Today’s Reading: James 2:8-20

Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.

For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So, if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. – James 2:8-13

Have you ever considered the concept of MERCY when discussing favoritism or the habit of judging other people? I think of mercy when I think of seeing someone in need and having pity on them, coming to their assistance. I think of mercy when I think of the need to forgive someone, regardless of whether or not they are asking for my forgiveness. But James is clearly using the concept of mercy while discussing our tendency to treat other people according to the standards WE set instead of loving them unconditionally.

MERCY SETS THE STANDARD WHEN…

Mercy is respecting where each person is coming from rather than judging or looking down on them. To truly love our neighbors we must stop thinking so highly of ourselves, accept each other through the eyes of our Creator, and have mercy. To truly love is to respond to someone else’s need – to go beyond accepting and put our faith into action.

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well” – but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith BY my good deeds.”

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless. – James 2:14-20

MERCY SETS THE STANDARD WHEN…

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10

Mercy and love should come naturally because of the work God is doing in our lives. Mercy should be an outflow of our faith or evidence of our faith. We can fall into a SALVATION BY WORKS mentality if we are not careful. We begin to say, “I need to try harder. I need to do better. I need to produce more fruit.” The danger in this is then we can say, “Look at these good works I accomplished for God. Look at the fruit of MY labor.”

Let us not forget the first 7 verses of John chapter 15 – God is the vine and we are the branches. It is remaining in Him that changes who we are and that change is evidenced in the life we live. Fruit is then a result of our relationship with God, daily remaining in His presence and allowing Him to work through us.

Romans 12:1 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.

When we become a living sacrifice, we are offering ourselves to God – utterly at His disposal – willing to be consumed by Him, desiring to be transformed by Him, set apart to be used by Him. Now mercy and love are a natural part of who we are because of whose we are. Now mercy sets the standards.

Today’s Reading: James 1:26-2:7

Today’s passage definitely requires that mirror we talked about yesterday. It is time to be honest and open with God – allowing His Spirit to speak to me as I read His word, willing to hear anything He might have to say.

MY RELIGION IS WORTHLESS WHEN…

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. – James 1:26-27

That’s good news for those of us who have given our lives for the pregnancy center ministry. That is what we do! We take care of orphans and widows:

– the babies whose fathers are forcing their mothers to make a choice between staying in the relationship and the life of their unborn child
– the women who are sexually active because they are searching for the love of a man, missing the love of their own father who has abandoned them physically or emotionally
– the men who don’t know how to be fathers because their father was never there for them
– the women who are raising children alone because the father is no longer around
– the women who chose abortion to keep the man but the man left them anyhow

Maybe you are thinking of the ways in which you reach out to orphans and widows in your community. That is good news for us then, right? But wait a second. Before we take too much pride in what God has called us to do or given us opportunity to do, there is more to this scripture.

MY RELIGION IS WORTHLESS WHEN…

James says that our religion is worthless if we cannot keep a tight rein on our tongue. Ouch! We don’t serve a God who is looking for more good works than sinful deeds. Our religion is not one where we just need to make sure the good outweighs the bad. We serve a God who is calling us to holiness – to a Spirit-filled life that guides both our actions and our words.

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?

For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor” – well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? – James 2:1-7

MY RELIGION IS WORTHLESS WHEN…

Humans have a tendency to treat people differently – preference, prejudice, favor, stereotyping, assumptions, racism. If someone possesses something we esteem, we are naturally drawn to them. That could be physical beauty, clothing, designer shoes or purses, athleticism, jewelry, talent, celebrity status, intelligence, money, or a dynamic personality. It is all favoritism and it is all sin, and my guess is we are all guilty.

Listen my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? – James 2:5

Over and over again, scripture shows that those who are poor by the world’s standards are more easily drawn toward God. Because they have less to hold on to, they tend to trust God with more of their life.

