“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”
Why would anybody want to hurt people that are trying to save them from hell? I don’t know, but they do. In many countries, it’s a crime to be a Christian. It’ll get you killed, tortured, or worse (and there is worse).
It’s been the same since the very beginning. Those that called God’s people away from their sins and back to their God were hated, despised, hunted, and killed. Jesus was no different, neither were the disciples, and we can’t expect anything different.
As we read today’s passage, we find the disciples at a turning point: the Holy Spirit has come, and they have begun to proclaim the message of Jesus, much to the dislike of the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin has dealt with them the same way they dealt with Jesus. They beat the disciples. They imprisoned them.
Look at the disciples response. Their response should be the response of every Christian, especially a Christian leader. Basically, they asked God to give them strength in the face of the threats and to continue to work through them with healings, signs, and wonders. Amazing. Even more amazing is what happened next: They were answered and empowered for exactly what they asked for.
Do not miss the point here. Persecution will happen, and it will do one of two things: it will drive you away or it will drive you to your knees. The Christian leader will let God handle the persecution as they continue to speak the word of God in boldness. Jesus didn’t let His crucifiction stop Him from boldness, and we can’t let a little (or a lot) of persecution stop us.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Persecution will happen to every Christian. Go to God in prayer when it happens and pray for boldness despite the persecution.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Matthew 13:1-23
Prayer: Father, when persecution comes, give me strength to stand. Help me come to you instead of shrinking away. Thank you for giving me strength. In Christ’s name, amen.
Showing posts with label Acts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acts. Show all posts
Monday, May 10, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Day 45: Acts 4:19-20
“But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
There are a lot of people who talk. Talk is cheap. There will be many people who will tell you things that are contrary to God. Get used to it; you live in the world. Unfortunately, there will also be many times when you will be asked to do something that is contrary to your belief. Worse, when this happens, there are usually bad consequences for you if you do the godly thing.
It is easier to do things the way of the world. It is more accepted, the rewards of the world are plentiful, and no one will usually think the worse of you.
God does not call us into the easy way. He calls us into His way. His way is not the world’s way, and often the two clash.
When Peter and John were ordered by the Jewish ruling counsel to stop talking about Jesus, they had a choice to make. This was the same council that had crucified Jesus. They were more than capable of killing Peter and John.
Peter and John, rather than carrying on their obedience to God in secret, let the Sanhedrin know right away what kind of behavior they could expect.
Many times you are going to be in a tight spot where there is a clear choice between God and the world. It is in these times that the world is watching you the closest. They are waiting to see what you decide, because they will deduce how much you truly believe God by your decision.
In these tough times, we have to take our stand and declare our allegiance. It is to none but God. Any other allegiance fails us; any other path leads us astray.
Tough times will come, and you will be forced to choose. Will you choose to speak of what you have “see n and heard?”
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Christian Leaders take their stand on Christ. When faced with obeying the world or following Christ, they follow Christ.
Here are some verses to meditate on Today: Luke 22:39-46
Prayer: Father, help me to choose Your way at all times. Help me to resist the temptation to take the easy way out. In Christ’s name, amen.
There are a lot of people who talk. Talk is cheap. There will be many people who will tell you things that are contrary to God. Get used to it; you live in the world. Unfortunately, there will also be many times when you will be asked to do something that is contrary to your belief. Worse, when this happens, there are usually bad consequences for you if you do the godly thing.
It is easier to do things the way of the world. It is more accepted, the rewards of the world are plentiful, and no one will usually think the worse of you.
God does not call us into the easy way. He calls us into His way. His way is not the world’s way, and often the two clash.
When Peter and John were ordered by the Jewish ruling counsel to stop talking about Jesus, they had a choice to make. This was the same council that had crucified Jesus. They were more than capable of killing Peter and John.
Peter and John, rather than carrying on their obedience to God in secret, let the Sanhedrin know right away what kind of behavior they could expect.
