Category: Acts

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Too Great to Measure

Do you know what the image is that I used this morning? Of course you do, it’s a measuring wheel.

It seems we have a measuring tape or several around our house that are in constant use. I have a small one in the kitchen that measures up to 10′, an even smaller one in my purse that measures 3′. Dave has several in his tool box – 25′, 50′ and 100′. On more than one occasion I have been asked “do you know if Dave has a 100′ tape”.

Astronomists can measure the distance to the planets, elephants and whales can be measured. Geologists can tell us the height of the tallest mountains and the depth of the deepest canyons.

But who can measure the love of God? No one can fully measure or understand the height, the depth, the width and the breath of God’s love.

“ I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. 19 I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:18-19 CEB

Nor can we count or calculate the loving thoughts that God has for us.

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18  If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.” Psalm 137:17-18 AMP

The magnitude of the miracles that Jesus did while on the earth were impossible to record.

“This is the disciple who testifies concerning these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 25 Jesus did many other things as well. If all of them were recorded, I imagine the world itself wouldn’t have enough room for the scrolls that would be written.” John 21:24-25 CEB

But the one thing for certain, we know that everything Jesus did was good!

“You know about Jesus from Nazareth. God made him the Messiah by giving him the Holy Spirit and power. Jesus went everywhere doing good for people. He healed those who were ruled by the devil, showing that God was with him. 39 “We saw all that Jesus did in Judea and in Jerusalem.” Acts 10:38-39 ERV

I just don’t understand how we can get so sidetracked that we focus on our problems and not on the goodness of God.

There was an old hymn that rolls around in my heart and it reminds me of just how loving God is. It was written in 1917 – World War I was being fought and the Spanish flu was running unchecked and still he wrote this song.

“The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

Refrain:
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.”

The love of God is unconditional, unending and is too great to be measured! Amen!!

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Get In Touch with God

turn the radio on!

I hope I’m not the only one who grew up listening to Gospel Quartets. If I am, I’m sorry you missed it. It was a regular part of our Sunday evening services at the church my family attended.

Those memories tie in with yesterday’s blog on experiencing the presence of God. Tuesday, I happened to be in town, Dave was at the dentist. As I was driving from one location to the next, I turned the radio on. This is not the norm when Dave and I go somewhere together because we always seem to have so much to talk about.

Anyway, a song came on the radio that was so powerful that it filled the car with the presence of the Lord. I wanted to pull over and just let the words penetrate my soul without the distraction of traffic. I couldn’t do that, so I looked up the lyrics once I got home. (song by Chris Brown, Elevation Music and Brandon Lake, I Know A Name)

I know a name that can silence the roaring waves
I know a name that can empty out a grave
I know a name, it’s the only name that saves
And it’s worthy of all praise

I call You, Jesus
I call You, I call You Healer
Risen and reigning in power
Something comes out of the grave
Every time I call You, Jesus
I call You, I call You Savior
Worthy of glory forever
Something comes out of the grave
Every time I call Your name

When we speak the name of Jesus, dead things come to life. We receive new life – old things pass away and everything becomes new! The grave is no match for the power in the name of Jesus.

“ Peter said, ‘I have no money, but what I have I will give you! In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!’…16 You see and know this man here. He has been made strong through faith in Jesus’ name. Yes, it is faith in Christ that has made this man well and strong. This man is standing here in front of you all.” Acts 3:6-16 NLV

“Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:16-17 CEV

There is power in the name of Jesus. Power to change lives, heal the sick and even raise the dead.

“‘ I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name [[a]as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it.'” John 14:11-14 AMP

The miracles that Jesus did gave honor to His Father and Jesus wants our lives to glorify the Father as well.

There’s a gospel song that says, “Get in touch with God, turn your radio on”. I tell you it was sure true for me. We can experience God’s presence anywhere we go.

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Storm Warning

Have you ever been in a storm? I mean a real storm! An “all hope is lost” time in your life? That’s what I was reading about this morning.

The Apostle Paul is prisoner on a ship headed for Italy. He had told the captain that they should stay where they were because the seas would be rough. However, things appeared calm and since is was late in the sailing season the captain didn’t want to lose any more time and they set sail.

But, the weather started getting rough…you know how it goes.

“But then a very strong wind called the “Northeaster” came from across the island. 15 This wind took the ship and carried it away. The ship could not sail against the wind, so we stopped trying and let the wind blow us…20 For many days we could not see the sun or the stars. The storm was very bad. We lost all hope of staying alive—we thought we would die.” Acts 27:14- 20 ERV

I have never been in a ship on rough seas and for that I am grateful but I’ve been in tornado warnings, monsoons, blizzards, etc. Some other storms that caused me to lose hope -storms of financial devastation, betrayal, fractured relationships. Not every storm has high winds, boisterous seas or floods of destruction.

