Saturday, June 27, 2015

Saturday, June 27, 2015

[by Keesha Sullivan]

Even Paul, one of the greatest evangelists of all time, became discouraged at times. The people flogged, beat, stoned, and cursed Paul. Most times, Paul retained his courage and determination. He, mostly, "count[ed] it all joy... when [he met] trials of various kinds, for [he knew] that the testing of [his] faith [produced] steadfastness" (James 1:2-3 ESV). He knew how to run the race, and he did it extremely well. 

After testifying and preaching exclusively to the Jews in Corinth that Jesus Christ is Lord, they openly opposed him and became exceedingly abusive. This infuriated Paul. He stated, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles" ( Acts 18:6 NIV). He had finally got fed up and lost the courage that he had once held. 

The Lord saw Paul's pain, hurt, and fear. He knew that Paul was ready to give up and throw in the towel. "One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city" (Acts 18: 9-10 NIV).The Lord gave Paul what he needed; God gave Paul a word of encouragement that would boost his confidence. He wanted Paul to go back into the fiery storm with the same, if not more, courage and boldness. He also desired for Paul to know, "I am with you" and I have your back.

Seeing Paul at his lowest point reassured me that we all fall into discouragement at times. It also convinced me that the Lord sees us when we go through. He knows when we are ready to buckle under the pressure. In those moments of our weakness, God always speaks, and He is always there. These are the promises of His Word and He always keeps His promises. "God is not a man, that he should lie…" (Numbers 23:19 KJV).

Lord, I know many of my brothers and sisters are going through really tough times right now. I know that many of them are struggling through trials that are wearing them down. They are going through times that make them feel as though they are ready to give up. Please open our spiritual ears as well as our spiritual eyes so that we may hear and see you more clearly. Help us to remember that You truly never leave us nor forsake us, especially in our times of need. In Jesus Name, Amen! 

June 26

Acts 17 

 

"For in him we live and move and have our being." As some of your own poets have said, "We are his offspring."                               Acts 17:28

 

If you want to know what a nation believes about God, listen to their music, watch their movies and read their poetry. Their view of God will be revealed in these cultural art forms. Paul understood this principle and engaged it when he debated the scholars on Mars Hill. He recognized to reach the Athenians he had to use their culture, their language and their history. So he quotes one of their poets. This is absolutely brilliant. By boldly using this quote he shattered their philosophy that God was impersonal and distant from his creation. Paul reasons, that since we are his offspring, and since we are personal, then God must be a personal God. As a personal God every person on earth is ultimately subject to His rule and sovereignty.

 

The lesson for us in 2015 is that for us to effectively reach our post Christian generation we must use current cultural issues to open up conversations about Jesus. We must be familiar with current poems, songs, movies, TV shows, and newspaper articles to open the door to spiritual conversations. This requires us to do double the homework. We must study the Word of God as well as the cultural trends of our day.

 

I have a personal preference to ask questions to engage people in spiritual conversations. Here is a list of questions you can use to start conversations. You can also find all of these questions in current movies, songs, poetry and literature.

 

1. Is there good and evil in the universe?    

2. How does one know what is good and evil?

3. How would you define what truth is?

4. Where does morality come from?

5. Do you believe there is such a thing as evil? If so, what is it?

6. What do you believe about the Bible?

7. How did you come to this conclusion?

8. Is there more to this universe than what meets the eye?

9. Do you believe in the existence of God?

10. What would constitute sufficient evidence for God's existence?

11. Who in your opinion is Jesus?

12. How did you arrive at this conclusion?

13. Why are you alive?

14. Does your life matter?

15. Does your life have purpose?

16. How do you view yourself?

17. What place does the cross have in your life?

18. What do you count as significant?

19. What are the three top priorities in your life?

20. What legacy will you leave in life?

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, June 25

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

2 Kings 8:1–9:13

Acts 16:16–40

Psalm 143: 1–12

Proverbs 17:26

 

 

In today’s reading from Acts, we may observe Paul’s several approaches to authority, both worldly and spiritual.

 

In this passage and others, Paul willingly submits to the ruling authorities, even when their conduct impinges on the Gospel.  In Romans 13:1, Paul summarized this godly attitude towards “the powers that be”:  “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  The authorities that exist have been established by God.”  Since God had sovereignly established these governing authorities, Paul trusted in God’s direction in advocating adherence to these authorities.  Peter argued for similar godly submission under ruling authorities.

 

In 2013, Reza Aslan gathered significant attention with his book Zealot, which argued that Jesus actually followed in a “rebellious” tradition and imagined himself as one to overthrow the Roman authority.  It also contends that Jesus’s disciples took a similar tack.  The book does not ring true with Biblical accounts, however, as Jesus Himself righteously submitted to Pilate’s authority, suggesting it had emanated from God’s own design.  The One Who fulfilled both the Law and the Prophets had come under authority, and His perfect obedience became the basis for the Christ-follower’s righteousness.  Jesus did revolutionize the Jewish conception of the Messiah as a conquering king; instead, He opened the door to the Kingdom of God and promises to return to bring the fullness of the Kingdom to its ultimate fruition.  Jesus’s disciples, led of course by Peter and Paul, urged submission to the governing authorities and willingly faced persecution and death as martyrs.

