June 30: Of Engine Parts and Angina, of Choice and Consequence

2 Kings 17:1-18:12

Acts 20:1-38

Psalm 148:1-14

Proverbs 18:6-7

Everyone's heard some version of that story.  Guy decides he can take the engine of his car apart.  So he does, and after he puts it back together, he has a few extra parts left.  He doesn't know what they do, but figures it doesn't matter, because he cranks the engine, and it starts.  Until he tries to turn the engine off, and it won't.

The guy could've avoided the angina (a deliciously appropriate term which Merriam-Webster defines as "a disease marked by spasmodic attacks of intense suffocative pain") had he asked for expert help.  But armed with what he deemed were only the best of intentions, he thought he knew better, and as with all choices, his had consequences.

So many people today insist things are different, things have changed, things have evolved.  Among the many things I know to still be true, one stands forward: actions we choose (however well meaning) have consequences we cannot refuse.  

Helicopter parents are realizing this, as they see the children they sought to protect from the harshness of the world ill-equipped to handle the challenges of adulthood.  A former Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, is realizing this, as he sees a change in policy he implemented now being used against his own party.   I am certain that Mr. Reid and the aforementioned parents had the best of intentions when they made their choices.  Nonetheless…

You know who likely also had the best of intentions?  The Israelites and their kings.  They couldn't get to the temple so they set up high places - better to worship than not, right?  They intermingled with unbelievers so they embraced their pagan practices as well - better to get along than not, right?  

The thing is, they were entitled to make their choices.  However, they weren't entitled to choose the consequences.  And so, when they "worshiped idols, though the Lord had said, 'You shall not do this'", and when they refused to repent when "the Lord warned Israel and Judah through all His prophets and seers: 'Turn from your evil ways'", "the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from His presence."  And apart from His protection the Israelites suffered the consequences of their well intentioned choices - attack, defeat, exile, suffering.  How very different from Hezekiah, who "trusted in the Lord", who "held fast to the Lord and did not stop following Him".  And "the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook."

Father, mold us into Hezekiahs.  Remind us that our actions have consequences we cannot choose, and that good intentions are no replacement for obedience.  And in so doing, help us to spare ourselves the angina.  

June 29

Acts 19 

 

Dangerous myths that cripple Christianity.

 

One myth goes like this, "The last place you are going to see God is down on Wall Street. God can't stand the marketplace; avoid that evil place and head back to the safety of the church."

In Acts 19 Paul is on his third missionary journey. He walks into the city of Ephesus. Here are some characteristics of that city:  

  Ephesus was considered the most important Greek city in the ancient world.

  It is called "The Queen" city of the Roman province of Asia.

  It was the center of commerce and trade for the whole Mediterranean region.  

  Its population of 300,000 is 3 times larger than Stamford's is today.

  The Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, is found there.

Even though it was a beautiful, powerful, wealthy, prestigious city, a city of art, culture and wonderful architecture, it was an empty city because it was without the gospel. But that was about to change.

Paul's strategy up to this point was to first go to the synagogues. But God changes the mission in Acts 19:9 and sends Paul to the Gentiles. So, where do you think Paul targets as the first place to bring the gospel? He goes to the city and specifically, the financial community. The impact of the gospel is so strong it causes a riot. Paul stays in this city for two years and focuses on the marketplace. The result of this strategic change was that the whole of Asia heard the gospel.

So, the question we must ask is why we Christians have abandoned the marketplace. We have because we have believed the myth. Monday, when you walk into the front door of your job, you're not walking in alone. Jesus is walking by your side. God is vitally interested in that slice of your life called "career." Believe with all your heart that you are an ambassador for King Jesus at your workplace.  You're God's instrument to do His work and speak out for Him in that place.  With God's power we can change the world.

 

 

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"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, June 28

THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2018

4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues [or other languages] and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. (Ephesians 19:4-7)

As Paul comes to Ephesus, he encounters a group  that has received a baptism of repentance—similar to that from John the Baptist.  After pointing these folks to Christ, they receive the Holy Spirt, as evidenced by speaking in other languages and prophesying.  This filling of the Spirit marked other New Testament conversions and prepared the local church for fruitful ministry.

Paul demonstrated a beautiful balance of the fullness of the Word and the fullness of the Spirit in his ministry, a template that we may copy.  He understood that the Word would reveal the truth and that the Spirit would draw God's people to that truth and empower them for ministry.  These realities underlay Paul's work in each city, and he adapted to reach either Jews or Gentiles.

How may you rely more on the the Word and the Spirit in your life?  How may we do so more as a modern-day church?  How could God move through a small group of committed Christ-followers?

