Lent Day 40 - Acts 28

Our last day of lent has finally come.  I hope you have enjoyed my thoughts and confessions about our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Acts 28 starts out with a bang - we left Paul shipwrecked yesterday - today he is saved by the locals of Malta.  He gets bitten by a snake and they all think he must be an evil murderer.  Paul throws the snake in the fire and has no ill effects from the bite - the locals now think he is a god.  They go and stay with the chief official of the island and Paul heals the officials sick father.  The news spreads and Paul heals everyone sick on the island.  This brings great joy and relations so the people help them get a ship and supplies to continue their journey to Rome and they finally arrive in one piece.

It is the end of the chapter where God is leading me today.  Paul gets the Jewish leaders in Rome to come talk with him, tell them why he is there and they in turn want to hear about Paul's beliefs in this new sect.  Let's pick up at Acts 28: 23-28

23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet:

26 “‘Go to this people and say,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” 

Not much has changed has it?  We can witness about Jesus telling our friends, family, neighbors, and strangers and some will be convinced and others will chose not to believe.  Our job is to put the seed out - to tell others about Jesus.  The Holy Spirit does the rest.  I have learned over these 40 days of study - I'm called to tell, to talk about Jesus more.  I love that last line cause I'm a Gentile - this is for us too!

I have also learned praise Him, praise Him, praise Him not because I received a blessing or because I need his help - but because He is worthy.  It isn't about how I feel or what I'm thinking -  it is a doing.  Sorrow, tears and weeping can come with praising Him.  Last night at our Good Friday service the music and message was so powerful and moving that I was praising my savior with tears down my cheeks.  I don't deserve his mercy and grace - but he DESERVES my praise.  I can't think of a better way to end than singing this hymn of praise.

Thank you for following me on this journey.

"I Know that My Redeemer Lives"
by Samuel Medley, 1738-1799

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives triumphant from the grave,
He lives eternally to save,
He lives all-glorious in the sky,
He lives exalted there on high.

He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul's complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I'll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death:
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #200 from
Text: Job 19:25-27
Author: Samuel Medley, 1775, ab.
Composer: John Hatton, 1793
Tune: "Duke Street"

Lent Day 39 - Acts 27

It is Good Friday - and I would love to talk about this - but alas - Acts 27 is about sailing and surviving a storm.  Getting to know Paul better through this intense study of Acts I get the feeling he is highly intelligent, very devout, outspoken, and know-it-allish.  In chapters 25 and 26 Paul appeals to Caesar.  In all this trial stuff Paul is making his run at the supreme court. Remember God told him he would testify in Rome in Acts 23:11.  They are on a boat trying to get to Rome.  I'm not a nautical person, but I believe ship is the correct term - there are 276 people on board.  There is nothing about Paul that makes me think he is very nautical either - we know he is a writer, prophet, tent maker, missionary, and former Pharisee.  But he does like to give advice.

Acts 27: 9-12
Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.

Paul says - hey we need to stop for awhile and wait this thing out or the sky will surely fall upon us.  (Aren't you glad I'm not writing the bible :)).  A prisoner is telling the crew what he thinks is best.  Of course they ignore his warning and sail on and we see in the next section of verses - Paul is correct.  A storm of hurricane winds blows up and they are raging at sea trying to keep the ship together.  This goes on for 14 days - so there must have been some decent sailors on board.  Paul pipes up and speaks his mind again during one of these days and says:

Acts 27:21-26
21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, we must run aground on a certain island.”

Sorry Paul I love you but this would just get under my skin - please don't I told you so to me.  That's the thing about God that we forget.  God is the best everything - teacher, lawyer, sailor, physician, maid, cook, parent, engineer, every profession.  God knows every thing all the time, every where, for every one all at the same time.  Paul shows us how to rely on God.  I could use this analogy of going through storms we need to trust God.  But from all I have studied in the Bible old and new testament alike it isn't the hard times we have trouble reaching out and calling on God.  It's the good times, when all is well and happy.  We tend to forget about God - we say I've got this all on my own.  Paul where are you - come tell us - NO WAY.  When we forget and stop being thankful and praising our God we can become lost and alone and find ourselves in a storm quicker than you can say Jehoshaphat.

