Acts Devotional Week 3

April 29, 2012

Acts 3:1-10

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon.  And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

There was a lame man begging at a gate.  Most would ignore him.  Some would give him a little bit of money or maybe a bite to eat.  He did this everyday.  It was routine.  It was life as he knew it…until he encountered Peter and John.  When he asked them for help, they stopped and paid attention.  They got the lame man’s attention.  Something was about to happen.  In the middle of this man’s routine God was at work.  In the middle of our routine God is at work…often in unexpected ways.

What happened next was not expected.  Peter doesn't give the lame man money or food.  Instead he gives him health and new life.  “In the name of Jesus, stand up and walk” and that is exactly what happened.  The lame man didn't need gold or silver.  He didn't need to spend his life crippled and begging at a gate.  Our God heals.  Every one of us needs the healing touch of God.  Most of our hurts aren't seen physically, but we can be crippled relationally, emotionally, and spiritually.  God’s desire is to heal his people.  To heal us.

When the lame man encountered the disciples of Jesus he found healing.  The same should be true when people encounter us, the church.  God works in our lives.  He heals.  As a church we must recognize and celebrate God’s healing touch.  When people saw this formerly lame man they were amazed and worshiped God.  We are the lame man.  As believers, let us show others God’s healing work as we worship him in all aspects of our lives.  

Acts Devotional Week 2

April 22, 2012

Acts 2:1-4

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.  Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

The believers were united.  They were together.  The Holy Spirit was with them.  I don’t think any of these believers expected mysterious fire and wind to show up for worship that day.  I doubt they knew what to do once they began to speak in other languages.  This event didn’t figure into the plans of the day.  They simply gathered to worship and God showed up.  We never know what will happen when we gather to worship.  When God shows up the unexpected happens.  When God shows up people are given gift and abilities they did not have previously.  When God shows up the church becomes dynamic, active, and alive. 

So why languages?  If God giving out abilities and gifts why would he choose this particular one?  First consider the mission of these believers.  They were to go to all the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  One of the major obstacles to doing this was the language barrier.  With this gift the believers were able to speak clearly to the hearts and minds of all people.  Second, think about Babel.  When people sought to make a name for themselves (apart from God) they decided to build a tower.  God’s response was to confuse their language.  So people split apart according to their language.  Sin brought division to humanity.  The gift of languages erased that division in Christ.  This day demonstrated the results of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection as new life, new unity, and salvation overcame the consequences of sin.

So the Holy Spirit brought unity to the believers.  He brought the ability to speak to the hearts and minds of all people creating unity while demonstrating God’s power over sin.  He brought people to these believers.  They drew a crowd.  They began to preach.  From this gift of unity the Word spread and the church was born.  What can the Holy Spirit do today?

Acts Devotional Week 1

April 15, 2012

Acts 4:32 – 5:2

All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.  The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.  There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.  For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.

All were united in heart and mind.  Their desire was to do as Christ directed them to do.  They were open to the work of the Holy Spirit.  They had witnessed the power of God at work in and through them.  They were committed, loyal, and dedicated followers of Christ.  They were the earliest church of Jesus Christ.  From this place, they shared everything.  Their shared desire to do the work of the Lord extended into every part of their lives.  They supported one another in every way they could.  They made sure problems, needs, and differing ideas/opinions did not divide them.  God used these believers to meet needs as they came so that everyone was taken care of.  This sort of unity is to be a hallmark of any church.  It requires the intentional erasing of divisions and divisive attitudes.  It requires a universal effort to do what God directs.  It is a shared work that empowers a community to do what Christ would do.

Two examples are given.  One is positive as Barnabas sold some land to provide money for God’s work.  He did this willingly, honestly, and without need for praise.  Ananias on the other had said he would do the same, but decided to try to deceive this early church.  He said he would give all, but kept some.  His goal did not match Barnabas’s and the early church’s goal.  His deception points to selfish aims that would become divisive if allowed to continue.  In our lives, do we share a common goal or do we see the church as a tool for our personal aims?  Which does God desire?  