Lord God, thank You for sending Your truth through Your Word and for giving us Your Spirit.  Help us to hunger and thirst for righteousness so that we might be filled.  Place the details of life in proper perspective so that we may honor You above all else.  We love You and wish to glorify You.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

June 27

Psalm 143

While reading this Psalm I was reminded of Sunday's sermon on prayer.  This Psalm is like an outline of how to pray for those who, like David, can say, "You are my God" and "I am your servant". I could picture David with tears streaming down his face crying out to God.  Prayer is not some kind of a technique that someone can use to manipulate God to get what they want, no matter how hard he cries.  Rather, prayer is for those who have repented of their sins, trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and have entered into a relationship with Him, and who are seeking to follow Him as Lord with all of their heart. When we humble ourselves and approach His throne of mercy and grace and pray like this, God examines our hearts and hears us. To apply this vital lesson on prayer, we must know God as our own God and we must be obedient to Him as His servant. I don't know at what point David wrote this particular prayer, whatever the exact situation was is not relevant, the language is general enough that we all can identify with David. None of us are exempt from trials and the health and wealth teachings rank right up there with fake news. What is important in prayer is that we approach God with heartfelt humility and are obedient to respond to each trial the way David did, on our knees.  By making ourselves vulnerable in our crying out, we are positioning ourselves to gain peace by the power of the Holy Spirit, and we are allowing ourselves to know God better as we watch Him work in our lives. We don't know how God is going to answer our prayers, but we have to trust in His sovereignty.  I pray for everyone reading this that God fills you with peace that surpasses all understanding as He carries through your day.

Randi

Tuesday 26th

June 26th

Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.

Despite our fleeting lives that are but a breath to God, He is still loving to us. God is so loving that a tough few weeks, months, or even just one day/moment is important to him, and He will comfort us through it. 

If we take the time to learn about his love, pouring over his word, experiencing the love of his children (believers), we will get a taste of it, but still won't know the full extent to which he cares for us, because it is too much for us to comprehend.

He is our fortress, stronghold, deliverer, and shield in whom we can take refuge. Even though we are one of over 7 billion people on the Earth at present, even though there have been generations before us and will be generations after us, we are not insignificant to God. 

Lord, thank you for helping me to grasp just a little understanding of how much you love me and care for me. Thank you for being my refuge in times of trouble, my stronghold when I am weak, my deliverer from the darkness, and shield for my heart and mind. I can take refuge in knowing that you love me and care for me despite my life being but a breath. As we go through tough times, help us to be reminded of your love and help us to not doubt our significance to you. Amen.

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Monday blog post June 25th

A Prayer For The Heart To Be Quiet And Ready To Be Used Where God Has Me (Acts 16:16-40)

Lord, my heart desires to know how to lift my voice in prayer and to sing hymns when I find my life in the difficult places and when chains bind me or desire to bind me.

Paul and Silas were chained and in prison because they went against societies wisdom and desires and were obedient to you even though it seemed like foolishness and reckless. Life had taken a turn that they had not expected or forseen and they found themselves bound and what many would have seen as abandoned. But they did not see it that way. Lord, they lifted voices in prayer and song from the prison they found themselves in. They knew the God they served and that even though this place they were in had been unforeseen to them it was not to you. What many would have deemed as unpleasant and unfair circumstance, your obedient servants saw it as something you would work through and be exalted in. Lord, you did not disappoint. You saw them and you let them know that you were there. You opened the prison doors and loosed the chains that bound. What amazes me lord is that they did not see this as an opportunity to escape their circumstances but rather they saw that they were right where you wanted them to be. Rather than run they stayed where they were in order to freely allow your glory and salvation to be seen by those who were in an invisible prison and who walked each day with unseen chains that held hearts captive. Paul did not take the easy route to freedom but stayed quiet and trusting in the middle of his circumstance where he knew you were with him and working. From that lord you brought salvation to an entire family. You spared the jailer's physical life as well as his and his family's spiritual lives.

That is how I need and want to live lord, with unrestrained trust in who you are and what you are doing in my life. I not only want to have a prayer ready on my lips at all times and during all circumstances but a song as well. Help me not to look at my circumstance with fear or doubt. Help me to not want to run from them and leave them at a distance but may your spirit give me hope in your will for my life so that you may be exalted and your glory touch the lives of those who you place around me. I want to know you more and more by seeing you move unhindered in my life. I want to be used for your will and glory right where I find myself today. Give me the prayer and song that I need to see you and trust you wherever I am.

AMEN

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June 24, 2018

June 24, 2018

In today's reading we see the prophet Elisha surrounded by the Aramean army. His servant becomes afraid. The prophet prays that God will open his eyes to see the true reality. He sees God's army, "the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha". He then understood what the prophet meant by saying "Don't be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Next, we see the prophet during a great famine, making a bold prophecy about the food market. The famine was so great that, mothers were eating their own kids.   Yet, the prophet announced a great supply of food by the next day. Upon hearing that, one of the king's officers said:" even if the Lord should open floodgates of the heavens, could this happen". (2Kings 6:2) The impossible happened, but his lack of faith cost him his life. "You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!" 2 Kings 7:2.

Both stories invite us to believe, in spite of the obvious. It's an invitation to trust the Lord when facing impossible situations. Many times, I tend to read stories of the Old Testament like fairy tales. The chance of the modern person being surrounded by an army and facing extreme starvation is slim. That's exactly what the enemy wants. To make us feel safe and complacent. To make us think that we are beyond all that.

The other day, I had to take my son to the ER.  Having a child sick is completely draining and scary. However, through that entire experience, I sensed the Lord whispering that everything was going to be just fine. That was nice and comforting…  but not enough. I started to google search the symptoms. I needed something black on white, something tangible to assure me that he was fine. Needless to say, I got the exact opposite. I became convinced that things are bad. After a day of worrying sick this question popped in my head: "Who do you trust, the voice of God or the voice of Google". Honestly the voice of Google was stronger, more real, more logical, more convincing. It was as real as that Aramean army and the famine in today's reading.

