Today’s Reading: Acts 6:8 – 7:60; Psalm 105

So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. – Acts 6:7-8

One day some men started to debate with Stephen, but they could not keep up with him because of his wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. This made them angry, so they plotted against him by bringing fake witnesses to make up false accusations against Stephen. He was arrested and brought before the high council. They listened to the case against Stephen but could not take their eyes off of him because his face was as bright as an angel’s.

When questioned, Stephen preached with boldness. He summarized the history of the Jewish people from Abraham to Solomon. He spoke of Abraham’s promise, Joseph’s position, Moses’ prophecy, Joshua’s purpose, David’s pursuit, and Solomon’s privilege. But Stephen’s message didn’t stop there. Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, a man who was filled with the Spirit of God and the wisdom of the Lord, ended his sermon with a strong accusation against the Jewish leaders.

The Jewish leaders had the opportunity to follow Jesus, but they were too stubborn. They resisted the truth they heard and closed their hearts off to the message of salvation. Thousands of believers were experiencing the infilling of the Holy Spirit, but these religious leaders refused to surrender control to the presence of the Spirit of God. Just as their ancestors had persecuted the prophets, they were now persecuting the apostles. Their forefathers had killed the prophets who foretold the coming of Christ, but these leaders were the ones who had betrayed and murdered the Messiah.

WILLING TO DIE

The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of the young man named Saul.

As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” and with that he died. – Acts 7:54-60

PREPARED TO FORGIVE

The apostles were arrested and flogged and what did they do? They left rejoicing because they had the opportunity to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. Stephen was arrested and falsely accused and what did he do? He used his arrest as an opportunity to preach and expose sin. When drug out of the city and while being stoned, Stephen prayed. While dying, Stephen forgave those who were killing him.

So where do I see myself in this passage of scripture? How will I react to situations in my life this week? Will I complain or rejoice? Will I defend myself or defend Christ? Will I forgive those who wrong me? Will I look for opportunities to glorify God? Like the synagogue leaders in the days after Jesus’ ascension, will I be deaf to the truth and resist the Holy Spirit?

Lord, see my heart. See how much work is left to be done in my attitudes and in my perspectives, and change me. May I never resist your power at work in me through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Lord, do a work in my heart so that my reaction to every situation this week brings glory to you. Lord, I pray for protection for those who speak out boldly against the demands of this world and safety for those who are persecuted for their faith. May your message of grace spread and the number of believers increase. Amen.

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always. – Psalm 105:1-4

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:32-37, 6:1-7; Psalm 78

But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.” – Acts 6:1-2

This was an important leadership moment for the Twelve. Wonderful things were happening and the number of believers was growing quickly. Generosity was evidenced by the way everyone was sharing what they had and taking care of the needy. What a great season in the life of the early church! But as they grew, it was evident that they needed to put processes in place, as well as assign leadership over various areas of the ministry. The daily distribution of food was a really important role, but it was not the role the Twelve had been called to fulfill.

DOING GOOD SHOULD NOT DISTRACT US FROM WHAT GOD HAS CALLED US TO DO.

The disciples had received specific instructions from Jesus before he ascended into heaven, and they were determined to do what Jesus had told them to do. Jesus had asked Simon Peter if he loved Jesus more than any of the others, and Peter enthusiastically declared his love for Jesus. This interaction repeated itself two more times, each time ending with instructions. “Then feed my lambs…Then take care of my sheep…Then feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). Allow the love you have for me to represent it in your compassion for others.

There was another moment when Jesus gave his disciples a clear calling. While worshipping the Lord on the mountain, Jesus commissioned the disciples to their new purpose in life:

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

The disciples had received the call to go and make disciples, to baptize the new believers, and to teach them to obey all the commands they had received from the Lord. This was their mission and it took great focus to keep from drifting to new causes and worthwhile purposes. How could they make sure the flock was being fed and cared for while remaining focused on their call to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ?

This is a common issue for us today. We hear the words “mission drift” often in the church and in non-profits. There are so many good things that need to be done, but we have to be careful to keep the main thing the main thing. The church needs to find clarity on what helps us accomplish the mission to which the congregation has been called. What is the Lord calling us to be and to do in our community? Is the next great idea helping us accomplish the mission for which we exist or is it causing us to drift away from the Great Commission to which Jesus has called all of us?

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.

So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. – Acts 6:2-7

WHEN WE KNOW THE MISSION TO WHICH WE HAVE BEEN CALLED, WE CAN ACCOMPLISH WHAT JESUS HAS ASKED US TO DO.

