Keeping focus!
Scripture reading for May 13: Acts 6
“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the Word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” Acts 6:1-4
The early church grew quickly and brought growth pains to the church leadership. There were needs among widows and different nationalities felt that there was favoritism and neglect. To solve the problem, the disciples and other leaders gathered together to find a solution. The head of the ‘Twelve’, most likely Peter, stated that preaching the Word and prayer must have priority from apostolic leadership. The recommendation was to pick from the many disciples seven men of good reputation who were filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. These men would be assigned to take care of all the widows and report back on the progress.
It is not always easy to keep focus as a disciple of Jesus. Many good works present themselves and compete for our attention. People with needs can be demanding and stir up strife. Compassion for hurting people is the heart of Jesus and we are to minister without partiality. But those in leadership must make wise choices in the use of their time. Prayer is an absolute priority for effective use of time. Ministry of the Word is the calling of pastors, prophets, evangelists, teachers and apostles. Others with the calling to serve should be empowered to use their gifts in these needy areas of ministry.
Have you ever had to wrestle with your calling and the use of your time? What kind of priorities have you set up to keep your focus on the calling you have from the Lord? What place does prayer have in your life on a daily basis? Are you called to minister God’s Word?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your calling to me to preach Your Word and pray. It is comforting to know that there are others in Your family who have different gifts and talent to do compassion ministry and help. Give me the Holy Spirit and wisdom to set godly priorities based on my calling. Amen.
Respectful disobedience
Scripture reading for May 12: Acts 5
“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this Name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, Whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him at His right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things and so is the Holy Spirit, Whom God has given to those that obey Him.” Acts 5:27-31
The apostles were brought before the council of the Jews and commanded not to preach or heal in Jesus’ Name. (Acts 4:17) However they had continued to minister and God had granted many miracles and healings. They were arrested and imprisoned, but an angel opened the doors and told them to go to the temple and preach. At daybreak, they headed out. The officials, thinking they were still in custody, asked to have them brought in. Instead they were told that the men were preaching in the Name of Jesus at the temple!
When the high priest questioned them, he asked why they did not heed his strict warning. The disciples told him that they must obey God rather than men. And then they spoke the Gospel to the high priest and religious leaders who had gathered. The told of how they had killed Jesus through crucifixion and how God the Father had raise Him up from the dead. They declared the resurrected Jesus was at God’s right hand as Leader and Savior. He was there offering salvation to all who would repent in Israel and He would also forgive their sins. With the boldness of the Holy Spirit they declared the Word of God!
Have you ever had to chose between obeying God and obeying man? Why did these religious leaders, including the high priest, forbid these men from preaching and healing in Jesus’ Name? How was the Holy Spirit a part of this event?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the Good News of Jesus, the Son of God, coming into our world and disrupting religion. The rules of men, even religious ones, must never contradict Your Word. Fill me again with holy boldness and courage to obey You and not men. Open prison doors and send them out! Amen!
Praying for boldness!
Scripture reading for May 9: Acts 4
“. . .for truly in this city there were gathered together against Your Holy Servant Jesus, Whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to continue to speak Your Word with all boldness, while You stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the Name of Your Holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the Word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:27-31
The early church and it’s leadership faced great opposition from many quarters. The government of King Herod and governor Pontius Pilate had both helped in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. They were Gentiles, as were the soldiers of Rome who actually crucified Him. The Jewish people and religious leaders had brought the accusations and forced the crucifixion and also had guilt. But as these persecuted believers gathered for prayer, they asked for increased boldness to speak the Word of God. They trusted that as they preached, Jesus would work with them performing signs and wonders as they obeyed and believed. As they prayed, it was recorded that God shook the place and there was a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit.
The result of the infilling of the Holy Spirit was increased boldness and confidence to preach. It does not say whether they spoke in tongues again here, but that was the accompanying sign at their initial infilling. (Acts 2:4) Opposition did not bring a request that God deal with those opposing. They did not pray to be taken out of the situation or to be protected from harm. Their focus was on their mission to reach lost people, Jew or Gentile, rulers or citizens. They knew that God was working and would not fail them.
What do you normally pray for when you face difficulties or spiritual opposition? Do you look at each situation from the world view of God working out what He had purposed? Have you ever prayed for boldness to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Father God, many times I have prayed for superficial needs or for my own comfort and safety when facing opposition. Forgive me for selfishness and lack of vision. Give me a new boldness to share the Gospel with those who may oppose me. Fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit and confidence. Amen.
Killing the Author of Life
Scripture reading for May 8: Acts 3
“And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, Whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he decided to release Him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of Life, Whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And His Name–by faith in His Name–has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”” Acts 3:11-16
God is always at work to challenge the worldly views of man with the wonderful works of His own hand. He used the apostles Peter and John. They were going to the temple to pray when they encountered a lame man begging near the temple gate. As he asked them for alms, they extended their hands and spoke healing over him in Jesus’ Name. The man was instantly healed and his world view changed from beggar to believer and worshipper. This drew a crowd and the apostles addressed the crowd directly about their own need to repent in their hearts towards Jesus Christ. It was these same Jews who had demanded a murderer be released and yelled for Jesus’ crucifixion. They had the ‘Author of Life’ killed, but God had raised Him from death. The healing of the lame man demonstrated Jesus was alive and the Gospel was preached!
