It is a great honor when someone approaches you and asks you to baptise them. I have had this humbling experience twice in my lifetime to date. Each time I took the responsibility and role very seriously, though I approached each one uniquely. I loved being a part of God's work, and a part of the person's life.
I knew I took the responsibility seriously, but never looked for instruction in the Word of God. I know, "what was I thinking!?!?!?" Seems like a no-brainer.
And today I wasn't looking for such instruction either, but what stood out to me were some verses that applied to such an event. These verses come from 1st and 2nd Thessalonians. You know I don't remember reading from these Books before, but they are packed with amazing instruction in a great number of areas.
The thoughts Thessalonians left me regarding the life long connection between me and those I have baptized are below:
I couldn't quit worrying; I had to know for myself how you were doing in the faith. I didn't want the Tempter getting to you and tearing down everything we had built up together.
In the middle of our trouble and hard times here, just knowing how you're doing keeps us going. Knowing that your faith is alive keeps us alive. What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you?
We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters
You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it's only right that we give thanks.
Because we know that this extraordinary day <Christ's return> is just ahead, we pray for you all the time - pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something.
What I notice is a two-way impact on me. I am forever connected to this person through concern for thier faith, their temptations, prayer for their lifewalk with Christ, to remain in their lives spiritually and physically. In turn I receive joy and the knowledge of their faith and growth will sustain me.
I never realized what a defined ongoing role I should play.
And what words can I share with this new believer...... also from Thessalonians.
Our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you're to be.
Not that the troubles should come as any surprise to you. You've always known that we're in for this kind of thing. It's part of our calling.
All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You're suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he'll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence.
What I find so incredible and obvious, now that I've read it like this is the instruction to share with this still new-in-faith believer......TWO THINGS: 1. God will fully supply your needs. 2. Trouble will come and Jesus has an ultimate plan for justice. Regardless of what comes, persevere.
I remember right after Christ invited me to returned to Him, a moment shared between me and Jesus, I was overjoyed and overwhelmed with this joy!!!! I wanted to run, skip, shout, hug!! I couldn't wait to return to church the next evening.....and then I walked out the church doors to head home. Satan's field day began. I was so confused, how did I just feel such joy and now this voice in my head said "I didn't belong," "no one cared," "Jesus could never really accept me."
I was devastated and I didn't know where to turn. Thankfully, Jesus was always with me and walked me through this turbulent early beginnings. But how wonderful it might have been if only I had known this attack was coming, that trouble would forever loom.
I am thankful to have participated in two baptisms in my life. But I realize though I prepared for the event prayerfully and diligently with instruction beforehand, I have not followed through.
I love that God's Word is always teaching me and I am thankful I am open to His instruction.
The issue isn't that I didn't know before, but now that I have been enlightened what will I do with this knowledge?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me and showing me how I can grow in relationship with You and with the new believers You place in my life. Forgive me for failing to search for such instruction. I am so excited to know what I have learned today. Father, help me to apply post-haste. I want to be active in guiding them, I want to be available for You to work through me to impact us all. I love the two-way street. Father, I lay my goals and will aside that You may have all of me available as Your willing servant. I am excited to change, to grow and to continue on as You lead and teach. Amen.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Relationship with God
Ever thought about your relationship with God? I don't know that I had really thought about the answer to this question until it came up for discussion in our youth group last year. I can tell you that since the question was asked, I think about it A LOT and it's wonderful. The next two paragraphs come directly from the study we did in our youth group.
Unless someone asks, it's not really something you think about. It's an important question. No matter who we are, we all have a Godview. And the way we think about God affects how we interact with our world.
A.W. Tozer said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”For many of us, it’s just a vague impression formed when we were younger. For some, it’s an image of someone against whom we have a strong resistance. For others, God is personal and mysterious, offering an adventure to anyone ready to pursue a relationship with Him. While we can never really know everything about God—because He’s that big and that mysterious—the things we can learn about Him shape the way we respond to whatever life brings.
Galatians 4:5-7 Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are... <His> child? (MSG)
So what is my Godview? Dynamic!!!! God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are constantly moving in and around me to draw me near, to help me to become the best me as God created me, to guide my path, to love me, discipline, protect and teach me.
The verses above immediately made me think of my Godview as soon as I read them. I do feel fully adopted as His child and I have run into my Papa's arms, sat on my Papa's lap, rested in His care, listened at His feet, cried on His shoulder, hung my head in shame as I stared at the Cross, feared in my time away from Him.
