O Holy Night

Last night, Christmas was lovely.  Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, in-laws, and friends all crowded around the table catching up on the present and remembering the past.  Then it was onto a trailer full of hay for the annual carol ride through town.   Everything was smiles, hugs, photos, songs, and great anticipation of the quickly approaching celebration.  But this morning, Christmas is different.  One of my girls is sick, and another almost is.  Faces are pale, tummies are churning, and eyes are sleepy.  We’re not sure what will become of our best-laid plans for holiday travel, and the long list of want-to-do’s for today has devolved into a short list of have-to-do’s for tomorrow. 

In the midst of the mayhem, one phrase from yesterday’s carols keeps rolling around my half-awake mind.  “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”  These words mean more now than they did last night.  It’s a small thing, but it’s made me think.  Our bit of tiredness resulting from a few hours of sickness can never compare to the weariness of a world dealing with centuries of sin.  “Long lay the world in sin and error pining.”  Unable to save ourselves, we were born into doom and despair.  Even the faithful who continually offered the stated sacrifices lived and died knowing that judgment had only been delayed, not dealt with, and that our sins had only been set aside, not settled.  The promised Savior seemed long in coming, and the weight of transgression and wrong shrouded our hearts as a never-lifting fog.

But then a mother groaned, a baby cried, and hope was born.  The weary world lifted her eyes in delight at the coming of a new day.  Thirty three years would pass before a blood-stained cross and an empty tomb shattered sin’s darkness forever, but Easter began at Christmas.  As earth’s long night of sorrow gave way to a sinless dawn, the brightness of its first rays thrilled our hearts and calmed our fears.

Joy to the world!  Christ the Savior is born!  Rejoice greatly and let His love lift you up and give you life this Christmas.  It really was a Holy Night.

“Because of the tender mercy of our God, the Sunrise from on High will come to us from heaven, to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”  Luke 1:78-79

Merry Christmas!

Stargazing

Ever wish you were a star?  Somewhere along our lives, the thought has crossed most of our minds.  We hope to throw (or catch) the touchdown pass, make the basket, hit the homer, win the championship, wear the medal, own the stage, sing the song, write the script, or somehow achieve something so big and so bright that for a moment or more, we capture the attention of others and cause them to look our way.  But why?  In this season where glowing stars top trees and towers all over town, I’ve been thinking about what it means to shine. 

The Christmas star is a good place to start.  The Magi arrived in Jerusalem because a special star had appeared in the sky.  “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him”(Matt 2:2).  To the Wise Men, this star was a brilliant sign.  Its light signified new life—a life so precious and important that they changed their schedules and altered their lives for a trip to a foreign land.  Armed with seeking hearts and worthy treasures, they headed to the palace to see the King. 

But no baby was to be found, and they were sent on their way by a suspicious tyrant and scripture-spouting teachers.   “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me”(Matt 2:8).  As they turned their camels south, the star showed back up.  “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was”(Matt2:9).  The star, whose light had gotten them going, now became their guide, and the journey brought great delight.  “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed”(Matt 2:10), and when it led them to Jesus, they gladly offered themselves and then their stuff to the One who is worthy. 

The star of Christmas did what stars do best—give light, guide, and bring glory to the One who made them.  No wonder you’ve wished to be a star—that’s what you were designed to be—“Children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life”(Phil 2:15-16).  You were created in Christ to give light to a dark world, to guide the people who cross your path to Jesus, and to bring glory to the One who made you.  You words, actions, and attitudes should be so full of God that for a moment or more, they capture the attention of others.  “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever”(Dan 12:3).

This Christmas, and beyond, be a star, but instead of seeking the spotlight, shine His light. Not so others will look at you, but so they will look for Him.

What's In The Box

I really need to wrap.

The gifts for three family gatherings are piled under a blanket in my bedroom, and not one is adorned with paper or bow. I sometimes think, “Why? Why spend so much time and tape when all will be ripped away in mere seconds? This year, why not pass out unwrapped presents?” But I wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be right. I can’t imagine coming to the tree and having gifts just sitting there for all to see. Knowing what you got the moment you got up would take away something very special from Christmas—the wonder of what’s in the box.

At the three celebrations my family will attend on Christmas Day (in two different states, by the way— good, busy times!), the scene will be much the same. Those present will gather ‘round the tree for a time of sharing. We’ll share praise to our God for the best gift ever—Jesus. We’ll share lots of love as we talk and laugh, and we’ll share the excitement and joy of giving and receiving. At each gathering, someone will be “Santa” and will pass out the gifts under the tree, and then we’ll go around the room and open the gifts one by one, with everyone else watching and waiting and wondering—What’s in the box?

That’s what makes it so fun—the excitement of the one giving and the expectation of the one receiving. The giver can hardly wait to for the “getter” to see what’s inside, and the recipient is anxious to get in there and see! Funny thing, but the more excited the one giving is about the gift, the more excited the one receiving the gift becomes. The paper, bows, and boxes, which at first might seem like barriers, actually build anticipation and add beauty to the gracious exchanges. As our time together comes to an end, the room is filled with expressions of delight and gratitude and the sweet satisfaction of sharing our best with those we love.

I’d better get busy. Only a few days are left before Christmas, and even God wrapped His gift. “You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

Never lose the wonder of what’s in the box.

Good Grief, It's Christmas.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly. ‘Tis the season to be jolly. But what if you’re not? What if life’s circumstances have left you more mournful than merry? Then what do you do?

This question hit me hard yesterday at 65 miles per hour. Late to meet a friend for lunch, I was zipping north on the four-lane when I saw an older gentleman walking slowly toward his truck, wiping his eyes with a white handkerchief. I knew where he had been—the memorial by the side of the road. At that spot, only a few years ago, a courageous law enforcement officer was brutally murdered. With one unfounded, fatal shot, a wife lost her husband, kids lost their dad, parents lost a son, friends lost a pal, and our town lost a hero. Homes, hearts, holidays, and everydays would never be the same.

So how do you have Christmas when your heart is breaking? How do you trim the tree, string the lights, and smile at parties when all you want to do is sob? When divorce, death, abuse, family issues, health problems, or host of other troubles and tragedies have you down, how do you “get up” for the big event? And should you?

I’m not giving the selfish or the sour an excuse for being a Scrooge, but if you’re truly hurting, don’t fake it; faith it. That’s not meant to be a cute, trite saying. It’s serious truth. Our cultural traditions and decorations which can be so delightful at times but very difficult at others, are not Biblical requirements. The first Christmas brought only two divine necessities for celebration. One was explicit—“Don’t be afraid. This is good news of great joy,” and the other was implied, “Come and see. Here’s how to tell you’re in the right place—the baby will be in a barn.”

This season, if you’re struggling with a heavy heart, if you’re dealing with loss, if the empty place at the table or the missing face in the picture still brings pain, stay simple and go with God’s advice. “Don’t be afraid.” His perfect love calms your fears(1 Jn 4:18), His presence will never leave you alone(Heb 13:5), and by His purpose, He works for your good even in the bad(Rom 8:28). So, “Come and see.” Don’t try to be something you’re not. God knows what you’re really feeling, and He’s just glad you came. And keep your eyes open in unlikely locations—God often shows up where you least expect Him. The Christ of Christmas was “a man of sorrows and well-acquainted with grief”(Isa. 53:3). He does more than see your tears; He shares them.