Everyone is saved on this ship in Acts 27 - God is faithful and keeps his word.  I can still close my eyes and see that seen from the Passion of the Christ where Jesus is beaten.  What if Jesus changed his mind?  What if he said this is too hard, too painful, you are asking too much?  We would be lost at sea forever I'm afraid.

Thank you Lord - you sacrificed so much for us.  I know I am unworthy and undeserving of this great mercy and grace.  Pour into us a clean spirit, renew our minds and hearts to honor you and to thank you and be aware of you in all areas of our lives.  May we bring you joy with our lives.  Praise you Jesus.  Amen

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?

Lent Day 38 - Acts 25-26

Paul stands trial two more times in Acts 25 and 26.  First to Festus the governor and then to King Agrippa.  Why can't these guys make a decision?  They just keep passing Paul off to the next person.  It becomes clear the Jewish leaders have some influence on these guys because we see a couple different places they don't think Paul is guilty of anything deserving death and that he should be set free but we see they want to do the Jews a favor.  So they keep Paul under arrest.

Acts 26: 24-28
At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

Have you ever been Festus or King Agrippa where you thought ... you know that person over there has gone off the deep end.  This religion thing has just gotten weird.  I feel certain some people have thought that about me. In today's lingo I'm a certified "Jesus Freak."  I can imagine Paul got so excited when he talked about Jesus and shared his faith.  It must have gotten lively since Festus shouts at Paul - you are out of your mind!  What an opportunity for Paul to tell these important men about Jesus.

It's King Agrippa's reply that gets me.  Paul obviously has first hand knowledge about Agrippa's knowledge of the events of Jesus Christ death and resurrection.  It's a plea - "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?  I know you do."  In my mind I see Paul with his eyes as big as saucers - just looking at Agrippa with his hands open pointing to him, reaching out to him, saying in his head - come on believe this truth.  And then the bottom falls out - persuade me already - I don't think so.  Paul's shoulders just dropped a little and his arms went to his side.  Well that's how I would respond.

Haven't we become a society that knows no patience.  We want immediate responses to phone calls, emails, and goodness gracious if you don't reply to a text message immediately.  We hate to wait in lines; I won't wait for more than 10 - 15 minutes for a table at a restaurant.  Do you ever get annoyed when your internet lags?  We have become a people who hate to wait.  I think this can spill into our witness.  When we are on fire for Jesus and start telling our friends and family and they don't get excited we can become annoyed, impatient and even just give up.

I like to think about it this way - as our faith and knowledge about Jesus grows we can easily forget that others just can't understand at that level without the Holy Spirit.  A nonbeliever is like trying to teach a child multiplication without teaching them how to add first.  It takes time, patience, love and prayer.  Be consistent, listen, dependable and most of all loving and gentle.

I don't know if any of us will get the opportunity Paul had but we will have the opportunity to share the good news about Jesus.  I'm so glad He never gives up on me!!

It's Maundy Thursday - The Last Supper

Lent Day 37 - Acts 23-24

It's Holy Week - Lent is almost over and I have missed 2 days so far.  I find it hard to stay on Acts when this is the week we remember our Lord's death and resurrection.  But I will do my best to share what God is putting on my heart over these 2 chapters in Acts.  

Acts 23:1-3
Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”

Paul has been arrested, and is on trial in front of the Sanhedrin; and we see he differs from Jesus' style.  Paul tells it like it is, calls it like he sees it.  I told you some time ago that the children at church are also studying the book of Acts.  I have been preparing this week for the Easter lesson - thinking surely we are going to go back to the book of Luke to tell the Easter story (which we do).  But in this lesson there are a series of questions the teacher is suppose to read as a narrative because the children can't understand them or answer them. So I'm going to share them with you - this is from Lifeway's Explore the Bible on Location, Spring 2016, Session 4:

"How could this be happening? The One the disciples believed to be the Messiah was dying on a cross.  They had seen Jesus work great miracles.  Why didn't He do something?  Why didn't He speak up?  Men were saying lies about Him!  Why didn't He overthrow the Romans?  The disciples had seen His power and believed He could.  Jesus' followers probably watched with their hearts pounding.  Would they be the next to die?"