Many times you are going to be in a tight spot where there is a clear choice between God and the world. It is in these times that the world is watching you the closest. They are waiting to see what you decide, because they will deduce how much you truly believe God by your decision.
In these tough times, we have to take our stand and declare our allegiance. It is to none but God. Any other allegiance fails us; any other path leads us astray.
Tough times will come, and you will be forced to choose. Will you choose to speak of what you have “see n and heard?”
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Christian Leaders take their stand on Christ. When faced with obeying the world or following Christ, they follow Christ.
Here are some verses to meditate on Today: Luke 22:39-46
Prayer: Father, help me to choose Your way at all times. Help me to resist the temptation to take the easy way out. In Christ’s name, amen.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Day 40: Acts 18:9-11
“And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”
Paul never seemed to get much time in any city. The cross of Christ was so revolutionary, so scandalous that the gospel stirred up trouble wherever Paul went. Paul was kicked out of more towns than we’ll ever know, being beaten, stoned, and generally treated badly as he went.
It’s no wonder then, that he was probably afraid for his life once again as he was in Corinth. There were many that opposed him and the teaching of Christ. A funny thing happened then. It just wasn’t in God’s plan for Paul to be run out of town like he had been before. God appears to Paul in a dream and tells him to stay put. God also tells Paul not to be afraid, and that no one will harm him. You can see the result: Corinth, being the heart of Greece, became a base for the gospel for a year and a half.
There will be many times in your walk with God that you are afraid. He may call you to things that you don’t even think are possible to do, or seem to take so much time and work that it seems impossible to complete. There will be times in your walk with God that you feel like you can’t go on, and there will be times in you walk when it seems like God isn’t there, almost as if you are all alone.
In these times, we have to remember that God is with us, and no matter what, he will complete what He has called us to do. Remember that it’s not incumbent upon us to get anything done: God does it. Remember that it’s not for us to save anyone: God alone saves.
If God is in something, it will get done to His satisfaction, regardless. If God is for you, no one can stand against you. If God is protecting you, there is no harm that can fall on you. He’s the God of the universe. All power is His. He can do that.
Sometimes when faced with problems and perils, we forget who God is and what He has called us to do. We should take God’s advice: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” There’s no one else I would want on my side.
As a Christian leader, there are many times God calls us to things that are scary or seem impossible to do. There are many times when even our very life will be threatened by those around us.
Remember, His plans are from before creation. What He has ordained will be accomplished; and God will use you to do it. You are invincible until your work here is done.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: When God is in something, there is nothing that can stop it’s accomplishment. No matter the task in front of us, if God has called us to it, God will see us through it.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Isaiah 6
Prayer: Father, give me courage, reminding me that You are always with me. Let me always remember that if You’ve called me than You will complete my calling. In Christ’s name, amen.
Paul never seemed to get much time in any city. The cross of Christ was so revolutionary, so scandalous that the gospel stirred up trouble wherever Paul went. Paul was kicked out of more towns than we’ll ever know, being beaten, stoned, and generally treated badly as he went.
It’s no wonder then, that he was probably afraid for his life once again as he was in Corinth. There were many that opposed him and the teaching of Christ. A funny thing happened then. It just wasn’t in God’s plan for Paul to be run out of town like he had been before. God appears to Paul in a dream and tells him to stay put. God also tells Paul not to be afraid, and that no one will harm him. You can see the result: Corinth, being the heart of Greece, became a base for the gospel for a year and a half.
There will be many times in your walk with God that you are afraid. He may call you to things that you don’t even think are possible to do, or seem to take so much time and work that it seems impossible to complete. There will be times in your walk with God that you feel like you can’t go on, and there will be times in you walk when it seems like God isn’t there, almost as if you are all alone.
In these times, we have to remember that God is with us, and no matter what, he will complete what He has called us to do. Remember that it’s not incumbent upon us to get anything done: God does it. Remember that it’s not for us to save anyone: God alone saves.