In a matter of hours, I found myself being scared out of my mind, same as the prophet's servant, and in a sea of doubt, same as the king's servant. What did I learn? First, I am grateful that Jesus paid with his own life for my doubt, worry and failures. Even when I fall, he forgives me and never gives up on me. I am free to be a child of God, and an imperfect human being at the same time. Thank you, Jesus! Second, I realized that in order to see the extraordinary, the true reality I need to spend time with Jesus.  Google will show me the Aramean army in great detail.  Jesus can show me my true potential and power as a child of God. How much time do I spend with google and social media, and how much time do I spend reading and reflecting on God's Word. Who dictates my reality?

Lord help us to realize that you are the only answer to all our questions!

June 23: Of Simple Acts and Trust, Instead of Great Ones and Arrogance

2 Kings 4:18-5:27

Acts 15:1-35

Psalm 141:1-10

Proverbs 17:23

2 Kings 5:13: Naaman's servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!"

Who was Naaman?  A "commander of the army of the king of Aram", "highly regarded" and a "valiant soldier", through whom "the Lord had given victory to Aram".  A powerful man who many served, clearly capable of many things, of difficult things.  He served a supportive, and even more powerful master.  And he was a leper, who it seems was not looking for a cure, who had come to accept the irreversibility of his condition.

This is the man who came to Elisha, with silver and gold and clothing, with horses and chariots and servants, prepared to do a great many things he thought might be necessary in order to be cured.  A man whose self-perception of greatness was not even acknowledged by the prophet, who sent his servant instead, and rather than ask for anything he'd brought, rather than manifest his power in ways Naaman thought necessary to be healed, instructed Naaman to bathe himself in an insignificant and filthy river close by. 

Would this have been difficult?  Certainly not.  But it wasn't what Naaman was expecting, what he thought would be necessary to cure him of an illness he'd borne helplessly for so long he had come to accept it. 

The thing is, God knew the desire of Naaman's heart, and worked things out so at some point a band of raiders would raid a certain village, taking a particular girl captive, so she could wind up serving Naaman's wife.  He worked things out so Naaman had a good boss who granted him time off and gave him a referral letter.  And He knew Naaman well enough that He gave Naaman a servant who could challenge him when Naaman faltered.  God did ALL of this for Naaman, so Naaman wouldn't have to do any of it.  All He asked of Naaman was that he be willing to "wash and be cleansed".

The Naaman story strikes me at my very core.  Those of you who know me know I am a doer, a fixer.  I like taking charting the course, because I think I know best how to get to where I want to go.  Naaman reminds me how arrogant that is; how God had been charting the course long before I knew travel was required, and the best I can do is listen, trust and obey, even when HIs ways differ from mine.  

Father, when I think it is up to me to decide what difficult thing needs to be done, remind me of Naaman's story.  Remind me that You have all things in hand; You break the bow, shatter the spear and burn the shields with fire because I have no need of them, nor am I to rely on them.  Teach me to be still, and to know that You are God.  

Thursday, June 21

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018

"We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: " 'You are my son; today I have become your father.' God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, " 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.' So it is also stated elsewhere: " 'You will not let your holy one see decay.' "Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.  But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.

"Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you... " (Acts 13:32-38)

With Acts 13, we read about the expansion of the early Church's missionary efforts spreading outward beyond Judea and Samaria—to the ends of the earth.

Having received Christ after a life-changing encounter, Paul now headed a missions team that would travel throughout the missionary world in three confirmed missionary journeys, with decent evidence of a fourth trip that included time in Spain.  Carried along by the Holy Spirit, the team would take advantage of many opportunities to spread the Gospel, the good news of Jesus.

While the Gospel message applies to all people from all places, all times, and all backgrounds, the example of the apostles suggests that we will do well to contextualize the Gospel for people, bringing it to life in language and venues that maximizes understanding.

With Jewish audiences, Paul and team would emphasize how, in Christ, we find fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.  Acts 13 records the team's visit to a synagogue, whete they had a hearing for their message.

Among Gentile audiences, the team would emphasize the connection to the created order or the local wisdom of the prevailing culture, such as Greek philosophers or mythology ("to an unknown god," Acts 17).

While Paul receives the focus of the narration as a key leader, we must remember that their missionary efforts also included community.  Paul worked closely with Luke, Timothy, Silas, Barnabas, Mark, and many others.  They identified and worked closely with people of peace and local church leaders.  The team undoubtedly prayed fervently together and encouraged Paul to press forward.  And they suffered together under persecution, both physical and verbal.

What may we observe about today's culture?  How may we place the Gospel into an understandable framework?  What do people seek as their highest goals?

May God bring wisdom to His servants (us) in our day so that we clearly and lovingly communicated the Gospel of hope!

Lord God, thank You for the faithful witness of Your servants in the past.  Give us strength and courage to boldly proclaim Your truth.  We want to see Your Name lifted high in Stamford, Fairfield County, Connecticut, the U.S., and throughout the world.  In Jesus's Name, amen!

June 20

1 Kings 22:1-28

In the Hebrew Bible, (TaNaKh), there is a section devoted to the Hebrew prophets.  The definition of a prophet is someone who can hear God's voice and utter divinely inspired revelations and perhaps best described in Deuteronomy 18:18, where God said, "...and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."  Keeping that in mind, let's look at this story.

