Jesus is Truth – As We Celebrate Pentecost Sunday!

Did you know Jews were celebrating the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot) on the day God sent the Holy Spirit to indwell believers? The Feast of Weeks was an agricultural festival at the end of grain harvest, 7 weeks after Passover, celebrating the first fruits of the harvest. In God’s perfect timing, He sent the first fruits of the permanent and powerful presence of the Holy Spirit to live in Jesus’s followers. This enabled them to powerfully witness and work for Jesus all over the world, as seen throughout the book of Acts.

Acts 2:1-9  When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

⁵ Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. ⁷ Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter then gave a powerful message about what God did through Jesus’s death, resurrection, ascension, and gift of the Holy Spirit. He called for repentance of sins, receiving Jesus’s forgiveness and baptism. Then, those who believed would also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Three thousand believed Peter’s message that day! Peter made it clear the Holy Spirit’s presence was for all those who believed (Acts 2:38-39), which includes you and me!

The day of Pentecost reminds me that Jesus’s spiritual presence is always with me through the Holy Spirit that lives inside me to guide, comfort, convict, instruct, empower and bring peace. I am never alone and never without the Holy Spirit’s help!

What encouragement does Pentecost and the Holy Spirit’s presence bring to you?

Jesus is Truth - Celebrate His Ascension Today! (Thursday May 9, 2024)

 

Can you believe it’s been 40 days since Easter?!

Acts 1:3-11          ³ After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. ⁴ On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵ For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

⁶ Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

⁹ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

¹⁰ They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹ “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Ascension Day reminds me that Jesus fulfilled His promises of living as a human, dying for my sins, rising in bodily form and ascending to heaven. I am certain He will fulfill His other promises such as preparing a perfect place for me in Heaven after this life and ending Satan’s reign on earth (Revelation 20:7-10).

As you celebrate today, will you thank God for His victory over death and His promise to return for you?

We look forward to celebrating Pentecost next week!

Alice

P.S. I had the opportunity to write a post about Ascension Day for our global Interfaith Employee Network at work. The full article is included below:

Name of the holiday? Ascension Day 

Who (what religion) celebrates this holiday? Christians

What is the holiday about? Ascension Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the day Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Son of God, ended His visibly physical time on earth and returned to heaven, at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus was with God before the creation of the world, came to earth as a baby and lived as a perfect human on earth, died on the cross in our place as our perfect sacrificial Passover lamb (John 1:29 and I Corinthians 5:7), rose from the dead, physically appeared to hundreds of people for 40 days after His resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3-8) and then ascended (returned/moved back up) to where He had been with God from the beginning. Jesus’s ascension was witnessed by numerous people and Luke documented this event in the first chapter of his book of Acts (Acts 1:3-11). 

When does it take place? Ascension Day is always 40 days after Easter. Easter (or Resurrection Day) is always on a Sunday, so Ascension Day falls on a Thursday, 5½ weeks later.  

Where is it celebrated (what do we do on this day)? Some Christians attend a special church service on Ascension Thursday or choose to delay the celebration until the following Sunday’s normal church service.

How is it celebrated? Christians joyfully celebrate by re-reading the details of Jesus’s ascension to heaven (Acts 1:3-11) and by praising Jesus with music that talks about His ascension.  

Why is it important to us? Ascension Day is important because it celebrates Jesus’s completed work in making a way for sinful humans to have a restored relationship with their Creator God. By accepting that Jesus died on the cross to pay for all our sins, rose from the dead victorious over death for Himself and for us, and is now exalted back to His rightful place in Heaven with God the Father, Christians have free access to talk to God anytime and are assured we will also ascend to Heaven to join Jesus for all eternity! Jesus said He would not stay on this earth forever, but would leave to prepare a place for us. (John 14:1-3). 

Significance (what does the holiday mean) to me? Ascension Day reminds me that Jesus fulfilled His promises of living as a human, dying for my sins, rising in bodily form and ascending to heaven. I am certain He will fulfill His other promises such as preparing a perfect place for me in Heaven after this life and ending Satan’s reign on earth (Revelation 20:7-10). Also, as He promised, Jesus gave me (and all His followers) His Holy Spirit to be with me while I live on this earth. Jesus’s Ascension marked the end of His physical presence, but His Spiritual presence is available to all of His followers all of the time, ever since the Day of Pentecost (which we will celebrate and discuss in 10 days!) 