I don’t want my religion to be worthless. Lord, please fill me with your Spirit today. Give me the strength to listen to your Spirit’s leading and hold back any words that are not pleasing to you. May my mouth be an instrument for you today and not a tool for the devil. Lord, bring the words of James to my mind today when I am faced with an opportunity to let the Spirit guide me. May I trust you with more and hang on to less! Amen.

Today’s Reading: James 1:19-25

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith and don’t show it by your actions? – James 2:14a

This powerful question speaks loudly throughout James’ letter to the Jews. It’s heartbreaking to say you believe in God but then live out a life absent of God’s presence, but how often are we caught in that kind of moment?

HOW OFTEN DO OUR ACTIONS AND WORDS REPRESENT THE SELFISHNESS LIVING INSIDE OF US INSTEAD OF THE SAVIOR LIVING OUT THROUGH US?

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. – James 1:19-21

God’s plan is to fill us with His words – to speak into us the word of truth. But first we must rid ourselves of the things that drown out His words or that use up available space that is meant to be filled with His gifts.

I think I need to make room in my life for the good things that God has for me. It’s time for some spring cleaning!

— There are some unnecessary attitudes and anger that I need to stop storing in order to make me feel justified. I need to rid myself of this moral filth so that God can gift me with peace and the ability to forgive.

— There are some habits in my life that I need to rid myself of – habits that give me pleasure or make me feel good when God wants me to go to Him for pleasure, for my self-esteem, for joy.

— There are some things I put into my body to give me energy and keep me going, when God wants to be the giver of the gift of stamina and drive and purpose.

— There are some lies that I tend to believe – lies I need to stop listening to so that I can clearly hear the voice of God speaking the truth into my heart.

— Time is a gift from God – a good and perfect gift. There are some things in my life that waste my time. I need to clear my schedule and stop telling God that I don’t have time for…that I just cannot…that I’m too busy…

WHAT IS GOD ASKING YOU TO GET RID OF SO THAT HE CAN FILL YOU TO OVERFLOWING?

Is there anger that God is asking you to let go of? Is He calling you to be quick to listen and slow to speak? Any filth or bad habits you need to get rid of? Are there lies you are holding onto that are keeping God’s truth from fully transforming you? Any schedule clearing you need to do in order to make room for what God is calling you to do?

So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like GLANCING at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you LOOK CAREFULLY into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. – James 1:21-25

The study of God’s word is a wonderful thing. Spending time each day in God’s presence is vital. The question is whether or not we allow God’s words and his teachings to change who we are and how we live. If I faithfully study the Bible and I daily write “My Morning Coffee” but I don’t allow it to change who I am and what I do, then I am simply a student and not a servant.

I am reminded this morning that my study of the scriptures needs to include more than a cup of coffee, it needs to include a mirror. When I look in the mirror, I need to see who God created me to be – the life He intended for me. When I walk away from the mirror, I cannot forget who I am in Christ. I want to be satisfied with nothing less than fulfilling God’s purpose for my life.

Today’s Reading: James 1:9-18

James starts out his letter encouraging his readers to have faith and endurance in the midst of troubles – to see difficult times as an opportunity for faith to grow and endurance to develop. He is still talking about this when he begins to talk about the rich and the poor.

Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. – James 1:9

Is James telling us we should take pride in our humble circumstances? No, he is telling us we should be humble no matter what our circumstances. The only time to boast is when we are boasting about what God is doing in our lives. James is saying that even those in humble circumstances can boast about the wonderful things God is doing in their lives. We do not need the riches of the world, we need the blessings of our Father.

And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away with all of their achievements. – James 1:10-11

James is speaking of those who place their confidence in their riches, or who look to their finances to provide help when trouble comes instead of looking to God. They look to the things of this world that will fade away and wither, instead of trusting in God who is eternal.

God does not promise riches to those who have faith in Him, but He has blessed many believers with great riches. Whether God chooses to give us access to many material blessings or few, He wants us to trust in Him more than anything we can place our hands on. Whatever He has blessed us with, big or little, is His to use for His purposes. He wants access to all that we have so that we can embrace Him with empty hands.