Listen to what Paul said.

“21 The men did not eat for a long time. Then one day Paul stood up before them and said, ‘Men, I told you not to leave Crete. You should have listened to me. Then you would not have all this trouble and loss. 22 But now I tell you to be happy. None of you will die, but the ship will be lost. 23 Last night an angel came to me from God—the God I worship and belong to. 24 The angel said, ‘Paul, don’t be afraid! You must stand before Caesar. And God has given you this promise: He will save the lives of all those sailing with you.’ 25 So men, there is nothing to worry about. I trust God, and I am sure everything will happen just as his angel told me. 26 But we will crash on an island.” Acts 27:21-26 ERV

How can this be good news? First he started with I told you so and ended with we are going to crash…but be happy because none of you will die! They had been in this storm for 14 days. How long had you been in your storm? 14 years? Be encouraged although the things around you may be destroyed; don’t worry you won’t die.

Remember our verses from yesterday?

“ So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. 25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 AMPC

When we know a storm is coming, we can prepare. We can build with God’s word, prayer, and trust in God’s faithfulness.

Now look back at Paul.

“Just before dawn Paul began persuading all the people to eat something. He said, ‘For the past two weeks you have been waiting and watching. You have not eaten for 14 days. 34 Now I beg you to eat something. You need it to stay alive. None of you will lose even one hair off your heads.” Acts 27:33-34 ERV

Let me paraphrase what Paul said. Don’t worry, trust God and let’s eat and live.

Let God guide you through the storm. Stop worrying, trust Him and live! Remember what Jesus said to another storm – “Peace, be still” and the winds ceased.

Praise God today for getting you through!

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Do Something God!

The message I heard Sunday morning reminded me of this teaching I shared nine years ago. The truth of God’s word never goes out of date.

“Do something, God!” Is that the cry of your heart? Are you dissatisfied with the way things are now and have been for a while? Is there a situation that needs changing and you feel the Lord is moving too slowly?

Those words above are the starting thought of Psalm 68. Do something God – do something. The Lord understands our thoughts and our impatience. However, He wants us to be content no matter our circumstances, not because our circumstances are good but because He can be trusted.

“God, get up and scatter your enemies! May all your enemies run from you…28God, show us your power! Show us the power you used for us in the past…33 Sing to him who rides his chariot through the ancient skies. Listen to his powerful voice! 34 Tell everyone how powerful he is!  He rules over Israel. His power fills the skies.” Psalm 68:1-34 ERV

Look at this story of Peter after one of his arrests.

“He (Herod) arrested Peter and put him in jail, where he was guarded by a group of 16 soldiers. Herod planned to bring Peter before the people, but he wanted to wait until after the Passover festival. 5 So Peter was kept in jail, but the church was constantly praying to God for him.

6 One night, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two of the soldiers. More soldiers were guarding the door of the jail. Herod was planning to bring Peter out before the people the next day. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord was standing there, and the room was filled with light. The angel tapped Peter on the side and woke him up. The angel said, “Hurry, get up!” The chains fell off Peter’s hands.” Acts 12:4-7 ERV

What I want you to see is the change in Peter? This is the same Peter who not only denied being a follower of Jesus but denied he even knew him when questioned by a young girl and some men around a fire.

Now he has been imprisoned simply because Herod was wanting to make points with the Jewish people by arresting christians. Peter isn’t pacing in his cell, he isn’t pleading his cause of false arrest, he isn’t even involved in an all night prayer meeting telling the Lord how unfair it is that he is there.

Peter is at rest – he’s sleeping! He’s learned to trust – he’s content. Peter’s confident that God is in control and by his side.

If your day started with the heart’s cry of the Psalms, “Do something, God!’ then calm down by focusing on the words just a few verses below this.

“Our God, you are the one who rides on the clouds, and we praise you. Your name is the Lord, and we celebrate as we worship you.” Psalm 68:4 CEV

Learning to trust brings peace. Trust takes us from fear to rest.

“I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 CEV

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Up for a Chariot Ride?

Are you looking to be set-up by God today? You know, those “chance” meetings, wondering about people you used to be close with, just being in the right place at the right time.

God’s set-ups!

Philip was open to God using him. When Saul started persecuting the Chrisitans in Jerusalem, Philip went to Samaria to preach there. Then one day the Lord told him to go south of Jerusalem on the road to Gaza. Philip obeyed.

There he met a high official in Egypt’s political system. The man was reading the book of Isaiah but didn’t really understand what he was reading.