 

Yet, despite Paul’s submission to these governing authorities, he will call upon his Roman citizenship as a means of bringing his case ultimately before Caesar.  He strategically and wisely wishes to bring legitimacy for Christ-followers by demonstrating how the Way did not conflict with Roman authority.  His citizenship, granted through his birth in Tarsus, protected him from unjust imprisonment and guaranteed a hearing with Caesar’s courts, once he implored for this treatment.  The remainder of Acts will trace the course of Paul’s multiple imprisonments and his ultimate transfer to Roman house arrest, where he had opportunity to share the Gospel quite freely and boldly.  Acts itself marks an arc of expanding penetration for the Gospel:  first in Jerusalem, then in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, including, quite importantly, Rome.

 

In addition, we find Paul’s calling on spiritual authority in countering demons and joyfully singing hymns in prison.  While he did indeed face trouble from worldly powers, Paul recognized that the advance of the Kingdom would come through a spiritual battle, not a worldly one.  For this reason, he explained how we might become ready for this battle:  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

 

Standing on the testimony of God’s Word and revelation, Paul did indeed take up this spiritual battle.  He mustered joy by remembering God’s promises and trusting in them wholeheartedly.  He followed the pattern of Abraham, the pattern of all God’s faithful ones throughout history:  He believed God, and “it was credited to him as righteousness.”  Paul encourages us to take a similar viewpoint, both for salvation’s purposes and for the spiritual battle:  “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:20,21)

 

 

Father God, I pray that you may strengthen us in faith so that we may give glory to You.  Reveal more of Yourself to us through Your Word and through prayer so that we too may become fully persuaded that You have power to do what You have promised.  Strengthen us for the daily battle with Your armor.  Give us courage to stand boldly for You, even in the face of opposition, name-calling, or rejection.  Send us Your Holy Spirit so that we too may be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.  To Your Name be all power, honor, and glory.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

________________________________________
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June 24

Psalm 142


I have never been in a cave hiding from someone who was trying to kill me like David was when he wrote this Psalm.  I have, however, been in circumstances where I felt stuck between a rock and a hard place.  I think that's why this Psalm spoke to my heart.  David cries, prays, pours out his heart, and declares his distress to the only One who he knew could help him - God.  To me those were powerful and visual words to describe when we are at the end of our road and totally depending on God to save us.  "When my spirit faints within me, then you know my path" (v.3)  The Hebrew word for spirit in this verse is "ruwach" - meaning breath.  I think David realizes that when his physical capacity has taken him to the end of his road only Gods spirit within him will lead him. I believe that's what makes his Psalms so appealing to us - David doesn't pray with a plan "B" in mind - he knows there's only God.  "I cried to You, O Jehovah, I said You are my refuge ,my portion in the land of the living" (Interlinear Bible v.5)  I found so much hope and comfort in this.  Like David, when we can also call out to God in those times of desperation. His promise is that He will never leave or forsake us (Duet. 31:6,8 Heb. 13:5).  And when He brings our soul out from prison (v.7), to Him be all the praise, glory and honor.  Lord we thank you for loving us.  You are our portion and we cry out to You. As you continue to work through each situation in our lives and Your spirit, Your Ruwach, sustains us and carries us, we continue to give You all the praise.  I lift up my brothers and sisters to You this morning Lord and pray in Jesus' Name.





Randi

June 22: Easy things for Him to do...

2 Kings 3:1-4:17

Acts 14:8-28

Psalm 140:1-13

Proverbs 17:22

Have you ever been at the end of your rope, brimming with frustration and failure, bereft of the strength to go any further on the journey you were convinced God had planned for you? The kings of Israel, Judah and Edom found themselves in that situation when, after 7 days' march to attack Moab, they found themselves without food or water, neither for themselves nor for their animals.  It is worth noting that, while the king of Israel claims the Lord called them to this action, there is no evidence of such.  In fact, the king of Israel "did evil in the eyes of the Lord" and "clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat".  

You know what's amazing, though?  Through Elisha, God heard their prayer, saw their need, and provided for them.  They needed water and where they were there was neither rain nor river - and yet God provided them with pools, with a valley filled with water to drink.  And "this is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord".  And as a bonus, God threw in victory over Moab.  All this, when they were helpless, their situation hopeless.

I've found myself in this situation often, either because I've gone ahead at something without His direction, or I've convinced myself that the inoffensiveness of my actions warranted God's support.  The amazing thing is this: however dire the straits I put myself in as a result of my disconnection with God, there is nothing He cannot save me from - nothing that isn't "an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord".  And He is able to take the defeat I face and, in ways I could not possibly understand nor anticipate, turn it into victory.  I need to remember that, that my heart might remain cheerful and good medicine, that I might not suffer a crushed spirit that dries up the bones.  

When He does that, however, unlike those who proclaimed that Paul and Barnabas were Hermes and Zeus, may I recognize His work and give Him the glory.  

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Saturday, June 17, 2015

by Kenneth and Keesha Sullivan

What does it mean to be a man or a woman after God's own heart? How can we attain this name for ourselves? King David was known for this title. In fact hundreds of years after David's death, the apostle Paul still referred to him in this manner. As Paul spoke to the men of Israel and the Gentiles who worshipped God, he highlighted God testifying that "David son of Jesse [was] a man after [His] own heart; he [did] everything that [He] wanted him to do" (Acts 13: 22).

Chuck Swindoll puts it this way: "[Being a man or woman after God's own heart] means your life is in harmony with the Lord. What is important to Him is important to you. What burdens Him burdens you. When He says, "Go to the right," you go to the right. When He says, "Stop that in your life," you stop it. When He says, "This is wrong and I want you to change," you come to terms with it because you have a heart for God. When you are a man or woman after God's heart, you are deeply sensitive to spiritual things."