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12

I find it interesting that this verse follows the section about the rich and the poor. How often does our financial situation tempt us to place our faith in money instead of God? We are tempted with the thought that our problems will be solved if only God will give us more material blessings. And when He does bless us financially, is He tempting us to get caught up in worldly treasures? James settles that question clearly in the next verse.

And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. – James 1:13-15

Imagine the analogy of a fish being caught on a hook. All is good and then the fish’s attention is drawn to something that looks pleasing — something dangling from a hook. The fish is not thinking about the danger of the hook but of the temporary pleasure of the worm. The fish has the choice to swim away from the temptation or to latch onto it. The latter results in the fish being pulled in a direction it never intended to go. Temptation comes from our own sinful desires. When we choose to pursue what our flesh desires, we take the chance that the temptation will drag us into sinful actions. As we allow sin a place in our lives, it gives birth to death. But don’t be misled! Don’t be enticed and don’t let temptation drag you into places of sin.

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. – James 1:16-18

Our God never changes. He is good and He is holy today, and He will be good and He will be holy tomorrow. We never have to question if He loves us. We are His prized possession and He longs for us to love Him in this same way. In good times and bad, have faith in Him. Whether you have little or much, trust in Him. Don’t let any situation, earthly possession, or temptation draw your attention away from the One who calls you His prized possession.

Father, thank you for loving us with that kind of love! Thank you for the abundance you provide for us every day as we live the life you have given us. May we always be satisfied with your provisions and may we always be thankful for your generosity. Help us to WAIT on you, the God who never changes or casts a shifting shadow, for all we want and all we need. Amen.

Today’s Reading: James 1:1-8

Around the time of Paul’s first missionary journey, followers of Jesus began writing letters to the believers scattered across the region. James, the brother of Jesus, wrote a short letter packed full of inspiration for us today. It is one of my favorite books of the Bible.

James opens up his letter with a short introduction of himself. Have you ever had to introduce yourself or write your own bio? It is not easy to do. Out of all the different ways James could have described himself, he chose slave or servant (1:1). Not brother, not blood relation, not childhood playmate – but servant.

My heart resonates with James’ description of himself. I desire to be completely sold-out to God — a servant willing to do whatever God asks of me. I choose to recognize Jesus as my Lord or my Master, not just my Christ or my Savior. I recognize that it is through his blood that I kneel before him forgiven and with a hope and peace that are precious gifts from God Himself.

WHEN TROUBLE COMES YOUR WAY

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. – James 1:2

Wow! When trouble comes my way, consider it as an opportunity for great joy. When things are going wrong, I should consider it an “opportunity” and not a burden. When problems are unresolved, I should look at the good that can come from it instead of dwelling on the trouble it is creating.

WHEN YOUR FAITH IS TESTED

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So LET IT GROW, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. – James 1:3-4

An opportunity…a chance…needing nothing. When it seems like all is going wrong and my faith is being tested, I can focus on the positive – that something good can come of this difficulty. I can see my circumstances as an opportunity to build endurance or perseverance. And when endurance is fully developed, when I am growing fully in Christ, I can rest in the knowledge that my life is perfect (all that God intended it to be).

WHEN YOU NEED WISDOM

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. – James 1:5-8

Sometimes I lack wisdom. Sometimes the way I handle a situation causes me to regret my actions before the day is even over – sometimes before the words are even out of my mouth. Apologies are made and I seek God for forgiveness. My GENEROUS God hears my cry for wisdom and He answers it. He forgives me and is willing to give me wisdom, if only I will ask for it.

WHEN YOU START TO DOUBT

The problem is that my lack of wisdom yesterday can cause me to doubt today. Been there? I get discouraged that I have once again blown it. I begin to wonder if I will ever get it right. It is in those moments that I need to remember where my help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2).