The apostles were Jews who had become followers of Christ. They were going to the temple to pray. Their mission was the same as Jesus’ mission, to reach lost people of every nation, beginning with the Jews. They were filled with the Holy Spirit, anointed for the mission and Jesus was with them performing signs and wonders to break through the religious attitudes and hard hearts. Witnesses of Christ’s resurrection declare God’s mission to reach even the hardest hearts.
Have you ever been confronted with a wrong that you have done and not faced up to? Why is it hard to admit to doing wrong and sin? How is this confrontation of those who crucified Jesus an act of selfless love on the part of the disciples?
Prayer: Father, I appreciate that You confronted me in my sin and rebellion and called me to repentance. Thank You for the witnesses You sent to me with a message of Your love and mercy. Give me faith and patience to share God’s love and a hand extended in Jesus’ Name to those in rebellion. Amen.
What does this mean?
Scripture reading for May 7: Acts 2
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?”. . . —we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”“ Acts 2:4-8
Jews from every nation gathered in Jerusalem for the annual Feast of Pentecost and the celebration of the giving of God’s law. This Pentecost was following the Passover where Jesus gave His life as the “Lamb of God.” After forty days of ministry the resurrected Jesus had ascended to heaven ten days before and had told His disciples to wait for the Promise of the Father. (Acts 1:4-5) This happened at the Feast of Pentecost as described here by Luke. The one hundred twenty disciples, men and women, were waiting in an upper room of the temple as instructed. Tongues of fire came on a rushing wind from heaven and filled the room. All began to speak in other tongues and praise God, spilling out of the room into the temple.
The Jews gathered there were amazed, bewildered, perplexed, and astonished. “What does this mean?”, they asked. They were hearing Galilean Jews speaking their native languages and telling the ‘mighty works of God.” Others thought that they were under the influence of wine! This event, the baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in other tongues, disrupted world views drastically! Tongues are a ‘sign’ to unbelievers to reach them. (1 Corinthians 14:21-22)
Why do you think God chose to grant new languages to Jesus’ followers, causing this disruption? Have you experienced this spiritual empowerment for yourself? Have you heard believers mocking those who speak in other tongues?
Prayer: Father God, Lord of all nations, thank You that for reaching every person, tongue and nation with the Good News! Your ways are higher than my ways, and I have at one time made fun of those You have baptized in the Holy Spirit. Forgive me Lord and use me to clear up misunderstanding. Amen.
Witness to His resurrection
Scripture reading for May 6: Acts 1
“”. . .So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when He was taken up from us–one of these men must become with us a witness to His resurrection.” And they put forth two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, Who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place. And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:21-26
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the remaining eleven disciples, now called ‘apostles’, decided to pick a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and took his own life. They set the qualification that the person must be a man who had accompanied them from Jesus’ baptism by John (Luke 3:21-22) until his ascension to heaven in the clouds. (Acts 1:9) This person was to be a witness of Christ’s resurrection. They put forth two possible candidates and then prayed over them, asking God to reveal His choice. They cast lots believing that God would answer. (Proverbs 16:33) The lot fell to Matthias, who was then added to their number.
The world would look upon this process of casting lots as having to do with luck. There would be an equal chance that either person could be selected. But in God’s economy, He controls each person being placed in authority. As these apostles prayed, God alone knows the hearts of all men. His purposes and plans will be accomplished. He determined that Matthias would replace Judas, just as Jesus had chosen Judas, knowing that he would betray Him.
Have you learned to seek God when a change of jobs, relationships, or direction confronts you? How do you view the selection of leadership in our culture today? Has God selected you to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for placing each person exactly where You want them in leadership in Your church. Help me to act in faith and seek You when leadership changes come into my life and church family. Thank You for selecting me to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection and sending me out. Amen.
John’s assigned purpose!
Scripture reading for May 5: John 21
“”Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His Name.” John 20:30-31 “This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that His testimony is true. Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” John 21:24-25
John was the youngest of Jesus’ disciples and the disciple who Jesus loved. John was assigned the task of taking care of Jesus’ mother by Jesus from the cross. John was also assigned the task of writing down the Gospel record of the book we have just read. John’s world view had been shaped by being with Jesus and following Him as the resurrected Christ now for many years. As he summarized the purpose of his book, his focus was on helping us to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. John knew that knowing Jesus in this manner would open up each person’s world view to include eternity. The greatest gift of Jesus is eternal life in God’s forever family. John’s purpose was clearly stated.
John also told how he had personally born witness to the things that he wrote down in his Gospel. He proclaimed the truth of his testimony. He also stated that his record was very limited. John proclaimed another ‘truth’ about Jesus. If all the things that Jesus said and did were to be written down, the world itself could not contain all the books that would be written! This is an amazing statement from John’s heart and world view!