The King of Israel asks Jehoshaphat to come into agreement with him and go to war.  While Jehoshaphat agreed with the plan, he gave wise counsel and said "First seek the counsel of the Lord".  So, the King gets all of his 400 prophets together and they all agree to encourage the King to go to war, but not one of them stopped to pray first.  The text isn't clear as to why the King went one step further after hearing this and asked for a prophet, however, verse 7 starts with "BUT", perhaps there was doubt in his mind on the counsel he was receiving.  So, what was the Kings objection to Micaiah?  He spoke as a prophet -- saying the words he heard from God, not just what the King wanted to hear.  Even though the messenger who was sent to bring Micaiah to the King told him to agree with what was being said, Micaiah held true and steadfast to his calling. He spoke in line with the vision God gave him. As the story unfolds, we get a glimpse into the spiritual realm, (much like in the story of Job), and here we see God allows a "deceiving spirit" to speak to the advising counsel of the King. Taking the time to pray, Micaiah learns the truth and reveals that the end result of going to war would not turn out well for the King as his counsel advised.  God is Sovereign so we have no clue as to why He would allow that, all we do know from the text is that the King was being given bad counsel by people he trusted all because they didn't pray first and inquire of the Lord. I'm sure everyone reading this can think of a time we made a decision without praying or asking others to join us in prayer.  A very wise man once told me that the enemy isn't stupid, he knows two plus two is four, so be careful who you listen to. Always seek God's voice.  We learn in James 5:13 that if anyone is in trouble they should pray.  We are all incredibly blessed to part of a church family where prayer and listening for God's voice has been taught and is a core value of our faith.  I sincerely pray and encourage anyone who is faced with a decision to reach out to an Elder or a prayer partner. Jeremiah 33:3 tells us "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."  Speak Lord, Your servants are listening.

Randi

Blog Post Monday June 18th

A Prayer For The Ability To Continue On (2 King 19:1-21 & Psalm 1361-26)

 

Lord, I know there are many who find themselves at a place in life where they are tired, weak, helpless and perhaps a bit hopeless.  For some, the enemy has shouted lies that have stumbled their walk of faith.  They feel alone and unable or not knowing how to continue on the path that lay before them in life.  Lord, I ask for your spirit to meet them where they are and nourish their spirit and give them the strength to continue to move forward, to seek you, to trust you.  I pray Lord that you would quiet the lies, the distractions, to busyness and help them to hear your whisper in the midst of their struggles, their pains, and the uncertainty in their life and help them to find rest and hope in who you are.  May they hear you, seek you and find you Lord during their time of need today.  May they know you are not far but you are right there in their midst and that you are ready and able to lead them and see them through this valley moment in their life.  Lord I ask that they would experience your presence, your goodness, and your power.  Remind them lord that you are:

 

Good

The God of Wonders

Creator of all things

Their Redeemer

Their Savior

Their God who remembers

Their God who frees

Their God who provides

Their Father who's love endures forever

 

Lift the burdens that seek to weigh down the heart and give strength and refreshment in its place so that nothing but hope and satisfaction in you remains.  Ready hearts to be touched by you today and prepare them to be changed and fortified for the rest of the journey ahead.

 

AMEN

 

June 16: Of Abundance, Dependence and Choice

1 Kings 15:25-17:24

Acts 10:23b-48

Psalm 134:1-3

Proverbs 17:9-11

Sometimes, I think we find it difficult to trust that God provides because we want Him to provide what we want.  We want comfort, ease, abundance, certainty.  We don't want just the next meal, we want the comfort of certainty - so we ask to already have every meal in our cupboard.  We don't just want the next mortgage payment, we want the comfort of certainty - so we ask to win the lottery, so as to have every mortgage payment, and the money to do anything we might want, in our bank accounts.  We ask for abundance, because we do NOT put our trust in God - we put our trust in the abundance we ask God to provide, and when we have it, we no longer feel compelled to obey God.

The Old Testament reading today is particularly instructive in this regard.  In the first half of the reading, we see a succession of men who aspired to the abundance of the throne - not so they could trust the God Who put them there, but - as their actions so abundantly demonstrated - so they could disregard Him.  And in every instance documented, the abundance turned to disaster.  And the kings died.  

Contrast that with Elijah.  In a time of drought, God provided according to His plans.  And so while the brook never turned into a raging river, there was enough water.  And while not only was the cupboard bare, there was NO cupboard to fill, Elijah had enough to eat…until it no longer suited God's plans to have Elijah in the Kerith Ravine.  Then the water ran out…and God provided again, this time directing him to the widows in Zarepath, where again there was no cupboard, much less an abundance of food to fill it.  But there, God made sure there was enough oil and flour so their needs were met.  And Elijah lived - obediently and fruitfully, according to God's will.  

The lesson to be learned: abundance is no security.  Perversely in the world's eyes, dependence is.  Abundance runs out.  Dependence on the Lord taps us into his limitless provision.  Abundance demands we be in control.  Dependence concedes our inadequacy to the task, and surrenders to God.

Elijah lived.  He may not have had neither mansion nor full cupboard, neither bed nor roof like those kings did.  But where those kings all died after a fruitless life, he had enough to live, and he enjoyed a fruitful life.  

Put this way, the choice is obvious.  In the context of our humanity, it is still difficult.  So Father, we turn to You.  As we prayed last week, unless You build the house…indeed, unless You build our hearts, in vain do the builders build.  Teach us that full cupboards and rich bank accounts are not solid anchors for our lives.  Instead, teach us to seek out the true security of relationship with You and dependence on Your limitless provision. In Jesus's name we pray. 