“…we bring all that WE are to all that HE is and all that we NEED to all He can GIVE…” – Beth Moore [Mercy Triumphs, p.51]

I love that! When I am so sick of myself and so frustrated that I am not getting it right, again, I can take all that I am (as pitiful as it may be) to all that He is (holy, righteous and good). He can transform me into the person He needs me to be, giving me the wisdom I need to grow up fully in Him. I can ask my GENEROUS God for wisdom, in absolute confidence that He will give it to me.

Here I am again, Lord, looking back at yesterday, discouraged that I am not as mature as I long to be. I am reminded by your brother, James, that you will give me what I need. Lord, I need wisdom. I ask you to empty me of all that is me, and fill me with all that is you. Generous God, please give me wisdom and continue to grow me fully in You so that I can be ALL that You intend for me to be. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for continuing to work in me, building patient endurance each time my faith is tested. I choose to LET IT GROW. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Acts 13-14

While spending time worshiping the Lord and fasting, the early Church heard from God through the Holy Spirit. They were told to dedicate Barnabas and Saul (now known as Paul) to the special work God had for them. The next two chapters of Acts describe Barnabas and Paul’s first missionary journey from Antioch. Their experience varied from town to town and so did the response. When they arrived in Paphos, Paul and Barnabas met with the governor, Sergius Paulus.

Sometimes there are barriers or distractions in our lives preventing us from fully trusting in God. In the case of the governor, it was a Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus who was keeping him from finding faith in Jesus. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, identified the man for what he was — a tool of the devil and an enemy. Instantly mist and darkness came over his eyes and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him. The distraction was silenced and the governor became a believer for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord (Acts 13:6-12).

Sometimes we face DISTRACTIONS on our journey.

Next they ended up in Antioch of Pisidia, where they were invited to give a word of encouragement for the people during the weekly service in the synagogue. Paul reminded them of the history of Israel and how Jesus fulfilled many prophecies, how he was condemned instead of recognized and how God raised him from the dead.

“Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God…” – Acts 13:38-39

Paul’s message was accepted and they were invited to stay for another week. The Gentiles were thankful for these missionaries and many became believers. Opposition arose, however, among the Jews and a mob ran Paul and Barnabas out of town. So they shook the dust off of their feet and went on to Iconium.

Sometimes we face OPPOSITION on our journey.

The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God’s message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders. – Acts 14:1-3

Paul and Barnabas experienced opposition again in Iconium, yet instead of moving on, they stayed. Sometimes in the face of opposition, the Holy Spirit leads us to WALK AWAY and sometimes he tells us to STAY; yet sometimes he directs us to FLEE. That is what Paul and Barnabas did next when a mob of both Gentiles and Jews threatened to attack and stone them.

Sometimes we face PERSECUTION on our journey.

They went on to Lystra and Derbe and preached the good news there instead. The reaction at first was quite the opposite as the people tried to make Paul and Barnabas into gods to worship. Paul quickly cleared up the confusion letting them know they were merely humans there to bring the Good News (14:15). Then troublemakers arrived, stirring up the crowds against them. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. So what did Paul do this time? Did he shake the dust off his feet and leave? Did he choose to stay or did he flee? As the believers gathered around the injured apostle, he rose to his feet and went back into the town.

The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe, where he made many disciples. Paul and Barnabas stopped by Lystra, Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia on their way home from this long journey. They had one more message to convey using the example of their own lives — a reminder that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God (14:22).

Sometimes we face SUFFERING on our journey.

This is a good reminder for us today. God has called each of us to a special purpose. He promises to be with us but He does not promise that our journey will be without distractions, opposition, persecution and sometimes suffering. He has given us the Holy Spirit who will show us what to do when these problems arise. He might lead us to walk away or He may call us to stay. He might warn us to flee from the enemy or He may give us the strength to get up on our feet and go back.

I am so thankful for His direction and strength in any and every situation. I praise Him and thank Him for the wisdom He gives us to know how and when to respond. As long as we continue to worship and fast and remain close to God, He will communicate to us through His Spirit. Praise God!

