30 August 2010 Devotion for Today "Eye-Opening Experience" Acts 8: 34-40

 34The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

 36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"[f] 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea. (Acts 8:34-40)

 
 

In Germany we baptized our newly committed Christians in a near-by lake called Kinzigsee. One summer we took our congregation to a secluded part of the lake and baptized about twenty newly professed Christians. The bathers at the lake, intrigued with what we were doing, wandered over to the area of the lake where we were holding our service. In that country, as in many places in Europe, they have, let's say, different understandings about modesty- especially in swimming at the beach or the lake! I shall spare you the details, but because of the apparent lake of modesty by several who had joined in with our group, it became somewhat difficult to keep focused on what we were supposed to be doing, but we got through it. Dr. James Heflin, our European Baptist Convention director, was also present with us. He chuckled and joked afterward, "Jeff, I'll have to hand it to you. That baptism service was certainly the most 'eye-opening' service I've ever been to!"

 

Today we look again at Philip and his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch- the treasurer of Queen Candace of his country. Philip is not intimidated by this cultured and powerful man as he explains the Scriptures to him. Their chariot travels close to some water- perhaps a lake or a river and asks if he can be baptized. I've often explained that baptism comes from the Greek word, baptizo- which is a Greek nautical term meaning "to plunge or sink beneath the water. When a sea captain would spot an enemy ship, he would order his crew to "baptizo" the enemy vessel. He certainly did not mean sprinkle the ship, or even "christen" the ship. He meant to send it to Davy Jones' locker!

 
 

Baptizo has carried over into our culture and even transliterated to mean "to plunge beneath the water." It is symbolic of one's faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, an outward testimony to an inward commitment to what Christ has done when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised to life again. It is in keeping with the death of our sinful nature, its burial, and our resurrection to a new life in Christ. The image was so powerful that Philip did not really have to explain it or convince him of his need to do this. As an obedient child, he submitted to this act which demonstrated immediate change in his life. He had no control about having to become a eunuch to the queen, but he did have control of committing his life to the Savior who became His King.

 
 

A strong church and powerful presence of Christianity remains in Ethiopia to this day, even against the bloodthirsty rise of Islam in modern times. What prevents you from being baptized? It is not an empty ritual or meaningless tradition. It is an ordinance that we enter into with obedience that has a lasting and abiding purpose, and this is our witness for Christ. The image Christ chose to demonstrate our relationship with Him was so compelling that it still inspires and draws people to Him today. It is still eye-opening today!

 
 

Have a blessed day!

23 August 2010 Devotion for Today "Stephen" Acts 6:8-15

Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

 11Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God."

 12So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us."

 15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. (Acts 6:8-15)

 
 

Stephen was one of the original deacons chosen by the people earlier in this chapter. His zeal and witness for Christ is so evident in this chapter that it does not take long for the enemies of Christ and His church to single Stephen out and to desire his death. What the Sanhedrin had failed to do with Peter and John, another group of prominent Jews (called the Synagogue of Freedmen) are more careful this time to gather evidence (or concoct it) that will be sure to destroy Stephen. Gamaliel's presence at the previous session of the Sanhedrin brought restraint. But since Gamaliel is not a member of this Freedmen's group, his counsel is either ignored if it is known at all. These men are considerably less learned and probably not as politically connected- perhaps a collection of tradesmen and laborers from the areas noted in the Scriptures who would be more inclined to demonstrate violence than the cultivated Sanhedrin. They lost no time in accusing Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and God. At some point they then take Stephen to the Sandhedrin and noted his angelic face. Persecution is coming down upon him quickly, but Stephen maintains his dignity. He does not plead for his life or lash out in his own defense. Instead he continues to preach the Gospel to these learned, respectable, but lost men. He is hoping that someone will respond to the message of Christ before he dies. He demonstrates absolutely no fear, and demonstrates his boldness in the power of God.

 
 

As Christians, we do not realize that there is a sentence of death upon every one of us as far as the world is concerned. They will, sooner or later, mark us out for persecution. We might be tolerated for a time but even now the world's patience with us is growing thin. This is because the Holy Spirit has convicted them of sin and they refuse to listen to it any more. I expect that in the years to come it will become more and more difficult. It is already difficult to present the Gospel message in the public arena. It is technically against the law for a preacher, for example, to say anything negative against those who indulge in homosexuality- making it a hate crime even though no hateful intent is given from the pulpit. It is against some federal income tax regulations to advocate political candidates or positions from the pulpit; putting at risk the church's federal tax-free status. These are just some minor examples. The day when the church enjoyed the freedom to practice her faith and had the government's protection is over.