June 16

Acts 10

 

Daniel Lupton in his book, "I Like Church But" tells the story of a community church located in a Midwest college town Church. This church had worked diligently to maintain its high level of tradition in their worship service. The people all had their favorite pews, they came early to pray and meditate, and they came elegantly dressed for generations.

Because of these long held community standards, the local college students rarely attended this church. One Sunday in September, just after the college students had returned, a college student showed up for worship. He was wearing typical college attire, a tee shirt, sandals and shorts. As he started to make his way up the aisle looking for a seat he discovered there were no seats available. Now at the front of the church he was faced with a dilemma. Would he turn around and leave or come up with something creative. Being a college student, he had great creativity, so he simply crossed his legs and sat down right aside of the 1^st pew. People's expressions could easily be read. "Nothing like this had every happened before!" This had the potential to disrupt the entire service. You could read the body language in the eyes of the people. "Who does this kid think he is?"  At the rear of the sanctuary, gray haired Deacon Oakley, who was serving as head usher, he closely watched this whole incident. From the time Deacon Oakley was a young child, he had been taught how to dress for Church. You wear the clothes you would wear to see Jesus. So he had on a blue 3 piece suit and an elegant tie. A gold watch fob gleamed from his vest. Deacon Oakley was appropriately named. He was old and strong as a tree. In previous years he had chaired the church board, and his reputation was solid. You could just sense from the people; it's OK Deacon Oakley will handle this one. Slowly Deacon Oakley began his walk up the aisle. On Sundays he brought a gold and ebony cane to support himself. His trek to the front seemed to take forever. Entire wedding processions had finished in less time. Finally, he stood next to where the student was plopped down. Now what would happen next? Everyone waited. After a long moment the Deacon dropped his cane in the aisle, slowly lowered himself to the carpet, and offered his hand to the young man. "Glad to have you with us today." The wise elderly man and the young guest worshipped together right there in the center aisle.  That's the perfect picture of what church should be all about. We Christ followers stepping outside our comfort zones to welcome people of different races, ethnicities, economic backgrounds and different clothes styles. 

 

Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."

 

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"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, June 14

THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018

"Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers." (Acts 9:31)

In Acts 9, we read of Saul's tremendous conversion upon seeing the Risen Jesus.  This summary statement above highlights that the Church flourished during this period, having spread "throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria."  This geographic expansion fulfilled the first two steps from Acts 1:8, setting the stage for the  Kingdom expansion to "the ends of the earth."

Before that expansion, God found His Church "living in fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit." This fear represented reverence and prioritization, putting God in the proper place as No. 1 in their lives.  This fear brought forth obedience and created harmonious relationships between believers.  Their love drew others to the love of the Father, demonstrated in Christ.  They received power from the Holy Spirit.  This flourishing came under the Lord's care.

This early Christian apologetic, the Letter to Diogenes, writes about the ethic in the Christian community:   

"For the Christians are distinguished from other men neither by country, nor language, nor the customs which they observe. For they neither inhabit cities of their own, nor employ a peculiar form of speech, nor lead a life which is marked out by any singularity. The course of conduct which they follow has not been devised by any speculation or deliberation of inquisitive men; nor do they, like some, proclaim themselves the advocates of any merely human doctrines. But, inhabiting Greek as well as barbarian cities, according as the lot of each of them has determined, and following the customs of the natives in respect to clothing, food, and the rest of their ordinary conduct, they display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers. They marry, as do all [others]; they beget children; but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. (2 Corinthians 10:3)  They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)  They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life. (2 Corinthians 6:9)  They are poor, yet make many rich (2 Corinthians 6:10); they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all; they are dishonoured, and yet in their very dishonour are glorified. They are evil spoken of, and yet are justified; they are reviled, and bless (2 Corinthians 4:12); they are insulted, and repay the insult with honour; they do good, yet are punished as evil-doers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life; they are assailed by the Jews as foreigners, and are persecuted by the Greeks; yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred."

May these words desire our Grace Church family more and more so that the light of Christ might shine through us.

Lord God, thank You for expanding Your Kingdom through the faithfulness of believers that came before us and the power of the Holy Spirit.  Give us courage to believe You for great things for our day.  Draw our hearts closer to You so that we may live in fear of You and with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.  We love You and praise You today.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

July 13

Acts 9

Truly, the story of Paul's conversion is one of my favorites.  Every time I read it God speaks to me in a different way.  The last time we saw Saul in our reading was in chapter 8:3 where it says that he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. He has now continued his work and moved on to the city of Damascus.  As I studied this, I learned it was about a six day journey.  Saul was committed, in his mind, to persecuting the church.  Then, while on his way, he has an encounter with Jesus and Jesus asks Saul a simple question, ""Why are you persecuting Me?". As the heavenly light overwhelms him, Saul is confronted by the true nature of his crime: He is persecuting God, not man. I guess Saul wasn't prepared to answer the question because his response came as as two questions, "Who are You Lord", and  "What do You want me to do?"  I couldn't help but notice that Saul  recognized Jesus and called Him Lord, then spent the rest of his life discovering the answers to his own questions. We see humility meet submission all at once. A divine encounter which changed his life forever. Saul humbled himself before God and became Paul.  Every time I read this story I can't help but think that in order to walk this journey we all need a Damascus road experience to understand Who God is, but once we have our divine encounter we must also ask the second question - "What do You want me to do?" This is the ongoing conversation I personally want to have with Jesus so that I too spend the rest of my life discovering the answer. I believe we find the answer in our service. Saul entered into a very personal relationship with God that day when he asked "What do You want me to do?"  I pray that when we lay our requests at the foot of the Cross, we allow God to answer the same two questions in our lives, as He did with Paul, -  Who He is, and what He wants us to do, and the lifetime answer will unfold as we serve.