If God is in something, it will get done to His satisfaction, regardless. If God is for you, no one can stand against you. If God is protecting you, there is no harm that can fall on you. He’s the God of the universe. All power is His. He can do that.
Sometimes when faced with problems and perils, we forget who God is and what He has called us to do. We should take God’s advice: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” There’s no one else I would want on my side.
As a Christian leader, there are many times God calls us to things that are scary or seem impossible to do. There are many times when even our very life will be threatened by those around us.
Remember, His plans are from before creation. What He has ordained will be accomplished; and God will use you to do it. You are invincible until your work here is done.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: When God is in something, there is nothing that can stop it’s accomplishment. No matter the task in front of us, if God has called us to it, God will see us through it.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Isaiah 6
Prayer: Father, give me courage, reminding me that You are always with me. Let me always remember that if You’ve called me than You will complete my calling. In Christ’s name, amen.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Day 31: Acts 9:15-16
“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
Imagine being poor Ananias. Maybe you have been in a situation similar to his. God was asking Ananias to go and talk to a guy who before his conversion would have taken one look at Ananias and hauled him off in chains to be executed because of his faith.
Ananias must have been seriously questioning God’s sense at that point. I would have been. It just goes to show that we wouldn’t act differently even when God just comes out and speaks directly to us.
But don’t miss the point. God had everything well in hand. Ananias didn’t know it, or except it, but God was brining a big puzzle together that was a long time in the making. If Ananias had remembered who God was, instead of worrying about his own skin, he may have reacted differently.
We point a finger at Ananias, but we’re probably the same way. Has God ever called you to something that you thought was ridiculous? Has He told you to talk with that really mean or aggressive person at school about Jesus, or maybe called you to work in a place that you would consider dangerous or at the very least unglamorous?
Remember, that even though it might seem crazy, God knows what He is doing. You may be the first in, or you may be the last piece of the puzzle. It’s really not for us to know, but it is for us to obey.
What would have happened if Ananias had blown God off that day? What would have happened to Paul. He’d had met Jesus, yes, but through Ananias Paul’s sight was restored and he was baptized. Incredible.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God gives us divine appointments that we don’t always understand. Obey. Let God work out the details, no matter how dangerous.
Here’s a set of Verses to meditate on today: Jonah 4
Prayer: Father, help me to obey without worrying about what it will cost me. You gave Your Son to die for me. Thank you for working out everything before You even call me. In Christ’s name, amen.
Imagine being poor Ananias. Maybe you have been in a situation similar to his. God was asking Ananias to go and talk to a guy who before his conversion would have taken one look at Ananias and hauled him off in chains to be executed because of his faith.
Ananias must have been seriously questioning God’s sense at that point. I would have been. It just goes to show that we wouldn’t act differently even when God just comes out and speaks directly to us.
But don’t miss the point. God had everything well in hand. Ananias didn’t know it, or except it, but God was brining a big puzzle together that was a long time in the making. If Ananias had remembered who God was, instead of worrying about his own skin, he may have reacted differently.
We point a finger at Ananias, but we’re probably the same way. Has God ever called you to something that you thought was ridiculous? Has He told you to talk with that really mean or aggressive person at school about Jesus, or maybe called you to work in a place that you would consider dangerous or at the very least unglamorous?
Remember, that even though it might seem crazy, God knows what He is doing. You may be the first in, or you may be the last piece of the puzzle. It’s really not for us to know, but it is for us to obey.
What would have happened if Ananias had blown God off that day? What would have happened to Paul. He’d had met Jesus, yes, but through Ananias Paul’s sight was restored and he was baptized. Incredible.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: God gives us divine appointments that we don’t always understand. Obey. Let God work out the details, no matter how dangerous.
Here’s a set of Verses to meditate on today: Jonah 4
Prayer: Father, help me to obey without worrying about what it will cost me. You gave Your Son to die for me. Thank you for working out everything before You even call me. In Christ’s name, amen.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Day 22: Acts 13:2
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
This verse is one of my favorites. It shows a couple of things. First, God called Paul and Barnabas to their work. It wasn’t something that they thought would be nice to do, nor was it some program that their church had dreamed up that they wanted Barnabas and Paul to lead. Their call was from God.