I love the phase "privilege of intimate conversation with God." Yes, my relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is an intimate one..... for no one knows me more perfectly and what a wonderful privilege it is.
I pray your relationship with God is filled with such intimacy.
Unless someone asks, it's not really something you think about. It's an important question. No matter who we are, we all have a Godview. And the way we think about God affects how we interact with our world.
A.W. Tozer said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”For many of us, it’s just a vague impression formed when we were younger. For some, it’s an image of someone against whom we have a strong resistance. For others, God is personal and mysterious, offering an adventure to anyone ready to pursue a relationship with Him. While we can never really know everything about God—because He’s that big and that mysterious—the things we can learn about Him shape the way we respond to whatever life brings.
Galatians 4:5-7 Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are... <His> child? (MSG)
So what is my Godview? Dynamic!!!! God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are constantly moving in and around me to draw me near, to help me to become the best me as God created me, to guide my path, to love me, discipline, protect and teach me.
The verses above immediately made me think of my Godview as soon as I read them. I do feel fully adopted as His child and I have run into my Papa's arms, sat on my Papa's lap, rested in His care, listened at His feet, cried on His shoulder, hung my head in shame as I stared at the Cross, feared in my time away from Him.
I love the phase "privilege of intimate conversation with God." Yes, my relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is an intimate one..... for no one knows me more perfectly and what a wonderful privilege it is.
I pray your relationship with God is filled with such intimacy.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Our Joy Comes from the LORD
Acts 13: 42-44 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.
I can't even imagine!!! Paul, Barnabas and the disciples with them had preached the word of Jesus Christ to this town and the people were so excited by the message they begged them to come back next week. How encouraging that moment must have been!!!
And then to arrive a week later to a crowd that measured to be most of the townspeople. WOW, look what God can do!!!
Acts 13:45, 48-50 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
They speak to the crowds just like the week before only this time jealousy and persecution are stirring. Somehow the apostles have gone from preaching the News of Christ to almost the whole city to being driven out.
What happened!?!?!?! How did they go from that wonderful moment of fulfilling their mission to total failure?
At least on some of my days that's the feeling I would have given a similar scenario.
Thankfully instead of the disciples following my confusion, they had the instruction from Jesus to hold onto.
Matthew 10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
And the disciples did just that.....
Acts 13: 51-52 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Once again as I had just written in an earlier post, the townspeople and officials were not rejecting the men but the message.... Jesus Christ.
It is only for us to follow where Christ leads us. Only to be obedient to His calling of us for today.
As long as our trust and faith are in the LORD as we follow Him, our trust and faith will continue to grow and regardless of what we face we will be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Life just doesn't get any better than that! It just doesn't!!!
I can't even imagine!!! Paul, Barnabas and the disciples with them had preached the word of Jesus Christ to this town and the people were so excited by the message they begged them to come back next week. How encouraging that moment must have been!!!
And then to arrive a week later to a crowd that measured to be most of the townspeople. WOW, look what God can do!!!
Acts 13:45, 48-50 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
They speak to the crowds just like the week before only this time jealousy and persecution are stirring. Somehow the apostles have gone from preaching the News of Christ to almost the whole city to being driven out.
What happened!?!?!?! How did they go from that wonderful moment of fulfilling their mission to total failure?
At least on some of my days that's the feeling I would have given a similar scenario.
Thankfully instead of the disciples following my confusion, they had the instruction from Jesus to hold onto.
Matthew 10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
And the disciples did just that.....
Acts 13: 51-52 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Once again as I had just written in an earlier post, the townspeople and officials were not rejecting the men but the message.... Jesus Christ.
It is only for us to follow where Christ leads us. Only to be obedient to His calling of us for today.
As long as our trust and faith are in the LORD as we follow Him, our trust and faith will continue to grow and regardless of what we face we will be filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Life just doesn't get any better than that! It just doesn't!!!
When God Instructs He Prepares the Path Before You
I have learned through my relationship with the Holy Spirit how God speaks to me, what His instruction is like. I had to seek Him and spend time with Him in order for this relationship to develop.
However, when someone asks me how do you hear God speak, how do I know it's God, etc. It's a tough answer to put into words. Mostly it's hard because I know what God has done, I know how He works within me and it's perfect FOR me. But when I try to explain it I end up feeling like I need to convince the one asking and their rejection of my experience becomes personal. UGH.... I hate that.