“The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ 30 So he went toward the chariot, and he heard the man reading from Isaiah the prophet. Philip asked him, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’

31 The man answered, ‘How can I understand? I need someone to explain it to me.’ Then he invited Philip to climb in and sit with him… The official said to Philip, ‘Please, tell me, who is the prophet talking about? Is he talking about himself or about someone else?’ 35 Philip began to speak. He started with this same Scripture and told the man the Good News about Jesus.” Acts 8:29-35 ERV

There are people all around us waiting for someone to be their Philip. We need to slow down from our own demanding schedules and allow the Lord to direct us to them.

It might be as simple as giving someone a smile and a God bless you. It might be asking someone how they are doing and really listening to their answer. Philip was listening, he heard the man and then he asked a question.

It’s the Father’s job to prepare hearts but it’s our job to be prepared to be obedient when He calls on us.

“Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.” I Peter 3:15 CEV

” I pray God will make you ready to obey him and that you will always be eager to do right. May Jesus help you do what pleases God. To Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever! Amen.” Hebrews 13:21 CEV

Are any of you praying for the Lord to send someone to minister to your children or a dear friend? What if that person is too busy? Maybe we are the answer to someone’s prayer? Are we ready?

When we take time to listen to the Father, we will be the answer to someone’s prayer! It may involve a ride in a chariot.

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People With A Past

Do you ever get caught up in judging people? Writing them off because of their actions in the past.

The Bible is filled with people who had a less-than stellar past. Take Peter for instance.

Strengths: Outdoorsman, Co-owner of a fishing fleet. Tough, outspoken. Born leader. Loyal, committed. Determined. Repentant. Teachable, Usable.

Weakness: Overconfident, speak first think later. Self-promoting. Folds under pressure. Proud.

Peter cut off a soldier’s ear in the Garden when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus. He denied Christ three times in the courtyard. He was one of the first to run to the tomb and find it empty but then he went back to the disciples and they locked themselves in. Fearful.

50 days later he was in the upper room when the Holy Spirit filled the 120 with God’s power. He spoke boldly to the crowds, pointing out that they were the ones responsible for killing Jesus. But he preached forgiveness and over 3000 repented at the first preaching.

Now in Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested for preaching Jesus. No denial here. In fact, Peter spoke boldly to the religious leaders.

“Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and you older leaders, 9 are you questioning us today about what we did to help this crippled man? Are you asking us what made him well? 10 We want all of you and all the people of Israel to know that this man was made well by the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You nailed Jesus to a cross, but God raised him from death. This man was crippled, but he is now well. He is able to stand here before you because of the power of Jesus! 11 Jesus is ‘the stone that you builders thought was not important. But this stone has become the cornerstone.’

12 Jesus is the only one who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save anyone. We must be saved through him!” Acts 4:8-12 ERV

This man who had denied knowing Jesus to a servant girl now stood before the rulers and proclaimed openly that he was a follower of Christ. What if Jesus had written him off as unusable because of his earlier shortcomings?

What made the difference in Peter? The Holy Spirit! Jesus said they would receive power when the Holy Spirit baptized them.

Power to be witnesses, power to be bold, power to heal the sick, power to preach!

Now let me ask you a question. Are there things in your past that you are ashamed of? Times that you feel you have failed, not just failed yourself or your family, but times that you have failed God? Those failures don’t disqualify you from service. They are stepping stones.

Stepping stones for service. Peter’s failings didn’t disqualify him instead they were examples of God’s grace and forgiveness. No one’s past prevents them for experiencing the Father’s love and restoration.

Thank you Father for changing my life from self-confident to God-confident. Thank you for seeing me as usable and trusting me with Your message of love and forgiveness!

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Caution Low Power

Every morning I pick up my laptop and share what the Lord has put on my heart for that day. After I post, I look at what others have posted overnight, read through emails and then do some research.

Inevitably, I will receive this message. “Power supply at 10%. Plug into power source.” And if I don’t heed the warning, I will get another one in a few minutes telling me I only have 7% of my power and if I ignore that warning the laptop just shuts down.

Do you ever feel like that? Your power is in short supply, you’re running low and about ready to shut down? I’ve been there many times and that weariness is my warning that I’m operating on stored power and need to reconnect to the power supply.

In Acts, Jesus had spent 40 days with His followers proving to them that He had died, rose again and was fulfilling the Father’s plan. Their main concern seemed to be the Roman government. They wanted to know if Jesus was going to set up His earthly kingdom and do away with the Romans. Jesus said to leave that up to the Father; He would handle things. (a good word for us today)

Jesus then gave them what He saw as their primary mission.

“Jesus said to them, ‘The Father is the only one who has the authority to decide dates and times. They are not for you to know. 8 But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” Acts 1:7-8 ERV

Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to give testimony of what God has done in our lives. Starting first with those closest to us and spreading out from there. Our family, our friends, neighbors, work mates…

The Book of Luke puts it this way.