Furthermore, God didn’t get all specific about the kind of work it was. He just said “set them apart for Me.”
Third, it’s fascinating that the call came to the church, and not just to Paul and Barnabas.
And finally, please note what was going on when God’s call came: They were worshipping and fasting. They weren’t just sitting around doing other things and “Waiting” on the Lord. They were actively seeking His voice.
So it’s a couple thousand years later, and here you are waiting on a word from God. Maybe you just want some answers, maybe you want God to tell you what you’re supposed to do with your life. Maybe you’re just waiting on Him to take care of all of it for you.
Or maybe you just act out of time with God, neither waiting on Him or heeding His call. Maybe you just figure that He’ll stop you if you do something he doesn’t approve of .
Can I offer some advice? Your call and your work are very important, and they are very important to God. He will communicate them to you in His time. In the meantime, God will prepare you for His call with everyday life. Remember, there are no accidents and no coincidences. God has a plan for your life and a work specifically for you. He is moving you towards it. Wait for His timing, and wait for His call. You won’t be sorry.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Wait for God’s call. Don’t try to second guess Him or get ahead of Him. God’s purpose for your life is specific and you are tailor-made for it. Be patient, and learn from the life that God has given you.
Here’s a verse to meditate on today: Isaiah 6
Prayer: Father, give me patience as I await your call. Give me wisdom that I don’t run out ahead of you. Give me perseverance as I wait for you. Thank you for choosing me and honoring me with work in your kingdom. Amen.
This verse is one of my favorites. It shows a couple of things. First, God called Paul and Barnabas to their work. It wasn’t something that they thought would be nice to do, nor was it some program that their church had dreamed up that they wanted Barnabas and Paul to lead. Their call was from God.
Furthermore, God didn’t get all specific about the kind of work it was. He just said “set them apart for Me.”
Third, it’s fascinating that the call came to the church, and not just to Paul and Barnabas.
And finally, please note what was going on when God’s call came: They were worshipping and fasting. They weren’t just sitting around doing other things and “Waiting” on the Lord. They were actively seeking His voice.
So it’s a couple thousand years later, and here you are waiting on a word from God. Maybe you just want some answers, maybe you want God to tell you what you’re supposed to do with your life. Maybe you’re just waiting on Him to take care of all of it for you.
Or maybe you just act out of time with God, neither waiting on Him or heeding His call. Maybe you just figure that He’ll stop you if you do something he doesn’t approve of .
Can I offer some advice? Your call and your work are very important, and they are very important to God. He will communicate them to you in His time. In the meantime, God will prepare you for His call with everyday life. Remember, there are no accidents and no coincidences. God has a plan for your life and a work specifically for you. He is moving you towards it. Wait for His timing, and wait for His call. You won’t be sorry.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Wait for God’s call. Don’t try to second guess Him or get ahead of Him. God’s purpose for your life is specific and you are tailor-made for it. Be patient, and learn from the life that God has given you.
Here’s a verse to meditate on today: Isaiah 6
Prayer: Father, give me patience as I await your call. Give me wisdom that I don’t run out ahead of you. Give me perseverance as I wait for you. Thank you for choosing me and honoring me with work in your kingdom. Amen.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Day 13: 20:24
“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.”
As Paul was finishing his third missionary Journey, he was faced with a real dilemma. He was headed to Jerusalem with a collection for the believers there. He had collected it from the churches in Asia that he had been visiting. He knew that things would be rough for him in Jerusalem. His own people were more than a little upset with him, because they saw him as a traitor to God. As he made the trip home, he stopped at Ephesus, a town where he had worked very hard, and a church that was obviously very dear to him. At their port, he addressed the elders of the church there for what Paul knew could very well be the last time.