Thursday Devotional - Snake Bite Purpose

I wonder what Paul thought when he got the snake bite? Was he afraid? Did he wonder why God allowed yet another challenge and more pain?

After the drama we saw last week around the snake bite, we quickly see it was a way God used to draw attention to Paul and the Holy Spirit’s power and message through him.

Acts 27:7-10 ⁷ There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. ⁸ His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. ⁹ When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. ¹⁰ They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

The passage doesn’t say Paul preached the gospel and told the people on Malta about Jesus, but I don’t think Paul went anywhere where he didn’t talk about God’s message of Salvation. He must have told them it wasn’t his power (but God’s) that healed them. Paul could see now how God used the snake bite to give him a platform for sharing God’s power and message.  

This reminds me to have a different perspective when a family member or I experience pain or suffering. I can ask God for help AND ask Him to help me see how He is going to use it for His purposes.

That certainly wasn’t my first thought when my son, James, had a gymnastics injury Monday that left his vision blurred and half his face numb. I definitely asked God for help! It was a few hours, though, before I asked Him to show me how He might be using this for His purposes. As God answered prayers for direction and next steps (such as one of our doctors personally talking to us on the phone right as we got to ER and letting us come to his office immediately for an assessment, bypassing ER), we were able to share these answers to prayer with family members, coaches, and doctors!

James is still dealing with several issues, but we’re praising God he didn’t end up with a concussion and the nerve damage shouldn’t be permanent!

The next time you and I face a challenge, let’s remember to not only ask God for help, but to help us use it for His purposes!

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Murderer or god?

People can sure be fickle. One minute they can be singing your praises and the next minute tearing you to shreds. Opinions and beliefs can change quickly, too, based on what people see, hear, feel, want to believe, etc. 

I’m not immune to this, either. In fact, I thought Joe (my husband) was arrogant and rude when I first met him. He did interrupt a conversation I was having with another guy, which may have skewed my opinion. 😊

Paul experienced this fickleness of people. Once he was safely on land after the shipwreck, the islanders made drastic judgement calls about him!

Acts 28:1-6    Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. ² The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. ³ Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. ⁴ When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” ⁵ But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. ⁶ The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

When was the last time you and I made a quick and rash judgment call that we later realized was incorrect?

Many of us here at Thomson Reuters have been through the training on assuming positive intent. It is sometimes hard to do, especially when our emotions are already riled. However, doesn’t it benefit us and the other person to calm down, assume the best, listen, gather additional details, and then react and respond?

With whom do you and I need to especially practice this?

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Fear Again?

 Have you ever had a time in life where it felt like you faced one storm or challenge or hardship after another? I can think of several different times. One of those times was when Joe lost his job several different times during the recession.

 

Well, Paul was no stranger to challenge after challenge. Last week, though, everyone on the ship finally listened to Paul! They took his advice this time, ate and were encouraged. Maybe Paul finally breathed a sigh of relief. However, he was about to face another death sentence!

Acts 27:38-44           ³⁸ When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

³⁹ When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. ⁴⁰ Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. ⁴¹ But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.

⁴² The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. ⁴³ But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. ⁴⁴ The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.

Safe at last! Paul seemed to have a challenge at every turn. He didn’t worry or give up or blame God. He trusted God’s plans and His Sovereignty, even when it didn’t look like anything good could come of something. God proved trustworthy and accomplished His plans for and through Paul.

We can trust God’s Sovereignty, too. He has plans for each one of us and will accomplish His plans for and through us. I’m nervous about several things right now (mountains of work, kids going back to school, lots of changes to our normal Fall schedule, etc.). It doesn’t help me to stay in a state of fear. I can cast my cares on God. He cared for Paul and He will care for me!

What fear do you need to lay before God?

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Finally Listening

Earlier in Acts 27 Paul warned the men NOT to set sail (vs. 9-10). His warning was ignored and they ended up in a terrible storm. In the midst of the storm, God gave him and the people on board a promise that they wouldn’t die (vs. 24). However, the storm went on for 2 weeks!!!