Because honestly it's not about me at all!!! It's about what Christ has done in me and through me.... nothing of me. If they reject the wonderful things Christ has done in and through me then they are rejecting the opportunity for this same wonderful relationship in their own lives. Not me, but Jesus!
Still I stumble of words. I suppose practice would make my story much more eloquent. Nonetheless it was wonderful to read the detail of how God moves in Acts 10. What I found out, was God still moves just the same today as over 2,000 years ago.
Acts 10 1-6 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius." And he stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea."
Acts 10:9-16 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has made clean, do not call common." This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.
Acts 10: 25-33 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man." And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me." And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.' So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord."
God first moves in Cornelius. By faith Cornelius responds.
In perfect timing, God equally moves in Peter. By faith Peter responds.
Cornelius didn't know why he was sending for Peter. Peter didn't completely understand his vision/dream, but knew he was called to go.
By faith each man responded to the instruction of God. And because God is not the author of chaos (1 Cor 14:33) each man could trust in following where God was leading without knowing the details.
Acts 10:34-36, 39-45 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
And when all is said and done..... I am sure Cornelius grew in faith, Peter grew in faith and the will of God prevails.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
And this is exactly how God still moves in the lives of believers today. We can trust in the instructions of the LORD and know we will grow in faith if we just follow where He leads.
However, when someone asks me how do you hear God speak, how do I know it's God, etc. It's a tough answer to put into words. Mostly it's hard because I know what God has done, I know how He works within me and it's perfect FOR me. But when I try to explain it I end up feeling like I need to convince the one asking and their rejection of my experience becomes personal. UGH.... I hate that.
Because honestly it's not about me at all!!! It's about what Christ has done in me and through me.... nothing of me. If they reject the wonderful things Christ has done in and through me then they are rejecting the opportunity for this same wonderful relationship in their own lives. Not me, but Jesus!
Still I stumble of words. I suppose practice would make my story much more eloquent. Nonetheless it was wonderful to read the detail of how God moves in Acts 10. What I found out, was God still moves just the same today as over 2,000 years ago.
Acts 10 1-6 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, "Cornelius." And he stared at him in terror and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea."
Acts 10:9-16 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has made clean, do not call common." This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.
Acts 10: 25-33 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man." And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me." And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.' So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord."
God first moves in Cornelius. By faith Cornelius responds.
In perfect timing, God equally moves in Peter. By faith Peter responds.
Cornelius didn't know why he was sending for Peter. Peter didn't completely understand his vision/dream, but knew he was called to go.
By faith each man responded to the instruction of God. And because God is not the author of chaos (1 Cor 14:33) each man could trust in following where God was leading without knowing the details.
Acts 10:34-36, 39-45 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
And when all is said and done..... I am sure Cornelius grew in faith, Peter grew in faith and the will of God prevails.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
And this is exactly how God still moves in the lives of believers today. We can trust in the instructions of the LORD and know we will grow in faith if we just follow where He leads.
Monday through Saturday, Who are We?
In my last writing I explored almost these same verses that I am looking at today. Now that the non-believers from Jesus' time have provided insight and showing that we can trust Jesus is who He says, what does this text also share as an example for living out our faith Monday through Saturday.
Why Monday through Saturday..... well because it seems that Sunday should be pretty easy. For me there's church with the fellowship of all believers on Sunday morning, Sunday afternoons are pretty stress free and simple and then there's Sunday night surrounded by fellowship with students. If that's not an easy day for living out Christ, then I don't know what is! My Sunday's are for restoring my energy, rejuvenating and refueling my faith.... a preparation for Monday through Saturday.
So here comes Monday. Return to the routine. How do I live this out without the organized focus that Sunday provides? Without my fellow Christians studying beside me, encouraging me as they stand beside me, praising with me?
Acts 5:27-42 And when they had brought them (Peter & the apostles), 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 who obey him." When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they (Peter and the apostles) left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
So using fresh eyes and looking over almost identical verses from the other day how is it that God speaks a completely new message? Amazing! I love the Living Word of God and an open heart!
Today I saw several new things.
I saw Peter and the disciples in a non-welcoming environment filled with non-believers.... totally like my Monday through Saturday. Non-believers are everywhere!
However not usually so hostile here in the world I live and work. I have the freedom speak.
The apostles were told very specifically NOT to share their faith.... and so what did they do? Very simply spoke the truth..... because they HAD to...... when impassioned with the Holy Spirit they were bold in their faith.
I am no different than Peter. I am filled with the same Holy Spirit. Yet, do I proclaim so boldly? Am I as passionate Monday through Saturday?