At its very heart, Christmas isn’t about being jolly; it’s about joy—the “can’t quite be described, deep in your soul” peace that only comes because Jesus came. When the tears start to fall and the days seem dark, don’t try to dry your eyes; let God hold your tight and be your light.

“Because of the tender mercy of our God, the Sunrise from on High will come to us from heaven, to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

Fear Not

Every year about this time, the same scene appears on the screen as Linus steps to center-stage and reminds Charlie Brown (along with the rest of us) what Christmas is really all about. No matter how many times you’ve seen the movie or heard the scripture, the simple beauty of such great truth is always astounding. But yesterday, as I watched Linus tell the story one more time, I noticed something I’d never seen before. Linus drops his blanket.

He really does. He’s holding it as he steps on stage. He’s holding it as he begins speaking—“And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shown round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto then, ‘Fear not.’” And then he drops it. As soon as Linus says, “Fear not,” he let go of what had been his security—of what he had held onto when he had been afraid.

Linus isn’t the only fearful soul in the world. He’s not the only one carrying around insecurities and uncertainties. His just happen to take the visible form of a tattered blue blanket; ours show up in other ways. But just as God’s “good news of great joy” was so exciting and so compelling that Linus needed both hands to express his delight, so we too, because a Savior has been born, can release our fears and our failings and find rest in His peace.

“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight” the carol proclaims, and the lyrics are true. Deep down, past all the externals, three things scare us most, and each was conquered by Christ. Our fear of insignificance (that we don’t matter or that we won’t matter) faded away when our Creator became our Savior. Our fear of not being loved (because of who we are or what we’ve done) dissolved the day He carried our cross, and our fear of the darkness of death (that all will end or that’s what after won’t be good) dissipated in the light of His glorious resurrection.

“Fear not, for behold I bring you good news of great joy which shall be for all people. For unto you is born this in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

Let go of your blanket and grab hold of your God.
He's worth both hands.

And It Came To Pass

“And it came to pass in those days…” Had the Bible been written in Southern, this verse would read, “It just so happened that right about then…” But why and how? Did it just so happen by chance or did it happen just so by choice? And what was so “right” about “then”?

“When the time was right, God sent his son” into a world He had prepared politically, economically, socially, and spiritually to receive and spread His good news of salvation through Jesus(Gal 4:4). The Greeks contributed a common language. The Romans supplied an elaborate road system, reliable mail delivery, and two centuries of peace on three connected continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa. Jewish families migrating to these areas took with them their hope of a Messiah and their Hebrew scripture. And into centrally-located Palestine, who had the Roman leniency of self-rule and religious freedom, God shattered 400 years of silence with an angelic announcement to an unsuspecting priest(Luke 1). Had Jesus come earlier, things wouldn’t have been ready. Had He come later, they wouldn’t have been right--so He came right about then.

God had managed conflicts and conquerors to create the right set for the Savior, but He knew it would take an empirical order to move a very pregnant Mary the seventy miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, so “it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed”(Luke 2:1). Returning to an ancestor’s birthplace to be counted (and to pay the census tax) was an imposition and an inconvenience, but God caused Caesar to give the order and millions to get a move on—all so one baby could be born in the little town of Bethlehem.

Nothing just so happens unless God allows it or arranges it, and since we know that He is in it, we can trust it happened just so we could know more of who He is and more of who we are in Him. Chance does not exist, only God’s choice.

This December, as you deal each day with the varied circumstances and situations of life, may the perfectly-prepared scenario of the first Christmas remind you that God “holds in his hand your life and all your ways”(Dan 5:23).

Things come to pass on purpose.

The Gift

“Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat”—and so is the pile of presents stored under a blanket in my bedroom. “Please put a penny in the old man’s hat”—or in my VISA account, if you have any extras!

While this Christmas carol may be fun to sing in rounds, the whirlwind of Christmas shopping, gift-exchanging, and bill paying isn’t always so enjoyable. The craving of our consumerist society to accumulate more stuff seems to escalate at Christmas, and we find ourselves trying to balance what we want to do, what we feel others expect us to do, and what we think we ought to do. For Christmas to be full of joy and peace, we need to do more than give the right gifts; we need to get it right about the gifts.

Let’s start simple. Giving and getting are not wrong. In fact, they’re very right. But being generous didn’t start with us; it started with God, for on that first Christmas day, the world was given a gift more magnificent than we had ever imagined, more beautiful than we had ever dreamed, and more needed than we had ever desired. This Gift was no last-minute decision or day-before find, for from eternity past, God the Father had been ready and waiting for that moment, and “when the time was right, God sent his Son, and a woman gave birth to him”(Gal. 4:4).

Can you imagine how excited the Father must have been? Surely He could hardly wait for Bethlehem. If you’re a parent, you can start to understand. At my house, I don’t know who’s looking forward to Christmas morning more—my girls or their mom and dad! We can’t wait to see their faces and sense their delight, to hear their gasps and feel their grateful hugs. Yes, parents should be wise in their purchases and everybody knows we shouldn’t blow the budget, but if there was ever a time for extravagance, surely Christmas is it! God was no Scrooge when He sent His Son. He cared enough to send the very best.

This gift was more costly than we can fathom and more unselfish than we will ever understand. We will never deserve a gift so precious, and we can never express our gratitude too much. The best thing we can do with God’s gift is the best thing we can do with any special gift—be excited, be thankful, and receive it with joy.

The reality of Christmas isn’t the presents and the gifts; it’s the gift of God’s presence. So as we buy and wrap and shop and share, may our generosity reflect the God who “so loved the world that He gave.”

Jesus-Filled St. Nicholas

Flanked on both sides by a brightly lit reindeer, the sign centered in my front yard proudly proclaims that Jesus Is The Reason For The Season. While some passing by might think we’re sending mixed signals—the declaration of the Savior and decorations associated with Santa—I think it’s possible to focus all the fun and festivities of Christmas as a statement and celebration of faith. The jolly, jiggly man we see dressed in red and white today might seem more at home in the mall than beside the manger, but the story of Santa is rooted in the faith-filled life of a man who gave what he had and who he was for Jesus Christ.

The real Saint Nick was born in southern Turkey during the third century after Christ and was orphaned when he was young. His parents left their son much gold and a love for God, and Nicholas became known for his rich generosity and kindness. While many stories of his charity endure, one repeated in three ancient accounts and differing only in details tells of how Nicholas aided an impoverished family in a desperate situation. With no money for his daughters’ dowries (and therefore no prospects of decent marriages), the father thought he would be forced to sell his girls into slavery—or worse. But Nicholas, upon hearing of the maidens’ plight, came secretly at night and tossed a bag of gold through an open window. Some versions say the coins landed in a stocking left by the fire to dry; others say they landed in a shoe. Either way, his gift resulted in a grateful father, happy daughters, and the delightful tradition of having “stockings hung by the chimney with care,” or, if you live in Europe, shoes left by the door.