Today’s Reading: Acts 12

I studied the tendencies of two men this morning as I drank my coffee – Peter the Apostle and Herod the King. Peter was highly esteemed and respected in the early Church among both Jewish and Gentile believers. King Herod was well liked among the Jewish leaders, gaining their favor for his persecution of the early Christians and his order to kill the apostle James with a sword.

When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter (This took place during the Passover Celebration.) Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. – Acts 12:3-4

HEROD LOVED RECEIVING PRAISE AND ATTENTION

Herod was SO pleased with the praise and attention he received for himself when he put the apostle James to death that he craved more attention. How could he top this one? Perhaps by arresting an even more popular apostle, one who had already been arrested at one point but had escaped. If he could arrest Peter, he could accomplish what others could not! He would arrest Peter and put so many guards on him that it would be impossible for him to escape this time.

Consider the timing of Peter’s arrest. Herod wanted the attention of as many of the Jewish people as possible so he arrested Peter during the Jewish Passover celebration with the intent of bringing him to public trial right after the Passover. Sound familiar? At the same time the traditional Passover lamb was to be slain, Jesus was crucified. If the Jewish people wanted a blood sacrifice to save them, Herod would give it to them through the death of Peter.

The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.

So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron-gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.

Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!” – Acts 12:6-11

Imagine what this experience must have been like for Peter. I picture him standing in the middle of the dark street; all is quiet as everyone is already in their homes for the night. He is standing there in confusion thinking, “Did that really just happen?!!” As reality sinks in, I imagine a big smile coming across Peter’s face as tears of joy begin to fill his eyes. I picture Peter raising his arms towards heaven and thanking the God who loved him THAT much. At some point, I wonder if Peter thought, “I have to tell everyone! The church needs to know how faithful God is!”

PETER POINTED THE ATTENTION OF OTHERS TOWARDS GOD AND GAVE HIM PRAISE

While Peter was in prison, the church was earnestly praying for him (12:5). Peter went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many believers were gathered for prayer. Imagine their shock when they opened the door and saw Peter standing there. Scripture says they were AMAZED. Peter motioned for them to quiet down and then told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. He was quick to let them know that his escape was not about him but about God, not by his strength but by God’s power, mercy and grace! (Acts 12:12-17)

In contrast, Herod was in Caesarea, dressed in royal robes and sitting on his throne. A delegation of people trying to win his favor from Tyre and Sidon were his audience and he was making a grand speech. The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!” Just the attention and glory he craved! But God has never been impressed with man’s need for pride or our tendency to soak in the glory of men’s praise.

Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died. – Acts 12:23

HOW MUCH DOES GOD HATE OUR PRIDE?

How angry does God get when we crave the attention and praise of others? Consider this – Herod killed the apostle James, whom God loved very much, and nothing happened. Herod arrested Peter with the intent to bring him to trial and God rescued Peter without bringing physical harm to Herod. Herod accepted the praise of men when they worshipped him as if he was a god and God struck Herod with a sickness that would lead to a painful and miserable death.

Oh great and wonderful God, only you are worthy of our praise and glory today and forevermore! Forgive us for our moments of satisfaction and pride in ourselves. May we crave only your attention and may you be pleased with our humility and service to you today. We love you! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Acts 10 & 11

GOD DOES NOT SHOW FAVORITISM

Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean…I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right…” – Acts 10:28, 34-35

Peter, like all Jewish young men, had grown up with the false idea that Gentiles were impure – that God’s plan of salvation was only for the Jewish people. It took a vision from God to wake Peter up to the truth. It took God Himself revealing His love for all people for Peter to understand that God does not show favoritism. There are a few things I noticed about Peter’s experience.

GOD SPOKE TO PETER WHILE PETER WAS PRAYING TO HIM

If we want to hear from God, we need to spend time with Him. Peter had gone up on the roof to pray. It was during this time of separating himself and spending time with God in prayer that God was able to reveal to him some erroneous thinking that needed corrected.