Acts 27:27, 33-37     ²⁷ On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 

³³ Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. ³⁴ Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” ³⁵ After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. ³⁶ They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. ³⁷ Altogether there were 276 of us on board.

I can’t imagine the fear everyone on the ship was experiencing! Not only were they afraid and hungry, but I would guess they were exhausted, many were sick from all the tossing back and forth, and some were probably injured. At this point, they listened to Paul, ate and were encouraged!

What about you and me? Do we wait to listen to God until we’re in a storm and have no other option? As Kent talked about yesterday, we’re to pay attention to God daily. We need daily time with God to heed His warnings and remember His promises. Then, we can have confidence in Him through whatever storms of life we face!

 Alice

Thursday Devotional - Proved Correct

Last week we saw Paul’s words of advice ignored. He warned that if they sailed, it would be disastrous, but they decided to sail anyway. They quickly found out he was correct!

Acts 27:14-15, 18-26  ¹⁴ Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. ¹⁵ The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along… ¹⁸ We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. ¹⁹ On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. ²⁰ When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

²¹ After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. ²² But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³ Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴ and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ ²⁵ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ²⁶ Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

Because Paul’s warning had proved correct, I would guess they were more likely to believe his promise and heed his encouragement from God!

God’s warnings and promises have proved correct time and time again. The more I’m reminded of this, the easier it is for me to heed His warnings, believe his promises and take His encouragement.

Like Paul, just because our Biblical and wise advice has been ignored in the past doesn’t mean we aren’t to prayerfully speak up in the future. Credibility often takes time.

Where might God be leading you and me to humbly speak up again with truths from God’s Word? Maybe it’s with an adult child, a fellow church leader, a friend or a relative. As our credibility builds, let’s pray for God’s words and timing to boldly speak truth for the benefit of others.     

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Words and Warnings Ignored

Have you ever felt led to boldly speak up about something, but it didn’t seem to make a difference or have an impact?

I felt like that recently. In an outside organization, we needed to fill a particular position. As I was praying about it one night, God brought someone to mind. I mentioned it at my next meeting, including the reasons why they might be a good fit. However, no one else seemed led in that direction or even willing to consider them.   

I wonder if Paul felt ignored over and over again. Not only did he not seem to get anywhere when he talked in front of the Jews, Felix, Festus and Agrippa, but his warning about sailing to Rome was ignored, too!

Acts 27:1-2a, 8-11   When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. ² We boarded a ship… ⁸ We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.

⁹ Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, ¹⁰ “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” ¹¹ But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.

As we’ve talked before, we aren’t responsible for convincing people. We are responsible for being obedient to speak when and what God says. The results are left to Him. He may have different purposes for what He leads us to say. If you read the rest of chapter 27, you’ll see how God used Paul’s warning to give him credibility when disaster did strike.   

When have you prayerfully spoken up and seemingly been ignored? Let’s trust the results to God. Instead of throwing our hands up and getting frustrated, lets continue to pray about any future words or actions that would align with His plans and purposes.

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Led to a Dead-end?

Have you ever had a time when you felt God led you in a certain direction and then it didn’t go at all the way you thought?

I wonder if Paul ever felt like that. He was arrested by the Jews and appealed to Caesar, but that just led to trials before various governors and kings. He faithfully shared the truth about God, but it didn’t seem to make a difference in the lives of the listeners.

Acts 26:29-32  ²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

³⁰ The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. ³¹ After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”

³² Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Paul was passed around and never released. I wonder if he ever second guessed being led to appeal to Caesar. I think I would have felt led to a dead-end!

I’ve certainly felt led to a dead-end several times in my life. One big situation was over a decade ago. When we were studying the book of Isaiah, I felt led by God to look into adopting orphans. We did various research on orphans and adoption and eventually were led to consider foster children. God even provided a weekend foster conference nearby the one weekend we could attend! Afterwards, we registered for foster parent orientation. However, we were literally locked out of the orientation class! We couldn’t even get rescheduled for the next month, because they weren’t having one. It was very confusing. In hindsight, God was preparing our hearts, but it sure felt like a dead-end at the time.