Nicholas’ gift transformed the lives of its recipients. It meant that the daughters could now live in love instead of fear and in intimacy instead of isolation. Instead of being property, they would be protected, and in the place of desperation, they would find delight—all because the gift made a way for them to have a right relationship. Sounds a lot like another gift. This Gift has transformed the life of His recipients. Because of Him, we now live in love instead of fear and in intimacy instead of isolation. In Him, we are valued, protected, and treasured, and through our right relationship with Him, we find our deepest delight. Perhaps St. Nick was onto something after all.

Christmas isn’t about Santa; it’s about Jesus, but when you see pictures, decorations, and imitations of jolly old St. Nicholas, smile and let them remind you that Nicholas didn’t just give; he gave because of God.

By the way, when I started this devotion, I didn’t know that the day I chose to write about St. Nick, December 6th, is the anniversary of his death. Under the persecution of the Roman emperor Diocletian, Nicholas suffered exile and imprisonment because of his faith in Christ. He continued to serve God’s people after his release, and died several years later. Pretty neat!

So don’t forget to hang your up stocking. You never know what might end up inside!

Back Room Living

I dusted Jesus off today and set Him in His proper place

Influenced by a post-Christmas sermon last January, I didn’t return the holy infant to the attic along with the rest of the nativity, but kept Him out as a visual reminder that Jesus should be the center of my life each day—not just during special occasions. Nice thought, but here’s the problem—Jesus spent the year in the front room.

When you enter our home, you step into the front room, and though the floor plan is quite open, one well-placed partial wall blocks your view to the rest of the house. As a result, our family strives to maintain some semblance of order in the front room in hopes that a guest’s first impression will be the one that lasts, for when you step beyond the wall, you step into real life. The dishes in the kitchen aren’t always done, the dining table is quite possibly graced with a bag of groceries or yesterday’s mail, and the floor of the family room is most likely littered with an algebra book, a stray article of clothing, or someone’s flip flops—all because life mostly happens in the back rooms.

In those rooms, the pressing problems of the world—and the sixth grade—are puzzled and pondered, family Wii tournaments are hotly contested, and the compound interest my daughters learn about in math class becomes reality on the mortgage check. In those rooms, we double over with laughter, lament in sadness, and deal with bad moods. In those rooms, we enjoy lengthy family dinners, leftover lunches, and grab-as-you-go breakfasts. In those rooms, we interact and react, hug, pray, dance, fuss, and cry, and do what families do best—be together. And all the while, Jesus lives in the front room.

It didn’t seem right last January to place Him in the back rooms. He looked too fragile and too vulnerable to spend His days in the midst of the family fray. He might have been knocked around, knocked off, or nicked up. I considered it, but I really couldn’t find Him a good spot. He would have been in the way on the kitchen counter, in grave danger on the coffee table, and too high up on the entertainment center. He would have been lost between the peas and the potatoes on the dining table and completely covered in papers on the desk. But in the front room, Jesus was safe from the daily melee. His serene expression matched the calm order of those few square feet, and on the middle bookcase shelf He would certainly be noticed by any visitor. Besides which, He really blended with the front room color scheme much better than the back. So that’s where He was set.

It worked well. He couldn’t see the times I was irritated when I should have been patient or the times I was unengaged when I should have been involved. Hopefully He was far enough away that He didn’t hear my unhelpful words or my unholy tones. And since out of sight means out of mind, His face often held little place in my priorities and plans. I guess you could say Jesus was present but not a part.

That’s why I moved Him today. It’s Christmas, and as I arrange my nativity and ponder again the stunning truth that God stepped into my world, I am drawn by the grace of His Spirit to bow at the manger, to gape at the cross, and to rush toward the empty tomb.

Jesus didn’t come to be present but not a part; He came to give us life and to be our life, in all of life—even the back rooms.

Decoration Day

“They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:7

It’s Decoration Day! Time to venture into my attic, retrieve the piled-up boxes, and transform the house into a bastion of holiday cheer! The coffee table will host the holy nativity. The piano top will sprout candles, bells, and garland. And, of course, stockings will be hung on the back of the cabinets with care. (Gotta love Florida!) As we deck the halls, our senses will be heightened by the sound of Christmas carols, the scent of fresh fir (ok, fresh pine), the sparkling of the bright lights, and, if I’m really good, the aroma of fresh-baked snicker doodles.

Why the fuss? Why all the effort to unpack and adorn when in only a few weeks all must be dismantled and put away? Because it’s Christmas!! The celebration of the birthday of our King! This very special party started one evening in Bethlehem when an infant Jesus took His first breath and with His newborn cry announced, “It’s begun!” And the celebration continues today because one afternoon on Calvary, He drew His last breath and cried, “It’s done!” In come-back-to-life glory, He invites us today to share in the amazement of the shepherds and the awe of the magi as we celebrate the great truth that God came to be with us and make a way for us.

Ring the bells! Trim the tree! And pile up the presents! You can’t rejoice too much! Let your decorations be a declaration that Christmas is all about Jesus and that you are excited about the “good news of great joy”(Lk 2:10). May the twinkling lights remind you that Jesus is the Light of the World who has brightened the darkness in your heart. Let the beauty of the hanging ornaments cause you to consider the Beautiful One who hung on a tree for you. May the warmth, love, and closeness of friends and family prompt you to pause and reflect on the perfection and intimacy Jesus left in heaven when He journeyed to earth for those “nine months in a mother’s womb, three days in a borrowed tomb, and the time in between that brings us to our knees”(Francesca Battistelli). And as you cover your presents with lovely paper and festive bows, remember that the Father wrapped the best gift ever in baby-soft skin.

As God’s children, we should seize this opportunity to celebrate and to share. The holidays are holy-days because of what God has done. It truly ‘tis the season to be jolly and joyful, so make the most of Jesus and you’ll have a Merry Christmas--and a delightful Decoration Day!

Holding The Ropes

“His followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the city wall.” Acts 9:25

With a gentle bump the basket landed on solid ground, and its cargo climbed out. Furious because their best persecutor of Christians had turned into a bold proponent of Christ, the Jews in Damascus wanted Saul dead and “kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him”(Acts 9:24). But friends who loved Jesus and loved Saul “took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the city wall”(Acts 9:25).

The men who secured Saul’s escape didn’t know they were letting down the greatest missionary the world would ever know. They didn’t know that God would use this man to help spread the good news to Europe and beyond (i.e., across the Atlantic to you and me.) They didn’t know that Saul would stand before kings and queens testifying about the King of Kings. All they knew was that they loved their friend, that Jesus had changed him, and that he needed them to hold the ropes for him—all the way to the ground.

The ones we love need us to do the same. We don’t know the plans God has for them. We don’t often understand His purposes or His ways. But what we’re sure of is that when they need our help, we’ll be there to hold the ropes—in prayer, encouragement, and support. They need to know that when others are against them, we are there for them. They need to know that like Saul’s friends, we are willing to risk our own security for their safety. (A little rope burn is a small price to pay for being part of God’s great plan.) And those we love need for us to keep holding the ropes until we feel God’s gentle bump letting us know that all is well and we can let go.