David possessed two attributes, which stood out in his life: his loving relationship/harmony with the Father and his incredible obedience to God.  However, the relationship that David had with the Father was the fuel for his obedience. I would suggest that David was not obedient to God simply out of a sense of duty, but because of love for the relationship. Consider these words from the prophet Samuel:  "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."  (1 Samuel 15:22)  David wanted to bring delight and joy to God's heart, so his love for God drove Him to obey.  His love for God motivated his songs and psalms and everything that he did for the Lord.  Yes, David was not perfect - he made his share of mistakes.  But, even David's sorrow for his sins was motivated by love.  He was a man driven ultimately by his relationship with God.  And that's God's heart!  Since the beginning of time, God has been driven by the pursuit of a relationship with His creation – us.  

We love You, Father, and we want to be more in love with You! Help us to become men and women after Your own heart, that are relentless in our pursuit of You, that find joy in bringing You joy. Help us to become completely Yours in spirit and action. We desire to be in harmony with You. We want to heed everything You tell us to do. May our thoughts, actions, and desires be focused on pleasing You. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen!

June 19

Psalm 137

Today in our Psalm we reviewed a brief history of the journey of the Jews. It is not a pretty picture. Time after time they turned their backs on God until the decline was so radical that God said, "Enough." It is sad that we constantly think we know better than God. We still do it today. This constant turning away from God always leads to bondage. Psalm 137 paints an idyllic picture of people gathered together at a picnic by a beautiful river in Babylon. But there is no joy found in this picnic. They are reflecting on how far they have fallen as a people, just how far they are from God's blessing. You can hear them ask this question, "Why were we so stupid to ignore the Word of the Lord?"

The psalmist recalled that Babylonians would ask them for songs of joy. But their grief was so great that even the singers were silent. The exiles hung their harps on poplar trees for they could not sing their songs about their homeland when they felt such great sorrow.

The lesson here is that it is difficult to sing when we are overwhelmed with sorrow, guilt or despair. Singing seems to spring from our heart, and when our heart is weighed down it is difficult, it is impossible, to raise a song from it. The pain of our soul will squelch the song in our heart.

But there is something we can do to overcome this sorrowful songlessness. BELIEVE...  believe the Word of God, believe that he can restore us, believe that when we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us. Faith is the only antidote to songlessness.

No day of my life has ever passed that has not proven me guilty in the sight of my Holy God. Even on my best day, my best services are filthy rags. But it isn't about my sin, it is about his amazing grace. A grace so wonderful, so boundless, that it can cover over all of my shortcomings. This is what we need to sing about every day of our lives. Not a song about our guilt, but a song about his pardon. Not a song about our sin, but a song about his cleansing.

So this is our homework assignment…. Sing a song… do it right now.

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, June 18

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

1 Kings 19:1–21

Acts 12:1–23

Psalm 136: 1–26

Proverbs 17:14,15

 

 

After God’s great triumphs through embarrassing the prophets of Baal and bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles, Elijah and Peter might reasonably have reached the mountaintop of faith.  Immediately thereafter, however, Elijah and Peter both faced persecution, ironically both from the Jewish leaders who traced their authority to God’s sovereign choice.

 

God’s servants throughout the ages have faced persecution at the hands of earthly and spiritual principalities.  For just a few examples, please consider the stories of Moses, Jeremiah, Daniel, Stephen, Peter, and Paul.  To my mind, this reality only reinforces the veracity of the Gospel:  those who have chosen to follow God have willingly submitted to suffering and persecution for the sake of His Kingdom, to the praise of His glory.  This submission follows naturally from receiving revelation of God’s awesome power and goodness, as part of our dying daily to self and taking up our cross.

 

In these two cases, God encouraged His servants through visiting them with His presence.  The familiar story of God’s whisper to Elijah showed both God’s power and His intimacy.  In Act 12, we read about Herod’s murderous attempts to squash the growing Body of Christ.  Having killed John’s brother James, he then locked Peter into prison.  At this time, Peter had significant leadership responsibilities within the Church; his imprisonment threatened to intimidate and turn back the believers’ progress.  God led Peter by the hand from the clutches of the Roman guards, prompting a welcome surprise for the praying believers.

 

We may also receive confidence in reviewing these stories of God’s simultaneous attributes of awesome power and gentle intimacy.  When we face difficulties, we may rely on this same loving Father Who stood with Elijah and Peter.  While God sovereignly determines the timing and nature of His intervention, we may trust that He will faithfully work for the good of His people and His greater glory.

 

May we live out the exhortation and proclamation of Hebrews 10:38,39 and Revelation 12:11:

 

“And,

 

‘But my righteous one will live by faith.

    And I take no pleasure

    in the one who shrinks back.’