Clarity around our calling provides the lens with which we plan our day, our week, our year. What is God calling me to give my life to? Is that calling obvious in my calendar? Where is my focus and how am I spending my energy? Is there something I am responsible for that is preventing someone else from giving their “yes” to the Lord?

Lord, open my ears and speak words of direction into my heart. Open my eyes and give me a renewed focus on the calling you have placed on my life. Thank you for choosing me, even though I am unworthy of this opportunity to be used by you in the life of someone else. Fill me with your Spirit and be glorified through your power at work in me. May my heart reflect the desires of yours so that I can care well for others and lead with excellence. Amen.

He chose his servant David,
calling him from the sheep pens.
He took David from tending the ewes and lambs
and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants—
God’s own people, Israel.
He cared for them with a true heart
and led them with skillful hands. – Psalm 78:70-72

Today’s Reading: Acts 5:12-42; Psalm 114

The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade. But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord—crowds of both men and women. As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. – Acts 5:12-16

Great things were happening through the ministry of the apostles. God had given them favor with the people, and many were coming to be healed. The people came because they believed; crowds were gathering in order to experience the wonder working power of the Lord, as displayed through the ministry of his disciples. Things were going really well.

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? – Romans 8:31

IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN EVER BE AGAINST US?

Out of jealousy, the high priest and his officials arrested them and put them in the public jail. An angel of the Lord opened the gates and brought them out telling them to go back to the Temple and give the people the message of life. Imagine the surprise of the high council the next day to find the jail empty and the apostles back in the Temple preaching.

When the high priest and his officials arrived, they convened the high council—the full assembly of the elders of Israel. Then they sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail for trial. But when the Temple guards went to the jail, the men were gone. So they returned to the council and reported, “The jail was securely locked, with the guards standing outside, but when we opened the gates, no one was there!”

When the captain of the Temple guard and the leading priests heard this, they were perplexed, wondering where it would all end. Then someone arrived with startling news: “The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple, teaching the people!” – Acts 5:21-25

Knowing how angry the Sadducees would be, the apostles boldly chose to obey the angel of the Lord instead of hiding from the judgment of man. The apostles were again arrested and questioned as to why they were doing exactly what the high priest had told them not to do.

IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN EVER BE AGAINST US?

But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a cross. Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.” – Acts 5:29-32

The members of the high council were furious with this response. Not only were they jealous of the way the people responded to the teaching of the apostles, they were also tired of being blamed for the death of Jesus. In rage, they made the decision to kill the apostles. But a highly respected Pharisee among them, Gamaliel, stood up among the angry religious leaders and advised them to wait out the popularity of the apostles.

“So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” – Acts 5:38-39

IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN EVER BE AGAINST US?

The apostles were flogged and then released with the instructions to never again speak in the name of Jesus. While still in pain from the physical beating they had received, the apostles boldly continued their ministry, teaching and preaching the message that Jesus is the Messiah. Rather than feeling sorry for themselves or living in fear of future consequences, the apostles rejoiced that God had counted them worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41).

The world around us is getting less and less tolerant of the message of Jesus Christ. While revival is springing up in pockets across this nation, opposition is rising against our freedom of religion. So how will we respond when told we can no longer speak out against the sins of our culture? How are we, even now, responding to the permissive ideologies that are making their way into the church? Will we allow the gospel of Jesus to be silenced or will we boldly serve Him no matter what the consequences? Will we be found worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus? Let’s be encouraged by the inspired writings of the Apostle Paul.

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:31-39

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:32 – 5:11; Psalm 86

All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. – Acts 4:32-35

The standard set here in Acts chapter four is not that we should all sell everything we own and give it away. What this group of believers in the early Church did was respond to the overwhelming leading of the Holy Spirit. When they responded in obedience to the prompting of the Spirit, the result was that God’s great blessing was upon them all. They not only shared their belongings, they shared God’s blessing. It does not define the blessing as additional wealth, but we know that everyone’s needs were taken care of as a result. Their obedient response to the Spirit came from the authenticity of the heart, not a legalistic action nor a desire for public acclaim.

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. – Acts 4:36-37

The apostles did not require Barnabas to be this generous, he simply gave from his heart in response to the Spirit. It does not say if this was the only field he owned, but the action was significant enough for the writer to mention before telling of a contrasting gift.

But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.

Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”

As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died… – Acts 5:1-5a

The same thing happened to his wife, Sapphira, when she came in the door and was questioned. Take note, this was not punishment doled out by man. The apostles did not sentence Ananias and Sapphira to death, God did. Lying to the Holy Spirit was that great of an offense. This couple went through the motions of giving a generous gift to the church, but God judges the heart and knows the truth.

IN WHAT WAYS DO WE LIE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Please stick with me for a couple more minutes and consider this difficult question. If it is such a great offense, we need to consider if we ever have or if we are currently offending God in this way. I am not a theologian nor do I have any kind of biblical studies degree, but I do have a concern. More and more, I am seeing or hearing an attitude that I fear grieves the Holy Spirit.

I have had several conversations with believers in which they say they know what they are doing is wrong, but they are going to do it anyhow with the intention of asking God for forgiveness later. They are relying on God’s grace to cleanse them from their sins. Now I strongly believe we serve a loving God and that it is by grace through faith that we are saved from our sins, but the attitude seems to be more of a manipulation of God than a true repentance. Remember, God cannot be mocked.

Don’t be misled — you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. – Galatians 6:7-9

Confessing our sins and asking God to forgive them is not a magic wand or secret spell we can use to get ourselves out of trouble. It is not a “get out of jail free” card. God sees the heart, just like he saw the heart of Ananias and Sapphira. I strongly believe that He knows when a person is simply speaking the confession of their sins and when there is true repentance with regret. Sinning with the intention of later confessing is quite possibly “conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord” (Acts 5:9).

WHY HAVE YOU LET SATAN FILL YOUR HEART?

This was the question Peter asked Ananias, and it is a good question for us today. The idea to be dishonest about the gift came from Satan himself. He took two individuals who desired to be generous with the church by selling some property, and he planted the idea that they should be dishonest about the level of generosity with which the gift came. It was a good thing to give money to help provide for the needs of others and good came from that gift, but the result of their dishonesty was tragic because they gave in to the temptation to be deceptive and dishonest. They fell for the lie that no one would know the difference, instead of following what the Holy Spirit was telling them to do.

Oh Jesus, forgive us for the times in which we have knowingly sinned, choosing our own desires over yours. Lord, break us of our tendencies to put ourselves first. Fill us with your Spirit and open our hearts to the desire to be obedient to you in every moment. May we respond to each prompting of the Spirit in our hearts today and give you 100% of what you are asking for, whatever that may be. May we be honest with ourselves and with you when we say we are giving you our all. Give us a greater understanding of what grieves you so that we may better serve you. Thank you for your incredible grace and for the many times you have given us another chance. You are a wonderful God and worthy of our praise! To YOU be the glory! We love you. Amen.

Teach me your ways, O Lord,
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
so that I may honor you.
With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
I will give glory to your name forever,
for your love for me is very great.
You have rescued me from the depths of death. – Psalm 86:11-13

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:23-31; John 10:1-18; Psalm 23

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father.” – John 10:14-15a

I love that God knows everything about me. He knows where my thoughts go and what I am struggling with the most. He knows what I desire and what I fear. He knows how much I have grown and how much more growing I have to do. In fact, He often knows when I need to grow in patience and perseverance more than I need an immediate answer to my prayer. He knows when I need to hear from Him and when I need to see His hand at work. God knows me completely and yet loves me intensely! So powerful is God’s love for me that He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

“So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” – John 10:15b-18

THEY KNOW THE VOICE OF THE ONE TO WHOM THEY BELONG.

Jesus stood in the section of the Temple known as Solomon’s Colonnade when he said these words. It was winter and this area was located on the east side and known for providing shelter from winter weather. It was in this protective area that Jesus used the same language that can be found in Ezekiel 34:22-23.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” – John 10:27-30

Most likely Peter and John were with Jesus on that day and heard him say these words of comfort and protection while standing in Solomon’s Colonnade. I wonder if His words came back to them a few years later when they stood again in Solomon’s Colonnade preaching and calling the people to repent of their sins.

It was while Peter and John were speaking to the people in Solomon’s Colonnade that the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees came and arrested them, throwing them in jail. They commanded them to never again speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” – John 10:27-30

The knowledge that Jesus was their Good Shepherd gave Peter and John boldness, even in a moment when their future was uncertain. Instead of choosing fear and caving to pressure, Jesus’ disciples chose to trust in the One who they knew with confidence would protect them. Instead of focusing on their own self-preservation, Peter and John chose to focus on the power of the Good Shepherd and the safety of the Father’s hand.