When life leaves your friends a basket case, don’t drop them or leave them dangling. Hold the ropes and help them down. You never know what God will do when they reach solid ground.

The Desert Road

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’” Acts 8:26

As Saul headed down the Damascus road, Philip was directed to a desert road. “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza’”(Acts 8:26). Not much about that route sounds delightful—more like hot, dry, and desolate. But whatever the desert road was or was not, it was soon occupied, for at God’s word, Philip went. He was given no explanation—only an instruction. He didn’t know if he was traveling south for his own good or if God had someone else in mind; Philip just knew to go, so he did.

“On his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace queen of the Ethiopians”(Acts 8:27). Somehow this bigwig in the Ethiopian government had heard of God and traveled to the temple in Jerusalem to worship. On his way home, he was reading aloud from the book of Isaiah when Philip ran up to his chariot and asked if he understood the text. “Not by myself,” the man replied, so on invitation, Philip hopped up and helped him out.

Just so happened the man was reading the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 and was wondering if Isaiah was “talking about himself or someone else”(Acts 8:34). Starting with that very scripture, Philip “told him the good news about Jesus”(Acts 8:35). The man believed, and at the first place they found water, was baptized. Incredible. As an Ethiopian, the man was a foreigner. As a eunuch, he was physically disfigured. At the temple, he would be been banned because of both from getting too close to God’s presence, but on the desert road, God sat right beside him as Philip shared the good news. The man had gone to Jerusalem looking for truth, but he found the Jesus on the return trip.

In case you didn’t know (and you’ll want to), after the baptism, God beamed Philip up (literally), and he reappeared several miles away in the town of Azotus, and the eunuch went on down to Ethiopia, filled with joy because he was full of Jesus.

Be willing to walk the desert road—you never know who God wants you to meet along the way.
Be ready to share the good news of Jesus—all Scripture, no matter where you start, points His way.


And remember that if you don’t find what you’re looking for at your destination, God often shows up on the return trip.

But to Brother

“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord…has sent me.’” Acts 9:17

Ananias knew trouble was on its way, but he hadn’t planned on looking for it—until God said so. The conversation went something like this:

“Ananias.”
“Yes, Lord.”
“Go to Judas’ house on Straight Street and ask for a guy named Saul.”
“Saul?!? But, Lord, are you sure? I’ve heard about this guy—he’s been assaulting your people in Jerusalem, and he’s come to Damascus to arrest us too!!”
“Yes, Ananias, I’m sure. I know all about him. I know all he’s done to Me, and I know all he’s going to do for Me. You just go!!”

So “Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord…has sent me’”(Acts 9:17). The distance between “But, Lord” and “Brother Saul” may have only been a few blocks, but in that short space, Ananias traveled a long way. He left prejudice and arrived at acceptance. He journeyed from crippling fear to overcoming faith. And his heart made room for an enemy to become family. “Brother Saul.”

Ananias’ visit brought comfort and connection to a man whose world had been turned upside down by Jesus. For three days, Saul had eaten nothing, drank nothing, and seen nothing—for God’s light had left him blind. All he had done was pray and wait. “Go into the city, and you will be told what to do”(Acts 9:6). But suddenly, a knock at the door, the touch of two hands, and Spirit-filled words brought hope and life to Saul’s wondering heart. “Placing his hands on Saul, [Ananias] said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit’”(Acts 9:17). At that very moment, “something like scales” fell from Saul’s eyes restoring his sight. “He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength”(Acts 9:18).

God could have transformed Saul without any help from Ananias, but how exciting that He uses His own to encourage and receive those who believe. And, along the way, God changes both of us in the process. Don’t let someone’s past cause you to be unsure of their salvation. You may have heard much about them, but all they’ve done without Christ can’t compare to what they will do with Christ. “You just go!!”

Make the journey from “But” to “Brother” and be amazed at what Jesus does.

The Right Road

“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.”  Acts 9:3

As “godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him”(Acts 8:2), a young man named Saul smirked with satisfaction and determination.  One down.  Many to go.  In self-righteous rage, he “began to destroy the church.  Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison”(Acts 8:3).  Though “all except the apostles were scattered” throughout the region(Acts 8:1), Saul “was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples(Acts 9:1) and decided to chase down believers who had fled for their lives.  Armed with permission letters from the high priest, he headed to Damascus “so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem(Acts 9:2).

God let him almost get there.  Saul had traveled nearly 135 miles before his journey was interrupted right outside the city limits.  Though the noontime sun was shining brightly, a flash of heavenly light knocked him to the ground, and Saul heard the one voice he thought would never speak again. 

“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

“Who are you, Lord?” 

“I am Jesus.”

Jesus.  Saul had been sure the resurrection wasn’t true, but dead men don’t talk.  Jesus.  Saul had been “convinced that he ought to do all that was possible to oppose this name”(Acts 26:9), but now Jesus was calling his.  Jesus.  The One Stephen had seen “standing at the right hand of God”(Acts 7:56) was standing right before him.  And Saul knew he would never be the same.

Our journey in life might be different, but somewhere along the broken road, if you are truly His, God stopped you in your tracks to get you on the right track.  It might not have taken a blinding light to open your eyes, but it took costly grace to open your heart.

Remember your Damascus road today and be thankful.

The Good In The Bad

“They all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.” Acts 7:58

Why do bad things happen to good people? The question seems solid at first but soon leads to the debate about what constitutes “good.” Perhaps a question we think more but ask less is, “Why do bad things happen to God’s people?” Can’t a Deity with all knowledge and all power protect His own? And, since He can, why wouldn’t He? I don’t dare claim to have the complete answer, but perhaps a story will help us start to understand.

“Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people”(Acts 6:8). However, some Jews weren’t happy that Jesus was being acclaimed, and they “began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke”(Acts 6:10). Unable to win the war of words, they resorted to a ruse and framed Stephen with blasphemy.

Standing before the court with a face “like that of an angel”(Acts 6:15), Stephen delivered a brilliant sermon as his defense. Beginning with Abraham, he traced God’s presence and purpose through Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon, reminding his audience of God’s desire for relationship and of their ancestors’ repeated rebellion. His history lesson was followed by a harsh indictment, “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers…They killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him”(Acts 7:51-53). As the men gnashed their teeth in fury, Stephen looked to heaven and saw God’s glory. “Look,” he exclaimed. “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God”(Acts 7:56). With ears covered and mouths yelling to drown out Stephen’s words, they grabbed him, dragged him, and stoned him. As the rocks rained down, Stephen cries echoed the grace of his Lord—“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Do not hold this sin against them”(Acts 8:59-60). And then he died.

Why? Why such a brutal end to one who had been so bold? Why such violence against a man described as “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”? And the story seems to only get worse. “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria”(Acts 8:1).

Yes, those places sound familiar. Jesus Himself had spoken of them first. “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”(Acts 1:8). His followers had “filled Jerusalem with their teaching”(Acts 5:28), but why leave when life was good? God wanted them to go and tell, but since they wouldn’t make the move unless they were made to, He allowed life to get so bad that they packed their bags. And He started the spread with Stephen.