 

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” (Hebrews 10:38,39)

 

“They triumphed over him

    by the blood of the Lamb

    and by the word of their testimony;

they did not love their lives so much

    as to shrink from death.” (Revelation 12:11)

 

 

Father God, thank You for your awesome power and gentle intimacy.  You are wholly Other, and these two seemingly opposing characteristics do indeed dwell within you at the same time.  Thank You for bringing encouragement to those who follow You.  Build our courage for the difficulties ahead so that we may stand firmly for You.  Strengthen our faith so that we will not shrink from death, but rather embrace a life of humble submission and commitment to Your Kingdom.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

________________________________________
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June 17

1 Kings 18

False prophets speak false messages.  They actually become hinderances in bringing God's word to His people.  They often feed into, and appeal to the sinful nature of people because they tell people what they want to hear and lead them astray,.  Elijah's story separates false prophesy from God's truth a in very visual and dramatic way. By the power of the Living God, Elijah mocks the false prophets of Baal. They screamed, danced, and even went as far as to draw their own blood, but when no one is there, no one can answer.  The Living God flashed fire from heaven when Elijah called to Him.  If it was true then, it is true now.  Let there be no doubt, the God we serve still today is very alive and very real.  Like many others who are reading this, I am waiting for God to appear in dramatic ways in my life - if for no other reason than for those who know me and doubt  turn and believe.  I really do trust  God and believe that God is as real to me as He was to Elijah.  Elijah's story shows us that there is only One True God and we can't sit on the fence about where we put our faith.  I pray for all of us who know people who doubt, that as we pray to our Lord and wait for prayers to be answered He demonstrates the power He has.  I pray that anyone who is on the fence and wavering in faith will come to know that He is The Lord God and all hearts will turn to Him.





Randi

June 15: Mine is not to question why...

As a father, today's OT reading was painful.  What was the sin of Jeroboam's son, Abijah, that he should die so young, and in so clearly ordained fashion?  Why was he the one to die as a result of his father's sins? What kind of a God would do such a thing?

I am reminded of my college years, studying under Jesuits who, God bless them, were never known for a straight answer - the Socratic method denied them the luxury; rather than teach answers, they taught thought and process.  Which is the only way Albert Camus's "The Plague" finally made sense.  Camus postulated a town where plague struck, killing indiscriminately, without predictability or reason.  It was an attempt to prove the non-existence of God, for if the conditions he described were indeed possible (and they were!), what kind of god would permit them?  My philosophy professor (and yes, it was in philosophy that we took this up) then explained that Camus was struck by conflict: if, in fact, such conditions as he'd described could, in fact, come to pass, and there was no discernible reason for them, then what was the point to order in man's existence?  Such irrationality would render his existence, and its basis, futile.  And it was there that he discovered contradiction, for man's existence, upon observation, was neither purposeless nor futile.  And so he reconciled the scenario he'd envisioned with his observations of man's existence by concluding that there was reason to man's existence - reason which, while perhaps indiscernible to man, had to make sense somehow...to a sensibility higher than man's.  And in so doing, Camus, in his quest to prove the non-existence of God, ended up postulating His existence.  To Camus, things didn't make sense - but he appears to have ended up believing in a higher power to which they did make sense.

Still back during my 16 years with the Jesuits, one of the lessons they tried to teach me was that humility wasn't self deprecation; humility consisted of a recognition of truth.  Reading the story of Abijah, I am tempted to outrage and anger; humility demands I recognize the truth Camus demonstrated to himself inadvertently - that God exists, that He knows better than I do, and that He is not under any obligation to explain Himself to me.  We are told Jeroboam and all of Israel mourned Abijah's passing; Jeroboam clearly did not have a good relationship with God.  How sharp the contrast of his reaction with David's who, when he sinned by killing Uriah the Hittite, also suffered the loss of a son.  David, unlike Jeroboam, when accused of his sin, repented; and he fasted, hoping to stay God's hand.  One does not do interact that way with anyone, unless they believe the Being they interact with exists, and they have a relationship with Him that gives them the faith their prayers will be heard.  And because David had a relationship with God, he was comforted in his son's death by the certainty that while he couldn't bring him back to life, "I will go to him, but he cannot return to me." (2 Sam 12:23 [NIV]).  What a strong relationship with God that brings such certainty!

Our pastor, Scott Taylor, discussed the development of such a relationship in his talk on revival.  The development of such a relationship with God is premised on our "seeking His face".  And here, rather than reinvent the wheel, I cite the devotional God gave us today in such perfectly timely fashion.  It's title is "A Deeper Longing", and can be found at http://devotional.upperroom.org/devotionals/2015-06-15.

Dear God: give us the humility we need to recognize the limits of our strength and understanding, so necessary for us to be able to submit to Your will.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Sunday, June 14, 2015

The message from the Old Testament reading for today told me that it would be wise to check with God before following the words of another. Jeroboam had been doing just about everything he could to defy God. He made priests of anyone who raised their hand and said they wanted the job even though God had set aside the Levites only to fill that role. Jeroboam made golden calves for the people to worship because he was afraid they would return to Judah to worship the Lord. Jeroboam thought if they did that then they would kill him.

A man of God came from Judah to Bethel, where Jeroboam was about to make an offering to the golden idols and spoke words of prophecy about what would happen to the 'priests' and to the altar itself. Jeroboam stretched out his hand against the man of God and as he yelled, 'seize him', he watched his own hand shrivel up. The king asked the man of God to intercede and ask God to heal his hand. This was done but when the king invited the man to his house to eat, the man of God refused, saying that the Lord had told him he must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way he came.

As he went on his way, an old prophet heard the story of what had happened and set out to find the man of God. When he did, the prophet also invited him to come to his house to eat. The man of God repeated what he had told the king and said that he could not. Then the old prophet lied to the man and said that God had spoken to him and instructed him to bring him home for a meal.

So the man of God went with him.

This was his mistake. It seems to me that his first response should have been to seek the Lord and find out if God had really changed his mind about the dinner plans. But he did not and God rebuked him for defying the Word of the Lord. The man was killed by a lion shortly thereafter and was buried away from his family as God had said would happen.