Randi

Psalm 130

Psalm 130 is considered a song of repentance, and is grouped with 10 other Psalms all called Psalm of the ascents. Jewish people who were travelling to Jerusalem would sing these songs on the uphill road to the city. I do see the redemption in this Psalm, but something much greater stuck out to me, that being, waiting for God.

It's verses 5 and 6 that really stuck with me. The phrase, "My whole being waits and in his word I put my hope" makes me visualize a person wholly focused on God, waiting, being still. Nothing is distracting the author in this moment, all he can do is wait. This raises the question, what is he actually waiting for? The answer is simple. He is waiting for God. He is waiting to hear from God. The amazing part about the author's waiting, is that he is waiting "more than watchmen wait for the morning." The word watchmen could also be interpreted as sentinel who stood watch on the city wall at night protecting the city and citizens from intruders. It was extremely stressful, and when dawn came, the watchmen could take a huge sigh of relief knowing that they were out of the darkness. The Psalmist is waiting more vigilantly than the watchmen, waiting for God, hyper focused on one thing, that being God's answer to his cry. In this moment, he needs to be still. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God." Just as the watchmen wait for morning, and put their hope in the light of day, the Psalmist is focused on God, and while he is in a dark moment of life, he knows that God is on the horizon and will respond to his cry.

What do you put your hope in? Do you wait to hear from God, or do you go into action? It's easy to put our hope in something of this world, but that's hope in something temporary. Sometimes, as difficult as it is to do, I need to wait. I need to be still and be confident that God will answer my cry. Especially in times of suffering when I feel like I can solve the problem on my own or I feel like I can figure a way out. Waiting for God can not only be tough, it can take time, the watchmen could never speed up the sunrise, but they knew it would always come. We may not speed up God's answer to our cry, but keep focused on Him like the watchmen on the horizon and be assured that His answer will always occur just like the sunrise.

Bible blog monday June 11th

A Prayer For The Prayers Lifted By Others (Inspired by King Solomon's prayer 1 Kings 8:22-60)

 

 

Lord, there truly is no other like you.  We could search our whole lives for something greater and will have only spent our lives seeking in vain for something that does not exist.  You are uncontainable and immeasurable and what joy that brings ours heart, what confidence we can rest in with this as our anchor during the storms of life.  No matter what our biggest problems or struggles are they cannot surpass your greatness, your wisdom, your power.  You are an awesome God who loves us and keeps your covenant of love with us as a promise and a hope to see us through all our days.

 

Lord, my prayer is for the those who are lifting up their voices to you in need, who are seeking you as their helper.  I know there are so many out there going through an array of situations and are in need of your guidance, your comfort, your vision.  I ask lord that you would hear their spoken and unspoken supplications, requests and hearts desires.  Hear your servant and all those who are lifting up their voice to you today. 

 

Lord, hear from heaven and forgive those who need forgiveness.  May your spirit wash them anew and allow them to feel the freedom from the bondage of sin, shame, and fear.  Hear from heaven and uphold the cause of those who are feeling to weak or burdened or confused to move forward.   May they feel you near and know that they are not alone to carry these burdens that weigh them down but that they have a father who loves them and will sustain them, support them, lift them up and place them firmly on solid ground.  Hear from heaven and teach us the right way to live, the right paths to take.  Guide those who are stumbling in darkened moments and help them to hear your voice clearly.  Once you have been heard I ask for your spirit to give aide and strength for each person to move in the direction you are calling even if their path still feels dark and uncertain.  May we all find peace in knowing that you will never leave us, you will never fail us, you will always lead us to place of growth, of greater knowledge in who you are, and place where your glory can and will be revealed in some way.  I pray lord, hear from heaven the prayers of those whose hearts are humbled and that you would answer and do for them according to your will and word.  May hearts be surrendered to you and willing to trust you lord in all things and in all ways.

 

Lord, I ask that your eyes be open to your servant's plea and the pleas of those who are lifting up their voices to you.  Hear them whenever they cry out to you.  Calm their spirits.  Encourage their hearts.  Give wisdom to their thoughts.  May you be their constant source of joy and peace no matter what each moment brings.

 

Praise be to you Lord, our God and savior.  Not one word has failed of all the good promises you have given.  May you be with us always and never forsake us.  May you turn our hearts toward you and guide us to walk after you always.  May everyone know that the Lord is God and that there is no other like you.

 

AMEN

June 9: Of Humility, Stubbornness and Expert Consultation

1 Kins 5:1-6:38

Acts 7:1-29

Psalm 127:1-5

Proverbs 16:28-30

"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain."

Bad enough there are many things I know I do NOT know, worse that I am so bad at asking for, and taking, instruction.  If you are like me, there are many places in your life where you suffer from an overly generous estimate of your knowledge, your wisdom, your understanding, your abilities. 

One of the best examples: after 13 years in a career in finance, I thought I was doing extremely well.  Good job, responsive clients, good pay, as late as March of 2008.  I thought there was just one way to go, and it was going to be good.  