“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went”(Acts 8:4). As a result of Stephen’s death, the gospel was taken to places that would never have heard. Philip shared in Samaria(Acts 8:5). Others “who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch…telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed”(Acts 11:19-21).

God’s purpose for Stephen started in life and continued in death. Stones didn’t stop what God was doing but instead became a way of spreading His grace and good news. Tough times, troubles, and trials might take us down or take us out, but they can never take us away from Him. At the end of the day, Stephen was with his Lord in heaven, and God was with His people on earth—working out His plan and His purpose even through their pain.

On this side of forever, we rarely know the reasons for the rocks, but we can trust that God is up to something big and good—even in the bad. As our “whys” are absorbed into who God is and what He is doing, Jesus becomes the only answer we need.

Filled Up

“They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 6:5

What five things are you most full of? The list of possibilities is lengthy, but since what’s inside is what splashes out, we need to make sure we’ve got a good mix. The life of Stephen provides a compelling and convincing litmus test.

As the number of Christ-followers increased, the apostles realized they couldn’t oversee both the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation, so they recommended that seven men be chosen to care for the widows. Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”(Acts 6:5) was first on the list. To be eligible, one had to be “full of the Spirit and of wisdom”(Acts 6:3), so within two verses, we’ve discovered three ingredients—God’s Spirit, wisdom, and faith. But there’s always room for more good. Acts 6:8 tells us that “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people,” and our “Fab 5” is complete—God’s Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power. These five things filled Stephen’s life and spilled out onto those around him through his words, actions, and attitudes.

Lest you think this list is currently unattainable, listen up. When you believed the good news of Jesus, God gave you His Spirit (Eph. 1:13) to guide you, teach you, and help you. Wisdom is yours in Christ(1 Cor. 1:30) and is there for the asking(James 1:5). God’s gift of faith which enabled you to receive His life(Eph. 2:8) grows through knowing His Word(Rom. 10:17) and by going through trials(1 Pet. 1:7). God grants you grace and “more grace”(James 4:6), and you find grace for your needs when you pray(Heb. 4:16). And God’s “incomparably great power”(Eph. 1:19) works in you(Eph. 3:20) and through you(2 Pet. 1:3) to shield you, strengthen you, and save you. God’s Spirit, wisdom, faith, grace, and power. All yours. All available. All the time.

Our lives are full of many things, but we are only fulfilled when we are filled with God things.
What are you full of?

Unstoppable

“If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God.” Acts 5:39

Why do some people want to stop a good thing? Reasons abound, but the short list is anger, fear, and envy. When things go well for one, resentment emerges in another, leading to rash actions and real trouble. The early church learned this early on. Jealous of the apostles’ popularity, the high priest and his cronies threw them into jail, but a nocturnal angel opened their cell and commanded them to open their mouths. “Go, stand in the temple courts, and tell the people the full message of this new life”(Acts 5:20). At sunrise, they showed up and spoke up.

Meanwhile, back at the court, the Sanhedrin was called into session and “sent to jail for the apostles”(Acts 5:21). Confounded officers found vigilant guards and locked doors but no disciples. Their whereabouts left the elders puzzled until a report arrived that the apostles were back at it—teaching in the temple. Guards were sent to get them, and the judge announced the charge: disobedience for declaring the name of Jesus. “You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching”(Acts 5:28) was his incredible accusation. “Not sorry and won’t stop,” was the apostles’ reply. “We must obey God rather than men”(Acts 5:29).

Furious, the Sanhedrin wanted those words to be their final answer—forever—but a wise teacher named Gamaliel stood up and spoke truth. “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you do to these men. This Jesus isn’t the first Jew to garner a following and get crowds excited. Two guys named Theudas and Judas the Galilean are not-so-distant examples, but when they died, so did their movements. So, here’s my advice: Drop it and do nothing. If this is something man made up, it won’t make it, “but if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourself fighting against God”(Acts 5:39).

Unwilling to let apostles’ leave unpunished, the leaders had them flogged, but their penalty backfired, for the apostles turned the pain into praise and “left the Sanhedrin rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ”(Acts 5:41-42).

Anger and envy might put the brakes on a good thing—but not on a God thing. The “full message of this new life” cannot be contained, restrained, or defeated. Neither locked doors nor lashed backs can stop what God has started. He is up to something bigger and better than we could ever imagine, so rejoice that He counts you worthy to share His news and suffer for His name, and fill where you are with words of who He is—the all-powerful, unstoppable God of salvation.

Shadowlands

“People brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” Acts 5:15

Cool. Way cool. What else is there to say? Did you read that verse? Read it again. “People brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” Whoever heard of such a thing? A shadow bringing healing to the sick. People so full of power that everywhere any part of them went—even their silhouette—lives were dramatically altered. Sounds bizarre, but such had been foretold. “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father”(John 14:12-13). Before He left for heaven, Jesus left word on earth that bigger and better miracles than the ones He had performed would be taking place—not so His followers would have a following, but so His Father would get the glory.

Peter hadn’t been born with a super-shadow, and people knew that. They also knew he “had been with Jesus”(Acts 4:13) and that the good he did was done in the name of Jesus. When someone cheered for Peter, he turned the applause to God. And there was lots of clapping. “Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed”(Acts 5:16).

God heals in many ways—sometimes through words, sometimes through touch. Here His power flowed through Peter’s shadow. A few chapters ahead we find that “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them”( Acts 19:12). God can do whatever He wants, whenever He wants, however He wants. Our part is to be so filled with Him that His power overflows from us into the lives of others—altering their souls, spirits, and, if God so desires, even their bodies.

God works through words that can be heard. Touches that can be felt. Hankies that can be handled. And shadows that can be seen.

Cool. Way cool.

A Scary Story

“How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” Acts 5:9

Yikes! That’s what I always think when I read this story. Personally, I would just as soon skip it, but since Luke was led to record it, the plot must hold some points worth pondering. The event is set in the midst of the church’s genuine generosity. “No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had…From time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need”(Acts 4:32-35). In the subsequent verses, two contrasting examples remind us that when it comes to giving, our motive means more than the method.

Bighearted Barnabas comes first. In humility and honesty, he sold a field and offered the entire profit to those in need. Ananias and Sapphira follow next. They also sold some land but decided that if they worked the system, they could get full accolade for only a partial contribution. “With his wife’s full knowledge Ananias kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet”(Acts 5:3) pretending it was the full selling price, but God let Peter in on the dirty, little secret, and he called Ananias’ bluff. “How?” Peter asked. “How is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?”(Acts 5:3). And “What?” “What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”(Acts 5:4) And just then, just like that, Ananias fell down dead.

Three hours later, his wife, Sapphira, unaware of the preceding events, showed up to visit the apostles. “Tell me,” Peter asked her, “Is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”(Acts 5:8). Her deceitful confirmation was her death sentence. “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter demanded. “Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also. At that moment she fell down at his feet and died”( Acts 5:9).

“Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events”(Acts 5:11). You think?? I’m scared just reading about it! Kind of makes you nervous about next Sunday’s offering! But it doesn’t have to, and here’s why: God isn’t saying we should sell all we have and give all we’ve got or else we’re goners. He simply wants our motive to match our method. The problem was not what they did but why they did it. Peter told Ananias, “Look, the land, and then the loot, was both at your disposal. You could have done with it whatever you wanted, but you just can’t lie to God about it.” If Ananias had walked in and honestly stated that his offering was one-third or one-half of the profit of the sale, all would have been well—and all would have stayed alive. The gift wasn’t compulsory, but the truth was required.

This story shouldn’t scare us, but it should sober us and cause us to consider why we do what we do. Don’t ever try to live a lie.
Share generously. Give honestly. And do both for God’s glory.

Nicknames

“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:36-37

Remember those friends who were so well known by their nicknames that when the dutiful substitute teacher called them by their real names on the roll, all in the class, including your friend, said, “Who?” Barnabas would have been one of those. His given name was Joseph, but only a sub or someone who didn’t know him would have called him that. Everyone one else in the Bible—and since—calls him Barnabas.

How nicknames come to be can be quite amusing, but the way Joseph came to be known as Barnabas is quite amazing. His name was conferred on him by the apostles as they saw his actions and attitude. Barnabas is first mentioned in Acts when he “sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet”(Acts 4:37). Obviously, someone in the church had a need, so “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field”(Acts 4:36). Sold a field. Just like that. If what he had could help others out, Barnabas wasn’t about to hang onto it for himself. He gave the profit to the apostles to distribute as needed, and never looked back.

We’re not certain if this is the first time Barnabas stepped in to lift others up, but we know for sure it wasn’t the last. When the Christians in Jerusalem were scared and skeptical about Saul-to-Paul’s conversion, Barnabas “took him and brought him to the apostles”(Acts 9:27). The “Son of Encouragement” risked his own reputation to stand with Paul and affirm his salvation and witness. A bit later, as the good news of Jesus began to spread to outlying areas, Barnabas was sent by the church at Jerusalem to the brand-new, non-Jewish Christians in Antioch, Syria. “When he arrived and saw the evidence of God’s grace, he was glad and encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts”(Acts 11:23). Remembering his friend Paul and wanting to support him in his ministry, “Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch”(Acts 11:25). From Antioch, the two of them set out on an extended mission trip, which included preaching their way through Barnabas’ native island homeland of Cyprus. On their way back to Syria, they revisited several towns, “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith”(Acts 14:22).

Encourage. Encourage. Encourage. When you come across Barnabas in the Bible, encouragement is almost always close by. It was so much of what he did that it became who he was: Barnabas—Son of Encouragement.

What would your nickname be?

Helpless

“We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

“I just can’t help it!”

Most often this phrase is used as flimsy justification for unseemly behavior, but when stated by Peter and John, the words weren’t an excuse but were the very reason they couldn’t keep quiet about Jesus. “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”(Acts 4:20).

In a quandary about what to do with the men who had “done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it”(Acts 4:16), the Jewish Sanhedrin had issued a gag order on the disciples in hopes of suppressing the message of Christ. “To stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in the name of Jesus”(Acts 4:17), so they called in Peter and John and “commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus”(Acts 4:18). But the men were non-compliant—responding with a cutting challenge and an emphatic assertion. “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”(Acts 4:19-20)

Even if they tried, they couldn’t keep quiet. What they had seen was too amazing not to talk about. They had seen Jesus walk on water, cast out demons, and calm stormy seas. They had seen Him serve the Passover, pray in the garden, and die on a cross. They had seen the empty tomb, the vacant grave clothes, and the Risen Lord. And a few weeks later, as Jesus lifted His nail-scarred hands in blessing, they had seen Him ascend to heaven and send a promise of return back to earth. And what they had heard was too astounding not to tell. They had heard His call—“Come, follow me.” His claim—“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” And His command—“Go into all the world and make disciples.”

Silence was no longer an option. Jesus was more than just a story; He was life. He was their joy, their hope, their purpose, their peace, and His name would never leave their lips. No matter what anyone else said, they knew what they would say. They just couldn’t help it.

May we be as helpless.

The Company You Keep

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13

How could this be? How could the two men standing before the Supreme Court of Jewish culture and religion speak with such calmness and confidence? Instead of shaking in fear and stumbling for words, their defense had been a bold proclamation and a biting accusation—“It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed”(Acts 4:10).

How could this be? “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished”(Acts 4:13). The elders, teachers, and priests composing the prosecution and jury each boasted several decades of learning and training under their belts and in their brains. They had spent years reading and memorizing the Old Testament scriptures, along with countless hours studying centuries’ worth of commentary and opinions written about the texts. However, the two common fishermen on trial had no such education and experience. Given their current occupation, Peter and John had likely failed to advance beyond synagogue grammar school, and yet their words were eloquent and effective, exuding divine authority and citing God’s Word.

How could this be? There was only one explanation—“They were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Been with Jesus. That’s why He had called them close at the start—to be with Him. “He appointed twelve…that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons”(Mk 3:14-15). The chief desire of God is intimacy. Our activity—the preaching and healing and all the other things we, or the apostles, might do—does not come first, but instead flows from our friendship with Him.

“Been with Jesus.” We are transformed when we spend time with Him. Our perspective and priorities change. The ways we view ourselves and others change. By His Spirit and through His Word, we become a lot more like Him and a lot less like us. His influence affects our actions and attitudes, and our relationship with Jesus becomes the reason for our confidence and competence.

The company we keep makes all the difference.
Don’t just be for Jesus. Be with Jesus. And people will take note.

Only Jesus

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“Religion is like tennis shoes,” my friend explained as we chatted on her couch. “You can find several pairs in your size that are all good shoes, but the one that fits the best is right for you. It’s the same way with the way to God.” My friend is not alone in what she thinks. The vast majority of people in America agree with her assessment. But most doesn’t mean right, and according to God’s eternal Word of authority, my friend (and many millions of others) are wrong. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved”(Acts 4:12).

Peter didn’t state this fact to a bunch of hell-raisin’ heathen who didn’t know better; he declared it to the top spiritual gurus of his day. After offering a helping hand and divine healing to a lame beggar by the temple gate, Peter and John had been arrested and detained because the Sadducees (a groups of religious guys who had it wrong about God) “were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead”(Acts 4:2). The next day, everybody who was anybody in the world of Jewish religion met in Jerusalem to sort out the ruckus and stop any trouble. As soon as Peter, John, and the ex-lame guy were brought before them, they began. “By what power or what name did you do this?”(Acts 4:7).

Bold because of God’s Spirit, Peter stared them down and set them straight. “If we’re here because we were kind to a cripple and you’re wondering how his healing happened, ‘then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved’”(Acts 4:10,12).