Some people might disagree with me but hear me out.  Paul acts nothing like Jesus in a similar situation.  At the end of chapter 23 we find that 40 men aren't going to eat until they successfully kill Paul and they formulate a plan to do it.  We are always saying WWJD - What Would Jesus Do.  And we look in the bible and try to find a situation that matches ours and we try to mimic Jesus.  Jesus says nothing, he doesn't accuse, and he doesn't defend himself.  Paul does just the opposite.

You might be saying Cynthia you are way out there right now - just hold on.  I told you the children can't understand or answer these questions - but if I ask them they will give the right answer.  Jesus is doing what God told him to do.  It was God's plan for Jesus to die and save us.  And I will say - oh you are so right!!  He loves us so much.  Now let's look at Paul - isn't he doing the same thing?  He is being obedient to God?  And we know this from verse 11 which is quoted so often:  11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”

How did Paul know what to do?  He prayed and praised and studied.  He spent time in God's presence.  He could decipher his own thoughts from the Holy Spirits guidance.  When was the last time you longed for God's presence?  Have you ever felt like you were in His presence?  When you pray or praise or study do you prepare or just dive in and get it done as quickly as you can?  Look I do both.  There are days I feel so busy that I just throw in my bible time, and prayer time as fast as I can - check that box off my to do list.  But when I slow down and prepare it is totally different.  What does that look like for me.  I play praise music, listen to a couple songs, and then I start saying aloud truths about Jesus:

King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Creator, Savior, Holy One, Lamb of God, Bright and Morning Star, Alpha and Omega, etc.

I say as many as I can think of - I acknowledge who Jesus is and what he means to me.  And without fail I start to feel it.  I feel it on my skin with goose pumps, in the air that he is right there with me.  I understand the scripture better, I pray lighter and freer, and my praise time is amazing.  What I find disheartening is that I don't do this every day.  How can that be?  Why do I allow this world's worries and busyness cheat me out of Longing for God's presence?

He is teaching me so much along this Lent Challenge.  Thank you for joining me - 3 days left

Lent Day 33 - Acts 17-18

Campaign trail - travelling to different places telling everyone possible why they should vote and specifically why they should vote for a certain candidate.  No, no we are talking about Paul not politics.  Are we? You can't deny there are similarities - Acts 17:2

As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.

Paul reasons, explains, and proves why Jesus is the Messiah.  Verse 4 says

Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

We see a diversity in the following - Paul is reaching as many as possible with the Good News. But then what happens in verse 5:

But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.

Let the smearing begin, the bad press, the lies, and even drag down his associates in this case Jason.  That sounds a lot like today's campaign trails.  Thankfully, Paul's message is one of hope, love, and salvation.  From these two chapters I'm drawn to Paul's proclamation in Athens, Acts 17:24-28

 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.

I do believe God is reminding me again to seek Him, reach out for Him, and find Him.  His love for us is unimaginable.  If you have children you know what I'm talking about, giving up your own son to save others.  And as we look deep inside ourselves we think - yuck look at all the bad I've thought, said, done, read, listened to, laughed at, watched.  How can God love me that much?  Verse 28 says it all - we are his offspring.  We belong to him, we are his children.

Let us call out to him telling him we don't deserve this love but so desire it.  His grace and mercy are enough.  For in him we live and move and have our being.

