, God raised him from the dead. Jesus has power even over death. If death is no longer our master, what amazing things will we be capable of?!?! I heard that before he died, Steve Jobs said that he wasn't sure what would happen to him after he died. He wondered if perhaps he would just be no more. This is why he never wanted to put an off switch on any Apple products! As Christians, we don't have to wonder what will happen after we die. We know that God has already taken care of that. This knowledge gives me great freedom to concentrate on the here and now, rather than worrying about the afterlife. I can focus on making a difference now, rather than worrying about later. And I can do this because Jesus conquered death. What an amazing gift this is that God has given us! Thanks be to God!
Prayer: God, you have power over everything, including death. Help me to focus on living, rather than on dying. Amen.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Acts 2:14-21 - Watching for the Holy Spirit
Scripture: Acts 2:14-21
Summary: After the Holy Spirit has descended upon Jesus' followers and they spoke in tongues, Peter preaches to the crowd who is assembled. He tells them that the disciples are not drunk but the Spirit is causing them to prophecy.
Thoughts: When the observers heard the miracle of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit helps the followers to speak in multiple languages, the first thing they think is "Oh, they must be drunk!" Every time I read this scripture, I wonder why this is the case. Why is it so much easier for us to assume a negative cause for the outburst before we look for a positive cause? Why do we have so much trouble believing in miracles? It's easier for us to say that it was good luck that something happened, rather than thinking that perhaps God had a hand in the outcome. In fact, I believe that the Holy Spirit is doing amazing things in my life on a daily basis. Sometimes I am just too limited to see it. I was just recently told that my currrent job would be ending in December. I have 3 more months in this youth ministry position. So I find myself needing to look for the presence of the Spirit in my daily life. I find myself in a dry spell, longing for the quenching waters of God's presence. There is so much more that I want to accomplish before I go, but I will have to be satisfied with what I can do in the time I have been given. Where do you need God's help in your life? Where has the Holy Spirit been working there?
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, come. I have been ignoring your work in my life for too long. Please make your presence known to me. Amen.
Summary: After the Holy Spirit has descended upon Jesus' followers and they spoke in tongues, Peter preaches to the crowd who is assembled. He tells them that the disciples are not drunk but the Spirit is causing them to prophecy.
Thoughts: When the observers heard the miracle of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit helps the followers to speak in multiple languages, the first thing they think is "Oh, they must be drunk!" Every time I read this scripture, I wonder why this is the case. Why is it so much easier for us to assume a negative cause for the outburst before we look for a positive cause? Why do we have so much trouble believing in miracles? It's easier for us to say that it was good luck that something happened, rather than thinking that perhaps God had a hand in the outcome. In fact, I believe that the Holy Spirit is doing amazing things in my life on a daily basis. Sometimes I am just too limited to see it. I was just recently told that my currrent job would be ending in December. I have 3 more months in this youth ministry position. So I find myself needing to look for the presence of the Spirit in my daily life. I find myself in a dry spell, longing for the quenching waters of God's presence. There is so much more that I want to accomplish before I go, but I will have to be satisfied with what I can do in the time I have been given. Where do you need God's help in your life? Where has the Holy Spirit been working there?
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, come. I have been ignoring your work in my life for too long. Please make your presence known to me. Amen.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Racism Rears It's Ugly Head
Thoughts: I saw a bumper sticker on a pickup truck in Carrollton, TX today. I was so disturbed by it that I have decided to blog about it and go back to the study of Acts later. The bumper sticker read: "DON'T RE-NIG IN 2010" I am so offended by this that I don't even know where to begin commenting about it! I understand that there are alot of people in this nation that don't like our president. I understand that there are many who will put bumper stickers on their vehicle encouraging others not to vote for Obama for president in 2012. But the racist nature of this bumper sticker makes me sick to my stomach. It makes my eyes fill with tears to think that there are some people who are so angry with him that they are willing to put a shortened version of the infamous "N word" on a bumper sticker on their car. Is this person really ready to insult 12% of the population in this country? Every time that I think we are beginning to beat back racism in this country, I run across something like this! Every single person in the world is a child of God and should be treated as such. This is true no matter their race, gender, skin color, ethnic background, sexual preference, height, weight, or any other distinguishing characteristic. Personally, I am going to do whatever I can to educate people I come in contact with about the evils of racism and what our creator God is calling us to do about it. I hope that you will join me in this task. Apparently there is alot of work to still be done.
Prayer: Creator God, you created each of us in your image. Help us to work toward the elimination of racism in our country and in your creation. Amen.
Prayer: Creator God, you created each of us in your image. Help us to work toward the elimination of racism in our country and in your creation. Amen.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Acts 2:1-13 - Speaking in Tongues?
Scripture: Acts 2:1-13
Summary: On the day of Pentecost they were all gathered together when suddenly from heaven there came a sound like a violent wind. Divided tongues of fire appeared and a tongue rested on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages. People asked what it meant and some said that they were drunk.
Thoughts: This is just the first part of the Pentecost story, so be sure to check back later for part two! There are several interesting parts of this phenomenon. First, there is the "sound like the rush of a violent wind" filling the entire house. All of them are filled with the Holy Spirit and then there is the "divided tongues, as of fire" with a tongue resting on each of them. Then each of them speaks in other languages. Not only that, but people from other places can understand the speech in their own language! There is alot of controversy surrounding this scripture, especially the part about speaking in tongues. But when you study this text, it is clear that the disciples were speaking in the languages of other people around them. They weren't speaking in a language that was not understood by anyone. The Holy Spirit had given them the ability to speak the langauge of the people in that place. So I find myself wondering how this text is interpreted by people that "speak in tongues" in their local congregations. I believe that the Holy Spirit can give us the ability to communicate "God's deeds of power" to people who aren't like us. What gifts is the Holy Spirit giving us so that we can share the good news with those who are different in our community?
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, come! Give us gifts that allow us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all of our neighbors. Amen.
Summary: On the day of Pentecost they were all gathered together when suddenly from heaven there came a sound like a violent wind. Divided tongues of fire appeared and a tongue rested on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages. People asked what it meant and some said that they were drunk.
Thoughts: This is just the first part of the Pentecost story, so be sure to check back later for part two! There are several interesting parts of this phenomenon. First, there is the "sound like the rush of a violent wind" filling the entire house. All of them are filled with the Holy Spirit and then there is the "divided tongues, as of fire" with a tongue resting on each of them. Then each of them speaks in other languages. Not only that, but people from other places can understand the speech in their own language! There is alot of controversy surrounding this scripture, especially the part about speaking in tongues. But when you study this text, it is clear that the disciples were speaking in the languages of other people around them. They weren't speaking in a language that was not understood by anyone. The Holy Spirit had given them the ability to speak the langauge of the people in that place. So I find myself wondering how this text is interpreted by people that "speak in tongues" in their local congregations. I believe that the Holy Spirit can give us the ability to communicate "God's deeds of power" to people who aren't like us. What gifts is the Holy Spirit giving us so that we can share the good news with those who are different in our community?
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, come! Give us gifts that allow us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all of our neighbors. Amen.
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