Devotional for Easter Sunday

April 8, 2012

Isaiah 55:1-6

“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free!  Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.   You will enjoy the finest food.  “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life.  I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.  See how I used him to display my power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations.  You also will command nations you do not know, and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey, because I, the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”  Seek the LORD while you can find him.  Call on him now while he is near.

Do you have a need?  Are you searching for that which will satisfy your need?  Come to God.  He will show you what is good.  He will give you what you need.  A fundamental aspect of God’s work in, through, and among his people is faithfulness.  God does not hide himself from us.  He is available to all who come.  He does not leave us.  He will not abandon us.  Into our darkest moments God brings love.  The sacrifice of Jesus demonstrates God’s love despite all the rejection, destruction, and pain the world brought to bear.  God is there for us.  Come and see.

Listen and you will find life.  Listen with ears wide open.  Listen without bias.  Listen with the intent to learn.  Come and listen…God will show you what life is really all about.  The author of life desires to teach us how to live well.  Why would we not listen?  Consider David…a humble shepherd who listened to God.  In David, God worked to build his people into a living example of his power and unfailing love.  That same power and love is offered to us.  Those who come and listen are never weak.  They are connected to the source of all life.  Nothing is greater than God.

Seek the Lord.  Call on him.  Go to him.  Listen to him.  God has a work for all of us to do.  Those you do not know will see God at work in you.  Rise up.  Stand up.  God desires to do a glorious work in your life.  He desires to do a glorious work in this church.  Through faithfulness and love the power of God works.  Let us run to God.  Let us be people who listen.  Let us see that the Lord is good and he is at work.  Amen.

Focus 40: Day 40

The Chair

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out…” —Acts 8:26–27a

There is an amazing story in Acts 8:26–27. Phillip was having great success as an evangelist among the Samaritans. Suddenly, God calls him to go to the desert. There is no explanation, just the command to go. As you fast and pray for people far from Christ, be open to the idea that the Holy Spirit may take you down a path and lead you to people you never intended to meet.

I have a chair in my office that reminds me that God’s plans are not always what I have decided to do. Several years ago at Thanksgiving, my wife and I went to Brenda’s parents for the thanksgiving meal. It had been a very stressful time at church and I was glad just to eat a lot and watch football and probably fall asleep. Esther, Brenda’s mom, told me about her neighbor, Julie, who was very sick. Julie was a Lutheran, but she had not been to church for a long time and they could not get a pastor to come out and give her Communion. Esther wondered if I would go over and take Communion to Julie. I was less than excited. I needed a day away from constant demands! Surely Esther of all people should know that. I reluctantly went to Julie. She was a tiny woman sitting in this little lounge chair. I talked to her about Jesus’ love and had prayer with her and served Communion. The next day Julie told Esther that during that prayer she asked Jesus into her heart. Two week later Julie died. Every time I look at that chair I realize how close I came to missing God’s plan.

As you pray today, remind the Holy Spirit that you are available to the Julies in your world. The Bible calls these special moments kairos moments, opportune times that if we are available God can use us to change our world. Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives!

Dear Father, as I pray for people I know far from you, help me to be open to those opportune moments you place in my life. In the loving name of Jesus, amen.

Ø  Dr. Steve Birch, Pastor, White Chapel Church of God, South Daytona, Florida

Focus 40: Day 39

Prayers of the Righteous:

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. —James 5:16

Since I was a child, I have seen persons within the church anointed for healing as instructed in James 5:13–16. When I accepted my call to ministry, I followed what had been modeled for me by my pastor and the leaders of our church. Even as a teenager, when asked to pray for someone, I would quote this passage, anoint the person with oil, and pray for God’s will to be done. In the intervening forty-five years, I have prayed thousands of times for individuals seeking healing of body, soul, or mind. I have not kept a statistical account of how many were healed in the moment, some later, and some never. Yet all received the best I had to offer in that moment as I requested a mighty outpouring of God’s grace and power.