By December that year, I was out of a job, amidst a crisis that made one doubt whether jobs in finance would come back.  Not what I had planned, not what I had wanted.  

It turns out, though, it was EXACTLY what I needed.  And not just me - but the family I'd neglected, the children who'd grown up pretty much without me, the wife who'd raised the kids almost entirely on her own.  If I'd been permitted to choose the path of my life, I would have chosen more of the same - and it would have been devastatingly wrong.  I would have worked my (rather generously proportioned) hindquarters off, but I would have labored in vain.  Praise God He knew better.  Praise God He built the house despite me.

You'd think that, after being made aware of all that, I would have learned my lesson.  But the heart is stubborn, and change is difficult, and so I still find myself trying to build without asking for guidance and direction.  

Father, before You build my life, rebuild my heart.  Show me what I must do to change, so that I turn to You for the guidance I need so that the life I build, the life I help build for my family - none of that is in vain.  

June 8

Psalm 126

This week we heard the news of two very successful and talented people taking their lives, celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and fashion designer Kate Spade. The CDC tells us that suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death in our country and among people ages 15 to 34, suicide is the second leading cause of death. 45,000 people die by suicide each year; that is 123 people each day.  Combine this with the dramatic rise in opioid addiction and death and we have a national epidemic of hopelessness.

How can this be? We live in the most prosperous nation on earth, with unemployment under 4%, and the most amazing technological advances. We are better educated, we travel more, we have bigger homes and cars, we have more leisure time and we receive the most sophisticated medical care.

So why are so many Americans frustrated and hopeless?  Could I suggest that Psalm 126 gives us an answer. This Psalm points to the truth that joy has nothing to do with acquiring or achieving something. Joy is the result of being in a relationship with the living God. Happiness is dependent on "happenings" while joy is anchored in seeing the fingerprints of God in your life. Joy is rooted in connecting with God's bigger story and your role in his plan.  

In verse 3 these joyful travelers state, "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." There you have it in just a few words.  Joy is the sense of delight that arises when we are connected with God and his mission in our life. The order is first seeing God do great things and then finding it produces joy.

Could it be that the crisis in America is actually a crisis of faith? The vast majority of people have lived under the illusion that if they become rich, powerful, popular and own a lot of big toys they will find happiness. But one day they discover that acquiring these things does not deliver joy. Joy depends, not on our acquisition of something, but rather on our encounter with someone. Happiness possesses; joy appreciates. Happiness grasps; joy beholds.

Augustine, the church father, put it this way, "Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee."

Look for the fingerprints of Jesus in your life and you will find joy.

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, June 7

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." (Acts 5:29-32)

While the Book of Acts often receives the tagline of the "Acts of the Apostles," looking deeper, we may clearly see that the Holy Spirit deserves the proper credit for what transpires.  Remembering back to Acts 4:22-31, we find the early disciples praying and seeking God's guidance in spreading the Gospel to an unbelieving and challenging populace.  They had staked their very lives on their testimony for the risen Christ.  They were confident of God's standing with them, and the fruit of that boldness comes forth in the following chapters.

Please notice that Acts 4:31 explains that their boldness came from the filling of the Holy Spirit.  These men and women had come from ordinary backgrounds, but the Holy Spirit had empowered them to "turn the world upside down."

Some observers have speculated that we don't see such powerful movements of the Holy Spirit in the U.S. today because of weakened faith and complacency with sin.  One manifestations of our diminished faith lies in our tendency to trust ourselves more than God's power.  We reason that our expertise and study have prepared us to tackle any situation.  While God has certainly endowed us with wisdom and great teaching, failing to trust God completely in God and not seeking Him desperately may leave our outreach and discipleship efforts lacking.

I accept responsibility for having believed God for too little.  For assuming that certain challenges are beyond His ability.  For trusting myself instead of the Holy Spirit.  For seeking worldly solutions to spiritual issues.  For not standing boldly for Christ in each moment.

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Luke 10:2)  Whose harvest field?  God's!  May we be ready workers — and seek after others — to venture into the harvest field.

Lord God, thank You for showing us the apostles' example of trusting completely in You.  Thank You for the faithfulness of those workers who have gone before us and have plowed, sowed, and watered the soil of our lives and those before us.  Thank You that the testimony of Your Word doesn't change with cultural shifts or human decision.  Make us ready workers for Your harvest field.  Increase our faith and boldness.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may experience the full joy of seeing transformation in our lives and in those of our family, friends, and neighbors.  We love You and honor You today.  In Jesus's Name, amen.

June 6

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Psalm 124

Is it only me or is it easy to get caught up in thinking we don't stand a chance to face our giants?  In most cases, there is no natural way to face our mountains, whether it's finances, a doctor's report, a lost family member, a broken relationship, and the depressing list that seems to just go on intimidating us by taking on its own personality and just does not let up.  Now David had numerous encounters with his share of giants, and each time, God delivered him.  David must have written this Psalm upon some occasion of great deliverance which God brought him through.  He is very careful here to give all the glory to God.  "Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth.  We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare, the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.  Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth". (v.6-8) I think when we get overwhelmed by life it's helpful (although not easy) to say "If the Lord had not been on our side.....(v1-2)" and fill in the blank with the occasions that God has made a way and delivered us when we saw no way out.   In Deut. 31:6, 31:8, Joshua 1:15, and Hebrews 13:5, God promises He will never leave us or forsake us and it easy to misplace in our memory the times He has stood by us in our time of need. We all have battle scars, but God continues to be on our side seeing us through. As we go into the day, I pray God reminds us of each day our Lord spent on this earth and the record of his deeds of love.  I pray we turn to our Bible and search for the words Jesus spoke which by the power of His Spirit now guide and lead us. I pray we keep His triumph over the grave close to our hearts so that when our giants seem big, we remember the God we serve is bigger. I pray at the end of today we take time to write down how we saw God carry us through our day.  Jesus never said our days would all go smoothly, but He did promise He would be by our side.  For that I give Him honor, praise and all the glory.