No other name. Only Jesus. You can’t get to God any other way. Adherence to Buddhism’s Eight-Fold Path won’t get you to Him. Devotion to Hinduism’s 330 million gods won’t get you to Him. Obedience to Mohammed’s Koran and Hadith won’t get you to Him. Being as good as most and better than many won’t get you to Him. Belief in anything or anyone else, no matter how fervent and sincere, won’t get you to Him. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”(John 14:6). Only by believing and by believing only that Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins and rose again to give us eternal life are we saved from a forever without God and saved for a forever with Him. Trust in Jesus is the absolute essential for a relationship with God. No matter how much we would like to hope or think differently, there is no other way.

To claim this fact in our day and age is to be considered intolerant and narrow-minded. Let them label as they will. You keep loving and keep living the truth of Jesus. Don’t be ugly or arrogant (God’s grace is the only thing saving you); instead be gracious and patient as you look them in the eye and share truth from God’s heart.

For over two millennia, many have tried to sabotage faith in Christ through threats, terror, trials, and troubles, but the truth remains and will never change—there is no other name.

Only Jesus.

Even Better

“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6

Unable to walk and unable to work, the man sat by the gate and begged, hoping that those headed to pray at the temple would take pity and pass along some change. Ashamed of his status and ashamed of himself (for in those days sickness was equated with sin), the man rarely met the glance of those whom he asked a gift.

“Look at us!” a voice kindly commanded, and, “expecting to get something from them”(Acts 3:5), the lame man lifted his eyes to two men standing before him. But his spirit sagged as Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have”(Acts 3:6). How cruel to pause and provide nothing—to raise the man’s head, then dash his hopes. But such was not the intent, for though Peter was empty-handed, he wasn’t empty hearted. “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk”(Acts 3:6-8).

For the first time in forever, the man could stand on his own two feet and could walk wherever he wanted to go, so he did—straight to God. “Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking, and leaping, and praising God”(Acts 3:8). His infirmity had kept him out, but God’s healing allowed him in, and instead of strolling into the temple court acting casual and cool, he leaped and was loud, jumping for joy and praising God.

If today, like Peter and John, you cross paths with someone in need, help how you can. The Bible makes it very clear that if our cupboard isn’t bare, we’re not to pass out blessings without also sharing bread(James 3:15). But if the need is more than what you have, stop anyway and share Who you have. You can’t solve all the problems, heal all the hurts, and right all the wrongs, but the treasures of God’s grace, love, and power shared through your listening ear, compassionate heart, gentle touch, and sincere prayers can be even better.

If the story is switched, and you’re the one who has been crippled by the circumstances of life, don’t be ashamed to hold out your cup and lift up your eyes. You might not get what you want, but God will provide what you need. And when He does, don’t continually casually on your way, but instead jump for joy and give Him praise.

When we beg for something good, God gives what is even better.
No change doesn’t mean no change.

Devotion

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

In just one day, attendance at First Church Jerusalem jumped from 120 to over 3000. The New Members’ Class must have been highly effective because immediately the brand new Christ-followers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”(Acts 2:42). Faith in Jesus changed their focus. Instead of life being about them, life became about Him, and they dedicated their time, energy, and resources to learning about Him, caring about those who were His, spending time with those who were His, and praying to Him.

Some would say these new believers were very involved, but that word is too weak. Involvement alludes to activities, and the prospect of a busier schedule was not what ignited such intense passion. These Christians weren’t just involved; they were devoted—devoted to Jesus and everything about Him. Since Jesus is about relationships, they lived in community. “All the believers were together”(Acts 2:44). If one had a need and others had the means, they shared willingly. “Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need”(Acts 2:45). When God’s people assembled, they showed up. “Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts”(Acts 2:46). While there, they listened and learned about their Savior from those who had heard His teachings and seen His life. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching”(Acts 2:42). When they weren’t meeting in public, they were spending time together in private. “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts”(Acts 2:46). In all this, they were fervent in prayer, calling on the One who had called them and praising Him for His goodness and grace(Acts 2:47). “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved”(Acts 2:47).

In a day where volumes endorsing and explaining the latest ideas and initiatives on church growth abound, the answer is still found in one Book. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”(Acts 2:42). Open hearts. Open hands. Open homes. Open mouths. People in place of a program. Relationships instead of rituals. Devotion rather than involvement.

And the Lord will add to our number daily those who are being saved.

Under The Knife

“‘God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.’ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart.” Acts 2:36-37

Going under the knife is never fun, but being cut to the heart is how we heal. God’s initial surgery is salvation, where He removes our heart of stone—solid with sin—and transplants into us a heart of life—beating with His presence and power.

Operations are always done individually, but many patients felt the incision at Pentecost when Peter stood before the crowd and preached the message of Christ. They didn’t doubt that Jesus had really lived or that He had really died. They had seen the “miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among them through him”(Acts 2:22), and they were aware of the crucifixion, which, as Peter informed them, was not a martyr’s death but according to “God’s set purpose and foreknowledge(Acts 2:23). But the addendum of Christ’s resurrection and exaltation was a life-altering fact that slashed deep into their souls. “God has raised this Jesus to life…God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ”(Acts 2:32&36).

“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?”(Acts 2:37). “Repent and receive,” Peter replied. “Receive His baptism, His forgiveness, and His Spirit”(Acts 2:38). “The promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call”(Acts 2:39). At that moment, as faith defeated doubt and fear, “about three thousand” of the crowd were made alive and made a part of the family of God(Acts 2:41).

It would be nice (or at least a whole lot less painful) if, at the point of salvation, God set down the knife and never again reached for His scalpel, but He doesn’t. He never even steps out of the operating room. After making us His, God continues to work in us and on us to make us more like Him. Though we are fully forgiven, we often fail and find ourselves with an attitude or action that is sinful. At these times, God presses the blade and by the conviction of His Spirit, the correction of His Word, or the confrontation of a friend who cares, slices and dices into our hearts. Because of His persevering grace, another transplant is not needed—just some opening up and cleaning out of our pride and selfishness. The discomfort and distress of being sorrowful for our sins preps the places we have damaged for the balm of grace and forgiveness to renew and restore.

If you haven’t yet accepted Christ, may the truth of His life, death, and resurrection cut to your heart and lead you to repent, believe, and receive, for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”(Acts 2:21). If you’re already His, don’t run from the knife but be willing to stay on the table. “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it”(Phil. 1:6). He is shaping your heart to be like His.

Being cut to the heart hurts, but consider the cross and remember that wounds are God’s way of healing.

P.S. The previous paragraphs were not written from personal authority but from personal experience, for I have had much practice in messin’ up and fessin’ up. I am constantly thankful for God’s astounding grace and for the kindness of friends and family who have forgiven me again and again. May God continue to make us all more like Jesus—even when it hurts.

Under The Influence

“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Acts 2:11.

According to the Law, three times year, God’s people were to come to His sanctuary. One of those times, the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost (the Greek word for fifty days), occurred seven weeks after Passover and was observed by giving thanks at the start of wheat harvest. Each year, Jews from far and near who worshiped God and obeyed His word packed out Jerusalem to sacrifice and celebrate, but at the Feast of Pentecost following the first Easter, all were in for a special surprise.