 
 

Perhaps that is a good thing for the church. When the church was driven underground in the 1940s, the church in China experienced great persecution. But since then it has grown in an alarming rate to the point that the communists cannot keep pace with the church's rapid growth.

 
 

Are you ready for the kind of persecution which has befallen people like Stephen and the church in communist China? I believe it was the early Roman theologian and historian, Tertullian, who said "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." Are you willing to be part of that seed today?

 
 

Have a blessed day!

 
 

 
 

18 August 2010 Devotion for Today "Gamaliel" Acts 5:34-40

^{34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."}

 40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (Acts 5:34-40)

 
 

Here Luke introduces Gamaliel- a relatively minor character in the Biblical narrative who had pervasive influence throughout the Mediterranean world. He is a celebrated scholar and Pharisaical rabbi who is also a prominent member of the Sanhedrin council. He demonstrates amazing restraint and advocated tolerance toward Peter and John, as well as early Christians at that time (though this could never some maintain that Gamaliel was himself a secret convert to Christianity). He also was a great teacher. Even the Apostle Paul claimed to have been one of his students prior to his conversion experience (Acts 22:3).

Gamaliel's tolerance was practical, and his cool head was an asset not only to the Romans but especially to the Jews in that turbulent time of Roman occupation. Boiling just below the surface of their society was latent rebellion against Rome. It was this man's influence who kept the Jews and the Romans from killing one another; whose smooth words kept this galvanized society functional in the midst of extreme hostility. Gamaliel wisely pointed out that there was really no need to prosecute Peter and John, for previous upstarts and rebellious Jews- all with messianic complexes had come to nothing. Several had been executed and their following had frittered away to nothing. If their preaching were of men, Gamaliel said, their words would fade away as quickly as the others. However, if they truly were of God, then nothing they could do would stop them. Gamaliel pointed out that they would run the danger of fighting against God (which they had already done by crucifying Christ). So there was really no need to get up in arms. In any event, the best advice he would give is just to let them all just go away.

 
 

Gamaliel's advice was very sound- so much so that the rest of the Sanhedrin followed it even though they would have preferred to have had these men executed. His influence and spirit is so much needed in the divided world in which we live, when our impulse is to respond with hostility rather than grace. As far as we know, Gamaliel is not a Christian, at least not here. But he follows the Spirit of Christ who desires that instead of seeking confrontation, that we turn the other cheek. Practicing such peaceable attitudes plays down the selfish dragon within all of us so that we might better serve Christ and put Him first. Wouldn't it be good if the spirit of Gamaliel be present in all of our families and all of our churches? Perhaps we would have greater influence for Christ than we have now. Perhaps God has called you to be a Gamaliel?

 
 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help the spirit of Gamaliel- as following Christ- live in me today instead of the confrontive spirit of the world which demands its own way. In Christ's name and for His sake. Amen.

 
 

Have a blessed day!

17 August 2010 Devotion for Today "Does God Still Heal?" Acts 5:12-16

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

9:46 AM

^{12The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. 13No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed. (Acts 5:12-16)}

 
 

 
 

In May, 1987 I was ushered the ICU ward where my father lay critically ill with what we had been told was acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. We were told he would not live long, and I scarcely recognized his severely jaundiced body which was tethered to all kinds of tubes and monitors. The day before the doctors there at the Oakland Naval Medical Center told my mother to put their affairs in order, and that they could do surgery to isolate the tumor and hope to make him more comfortable, but not to expect much. I trembled as my reached down to embrace my dad. It had been a long flight from the east coast and I was exhausted. As I kneeled beside his bed, instinctively I prayed. I don't remember the exact words I prayed, only that God would make my dad well again. It was not a long prayer, nor did I even think to anoint him with oil as I did it. There were no overly exaggerated incantations of the name of Jesus; in fact the emotion inside of me could barely get those feeble words out. I just prayed.

 
 

Later my mother's sister and her husband, both strong Christians, arrived to join us in the vigil at the hospital. The doctors came in the next day to the waiting area where we sat hoping we would hear better news. The doctor said, "Well, I've got good news and some not-so-good news. The good news is, we cannot seem to locate the tumor- only severely impacted gall stones around the site in the pancreas where we believed the tumor to be. I can't explain what happened- all I know is, the mass is gone. But the bad news is that we already performed the Whipple procedure and that is irreversible. Had we known the results of the tests before hand we would not have performed this surgery which will take some time to heal. But we believed time was crucial- I hope you will understand."