The vision was of a large sheet being let down from the sky, full of all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. This group of animals included those that the Jewish people considered unclean and were forbidden to eat. Imagine Peter’s confusion when, in the vision, God told Peter to get up and eat the animals.

Peter’s reaction: “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.” God’s correction: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” – Acts 10:14-15

SOMETIMES GOD HAS TO TELL US SOMETHING MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE WE GET IT

This vision from God was repeated three times and still Peter did not get it. The Holy Spirit told Peter to go downstairs and leave with the three men God had sent. These men took him to the home of Cornelius, a Roman officer – a devout and God-fearing man but also a Gentile. This journey helped Peter to finally understand that he was no longer to call one of God’s children unclean.

Peter preached the Good News to Cornelius, as well as to his household and friends, and the Holy Spirit came upon all of them. Peter and the Jewish believers with him were amazed that God’s gift of the Holy Spirit was being poured out on the Gentiles also.

DON’T ARGUE WITH GOD

When God’s presence is obvious in the lives of others, don’t look for reasons to criticize or exclude them. Then Peter asked, “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” (Acts 10:47)

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK

When Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, he was criticized by the Jewish believers. Instead of weakening from their pressure, Peter told them what God had revealed to him and of how the Holy Spirit had filled the Gentile believers. As a result, the Jewish believers stopped objecting and began praising God, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life” (Acts 11:18).

PETER’S ACTIONS HELPED ELIMINATE DISCRIMINATION

If Peter had not stood up for what he knew was right, the beliefs of others would not have changed. Because he was bold for Christ, their understanding of God’s love for EVERYONE led to the sending of missionaries to the Gentiles for the express purpose of their salvation. They went from seeing the Gentiles as unclean to seeing their need for a Savior and investing in their salvation.

Two of these missionaries were Barnabas and Paul. They stayed in Tarsus for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. And it was in Antioch that these new Gentile believers were first called Christians. Wait – the best part is coming! These new Gentile believers heard the predictions by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. The believers generously sent relief to their new brothers and sisters in Christ in Judea. I love it! Those who were once victims of racism are now making a difference in the lives of those who used to treat them unkindly. What a great example of love, grace and mercy. Sometimes God teaches us things and corrects our wrong thinking, not just for the benefit of others, but also as part of a bigger plan to save us.

DO WE SHOW FAVORITISM?

Our God is complex and He is generous. He shows no favoritism. Do we? He does not look down on groups of people because of their ethnicity or background or sin; instead, He loves them. Do we?

“Any form of superiority based on any conceived or constructed identity is inconsistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ…One cannot call themselves a follower of the One who died on the cross for the salvation of all humankind – regardless of what they look like, what color their skin is or where they’ve come from – and call themselves a follower of that Savior and Messiah. It’s inconceivable and it is not in any way consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ.” – Rev. Jeff Stark

Lord, give us a heart that loves others like you love them. Help us to show our love for you through our actions towards those around us. Help us never to buy into the lies of racism, cooperate with discrimination or be drawn towards favoritism. Give us eyes to see as you see and a heart that beats in rhythm with yours! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Acts 9:32-43

PAUL THE PREACHER

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, EVEN THOUGH I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. – 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Saul has a huge story to tell after his conversion. Saul’s testimony is extreme and God used him in powerful ways EVEN THOUGH his past was full of regrets. But what about those of us who do not have a big story to share, whose transformation was still very real, yet less dramatic?

AENEAS THE PARALYTIC

Meanwhile, Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in the town of Lydda. There he met a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly. Then the whole population of Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas walking around, and they turned to the Lord. – Acts 9:32-35

His story was not about what a wicked man he was, but about how he had suffered. The same God of mercy who forgave Paul and then used his story also had mercy on this unfortunate man and used his healing to turn two towns to the Lord.