In obedience to Christ’s command before His ascension, His followers stayed in Jerusalem waiting for the promise of His power, and when the Spirit showed up, He arrived loud and lit up. On feast day, “the believers were all together in one place”(Acts 1:2). As the sound of a mighty wind rushed through the room, tongues of flame floated above their heads. “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit”(Acts 2:4), and when they opened their mouths to exclaim, they found their speech replaced by different languages from around the world “as the Spirit enabled them”(Acts 2:4). The ruckus attracted the attention of a crowd who became even more amazed when they heard the disciples’ words in their native tongues. “Aren’t these men Galileans? How is it that each of us…Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and parts of Libya near Cyrene, visitors from Rome, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”(Acts 2:7-11). While some dropped their jaws and said, “What does this mean?” others began to jaw, “They have had too much wine”(Acts 2:12-13).

So Peter stood up and shot straight. “We’re not under the influence of spirits but of God’s Spirit. He promised this through the prophet Joel, telling us that such a time would come and that salvation comes through His name”(Acts 2:16-21).

More on that sermon next time, but here’s the truth for today: When we believe, we receive, and the change should be obvious to all around us. If we’re saved, we’re filled with God’s Spirit, and His presence and power should make such a difference in our lives that we attract attention to God. Our speech shouldn’t sound the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our attitudes shouldn’t feel the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our priorities shouldn’t show the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our love shouldn’t prove the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our actions shouldn’t look the same as those who don’t know Christ.

Each day, by what we say and what we do, we are “declaring the wonders of God”(Acts 2:11). His Spirit takes our words and our works and translates them into a language that those who need Jesus can understand. Some will marvel. Some will make fun. Keep being faithful. When others ask, “What does this mean?” explain as Peter did—by pointing them to God’s promise and His provision.

God’s Spirit enables us to do what we once thought impossible.
As a result, we should always be caught LUI—living under His influence.

Casting Lots or Not

“They proposed two men…Then they prayed…Then they cast lots.” Acts 1:23-26

Sometimes you simply must decide. Will you or won’t you? Do you or don’t you? This is or that one or which one? When you find yourself facing a choice, how do you know what’s right, what’s best, and what is God’s will? “If you’re seeking, God will show you,” we’re told, and it’s true. But haven’t you ever had a time when God wasn’t exactly specific? A time when through God’s Word, your circumstances, and others’ wisdom, the choices had been narrowed to a few, but the final answer wasn’t obvious? Ever had to choose? Ever wondered and worried about your choice? If so, read on and relax.

Jesus had ascended and His followers had assembled, but one was noticeably absent—Judas. His “get rich quick” scheme of betrayal had backfired, and distress led to his death by suicide. Since eleven seemed an odd number in more ways than one, Peter stood up and suggested they find someone to fill the empty slot. “May another take his place of leadership”(Acts 1:20). To narrow the number of candidates, Peter outlined the qualifications. An apostle is one who is sent as a messenger, so the chosen man must have heard the message first hand, from the start. “It is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time…beginning from John’s baptism to the time Jesus was taken up from us”(Acts 1:21-22). The reason for these strict requirements was clear—“This man must become a witness with us of his resurrection”(Acts 1:22). One who would fill such big shoes needed to have walked with Jesus the whole way.

Out of the 120 present, two guys fit the bill—Barsabbas and Matthias. Both were willing, ready, and able. How would they decide between the two? They prayed and pulled out the dice. What?? This wasn’t a craps table in Vegas! It was the upper room in Jerusalem, and this was a matter of choice, not chance! Right? It was a matter of choice, but they trusted that God was in control of the roll. “Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.’ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias”(Acts 1:24-26).

If you’ve ever prayed and reprayed, searched and researched, weighed and reweighed, and God’s answer still seems to be two, take some advice from Peter’s dice. Pray and pick one. Then go with it. A friend shared a story that made this make sense. He had to choose a graduate school, and after searching and researching, weighing and reweighing, praying and repraying, two universities sat at the top of his list, and God didn’t seem to be leaning one way or the other. With the deadline looming, he prayed and picked. Half a career later, he told me, “I think both were the right choice. I believe it was one of those times when God said, ‘You love me and I love you, so just go, and live for my praise at either place.’” My friend said, “As I look back, I see how my choice was right, but if I had gone to the other school, I don’t believe it would have been wrong.”

Someone reading these words is in this spot. You need to choose, but the choice isn’t clear. The deadline looms, and the list sits at two. Instead of thinking that God is waiting to mark one wrong, consider that He’s already checked both right. Just pray and pick. Then go with it. And God will go with you. His will isn’t by chance, and He’ll be with you in your choice.

He’s still in control of the roll.

To The Ones Who Love

“Then they returned to Jerusalem…They went to the upper room…They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:12-1

To me, dedications were the best part of the Top 40 Countdown. “This one goes out to the one I love,” people often said as they shared stories and songs about someone special. Many dedications were ultra-sappy. On occasion they didn’t make sense, but my favorites were those which gave words to my feelings and music to my thoughts. Today’s devotion is a dedication—a song and a story that goes out to the ones who love and who long for those they love to know Jesus.

Here’s the song.
“Then they returned to Jerusalem…They went to the upper room…They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers”(Acts 1:12-14).

Here’s the story behind the song.
Jesus had a family. We’re not quite sure how many siblings (half-siblings, actually), but at least six(Mk 6:3). For the first thirty years of His life, all was well. Yes, Jesus seemed perfect—or at least Mom thought He was, but He grew up like the rest of them, followed Joseph in the family trade, and became a carpenter in His hometown. But everything changed the day He hung an “Out Of Business—For Good” sign on His shop door and began traveling from place to place preaching and teaching that God’s kingdom had come and He was it! A little, or even a lot, of religion was fine, but this was over the top. When their brother-turned-rabbi starting healing, performing miracles, and sending out twelve chosen men to spread the news, His family “went to take charge”(Mk 3:21). Their justification? Insanity. “He is out of his mind” they said (Mk 3:21). “It’s our job to bring him back to his senses and back to his shop.”

But when Jesus didn’t stop, they changed their tactics, turning to sarcasm and making fun of His ministry “for even his own brothers did not believe him”(Jn 7:5). One year at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, they chided Him by saying, “You should head on over to Judea because anyone who thinks he’s big should be willing to step out big time”(Jn 7:1-4). Though Mary, His mother, is mentioned at the cross, we’re hear no more about the rest of the family until we find them in Acts—after the resurrection, in the upper room, believing. “Then they returned to Jerusalem…They went to the upper room…They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers”(Acts 1:12-14). His brothers weren’t there sightseeing—or scoffing. Jesus’ brother, James, became the leader of the church in Jerusalem and wrote a book in the Bible called by his name, and His brother, Judas (Jude for short), wrote one too.

If you’re someone who’s waiting and wishing and praying and pleading for family you love to come to Christ, take heart. It took three decades of perfection, a crucifixion, and a resurrection for those kin to Jesus to have faith. It might take some time, but those same, powerful truths still turn hard-hearted (and soft-hearted) skeptics into humble, happy believers. Let them keep jeering, chiding, mocking, and smirking in doubt. You keep loving, listening, and living in faith.

There’s always room for one more in the upper room.