Then there is the debate about leaders of that day who proved to be false prophets. How these leaders were killed and their followers scattered.
Jesus.... a RISEN SAVIOR. My personal Lord and Savior. His message still being proclaimed today. Jesus' followers were not scattered. They were together in Spirit, supporting one another in their faith..... definitely NOT SCATTERING.
So what happens on Monday through Saturday.... am I attentive to the will of God for each day? Am I on alert and tuned in to the needs of other believers as well as those around me, am I supporting believer's in their faith, am I willing?
That's it! Simply put.... am I willing to be available each day to what God has planned so that I know who is in my path that He wants to reach through me?
It's alot easier to be available and see His plan clearly if I begin my day asking Him to be seen through me, asking that there be less of me and more of Him flowing throughout my heart and finally that I follow through and truly follow where He leads.
I think that's why Peter makes it seem so easy. However, I don't know that easy is the right word.... perhaps it was just Peter, being Peter as He was created by God, filled with the Holy Spirit and truly following where God led that day.
If I am doing this, I could only respond the way Peter did. Proclaiming my faith boldly, seeing the situation clearly through God's eye and following where God led me.
So wherever I am, at whatever point it is in the day that I realize I have not given this day to God and made myself available for His work here on earth...... I need to stop, immediately and do just that. And then follow where He leads as I am passionately and boldly renewed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was always there, always in me, but now I'm allowing Him to work through me and to accept His invitation for the adventure of the day.
And then comes Tuesday, and I begin again. Another adventure through Christ awaits.... will I follow today?
Why Monday through Saturday..... well because it seems that Sunday should be pretty easy. For me there's church with the fellowship of all believers on Sunday morning, Sunday afternoons are pretty stress free and simple and then there's Sunday night surrounded by fellowship with students. If that's not an easy day for living out Christ, then I don't know what is! My Sunday's are for restoring my energy, rejuvenating and refueling my faith.... a preparation for Monday through Saturday.
So here comes Monday. Return to the routine. How do I live this out without the organized focus that Sunday provides? Without my fellow Christians studying beside me, encouraging me as they stand beside me, praising with me?
Acts 5:27-42 And when they had brought them (Peter & the apostles), 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 who obey him." When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they (Peter and the apostles) left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
So using fresh eyes and looking over almost identical verses from the other day how is it that God speaks a completely new message? Amazing! I love the Living Word of God and an open heart!
Today I saw several new things.
I saw Peter and the disciples in a non-welcoming environment filled with non-believers.... totally like my Monday through Saturday. Non-believers are everywhere!
However not usually so hostile here in the world I live and work. I have the freedom speak.
The apostles were told very specifically NOT to share their faith.... and so what did they do? Very simply spoke the truth..... because they HAD to...... when impassioned with the Holy Spirit they were bold in their faith.
I am no different than Peter. I am filled with the same Holy Spirit. Yet, do I proclaim so boldly? Am I as passionate Monday through Saturday?
Then there is the debate about leaders of that day who proved to be false prophets. How these leaders were killed and their followers scattered.
Jesus.... a RISEN SAVIOR. My personal Lord and Savior. His message still being proclaimed today. Jesus' followers were not scattered. They were together in Spirit, supporting one another in their faith..... definitely NOT SCATTERING.
So what happens on Monday through Saturday.... am I attentive to the will of God for each day? Am I on alert and tuned in to the needs of other believers as well as those around me, am I supporting believer's in their faith, am I willing?
That's it! Simply put.... am I willing to be available each day to what God has planned so that I know who is in my path that He wants to reach through me?
It's alot easier to be available and see His plan clearly if I begin my day asking Him to be seen through me, asking that there be less of me and more of Him flowing throughout my heart and finally that I follow through and truly follow where He leads.
I think that's why Peter makes it seem so easy. However, I don't know that easy is the right word.... perhaps it was just Peter, being Peter as He was created by God, filled with the Holy Spirit and truly following where God led that day.
If I am doing this, I could only respond the way Peter did. Proclaiming my faith boldly, seeing the situation clearly through God's eye and following where God led me.
So wherever I am, at whatever point it is in the day that I realize I have not given this day to God and made myself available for His work here on earth...... I need to stop, immediately and do just that. And then follow where He leads as I am passionately and boldly renewed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was always there, always in me, but now I'm allowing Him to work through me and to accept His invitation for the adventure of the day.
And then comes Tuesday, and I begin again. Another adventure through Christ awaits.... will I follow today?
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