THEY KNOW THE POWER OF THE ONE TO WHOM THEY BELONG.

And I can know that same power as I recognize that I am known completely and loved immensely. I can trust in God through the struggle of uncertainty. I am resting in the words of the One to whom I belong and I am singing as the psalmist did:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23, NLT

Today’s Reading: Acts 3:12 – 4:22; Psalm 118

Now that the lame man was walking, leaping and praising God, Peter and John had the attention of a lot of people. An audience had gathered to see this miracle for themselves. So how does someone called to preach the gospel respond to a situation like this? Why preach, of course.

Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd, “People of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the God of all of our ancestors — who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate’s decision to release him. You rejected this holy, righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!” – Acts 3:12-15

You chose to kill him; God chose to raise him.
You demanded his death while Jesus was willingly dying so that you can have life.
You may choose to reject him, but we choose to serve him.

Unhappy that they were talking about the resurrection of the dead, the Sadducees and religious leaders quickly arrested Peter and John. But they could not undo the power that was unleashed when Peter said, “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah” (3:19-20). After Peter’s first sermon, 3000 were saved. Now, after this second sermon, the number of believers increased to 5000 men, plus women and children (4:1-4).

The next day Peter and John found themselves before the council of ALL the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law in Jerusalem. All the bigwigs were there — Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest.

“By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” – Acts 4:7b

I wonder if Peter and John immediately pictured Jesus — their companion, friend and master. These were the same religious leaders who handed Jesus over to the Roman authorities to be crucified. I wonder if they remembered Jesus’ words to them:

“And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before the rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” – Luke 12:11-12

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:8-11

A boldness came over Peter and the leaders did not know how to respond. Peter was saying that the only way to experience salvation was through Jesus, whom they had rejected and crucified. But Peter did not stop there. He made sure to add again that God had raised from the dead the man they chose to crucify. You can choose to believe it or not, Jesus is alive!

But what could the insulted leadership do? A man whom they all recognized as the lame beggar who had been sitting at the gate for more than 40 years was now walking and a crowd was outside the door praising God. In order to prevent a riot, they ended the conversation with a threat, to which Peter responded: “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:19-20

We cannot and we will not. The same Peter who had denied Jesus out of fear was now proclaiming his allegiance to Jesus regardless of the consequences. He went back to the believers to join them in praising God and then stopped to ask God to give all of them this same boldness and infilling of the Holy Spirit – the same things we can ask for today. Let’s pray this prayer of Peter’s with confidence that God can respond in the same way for us.

“And now, O Lord hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. – Acts 4:29-31

In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
and the Lord answered me and set me free.
The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.
I will look in triumph at those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in people.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes. – Psalm 118:5-9

The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:22-24

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:42-3:11; Psalm 112

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer… – Acts 1:14

Consider with me what the believers were doing before they were filled with the Spirit. They had a big decision to make, and so they gathered together and prayed for direction from God. It was at this moment, when they were united in fellowship and joined together in corporate prayer, that everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit (2:4). And once they were filled with the Spirit, they again found that place of unity.

LETTING GO OF EVERYTHING THIS WORLD HAS TO OFFER

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to the fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. – Acts 2:42-47

The believers found unity not only in time spent together and in prayer, but also in their generosity toward others. The result of this unity was that the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Others saw the joy and satisfaction they had found, and they wanted to be a part of this movement of God!

Do we experience that kind of unity today? Does our praise attract others to our fellowship? We give of our time to the church and we circle up to join hands in prayer, so why aren’t we experiencing an Acts chapter two response? Perhaps it is because we operate with this concern of how generous we can be without leaving ourselves in need. We find a sense of security in our possessions and income, and it is hard to let go of that stability. We find ourselves serving God from a mindset of scarcity.

Acts 3 tells us that Peter and John were approached for money by a lame man who was being carried to the Temple Gate to beg. As the man eagerly looked up at them, Peter responded that he did not have any silver or gold to give to him. Of course he didn’t have any money, he had already sold all his possessions and given everything he had to the group of believers. So he was left with nothing to give, right? Wrong. When Peter and John let go of everything this world has to offer, they were able to share everything that God has to offer.

SHARING WITH OTHERS EVERYTHING GOD HAS TO OFFER

“I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple ahead of them.