TABITHA THE SEAMSTRESS

Consider Tabitha the Seamstress (also known as Dorcas). Tabitha was a good person. She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. She made clothing for others and cared deeply for them. Her life was a stark contrast to Paul’s history of making life miserable for others. Two people with two very different backgrounds, both in need of the mercy of God and the salvation available through faith in Jesus Christ.

About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, “Please come as soon as possible!”

So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive. The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord. – Acts 9:37-42

5 people, 5 different stories – all used by God in the lives of other people:

— Stephen gave his life and the result was the scattering of the believers, which brought about the widespread of the gospel.

— Philip obeyed the Lord and the Ethiopian eunuch was saved, possibly changing the lives of many people as the eunuch returned to Ethiopia with an understanding of the gospel.

— Paul changed his ways and began one of the strongest evangelistic ministries in history.

— Aeneas simply allowed God to take his story of suffering and use it for His glory and the salvation of others.

— Tabitha’s reputation as a good and selfless person caused people to care enough about her death that her resurrection ended up changing their lives forever.

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

Don’t let anyone tell you that your story isn’t powerful enough to make a difference in someone else’s life. Don’t let anyone tell you that your sin is too great for God’s grace. Do not convince yourself that you don’t have a story or that God would never use you. In fact, He plans to use you today. Are you ready? Are you willing?

Today’s Reading: Acts 9:1-31

The first two verses of Acts 9 show us just how vile a man Saul was. We know Saul witnessed the death of Stephen, agreeing completely with the stoning. Now we see the level at which he is participating in the persecution of those who believe in Jesus.

BELIEVERS FEARED SAUL

Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them – both men and women – back to Jerusalem in chains. – Acts 9:1-2

This man was evil. His heart was full of hatred and an eagerness to protect Jewish law to the extent that he was willing to see the followers of Jesus die. He not only wanted it, he wanted to be the one to do it. Hopefully this paints a picture that explains just how much the believers in the early Church would have feared Saul. But God was not afraid of Saul. He loved him and had a plan for his life. Saul was in pursuit of the Christians but God was in pursuit of him!

GOD PURSUED SAUL

As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. – Acts 9:3-9

ANANIAS WENT TO SAUL

Imagine Ananias’ fear when God spoke to him in a vision telling him to go and lay his hands on Saul. After hearing terrible things about this man and his plans, Ananias now was being commissioned by God to go to Saul, heal him, baptize him and help him receive the Spirit. Because he chose to obey God instead of reacting to his own emotions, Ananias played a key role in the conversion of Saul from a villain to an instrument to take God’s message to the Gentiles and to Kings, as well as to the people of Israel (Acts 9:15).

BARNABAS STOOD IN THE GAP FOR SAUL

Things were not automatically easy for Saul. The believers were still afraid of him, not trusting his motives or conversion. The Jews who had been delighted in Saul’s plan to persecute Christians were now angry with him and plotting to kill him. Like Ananias, another man stood in the gap for Saul. Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them of Saul’s conversion and the way in which he had been preaching boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

Ananias responded to God in obedience and God used him in the life of Saul. Barnabas stood beside this new believer, supporting the call he had received from God to preach the gospel. Because these two men were willing to be used by God and to mentor Saul in his first steps as a new Christian, the entire Church benefited and many more became believers.

The church had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers. – Acts 9:31

ARE WE GOING TO HIDE FROM OUR VILLAINS OR PURSUE THEM?

So what will God do with our obedience today? Who does God want us to come alongside and what will be the long-term results of our willingness to be used by God? Are we going to choose our ministry today or allow God to direct our paths? Are we going to hide from our villains or pursue them in love?

God, give us eyes to see those around us as YOU see them. Help us to see even the vilest offender as someone you love and whom you are pursuing for your purposes. Use us, Oh Lord!

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood / To every believer the promise of God / The vilest offender who truly believes / That moment from Jesus a pardon receives / Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice! / Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice! / Oh come to the Father, through Jesus the Son / And give Him the glory, great things He hath done. [To God Be the Glory, Frances J. Crosby, 1875]