Have you explored John’s purpose in writing this Gospel record of the life and miracles of Jesus? How has John’s world view affected your own understanding of Jesus’ ministry and life? If you wrote a book, what purpose would you state for writing it?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for assigning John the task of writing down some of the signs that Jesus Christ did on earth. Thank You for desiring all come to believe and John’s same focus. Use me to invest my life with that same purpose–that all might have eternal life in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
The Truth of Jesus Alive
Scripture reading for May 2: John 20
“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness for any, it is withheld.”” John 20:19-23
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is foundational to our world view as believers. If Jesus did not raise from the dead, we have no hope of resurrection ourselves. (1 Corinthians 15:14) But in fact, Jesus did raise and God’s Word is recorded for us as truth about this fact. Jesus had proclaimed many times that He would be raised from the dead on the third day. He had raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43-44) after four days as a demonstration that He was the “Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25). After the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples many times and invited them to touch Him and His wounds. He ate with them and instructed them further concerning their mission.
Jesus spoke peace over the disciples’ troubled hearts as they had been in fear for their lives. He repeated His call on their lives, sending them to a lost world to proclaim the Gospel and call all to repentance. He breathed on them a spiritual anointing of the Holy Spirit and gave them authority to proclaim forgiveness of sins or to withhold forgiveness for the unrepentant. They would share His mission and have His anointing to accomplish His world-wide vision to reach all mankind. Their witness is the reason we are still proclaiming Jesus as raised from the dead and King of kings!
If you doubt, have you humbly asked Jesus to have proof that He is alive from the dead? Have you examined the eye-witness reports of those who saw Jesus alive following the crucifixion? Are you going to the world you live in with the message that Jesus is alive?
Prayer: Father God, I rejoice in the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ! Thank You for the Word that proclaims this truth through the prophesies of Scripture and the eye-witnesses. Thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit to confirm to me personally that Jesus is alive and that I belong to Your family! Amen.
The Truth of Jesus’ death!
Scripture reading for May 1: John 19
“Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness–his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth–that you may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of His bones will be broken.” And another Scripture says, “They will look on Him Whom they have pierced.” John 19:31-37
One of the foundational truths of the Christian faith is that Jesus was the Son of God. This record of John is written to help us believe that Jesus Christ really did die. He willingly gave up his spirit after finishing His suffering for our sins. His last act was to declare His thirst, and the cup of sour wine was offered. After He completed that final act, Jesus declared, “It is finished.” Everything necessary for our salvation had been accomplished. He gave up His spirit at that point. This would be three in the afternoon preceding the Sabbath of Passover week, a Holy High day that would start at sundown.
To prepare for Sabbath, the Jews wanted the crucified bodies removed before sundown. They appealed to Pilate who then dispatched soldiers to break the legs of the criminals and Jesus to insure a quick death. Often, crucified individuals could hang there for several days before death by using their legs to help breath. Both other crucified men had their leg bones broken, but Jesus was already gone. The soldiers, wanting to be sure of death, pierced Jesus’ side, puncturing the heart and sack of fluid around it. In doing both of these acts, Roman soldiers who did not know the Scriptures, fulfilled the Word of God!
How does this very detailed account of Jesus’ death on the cross and the events afterwards help your world view concerning Jesus? Who do you think was the one who reported these things that we might believe? Have you chosen to believe yet?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for this amazing account of the details of the death of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Scripture is amazing in that it reveals Truth and details that help those of us who doubt to believe. Help those who may be reading this account to open their hearts to Jesus Christ, Son of God. Amen.
What is truth?
Scripture reading for April 30: John 18
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to Him, “So you are a king? Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world–to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is Truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in Him.”” John 18: 36-38
Determining what is true in this world helps us define our world view. Pilate, the Roman governor in Jerusalem, was a person of power in the political machine of Rome. The Jews had brought Jesus to him accusing Jesus of sedition. They claimed that Jesus falsely claimed to be a ‘king’ and preached a new ‘kingdom’ that would supersede all kingdoms. So Pilate asked Jesus, “So You are a king?” Jesus stated that Pilate had stated that, but His purpose was to bear witness to the truth. At this, Pilate asked Jesus a searching question: “What is truth?” Pilate, and many others over the ages, have wrestled with the truth about Jesus Christ. Is He the King? Is He over a kingdom? What is this kingdom that is not of this world?
Pilate wrestled with Jesus’ statement that His kingdom was not of this world. He knew that Jesus’ disciples had fled and had not put up a fight. In fact, Jesus had commanded the guards to let them go. (John 18:8) Pilates’s wife had earlier warned him to have nothing to do with Jesus because of a dream. (Matthew 22:19) In light of these ‘truths’, Pilate declared to the Jews that he found no guilt in Jesus. He sought to release Him, but the Jews demanded Barabbas, a robber.
Have you ever wrestled with what is the truth about Jesus? Have you looked closely at Jesus’ life and claims to be the Christ and King? How have others opinions and demands either helped you to find truth or keep you in the “crucify Him” crowd?
Prayer: Father God, I have wrestled with the claims of Jesus earlier in my life. There were many voices and opinions that claimed to have truth that Jesus was just a man. Thank You for revealing the Truth from hearing the testimony of Jesus preached by other believers. Use me today to share Truth! Amen.