Lent Day 32 - Acts 16

My household has Netflix and a few days ago I noticed The Passion of the Christ was available.  I've never seen the entire movie.  When it first came out my children were too young to watch it, so it was late at night and yes I would fall asleep during it.  Well the last two days I thought - you know I need to watch this movie - it is perfect timing.  Started at night on the ipad - fell asleep - oh by the way I usually go to bed early.  So yesterday afternoon - this is it I'm watching the whole thing.  When I got to the part where the soldiers beat Jesus I started to weep.  What a horrific beating - I had to turn it off.  I tried one more time  and when they unchained his one arm to turn him over to beat his front side - that was all I could take.  I've decided I'm not watching any more.

What does this have to do with Acts 16?  This is the story of Paul and Silas in jail.  But the scripture that just rang out to me were verses 22-23:

The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.

stripped, beaten with rods, severely flogged

I read those words and I see in my head the vision from the movie my Lord and Savior being beaten. I believe the ugly parts of the bible aren't talked about or are changed to be treasured children's stories.  Look at Noah's Ark - we decorate baby's nurseries with this theme - oh and by the way God destroyed every living thing on the earth that wasn't in the ark.  The list goes on - David and Goliath; Daniel and the lions den; Esther; Jesus' final days on earth; the persecuted church. We need to take in all the story - the good and the bad.

There is so much good in this story - verse 25:    About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them

What is the power of praise?  I think it is the ability to seek and acknowledge that our God is bigger than any problem we have.  Being thankful for every second we are here on this earth.  James 1:2-4:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I keep thinking Jesus suffered so much for me my problems can not compare.  I should be singing and praying and praising my savior.  Oh what's that song - all the day long - Blessed Assurance.  We have the promises that no matter what we face today and in the future our God will be there.  He can handle it if we'll let him.

What better way to end:

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

I hope you sang through the song - praising the Lord - I did

Lent Day 31 - Acts 15

Can you read this cartoon?  Did the disagreement of Paul and Barnabas go something like this at the end of Acts 15?

Acts 15:36-41

Disagreement Between Paul and Barnabas
36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Have you ever had a disagreement over ministry in your church?  I certainly have.  As a woman I tend to get more emotional than I like when I'm upset over something I care deeply about.  I haven't heard too many men argue before but I've always assumed most of the time it doesn't involve much emotion.  Sorry men - if I have misrepresented you :).  Remember Barnabas was the disciple that stood up for Saul (the christian killer) transformed to Paul the evangelist when no one else would.  Here in Acts 15 I did some digging in almost every translation the word sharp is used to describe the dispute between these two men.  From HELPS Word-studies Strong's Concordance defines "sharp" in the Greek as:

paroxusmos: stimulation, provocation
Original Word: παροξυσμός, οῦ, ὁ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: paroxusmos
Phonetic Spelling: (par-ox-oos-mos')
Short Definition: incitement, irritation
Definition: stimulation, provocation, irritation, angry dispute.
Cognate: 3948 paroksysmós – a provocation which literally jabs (cuts) someone so they "must" respond. See 3947 (paraxynomai).

Oh my have your words ever jabbed someone so much that it cuts them?  I must admit I have.  And I always feel badly afterwards.  Sometimes I've said things that I didn't even realized were sharp to someone else.  I'm telling on myself here maybe I talk too much.  What is that scripture in proverbs when words are many sin is not far behind.  The Living translation says: Proverbs 10:19 Don’t talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!

My point in all this - we see in the bible every day people that have every day struggles just like us doing amazing things to further the kingdom of God.  We don't have to be perfect to do God's work.  We don't have to be pastors, teachers, elders, deacons.  We have to be WILLING.  Let's seek God together asking the Holy Spirit to gives us a kick in the pants to start doing and stop watching.  Our doing might be small to start - saying hello, helping people in a parking lot, acknowledging a blessing from God to others.  Yesterday I was out walking and because it was so nice people were out everywhere.  I stopped to talk to a man with a dog that had gotten away from him.  Before I left I said hasn't God blessed us with a beautiful day.  No I didn't ask him if he knew Jesus - I'm not there yet. But I'm willing and I'm seeking and I'm praying - Lord show me.