 
 

Hearing this surgeon's words caused us to leap for joy. We were told not to expect too much, since my dad was a very sick man. But what I heard that day was hope. To this day I don't believe the doctor made a mistake. God healed him, two months after his fiftieth birthday. There was no question in my mind- God had allowed him to live another 18 years to see the births of 6 of his 8 grandchildren.

 
 

A question I have heard considered is, "Does God heal today?" In Acts 5 we read of the apostles Peter and John preaching in the Temple where a large number of people heard them. They also brought the sick and demon possessed with the expectation that they would be healed. This passage says that all of them were healed. Should we have the same expectation today? I've had several theologians tell me that what was manifested in the New Testament was limited to the apostles. Their gifts, we were told, died out when they did. The proof text of I Corinthians 13:8 "But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away," is often invoked for such moments, but even so the text says nothing about healing passing away. To say that God no longer demonstrates His power to do what He will is to deny the existence of a sovereign God. It is true that I have witnessed some ridiculous extremes, and even some spiritual quacks who do more to repudiate the power of God than they promote it. It is also true that even though we may pray for someone's healing, not all of them get well. This has nothing to do with the strength or the lack of strength of the believer who prayed or the quality of faith the patient may or may not have had. Even so, we are commanded to pray to the end that God receives the glory for everything that happens. Countless times since then I have heard doctors say that they did not know what happened, that the patient was not expected to recover and did anyway and that "someone must have been praying!" Many times those same doctors are not prepared to hear, but I want to scream out in times like those: "I know what happened! God did a miracle. He still heals today, and don't ever forget it!"

 
 

Have a blessed day!

11 August 2010 Devotion for Today "The Encourager" Acts 4:32-37

11 August 2010 Devotion for Today "The Encourager" Acts 4:32-37

 
 

11 August 2010 Devotion for Today "The Encourager" Acts 4:32-37

32Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neitherdid anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they hadall things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands orhouses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 andlaid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

36And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Sonof Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4:32-37)

 
 

Do you have any people like Barnabas in your life? Barnabas was known as a leader in the early Christian church. We really do not know much more about him, but what we do know is enough to love him. Luke tells us his Jewish name was Joseph but he was such an inspiration that the apostles gave him the nickname, Barnabas, meaning "Son of Encouragement." He is first mentioned in the book of Acts. We assume he is somewhat wealthy, or at least wealthy enough to own property and selling it. We then learn of his outstanding example of generosity when he sold a field that he owned and then took the money to the apostles to distribute to those in need.

In Acts 9:27Barnabas is also seen encouraging the great evangelist Paul. Paul, who was originally Saul of Tarsus. Saul had made a name for himself persecuting and killing Christians. After his radical conversion experience, Paul went right to work preaching that Jesus was the Sonof God but many Christians were understandably suspicious of his motives. However, Barnabas befriended him and even took him to the apostles in Jerusalem for an introduction. What I find refreshing about Barnabas is that he risked his own reputation and credibility in doing so. However, Barnabas cared more about exalting Christ and advancing His Kingdom than he did his own.

InActs 11, we read of Barnabas encouraging new believers in Antioch. Barnabas wasdescribed as a good man, confident in the Holy Spirit. Many people came to faith in Christ with his help. During this time, Barnabas went to find Paul and brought him back to Antioch, where they worked together for a while.

Later, Barnabas stood up to Paul in defense of a young disciple, John Mark who had failed Paul's expectations on an earlier missionary journey. The single-minded Paul wasn't going to take a chance on a repeat performance, letting nothing get in the way of his priority of spreading the gospel. You can understand Paul's passion, but Paul forgot about the lessons of encouragement Barnabas gave him. Paul went on his own way and due to this, Barnabas went another, taking John Mark under his wing. His objective was encouraging and building a future leader in the church.

As I read about Barnabas, I see a man who had a close walk with God. He was willing to give his personal wealth to help the less fortunate. He was confident enough in the Holy Spirit's leading that he trusted and befriended the repentant persecutor of Christians.

Barnabas went out of his way to help new believers in their walk with Christ. He was strong enough to stand up to the dynamic Paul, knowing his place was that of an encourager. Barnabas fulfilled God's purpose for him. God also has a plan for all of us. He has a job for you,although it may not be what you expect.