Lesson learned.. If I am following God's guidance and someone gives me advice that contradicts his Word then I need to check it out thoroughly before I take one step in another direction. I will pray about it, see what the Bible says and seek Godly wisdom from an elder or pastor.


Sent from my iPad

June 12

Acts 8 

This summer the preaching series will focus on preparing ourselves to answer the questions skeptics pose to us. One of the most common objections we face is put this way, "What about the heathen in Africa, who has never heard about Jesus, how is it fair that God would judge them?

This issue is dealt with in an incredible narrative in Acts 8. We pick up the story during a great revival that breaks out in a Samaritan city. This revival has miracles, shrieking spirits, healing and it ends with the whole city filled with great joy. If you are playing the numbers game this is the place to be, cities, possible regions are going to be impacted.

But an angel breaks up the party and says to Philip to head south on a desert road. One would have to question the plan of God with this decision. But God has made a promise and he will always fulfill that promise. In Psalm 19 it tells us that the created world makes it plain to everyone that there is a master designer. The existence of stars, the beauty of the seasons, the intricate design in a zucchini plant all point to a master watchmaker. God has also placed in our hearts a moral compass which continually passes judgment upon the rightness or wrongness of our deeds, words and thoughts. Finally God has given us his "Word" by which we can know the heart of God.

Through both general and specific revelation every person on this planet must make a decision. Do they want to respond to this light by receiving more light or will they reject the light and ignore master watchmaker. 

In Acts 8 we see exactly what God will do when one person wants to have more light. He removes Philip from the revival and sends him to meet with one guy in the desert who is searching for the truth. That is the commitment of God. By the way, did you see the passage the Ethiopian eunuch was reading?  He is reading Isaiah 53 which is an incredible chapter pointing to Jesus 750 years before his birth.

Jesus told us about the heart of God in John 3:17 "For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."  God will do anything necessary to give the truth to those who seek to know him.

I know this is true because of our 2010 trip to Africa. On Tuesday afternoon a guy walked up to one of my team members, Erik, and said he needed to speak to him. This young man said he was troubled by terrible nightmares and dreams because of his connection to a witchcraft shrine. But during the exact time we were traveling over to Africa God spoke to him in a dream. God said that in 3 days a white guy was coming to his town and he needed to speak to him and listen to what he said. This young man listened to Erik as he explained the gospel message and he believed the good news about Jesus. If a person in Africa, India or Stamford says, they want to know more about God, God will send them light, that is the heart of God, and that is the promise of God.

Finally, we need to switch this question because Africa is more Christian than the USA today. The new question is this, "How can God send a heathen in Stamford to eternal condemnation who has never heard about him?"  This new question defines our mission; we must share the WORD with the people around us in this dark place called Stamford. Will you join me in the mission?

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, June 11

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015

1 Kings 8:1–66

Acts 7:53–8:13

Psalm 129: 1–8

Proverbs 17:1

 

 

In Acts 1:8, Jesus explained that “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  The disciples might have wondered how the Gospel would indeed spread beyond Jerusalem – and in such a short time!  Would the “you” hear refer to the disciples specifically – or to those that would follow after them?

 

In today’s reading, we see the coming together of two threads that would power the spread of the Gospel into Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  The persecution of the early Church drove the apostles to new mission fields:  “On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” (Acts 8:1)  The spread of the Gospel would therefore rely not just on the apostles and the good deposit planted within them, but also on other early disciples.  These early disciples would not be able to rely on their leadership as a substitute for their own involvement.

 

And these early disciples did indeed step up:  “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.   Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.” (Acts 8:4,5)  If you recall from our reading of the Gospels, half-Israelite folks lived in Samaria, having intermarried with surrounding peoples and intertwined the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with those featuring other deities.  The Jews of Jesus’s day looked upon the Samaritans with scorn, but Jesus had embraced them, even speaking with a woman at a well (John 4).  Jesus offered Himself as “living water” for Jews and Samaritans alike.  Now, Philip, himself likely a Hellenic (Greek) Jew, became an evangelist to the people of Samaria.

 

Philip’s ministry included signs and wonders that brought refreshment to the Samaritans:  “When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.  For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.  So there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:6–8)   It appears that Philip had studied Peter’s sermon from Acts 3:19,20:  “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.”  God’s presence in Samaria brought healing and life.

 

From a human perspective, the persecution that the Church endured might have appeared as a great hindrance to their mission – and certainly to their comfort and safety.  As with the Gospel itself, God’s plans may appear as “foolishness” in human eyes, but we may trust that these plans come from God’s wisdom.  The Cross itself appears as “foolishness”:  “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God….  For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:18,25)  The Jewish leadership saw the Cross as adequate to crush the rebellious crowd of those claiming Jesus as Messiah.  Instead, the Cross brought forgiveness for all who would seek it, and the testimony of the Risen Christ brought instant validity to Jesus’s claims as Messiah.

 

How will we view the hindrances we face in life?  Might God be using these stumbling blocks as opportunities for His glory?  Where do your detours lead you?  May we seek God’s wisdom in these re-directions, trusting Him to provide direction and opportunities to serve Him.

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for the Cross.  We embrace the foolishness of the Cross, knowing that it is indeed the wisdom and power of God.  Help us to learn from the example of Philip and the other early disciples, who did not shrink back when pushed out of their hometown by persecution.  Thank You for allowing the Gospel to spread even to us.  Thank You for giving courage and faith to these early disciples.  We do not understand what a day may bring forth, so we trust You to guide us into all truth and wisdom by the Holy Spirit.  Allow us to honor You with our lives and to share the glorious news of Your life, death, and Resurrection to those ready to hear.  In Your Name, we pray.  Amen.