All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John. – Acts 3:6-11

When we let go of everything in this world and stop trying to protect ourselves, God steps in and we begin to see HIM at work. Self-preservation will get us just that — self-preservation. But letting go of this world and hanging on tightly to God, praying for wisdom and direction and then following His lead — THIS will give us a life where we are daily astounded by God’s power.

DAILY GIVING GOD ALL I HAVE

That’s the kind of life I want — a life where I am daily astounded by God’s power, a life where I daily give God all that I have. Lord, open my eyes so that I can see the evidence of your work all around me. Lord, do your work through me so that you will be glorified today. Lord, help me to trust in you for protection and provision, instead of trusting in any earthly wealth I can obtain. This morning, I choose to let go of my ideas of what I need and embrace all that you have for me. Empty me of all that is ME and fill me with your Spirit. Amen.

Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. – Psalm 112:4

In April of 2021, God shifted our focus and asked us to move to Kansas City. I found myself praying for understanding as I said my goodbyes and started packing our belongings. The one word I received from the Lord during that season of submission was to “stay light on my feet”. We moved into a townhouse, and then eventually into a two-bedroom apartment one-third the size of our previous home. We shared a small closet, downsized to a one stall garage, and shared a desk. In 2023, we moved to Carmel and lived in our daughter’s guest room. After her wedding, we packed our suitcases, stored our remaining belongings in a one-stall garage, and then traveled to the beautiful places our jobs took us. Instead of setting down roots in one place, we intentionally found ways to be rooted in relationships and ministry.

We enjoyed this season of minimalism and availability to be used by God, and have tried to maintain those themes in our current season of ministry, but none of it earned us salvation. We praised God for the beauty of that season and we willingly allowed Him to lead our every step, but our salvation comes from our repentance and Christ’s redemption. It is not earned; it is a gift from God made possible through the blood of Jesus. Our decision to be generous with God is in response to His generosity towards us, and we give Him praise for every day He allows us to serve Him here on earth.

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. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles — all who have been called by the Lord our God.” – Acts 2:38-39

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:37-41; Psalm 19

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter STEPPED FORWARD and preached what might have been his first sermon. Scripture says:

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

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 Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles — all who have been called by the Lord your God.” – Acts 2:37-39

We have all been called by God to salvation with the promise that we will receive the Holy Spirit. I want to have a Peter-kind-of-life! I want to be bold in my actions, stepping forward and speaking God’s truth. I want to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that hearts can be pierced by what He has for them to hear. But when was the last time I was Peter-bold?

Lord, help me to grow in you. Forgive me for my immaturity and my sinful attitudes. Forgive me for my delayed obedience, fear and complacency. Lord, empty me of all that is sinful and fill me with your Spirit. I know that you have called me. Lord, I wholeheartedly say “yes” to your call.

Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day – about 3000 in all. – Acts 2:40-41

Now that’s what I call being a fisher of men! Peter’s “catch” that day was great because he stepped forward, got loud and spoke boldly. How hard do we try? Do we simply live a good life and hope someone will notice and choose to follow God, or do we follow Peter’s approach? Again I ask — When was the last time I was “Peter-bold”?

What does it take to be bold like Peter? If I want results like Peter saw that day, not for my glory but for the sake of those coming to Christ for forgiveness, I must consider the possibility that there will be times when God is calling me to step forward without hesitation, and at the same time be patient for results. It may take a long time and many discussions before a heart is moved. I may need to use persistence and passion in my approach.

PERSISTENCE, PATIENCE and PASSION – those are some powerful ingredients in my life. I need the Holy Spirit in order to have any of these. But there is one more ingredient I need – PURITY. I need the work of the Holy Spirit to purify my heart if I am going to be used by God.

If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten in innocence. You’ll be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery. It will all be gone like water under a bridge.” – Job 11:13-16

Joshua told the people, “Purify yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you.” – Joshua 3:5

If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

If you keep yourself pure you will be a utensil that God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. – 2 Timothy 2:21

So, if I want the Master to use me for every good work, I must prepare my heart and pray to Him; but, I cannot make myself clean. 1 John 1:9 says that if I confess that I have sinned, God is faithful and will forgive me, and He will purify me from my unrighteousness. So the key ingredient is not MY purity but HIS holiness. I love that!

PERSISTENCE – PATIENCE – PASSION – PRAYER – PURITY. These are what I need to have to prepare myself for all that He wants to do in and through me today. And this is what I need to do if I want to be bold for God — prepare myself for the moment when God is calling me to step forward and speak boldly.

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:12-14

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:14-36; Psalm 110

PETER STEPPED FORWARD.