 
 

I have run into a number of notable people throughout my ministry career. Some have even been celebrities. But the people I remember the most never aspired or received any earthly acclaim. They stand out to me because of the love and the encouragement they gave. You may never be asked to preach, teach or work in the mission field. God's work for you may be that of an encourager. You may be asked to encourage new believers in their faith. It may be as simple as stepping out of your comfort zone to be a friend, giving a smile or a handshake. The young lady featured in the attached photo inspired millions of young women to join our country's workforce while their husbands were fighting overseas in World War II. While the dear lady who posed for the graphic died in relative obscurity a few months ago, it is clear to us that her encouragement in this simple pose helped us to win that war over sixty years ago! We neverknow where something so simple is going to lead.

Have a blessed day!

 
 

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05 August 2010 Devotion for Today "A Church on Fire" Acts 4:23-31

^{3On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:}

   " 'Why do the nations rage

      and the peoples plot in vain?

 26The kings of the earth take their stand

      and the rulers gather together

      against the Lord

      and against his Anointed One. 27Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

 31After 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. (Acts 4: 23-31)

 
 

The story is told of the village atheist who wasn't really a bad man, he just didn't believe and refused to go to church. Many had been after him for years but he turned them down partly because the church was a lifeless social club filled with hypocrites. However, one night the church building was struck by lightening and caught fire. Everyone in town ran to the church to try to put the fire out, including the atheist. The preacher, seeing the atheist running as fast as he could to the church, exclaimed, "This is the first time I ever saw you running to church!" The atheist responded, "This is the first time I ever saw the church on fire!"

 
 

Once again we see Peter and John, who had just been released from the custody of the Sanhedrin and threatened for preaching the name of Jesus Christ. But their threats fell on deaf ears; partly due to the boldness of these two men and because of the prayers of the church who were praying for them. Prayer is the most powerful weapon the church has to defeat the enemy. Satan has been trying for years to shut the church down- but the meeting he despises most is the church's prayer meeting. He causes that recliner to feel so much better on a Wednesday night (the time of most American evangelical prayer meetings) than any other time of the week. But the church in the book of Acts prayed powerfully, and we get a sense of their prayer in the text here today. They began by praising God and spent time thanking Him for the release of the apostles and thanked Him for their boldness. They then asked God to stretch out His hand to do powerful miracles, signs and wonders. You will notice no time was taken up in this prayer meeting for Aunt Sally and sister Sue and their ingrown toenails and irritable bowel syndrome. I once had a prayer request from someone for a case of chronic flatulence! I am not kidding!

 
 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that God is not interested in prayers for all of our aches and pains but let's face it, we've all got aches and pains. We need to be less focused on our ingrown toenails and chronic flatulence so that we have the energy to pray not eloquent prayers, but powerful prayers and more importantly show up to see God doing these great wonders that we ask Him to do.

 
 

The place that night was shaken in a powerful way, and the Holy Spirit's fire burned within them. Someone once said that if you catch fire for God, people will come out to watch you burn. May you burn with a passion for God today and let it begin in your prayer life!

 
 

Prayer: Dear God, remove this lethargic attitude in my life and instead set my heart afire with a passion to burn for You. Let my prayers blaze brightly to the heavens and pour down Your power down upon me. Let people come out to watch me burn for You and spark that same blaze upon them as well. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 
 

Have a blessed day!

02 August 2010 Devotion for Today "No Other Name" Acts 2:8-12

Monday, August 02, 2010

11:14 AM

^{8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! 9If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11He is}

   " 'the stone you builders rejected,

      which has become the capstone. 12Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:8-12)

 
 

Recently Brit Hume of Fox News spoke that name in recommendation to Tiger Woods, citing his need of forgiveness and a faith that offers it. It was a personal recommendation given because he was asked for his personal opinion. But oh what a firestorm of controversy it sparked!

 
 

No one says "What in Allah's name is going on?" No one texts "OMB" for "Oh My Buddha." These facts help to prove the case that Christianity is the truth, and all else is false. Because only Jesus' name has the power and punch behind it to matter.

 
 

The truth hurts and the truth helps, but it never is neutral. No one ever tells an enemy to 'go to purgatory' for there is no jab found in saying it...for there is no truth in that non existent place. They tell their enemy to 'go to hell' ... a place they supposedly don't believe exists! I even heard an atheist say this before.

 
 

For 2,000 years the name of Jesus has not just reformed alcoholics, but transformed them. Purified prostitutes / made liars tell the truth / turned haters into lovers / turned wife beaters into docile men / made whoremongers faithful / cleaned up cursing mouths / has saved souls from hell!*

 
 

Every other religion on earth has this in common: their founder is today dead.

But I can say: "I serve a RISEN Savior." And that's why it's the only name!

 
 

Have a blessed day!

 
 

 
 

• Thanks to Jerry Shirley