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Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Like father, like son.  This thought entered my head this morning as I was contemplating what to write about.  David had many sons.  David was also a well respected leader but he was not without flaws.  His one son Absalom, who David held near and dear to his heart, was known and praised for his handsome appearance.  From the top of his head to the sole of his foot, there was no blemish on him.  His hair seemed to be his crowning glory.  Yet, before Absalom met his end, it was his hair that became entangled in a large oak tree and that was where he was found hanging and eventually killed by Joab, who disregarded David's plea to be gentle to his son for his own sake. 

Then David's son, Solomon, is appointed king to succeed his father.  Solomon was gifted with wisdom.  He was able to build the Lord's temple because the Lord gave him rest on every side from his enemies and there were no adversaries or disasters to prevent him from completing the plan.  The Lord's temple was crafted just as the Lord commanded, and Solomon spent seven years building it.  Solomon was indeed a son of whom to be proud.

Then we move onto the sons of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.  Indeed certain sons far exceeded their father's expectations, while others broke their hearts.  Today, as parents we may stop and observe our own children.  As parents, we have lofty aspirations for all of them.  Unfortunately, some go the way of Absalom and hopefully some follow the ways of Solomon.  As parents, we can only be an example and give the best guidance we can which hopefully we derive from following the ways of the Lord and allowing the Holy Spirit to enter us to become a temple in which the Lord can dwell.

Yet, when all is said and done, the Lord knows what all of our children will do and the paths they will take in their own lives.  He is the Father of us all, and I am sure He must feel heartbroken at times when we do not follow the path He has laid out for us.  The saving grace we can experience though is the fact that our Heavenly Father NEVER gives up on us.  Once we have asked Him to come into our hearts, He will remain forever.  It is just important to keep up with a strict house cleaning schedule to make sure that the Lord delights Himself with living in us.  I believe it is our consistent attempts to keep brushing ourselves off after a fall that put a smile on God's face. 

In Psalm 127:1-5 it is confirmed that "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.  Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."  Keeping the Lord at the center of our lives and making Him the foundation on which our homes and families are built can only help to bring forth children, sons and daughters, who will indeed delight in the Lord and be a delight to the Lord.  And this is why we continue each day to pray for God's love, mercy and compassion, even though they are already with us.  Amen.

June 10

Acts 7:30-50

Stephen's review of Jewish history must have struck a raw nerve in the hearts of many of the religious leaders.  His testimony to God's faithfulness and sovereignty was clear, but not something anyone who rejected Jesus as the Messiah wanted to hear.  He outlined how Moses led the building the of the Tabernacle as a place for God for to dwell.  Solomon built an elaborate temple for the same reason.  I think the question Stephen was presenting which got the religious leaders so upset was "where does God live - does He live in a building or does He live in your heart?"  "The Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.  What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord.  Or where will my resting place be?  Has not my hand made all these thing?"(v.48-50).  Stephen is holding up a mirror and showing the religious leaders that by resisting the Holy Spirit and having uncircumcised hearts they are being stiff necked just like their fathers before them.  Stephen recognized the importance of the temple even though he was accused of speaking against it.  We all need a place to worship but when the place becomes more than Who we are worshiping we are in dangerous waters.  When we worship we have to open our hearts, in faith, to receive God and we then become His dwelling place.  1 Corin. 3:16 tells us that "you yourselves are God's temple and God's Spirit lives in you". Lord I pray that Your Spirit rests upon my brothers and sisters and that we carry Your Holy Spirit in our hearts today and shine Your light everywhere we go.




Randi

June 8: Humility and Urgency

The story of Solomon's wisdom isn't new to me. When God appeared to him in a dream, and asked Solomon what he wanted, Solomon pleased God by asking for wisdom to do God's will in the job God had given him - not wealth, not success, not the death of his enemies. Two things I took away from this this morning:

1. Solomon was humble. He'd just been promoted to a new job, and he understood how thoroughly unprepared, how thoroughly unqualified he was for the position. Consider how sharply that contrasts with so many who are given a promotion - how they feel they need to be able to show everyone - their bosses in particular - that they are competent for the role. I remember coming out of graduate school 20 years ago, and becoming a stock broker; I thought I was already supposed to have the answers - in my pride and foolishness, I failed to realize I not only did not know the answers, I did not even know the questions.

2. God did not appear simply out of the blue - Solomon called to him, repeatedly, fervently. Consider: "The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar." God came to Solomon in response to Solomon's prayers. God came to Solomon because Solomon demonstrated how fervently he needed God, how desperately he wanted to know God.

Today's reading makes me think two things. First, I may not be a king, but I am still thoroughly unqualified for the tasks and the roles God has set before me: at home, as husband and father; at work, and in church. I need His help, His guidance, His strength. And second, in order to receive that guidance, I need to reach out to Him like I mean it, like it truly matters to me.

#2 isn't always easy - it seems there constantly is reason to forego or postpone or shorten prayer. I need to remember: a thousand burnt offerings. That's what Solomon was prepared to do to get the help he knew he needed. As I love my wife and kids, as I value my church and my place of work and my family and friends, how could I do any less?

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Saturday, June 6, 2015

[by Kenny and Keesha Sullivan]

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" 

(Acts 4:13). 