“You saw these things happen—you are witnesses. You must go and tell people that they must change and turn to God, which will bring them his forgiveness. You must start from Jerusalem and tell this message in my name to the people of all nations. 49 Remember that I will send you the one my Father promised. Stay in the city until you are given that power from heaven.” Luke 24:47-49 ERV

Jesus knew they needed to be connected to the power supply, the Holy Spirit. It was essential. Jesus didn’t do any miracles or ministry until He had the Holy Spirit empowering Him and He doesn’t want us to attempt anything on our own either.

We need to be connected.

Thank you Father for reminding me that my power is draining and that I have a power source with unlimited supply. I desire to stay plugged into You today!

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Bravery & Boldness

Bravery: displaying courage, especially when facing danger or adversity. A brave person might face challenges head-on, despite feelings of fear.

Boldness: a daring spirit or the willingness to take risks. A bold individual doesn’t just face challenges but does so audaciously.

When we trust the Lord He will give us both bravery and boldness.

Think of David facing Goliath. Courage in the face of danger and the willingness to take the risk.

“ David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the Lord will let me defeat you. I will kill you. I will cut off your head and feed your body to the birds and wild animals. And we will do the same thing to all the other Philistines too. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.” I Samuel 17:45-47 ERV

Bravery and Boldness has always been at the forefront of the life of those who followed God. Hundreds of years later, the Christians were facing persecution. They were imprisoned, beaten, and even killed.

“They were upset because of what Peter and John were teaching the people. By telling people about Jesus, the apostles were teaching that people will rise from death. 3 The Jewish leaders arrested Peter and John and put them in jail. It was already night, so they kept them in jail until the next day.,, 24 When the believers heard this, they all prayed to God with one purpose. They said… 28 These people who came together against Jesus made your plan happen. It was done because of your power and your will. 29 And now, Lord, listen to what they are saying. They are trying to make us afraid. We are your servants. Help us to say what you want us to say without fear. 30 Help us to be brave by showing us your power. Make sick people well. Cause miraculous signs and wonders to happen by the authority of Jesus, your holy servant.”

31 After the believers prayed, the place where they were meeting shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak God’s message without fear.” Acts 4 ERV

We may not experience arrest and beatings because we speak out for Jesus, but we may. We may lose friendships, business relationships and standing in social circles. It’s time for bravery and boldness.

The Apostle Paul penned these words: “I am not ashamed of the Good News. It is the power of God. It is the way He saves men from the punishment of their sins if they put their trust in Him. It is for the Jew first and for all other people also.” Romans 1:16 NLV

Be grateful that the Lord has called us to be brave and bold. It means that He is investing His power to change lives through us.

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Blessed Wherever You Are

Our lives are blessed by the Lord so that we can be a blessing wherever we are. Blessed to be a blessing!

I was thinking about Barnabus. His name was Jonas, but he was renamed by the apostles.

“And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement),” Act4:36 NKJV

Barnabus was the one who brought Saul, later named Paul, to the apostles after his conversion on the road to Damacus. He was Paul’s traveling partner on some of his missionary journeys. He was blessed with a gift to encourage and he used that gift to bless others.

We might not all be blessed with the gifts of prophecy, miracles, words of wisdom or words of knowledge but we are all blessed to be a blessing to others.

“And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:

3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

4 “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.

5 “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

7 “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.

8 “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

9 “The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. 10 Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you]heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. 14 So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them.” Deuteronomy 28:1-4 NKJV

The Lord blesses us so the world will see that we are called to be His. We share, we love, we encourage because He does that for us!

In the city, in the fields, coming in and going out we are blessed. Encourage others with the goodness of God!

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Rejected to Redeemed

By now you all know that I love words. What writer doesn’t? But I am intrigued by the way simple words tell a story.

You can image how excited I was this morning when my heart began coupling words with the prefix “re”. I’ll have you look at a few of those words with me.

Rejected.

“He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said, ‘He is a nobody.’ 4 He suffered and endured great pain for us, but we thought his suffering was punishment from God. 5 He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well.” Isaiah 53:3-5 CEV

Redeemed.

“ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), ” Galatians 3:13 NKJV

He was rejected so we could be redeemed!

Repent. Receive.

“ Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away —all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Acts 2:38-39 NLT

When we repent we receive forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit who gives instruction and comfort.

Rescue. Reward.

“The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 9:14-16 NLT

The Lord promises to be our rescuer, our protector, and the One who rewards us with long life and salvation.

Now for one more “re”. Rejoice.

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NLT

Rejoice in that fact that He was rejected so we could be redeemed. Rejoice that when we repented of our sins, we received the Holy Spirit. Rejoice that the Lord rescues us and rewards us with life.

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