Paul could have stayed there, in Ephesus, where his life could be prolonged and he could continue to serve the churches in the area. He could have turned the other way and gone on yet another missionary journey. If Paul had cared about his life more than he cared about serving God, he could have done either of those things. But his speech to the Ephesian Elders shows something about Paul that every leader must learn.
Paul had come to the realization that no matter what, God had things well in hand. Paul knew that his life was no longer his own, but God’s. God would use Paul as He needed to further His kingdom and bring the message of salvation to a lost world.
To take this attitude, Paul had to stop worrying about his own life and let God handle the details. This kind of attitude is not natural to us, in fact, it is very unnatural. We look to protect ourselves above everything else. Some consider that the right thing to do. Others, like Paul, see it as selfish. Paul believed that his life did not count as much as the people in Jerusalem that the offering would help; that his life did not mean as much as the salvation that God would bring through the preaching of Paul, no matter where God took him.
A Christian leader has to have Paul’s attitude. Our own life, our own wants, our own dreams, they are now second to the plan of an almighty God and our Savior. This means total commitment to a life of serving God and others. It’s not a halfway thing. Paul knew that. He lived it. Listen to his words: "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to me.”
If we think that we can interject ourselves whenever we want and serve God part time, we’re missing out on his purpose, His blessing, and His cause. God empowers the leader that gives his life fully over to God. Remember, the first… will be last. And the last, the one that gives up his life… he gains life. Be the person who gains it.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Our lives are tools of God for His glory and His purpose.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Luke 9:23-27, Matthew 10:24-42
Prayer: Father, thank you for your promise to provide everything that we need. Thank you for giving us salvation through your Son. Help me to be unselfish. Help me to give my whole life to You. Thank You for your plan for my life, and help me to follow it. In Christ’s name, amen.
As Paul was finishing his third missionary Journey, he was faced with a real dilemma. He was headed to Jerusalem with a collection for the believers there. He had collected it from the churches in Asia that he had been visiting. He knew that things would be rough for him in Jerusalem. His own people were more than a little upset with him, because they saw him as a traitor to God. As he made the trip home, he stopped at Ephesus, a town where he had worked very hard, and a church that was obviously very dear to him. At their port, he addressed the elders of the church there for what Paul knew could very well be the last time.
Paul could have stayed there, in Ephesus, where his life could be prolonged and he could continue to serve the churches in the area. He could have turned the other way and gone on yet another missionary journey. If Paul had cared about his life more than he cared about serving God, he could have done either of those things. But his speech to the Ephesian Elders shows something about Paul that every leader must learn.
Paul had come to the realization that no matter what, God had things well in hand. Paul knew that his life was no longer his own, but God’s. God would use Paul as He needed to further His kingdom and bring the message of salvation to a lost world.
To take this attitude, Paul had to stop worrying about his own life and let God handle the details. This kind of attitude is not natural to us, in fact, it is very unnatural. We look to protect ourselves above everything else. Some consider that the right thing to do. Others, like Paul, see it as selfish. Paul believed that his life did not count as much as the people in Jerusalem that the offering would help; that his life did not mean as much as the salvation that God would bring through the preaching of Paul, no matter where God took him.
A Christian leader has to have Paul’s attitude. Our own life, our own wants, our own dreams, they are now second to the plan of an almighty God and our Savior. This means total commitment to a life of serving God and others. It’s not a halfway thing. Paul knew that. He lived it. Listen to his words: "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to me.”
If we think that we can interject ourselves whenever we want and serve God part time, we’re missing out on his purpose, His blessing, and His cause. God empowers the leader that gives his life fully over to God. Remember, the first… will be last. And the last, the one that gives up his life… he gains life. Be the person who gains it.
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Our lives are tools of God for His glory and His purpose.
Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Luke 9:23-27, Matthew 10:24-42
Prayer: Father, thank you for your promise to provide everything that we need. Thank you for giving us salvation through your Son. Help me to be unselfish. Help me to give my whole life to You. Thank You for your plan for my life, and help me to follow it. In Christ’s name, amen.
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