People noticed the change in Peter and John when they observed their actions and words. Peter and John's boldness, wisdom and conviction amazed those around them. People could tell that there was something extra ordinary about these men. Even though, from a worldly perspective, they were "unlearned and ignorant," they were wise enough to have spent time with Jesus. 

You and I were created to be mirrors (see Genesis 1:26).  We become like whatever or whomever we spend the most time with.  So, when we spend time with Jesus, people can see something extra ordinary about us, just as many did with Peter and John. People notice the difference.   Spending time with Jesus causes us to be bold and courageous. Spending time with Jesus pushes us to do things the world would not do. It causes us to act in a way that is not ordinary to this world, like loving enemies, boldly standing in the midst of persecution, and keeping our faith in Jesus when everyone else has lost all hope.

We should start our days with spending time with Jesus, even if it is for just a few moments. I believe that as we seek His face and spend time with Him that people see the remnants of the extra ordinary on us and in us. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

Lord thank you so much for desiring to spend time with us. Thank You for the supernatural change that occurs in us as we spend time with You. Help us to seek You first each day, so that we emulate Your love, Your wisdom, Your ways, and Your boldness. Help us to be more like You with each and every day. We love You Jesus! Thank You for being our God. In Your name, we pray. Amen. 

Thursday, June 4

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2015

2 Samuel 22:21–23:23

Acts 2:1–47

Psalm 122: 1–9

Proverbs 16:19,20

 

 

In Acts 2, we read about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised earlier in Acts 1:8:  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  This promise would start to bear fruit immediately on this Pentecost day.  Once timid and too quick to speak, Peter gave powerful testimony that day of Jesus’s identity as the Messiah, and 3,000 people came to trust in Christ as Lord and Savior that day.

 

There are several brief lessons to take away from this great chapter:

 

1.       Take God at His Word and proclaim His truth.  Having earnestly prayed for 10 days, Peter and his fellow disciples recognized that Scripture pointed towards the living Christ.  They trusted in God’s faithfulness and provision, seeing all the pieces to the puzzle fall together with the Crucifixion and Resurrection.  Jesus took care to reassure and prepare His disciples in those 40 days before His Ascension.  Peter boldly proclaimed the fulfillment of prophecy in the life, death, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  His inclusion of Scripture here provides an excellent example of how Christ-followers may rely on the sufficient Word of God as their guide and motivation for seeking and proclaiming truth.

 

2.       Recognize that power for ministry comes from God alone.  Throughout the Book of Acts, we find strong examples of the Holy Spirit’s empowering of the early disciples for ministry.  His presence at Pentecost through “tongues of fire” emboldened the disciples, giving them confidence to step outside the Upper Room into Jerusalem, which teemed with Jews gathering for the Feast of Weeks.  In Acts 4:24–31, we read about the disciples’ prayer and God’s reply:  “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”  Later, Paul would acknowledge that “our competence comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5)  To the Thessalonians, Paul observed:  “… We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4,5a)

 

Many times, we may approach ministry and service opportunities tentatively, wondering if we have the capacity.  This calculation places the onus for ministry on our shoulders, instead of trusting in God’s gracious provision.  God’s love and concern for people, demonstrated most clearly in His sending the Lord Jesus Christ as the only payment for man’s sin, far surpasses our own, and we do well to lean completely on Him.  God desires for His people only to commit to His purposes and seek the filling of the Holy Spirit so that we may serve as fully competent ambassadors for our heavenly King.

 

3.       Anticipate opposition.  Even during these first days of the Church, the disciples faced opposition and skepticism.  Despite the suggestions that their speaking in tongues had resulted from drunkenness, they persisted and trusted God at His Word.  The early disciples did not remain cloistered in the Upper Room or even in Jerusalem.  The disciples’ faithfulness in spite of severe opposition would encourage others to consider their truth claims.  Given their willingness to suffer and die for the Gospel, outside observers would have to consider the validity of their claims, given their total self-abnegation.

 

4.       Set a course for godly action.  Peter urged the people to place their faith into action:  “Repent and be baptized.”  The Gospel’s proclamation would require a response, a willful commitment to truth and to allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ.  The faith would grow due to the presentation of “Christ crucified” rather than “fine-sounding arguments.”  The truth would indeed set God’s people free, but first they would need to take it to heart and turn from self to the living Christ (repentance).  Baptism would provide an outward sign of this inward change and bring encouragement to their fellow believers.

 

Then, the disciples built a community around the Word, love, and fellowship in the Holy Spirit.  Their commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ compelled them to lessen personal allegiances to the greater good:  for both the Church and their fellow believers.

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for living a blameless and holy life and giving Yourself for our sake.  We trust in You today and gladly receive the gift of Your righteousness.  Thank You for preparing us adequately to serve You through sending the promised Holy Spirit.  Give us the boldness and faith that the early disciples experienced.  Help us to overcome fear and weakness through Your all-sufficient grace.  May Your Name be glorified in all the earth!  Amen.

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June 5 Friends

2 Samuel 23

Friends 

 

"A Band of Brothers" is a book and TV series based on the WWII experiences of the Easy Company of the 101^st Airborne Division. The story tells about the friendships and camaraderie that developed among these men as they fought the war in Europe.

In 2 Samuel 23 we find the "band of brothers" that surrounded David. These men are called the "Mighty Men." They stood with David during his most difficult battles in life.

The times we most experience this level of camaraderie is during the trials of life. When we find ourselves in a life battle or sense the intimidation of being in the minority, it is very comforting to have someone stand beside you.   