Often, people outside the church, and sometimes inside, make disparaging remarks about praying and fasting because they have not seen evidence of results. At the core of any type of prayer is the fact that you are addressing the Creator of the world, the holder of all destinies, and our ultimate adjudicator—asking for his will on this particular subject or issue. At times, our own understanding of the situation may be clouded by our own desires and biases. The text from James places in proper perspective the attitude of the one praying: “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”.

It is critical to understand what it means to be a “righteous person.” As I understand it, a righteous person is one who seeks the will of the Father in all situations and circumstances and has his or her life and lifestyle committed to living out the “perfect will of God” (Rom 12:2). The solution we envision in any given situation may or may not be the will of God. It can be very difficult to separate our personal viewpoint from the will of God. This is where fasting and praying intersect. There are times when we need to get our own wishes out of the way so we can hear from God. An extended time of prayer, an interruption in our normal schedule, or some other change in our normal routine, may provide the opportunity for God to speak into the situation in a fresh way.

A moment from my first pastorate illustrates how God may take our humble efforts and bless them. I had been called to the home of an elderly lady who was near death’s door. The family wanted me to pray for her before she died. She had been a faithful servant of the Lord for many years. As I entered her bedroom with other family members, I saw a very frail person having difficulty breathing and barely conscious. I prayed for God’s will to be done in her life, for support for the family as they walked this journey with her, and that God would be glorified through this experience. We all left the bedroom to let her rest. Later, as I was eating dessert with the family in the kitchen, she appeared in the door and asked if they had any more pie. We were pleasantly shocked and immediately gave thanks to God for her recovery. Some months later, I preached her funeral, but for that night, the prayers of the righteous were heard.

In our praying, let’s keep God in the proper perspective as defined by the Bible and recognize that we are vessels made of clay. Praise God for the opportunity to pray. Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives!

Lord, empower me to be a righteous person seeking the will of the Father in all situations and circumstances; a person whose life and lifestyle are committed to living out the perfect will of God. Then, empower me to speak powerful and effective prayers that escort people into your presence to be touched, healed and transformed. Amen.

Ø  Dr. Ronald V. Duncan, General Director, Church of God Ministries

Focus 40: Day 38

Building Bridges

All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times that amount.” —Luke 19:7–8

Most of us have some negative feelings about evangelism. Rob Bell describes the guy with the bull horn screaming at people passing by that they need Jesus. I find it interesting that people far from Christ were attracted to Jesus. What was his secret? One of my favorite Bible stories is found in Luke 19:1–9, the story of Zacchaeus.

What I find most interesting about the story is that Jesus does not begin with the obvious: Zacchaeus is far from Christ. He is a sinner. Instead, Jesus begins by inviting himself to dinner. Truly a man after my own heart. What was Jesus doing? He was building a bridge so the gospel could be heard. He was demonstrating a true concern for Zacchaeus, the man, not the spiritual scalp.

Sometimes I share with my church the concept of seven touches; there is another one called five touches. Basically the concept is we need to build relationships with people so we can share the good news of Christ. Those bridges can be sports or a lunch. While I was pastor at Lexington, at one time we had four or five people coming to church through bridges built while working out at Gold’s Gym. When you think about the whole gospel message, it is about relationships, a relationship with God and a relationship with others. Relationships are by nature messy. It is easier to preach to someone than it is to get involved in their life. When I came to White Chapel and we began to pray for the families in our community, I warned them that the families in our community had messy lives, and if we were going to pray for them, we would have to get involved in the mess. That has proven true. Various people over the years have made this statement, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” It is our acts of love that give us the open door to share God’s love. So when you pray for someone far from Christ, realize this means you must be willing to get involved in lives that can be messy lives. Transforming Hearts…Transforming Lives!

Dear Father, as I pray for people I know who are far from Christ, I realize their lives are a mess. I am willing to get involved in their mess if it means I can build a bridge to you. My prayer is that you will show me how to build that bridge. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ø  Dr. Steve Birch, Pastor, White Chapel Church of God, South Daytona, Florida