After the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter stepped forward (Acts 2:14). Peter, the one who left his nets and followed Jesus (Matthew 4:20), the one who walked on the water toward Jesus but lost courage and began to sink (14:29), and also the one who denied him three times and then walked away — this same Peter was the first to step forward. He was no longer sinking in his faith, pulling out a sword to fight, or opening his mouth to say something foolish. Peter, when filled with the Spirit, was STEPPING FORWARD.

“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.” – Acts 2:22-24

GOD KNEW WHAT WAS AHEAD.

There are no surprises for God; He knows all and is not bound by time as we are. For us, tomorrow is a mystery, but there are no unknowns for God — no mysteries for our Lord. God knew the people would reject Jesus as God’s son and the promised Messiah. He knew they would cry out for His death and demand His crucifixion. But He already had a plan in place — a plan to resurrect Jesus from the dead. Peter pointed out that God revealed this plan to David long before Jesus was born.

“King David said this about him:
‘I see that the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises!
My body rests in hope.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.
You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

“Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn’t referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us.But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne. David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah’s resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave.

“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today…So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” – Acts 2:25-36

STEP FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE THAT GOD KNOWS WHAT IS AHEAD.

My prayer for all of us this morning is that we can STEP FORWARD into our day with confidence that God knows what is ahead for us. If He can conquer death, He can reign over any situation or challenge that comes our way. I pray that we, like King David, can see that the Lord is always with us. We will not be shaken for He is right beside us. May our hearts be glad, our tongues shout His praise, and our bodies rest in hope.

Precious Father, you have shown us the way of life — fill us today with joy in Your presence. May your Spirit BE LOUD in our life as we STEP FORWARD in faith. Amen.

The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.”
The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you.
He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts.
He will punish the nations
and fill their lands with corpses;
he will shatter heads over the whole earth.
But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way.
He will be victorious. – Psalm 110:1,5-7

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:14-2:13; Psalm 109 & 125

They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus. – Acts 1:14

As the followers of Jesus anticipated what was coming, they gathered together and united themselves in prayer. 120 believers came together and spent time seeking God. Their time in the presence of their risen Savior had turned their sorrow to joy; their time praying to their Heavenly Father had given them the peace they needed to look forward rather than looking back.

Peter recognized that there was someone missing from this body of believers. Judas had been one of them. They had spent three years doing life with their brother and they were feeling his absence, still stunned from his betrayal. But they made the choice not to wallow in self-pity or hold on to their anger. They chose to give it to God and move on.

Let his years be few; let someone else take his position. – Psalm 109:8

Peter stepped forward and suggested they fill this empty spot with someone who had been with them the whole time, from Jesus’ baptism until now. Two men were nominated and Matthias was chosen by the casting of lots to become an apostle with the other eleven (Acts 1:23-26).

Now that this business was taken care of, there was only one more thing to do — wait for the gift Jesus had promised would come. Jesus had given them clear instructions and they trusted him enough to obey his directives.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” – Acts 1:8a

Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit and described the result as the receiving of power. The book of Acts describes the Spirit’s entrance as a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm and like flames or tongues of fire. The sound was so loud that it was heard across Jerusalem and everyone came running to see what was going on.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE SPIRIT’S PRESENCE IN YOUR LIFE?

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.

But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” – Acts 2:1-13

LET’S GET LOUD!!!

The gift of the Holy Spirit is available for us today and could make a powerful difference in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Imagine the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives being so “loud” that people around us take notice. Imagine how God could use us if the Holy Spirit put the words in our mouths, so that those to whom we are witnessing or ministering could understand the message – not our message, but His. What if His presence in our lives hit a whole NEW VOLUME!

Today would be a great day to stop and consider the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and to ask God for a fresh infilling of His Spirit. To sit in our “upper room” and simply breathe in His presence and ask Him to empty us of all that is who we are and fill us with all that is Him.

Heavenly Father, fill us with your Spirit today. Give us a spirit of wisdom to direct our words and our actions. Give us a spirit of compassion to lead our hearts in the direction you pull. Empty us of our own selfish desires and give us a heart that beats for only you. May we be witnesses of your power in our lives today. Amen.

Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion;
they will not be defeated but will endure forever.
Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.
The wicked will not rule the land of the godly,
for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.
O Lord, do good to those who are good,
whose hearts are in tune with you.
But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O Lord.
Take them away with those who do evil. – Psalm 125:1-5a