Randi

Blog post Monday June 4th

A Prayer For The Power Of The Lord To "Cut To The Heart" (2 Sam:29,31,33-34, & 36 Acts 2:37 & 47)

 

 

Lord, you are able to be lamp of light in the darkness to those I love as well as to me.  Your way is perfect and your word is flawless.  You are a shield and refuge to all in need and who seek you.  You give strength, you make perfect the paths we walk, you enable all to stand in victory who call on your name.  Remembering these things, who you are and what you do, I lift up my prayer today.

 

Lord, there are many I love and care deeply about who are not walking the path you call them to.  Many walk-in darkness thinking it is light.  I have watched with a heavy heart as they stumble and fall and struggle to get back up only to continue to walk down the same darkened path.  There are no words I can speak no actions I can take, in and of myself, to aide them.  What they need Lord is your power, your conviction, your intervention, the revelation of your Holy Spirit to "cut to their heart" and reveal to them the truth of where they are and where they need to be. 

 

Lord, I am encouraged by what I read in Acts today.  You gave your disciples the wisdom and ability to speak and live so that those around them, those who heard and watched, were "cut to the heart", convicted and changed.  In one day you did not merely open the hearts, eyes and minds of a few but 3,000 lives were changed, 3,000 men and women were "cut to the heart" with conviction.  They heard about the corruption of their generation and were convicted and changed not just for their life time but for all of eternity.  After that day we read on that you, not the disciples, but you, the Lord, added to that number daily.  Your power at work changed lives and brought many to you.  That is what is what I ask for today, keep adding to that number Lord and include those I love amongst them.

 

Lord, it was your power that changed lives and it started with the 12 disciples.  You grew them, you challenged them, you empowered them and then you set them where they needed to be at the right time so that you could use them to "cut to the hearts" of those around them.  Lord, I pray and ask that you would work in me first and foremost.  Cut to my heart and convict, teach, challenge, and grow me.  Empower me to speak truth and to live it and I ask that you would prepare hearts, especially the hearts of those I love deeply, to be ready to hear you, to be ready to experience you, and to be ready to be changed in great and eternal ways.  I pray that you would "cut to their hearts" and make yourself known to them in ways they never have.

 

Lord, the lies and messages of this world that sit in opposition to your truth, seem so loud and so strong.  Help me to remember that they have no power or authority over you.  You can crush them in an instant.  You can cut them from the hearts of those trapped by them without struggle or delay. Help me to always go back to how I began this prayer and to remember who you are and what you do and to find my hope, my peace, my joy, my passion, and power in that alone.

 

Lord, that day in Jerusalem you "cut to the heart" and changed lives.  I pray and ask with urgency and great longing; please do it again today and "cut to the heart" of those I love and for whom my heart breaks.

 

AMEN

June 3, 2018

"They all joined together constantly in prayer…" Acts 1:14 "Then they prayed…" Acts 1: 1:24

Lately I've been thinking a lot about prayer. I read somewhere that nothing good will happen, "as long as prayer remains an afterthought, a formality, a mindless mix of duty and manipulation, something we do but usually don't do and rarely if ever do with any meaning and vitality, with confidence and clarity."  For a long-time prayer was for me just that, a mindless mix of duty and manipulation. I did pray but somehow in a rush, always ready to move on to more exciting things.

 I heard sermons on prayers. I read books on prayer. I agreed that prayer was one of the most powerful weapons in our spiritual war. Yet my prayer remained superficial. I had to reach the end of myself, I had to see all my brilliant ideas leading only to exhaustion and frustration, before I was willing to understand.  "Prayer is the portal that brings the power of heaven down to earth." When we surrender to the will of God, when we open the channel of prayer, miracles happen. Sometimes things don't work out, and I am disappointed. Then it's always helpful to remember that God's will is good, pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2) God knows what he's doing. Looking back, many so-called disappointments turned out to be great blessings.

Our loving Father answers prayers! Recently I started to read again, "Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge." The author, Mark Batterson writes: "I have a handful of prayers I pray all the time. Because of their frequent repetition, I call them prayer mantras. One is that God will put my books into the right hands at the right time. I've prayed this prayer thousands of times… "His book was my gateway to salvation. Few years ago, I was in a friend's house and she had this book on her coffee table. I happened to sit right next to it. She started to tell me about the book.  Next, she told me about Grace Church and she invited me to attend that following Sunday. I said yes, and that Yes changed my life forever. Through that "YES" I got to know the Lord. My coming back to the Lord was someone's answered prayer. Thank you, Mark Batterson, for praying over your books.

What a God we serve! He exceeds our wildest dreams and imagination. Let's keep praying. If praying is a struggle let's invite God to talk to our heart. He knows the language of our hearts!