We are ordinary people that God is so ready to start using to further his kingdom - let's do this thing!!

Lent Day 30 - Acts 14

  More preaching, more teaching, more hardship, more people saved into the kingdom of God.  That sums up the book of Acts.  What is special about Acts 14?  Let's look at verses 8-20:

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

11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” 18 Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

What a story - can this really be true?  Are people really this fickle?  Yes!  The crowd is hearing Paul and Barnabas but they aren't listening and understanding.  They are caught up in the idea that something marvelous is happening and they want to be a part of it.  So they yell out look it's Zesus and cling to that notion as quickly as they can. I love Paul's response - we too are only human.

Do you know there are churches that don't have crosses in them?  That there are pastoral coaches that advise "don't Jesus them to death." You are probably saying no way Cynthia.  Yes indeed this is going on.  In the pretense of Christianity we are saving souls to the kingdom without telling them about Jesus.

Why do we have the book of Acts?  The history of the church, how the good news was spread, but I also believe it is a template of what we are suppose to say to people.  Paul and Barnabas Jesus them to death.  They repeat the same story of how God's love is so great he gave his only son to save us.  And we see again and again some people get it and others don't.  But they never give up and say this is too hard, too exhausting, or too dangerous.

If I was stoned and left for dead I'm sure I would be saying - you know Barnabas maybe we aren't hearing God correctly.  Let's go back home and regroup, pray some more, and try something new, something different. No Paul says in verses 21-22:

They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.  We just don't want to believe that do we?  We want everything to be pretty and nice.  We want to be taken care of and feel good about ourselves.  We want happiness and a sense of goodness.  We do missions to help others, we give our money and even our time.  But do we tell people about Jesus?  Oh please don't think this message is one of condemnation - it is encouragement.  I fail in this area of my walk with Christ.  I do not tell about Jesus like I should.  God is working on me and to be honest I hope he is working on you.  Because it is so much easier for me if I have a friend to go along with me.

Lent Day 29 - Acts 13

The book of Acts has so many fantastic stories and chapter 13 is no exception.  But the overall theme is what has me wondering today.  Look at verse 2:

While 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.”

Are you still trying to figure out what God has called you to do?  Are you worshiping and fasting asking the Lord - what is my calling?  I know I don't do that enough - seek the Lord, worship the Lord, and I hardly ever fast.

So what were Barnabas and Saul (or Paul) called to do?  The rest of the chapter we see them talking to people telling them the story of Jesus.  Let's fast forward to verse 44:

 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 

When I got here it struck me - we had 30,000+ people come out to see and hear Donald Trump; why don't we have the whole city coming out to hear about Jesus Christ?  I remember growing up my Father would never miss the Billy Graham TV specials.  He would be in a football stadium telling people about Jesus.  Why don't we do this any more?  Is it too old school?  Do we think God doesn't work that way any more?  That's why we have pastors and priests - that's their job.  Do we even tell people about Jesus?  When is the last time you told an unsaved person the Good News?  I must admit I tend to surround myself with people who I think know the Lord.  This is no excuse!!

We don't see miraculous things because we don't ask or expect them.  We don't share our faith why? Can you take a minute and really answer that?  Ok I'll give it a go - because it maybe uncomfortable. The person might not like it or might judge me.  It is easier to not say anything.  I mean I'm a children's ministry teacher I'm doing my part - I'm teaching the kids at church right?  Some how I don't think God is going to say - it's ok Cynthia that this neighbor of yours didn't get into heaven - I know it was just too awkward for you.

I might not always get what my calling is - what God has me set apart for every season of my life.  But I do know with all certainty I'm always called to tell people about Jesus.  I might not be filling stadiums, or even my living room.  But there is always an opportunity EVERY DAY to share the good news about Jesus to someone in my path.  Now am I willing to step out and do it?