The problem with Christianity today, and this is particularly true for men, is that we have portrayed the successful Christian life as being the Lone Ranger not being part of the Salvation Army. This means we fight most of our battles alone and cry most of our tears secretly. Our individualism also means we lose most of these battles. I am so grateful for the men and women of Grace Church who have stood with me during the difficulties of my life. For those brothers and sisters who have come along side of me during the "dark night of the soul" and said, "you can count on me" I say, "thank you." Your friendship is worth its weight in gold. So thank you for being my band of brothers and sisters.

 

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

June 3

Acts 1

Generally when we think of an epidemic it usually has a negative connotation.  We might think of small pox, swine flu, whopping cough, polio, or a host of other fatal diseases that spread throughout the world.  For a moment, let's take the word epidemic, or outbreak, and reframe it in terms of the Gospel.  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  (v. 8)  Clearly, the church received authority and began to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Through personal testimony and bold teaching, the disciples were commanded to cause an epidemic and spread the Word to the ends of the earth.  Notice it wasn't a request, it was a command.  So here we are, 2000 years later, and now we are part of the Body of Christ and have been commissioned to continue to spread the epidemic of the Gospel. Jesus did not leave us to carry out His mission alone. We have been given the same authority as His disciples through the power of the Holy Spirit. So if there is someone I haven't extended grace, forgiveness or love to, the same way Jesus has given it me,  then I haven't reached the ends of the earth in my mission.  If I haven't introduced Jesus to a friend, family member, or my neighbor then again I haven't reached the ends of the earth.  The end of the earth doesn't mean I have to go to China.  An epidemic starts by being in contact with people one at time. Lord I pray that through the power of your Holy Spirit we all become a part of spreading the epidemic of the Gospel.  Thank you Lord for the Cross. I pray we all are bold witnesses for You today in our actions and our words.




Randi

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Tuesday, June 2, 2015
2 Samuel 19:11-20:13
John 21-1:25
Psalm 120:1-7
Proverbs 16:16-17

I have found myself remiss in keeping up with my post over the last few weeks; however, I tried to catch up on some days that were before my posting date.  To my surprise, I am beginning to enjoy the story lines of the Old Testament.  As I had mentioned previously, I usually found the Old Testament (and history in general) to be very tedious.  I have a difficult time remembering what I just read.  I am sure I will never remember it all or memorize verses the way many of my friends have, but I am finally GETTING INTO THE WORD and it is a very good feeling.

The general theme that I picked up on seems to center on forgiveness.  As the Lord has forgiven those who follow Jesus, so have many of those followers learned to forgive others.  A pay-it-forward effect.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

However, I believe the one section of my reading that struck me the most was found in John 21:15-25.  After Simon Peter and his men return to the shore with nets full of fish to the spot where Jesus was waiting for them, he asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?"  It was also the third time that Jesus had appeared to his disciples after He was raised from the dead.  They knew Him, but did not know it was Him.

Peter was indeed hurt by the repetitive question and his response to the Lord was simple enough - "Lord, you know all things, You know that I love You."  This was just Jesus' way of preparing Peter for what was to come....a death by which he would glorify God.  As Jesus instructed Peter to "follow me" I believe this was his instruction to keep delivering the Gospel.  Just as the net was dragged to shore with 153 fish - it was not broken.  When the Gospel of the Lord is delivered to mankind, the nets will be filled, and those who love and seek the Lord will remain in the unbroken nets.   Once the Lord gets a hold of you - know that He is not letting go.  I also took pleasure in knowing that there were so many things that Jesus did - the world itself could not contain the books that could be written!

June 1: A Father's Forgiveness

2 Samuel 18:1–19:10
John 20:1-31
Psalm 119:153-176
Proverbs 16:14-15"

When I think of all the trouble I put my parents through, and I read about Absalom, as bad as I thought I was I was very much an amateur next to David's son. Let's go through the checklist, shall we? Usurped his father's throne? Check. Caused his father to flee in fear for his life? Check. Slept with his father's concubines? Check. Mobilized the army to go out and finish the job? Check, and check.

For all that Absalom did, David could be forgiven if his last instructions to the armies as they marched out to battle Israel were something like "oh, and if you catch Absalom, kill him. Slowly. Over a slow fire. Or watching reruns of Keeping up with the Kardashians." Or something like that. But that isn't what David said. He said "Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake." For my sake! Despite all he has done, be merciful to him for me, the aggrieved party, the one he wants to kill.

When I was younger, I could not understand this thinking. I could not understand why David would have forgiven Absalom, or why my parents continued to forgive me despite all I did. Now I have children of my own, and I have begun to understand. The forgiveness is easy because of the love I have for my kids, the love my parents have for me, the love David had for Absalom.

Here's the amazing thing: as tremendous as David's love for, and forgiveness of, Absalom would seem, they pale in comparison with the love and forgiveness our Father in Heaven has for each and every single one of us. David was called to forgive only those sins Absalom committed against him; God forgives all our sins, for whomever they might be directed against, they are first and foremost offenses against Him. Yes, His love for us is THAT great.

If you are like me, despite all the evidence to the contrary, you are also tempted to believe there are sins beyond the pale, sins we've committed God could not possibly forgive. I hope that, like me, you will take courage from the fact that if an earthly father like David could find such a tremendous love for Absalom in himself as to forgive the litany of Absalom's grievous offenses, our Father in heaven's love for us is infinitely greater, as is His ability, His willingness and His readiness to forgive our sins, however grievous.