Lent Day 23 - Acts 5

After the Holy Spirit came down our weak minded disciples have turned over a new leaf.  They are preaching with authority, performing miracles, and fear has vanished.  Let's look at the first story in Acts 5: 1-11

Ananias and Sapphira
5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

What I find so amazing in this story is that Peter knows they are lying from the Holy Spirit.  He doesn't ask around - he doesn't try to trap them.  He just knows.  I struggle so much knowing what I'm suppose to do.  Does this sound familiar to you - is that my desire or is the Holy Spirit leading me?  I pray often for wisdom and discernment.  Peter just knows.  And it isn't something about himself - it is someone else.  I haven't a clue what that would be like.  I'm so consumed with me and mine that I certainly can miss the Lord's leading regarding others.

Now, I know this happens all the time.  Take yesterday for example.  On my way to church I was praying to God about a certain situation in my life.  I got to church early to finish up some things for the children and I was in the sanctuary.  Our pianist came in and he was practicing his offertory piece.  I wasn't paying any attention I was concentrated on getting my tasks done.  During the worship service he started to play and sing during the offertory.  It was like God was singing into my soul - answering my prayer.  After the service I went up and told the pianist this story and asked him - how did you come to pick that piece.  He told me he was having trouble picking something and came in and decided to play this song and he got goose bumps while playing it.  So he decided it must be meant for someone.

God works that way in my life - not always that quickly.  I'm thankful a servant of God was faithful to the Holy Spirits leading.  Ananias and Sapphira were not so blessed by the Holy Spirits leading - instant death for lying.  For me the key is not to focus on my trials, disappointments, and tribulations but to focus my heart on God.  My God is bigger than my circumstance.  When we lose sight of Him than we are surely lost and defeated.  We have a God who pursues us - thankfully - I totally missed Him the first time yesterday.

Lord grant us  hearts that can sense the Holy Spirits leading; and a willingness to follow.  What a blessing we can be in others lives if we just focus on you and love you with all our being.  Praise the name of JESUS.

Lent Day 19 - Luke 24

Jesus Has Risen
On the Road to Emmaus
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
The Ascension of Jesus

I'm going to do a dangerous thing - take a lone scripture out and talk about it - one from each of these 4 sections.

Jesus Has Risen - Luke 24:11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 

I'm sure some men could have a field day on this one :) You know this story - the women go to the tomb, Jesus has risen the angels tell them.  They go to tell the 11 remaining disciples and this is the reply they get.  Do we miss out on God's plan and miracles because we hear a message and say "that seems like nonsense to me!"

On the Road to Emmaus - Luke 24:31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

Here again in the same chapter we see Jesus use an unusual method to bring Glory to the Father.  He is walking with some guys who don't realize who he is.  And he witnesses like crazy to them.  Then when they sit down to eat, he give thanks, breaks bread and wow their eyes are open and he disappears.  "That seems like nonsense to me!"

Jesus Appears to the Disciples - Luke 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

While they are talking about this Emmaus experience Jesus appears and they think he is a ghost.  They have been with Jesus for 3 years.  They have seen miracles upon miracles.  He has taught them all about the kingdom of God.  He has told them numerous times he is going to die and rise again.  Can't they remember?  Can't they figure it out?  Don't they believe?  Then Jesus opens their minds so they could understand.  "That seems like nonsense to me!"

The Ascension of Jesus - Luke 24:51  While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.

What? How? He just floats up in the clouds to heaven? "That seems like nonsense to me!"

How do we figure out if a nonsense message is from God?  We need to know God's character - is this something God might do?  (You have to read your Bible to know God's character).  Do a peace check - are you at peace about it or is your gut churning and red flags jumping up?  Pray about it - God give me wisdom to know your will.  Or you can be like Peter - who runs to the tomb.  He has to check it out for himself.  I have found that even if I do all these things I can still miss it.

Lord help us not to miss when you speak to us, when you use unusual, nonsense methods to do your will.  Give us a spirit to hear and understand.

Praise Jesus he is Risen - He is Risen indeed.  Thank you to those who believed a nonsense message that seemed impossible.