We can follow God’s lead, even if it seems to end at a dead-end. He sees the big picture. His purposes and ways are best. His timing is always perfect.  

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Alice

Thursday Devotional - How Persuasive are You?

I wouldn’t consider myself a very persuasive person. I do not like to sell anything. In fact, I remember being terrified to go door-to-door to sell Christmas ornaments for a school fundraiser in fourth grade! It was not a fond memory!!! I’m not in Sales for a reason!!!

When it comes to sharing the gospel and truth about God, we don’t need to focus on being persuasive. We certainly want to get our facts straight, but sharing the truth from our heart and from our personal experience is where we can focus. We aren’t responsible for the other person’s response, but for our obedience to share the truth.

The last few weeks we’ve seen Paul share the truth and his personal experience over and over. It angered some. Festus called him insane, but that didn’t stop him!

Acts 26:25-29           ²⁵ “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. ²⁶ The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

²⁸ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Paul wasn’t focused on being persuasive (although, I’m guessing he was a very persuasive person). He focused on obediently sharing the truth out of love for the listener, no matter what the response.

With whom do you and I need to lovingly share the truths of God, without worry about their response? The Holy Spirit convicts. We aren’t responsible for persuading.

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Smart, yet Insane?

Have you ever been told it is insane to believe in Jesus as your Savior?

You may have heard someone say that faith is for the weak and unintelligent. It isn’t, but it is certainly for the humble. Prideful and arrogant people don’t want to admit they are nothing without God.

As Paul was speaking to all the educated and powerful people in Jerusalem and Caesarea, they recognized his great learning and intelligence. It confused especially Festus, though. Paul’s humility and selflessness, because of his faith in God, was “abnormal” for someone of his intelligence.

Acts 26:20-25 ²⁰ First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I [Paul] preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. ²¹ That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. ²² But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— ²³ that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

²⁴ At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

²⁵ “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable.

Do people see your faith as “abnormal” for someone who is intelligent? My sister was once asked how she could be so smart and yet believe in God.

Anyone can be knowledgeable, but a truly wise person is fully surrendered and dependent on God, their Creator and Sustainer! It isn’t insane. As Paul states, it’s “true and reasonable!”

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Purposeful Power

Speaking of power, we lost power and internet for over 30 hours last Wednesday evening and all day Thursday, so sorry I couldn’t access or post this devotional!

We often have lots of questions why God allows certain things to happen. He is so powerful and could prevent and stop so many things, but He often doesn’t. We don’t see the big picture.

In Paul’s case, God continued to let him remain in prison unjustly. Yet, it was part of God’s purposes to have Paul preach the gospel to high officials in Caesarea and eventually in Rome (Acts 23:11 the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”)

By the time we get to Acts 26, Paul had already spoken to the Jewish crowd, the Jewish leaders, High Priests, Govenor Felix, Govenor Festus and all the people around them. Now, Paul gets the opportunity to speak to King Agrippa, his wife and high-ranking officers.

Acts 26:1-8    Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”

So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

If God is powerful enough to raise Jesus from the dead, then He is powerful enough to do anything. He is watching over us. He will powerfully accomplish His purposes in our lives. It may not go as we planned, but as He planned! Like Paul, you and I can trust His purposeful power. How will you and I do that this week?

  

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Contentment in Confinement?

I never dreamed we would still be living under “stay home, stay safe” orders. It’s been 2 ½ months! The first few weeks were especially difficult. I remember reading Acts 24 about two weeks into our confinement and took great encouragement from it! We weren’t in jail for over 2 years in Caesarea like Paul. Two years is a whole lot worse than 2 weeks or 2 months. Plus, I’ve been able to get outside almost every single day for a jog, walk or bike ride.

Not only was Paul in prison for two years, but the Jews were still plotting his death!

Acts 24:27-25:3                ²⁷ When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison. Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, ² where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. ³ They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.

I don’t know why the Jews were still so angry and plotting Paul’s death two years later. I would think they would have forgotten about him or at least moved on knowing he was in prison.

Anyway, it’s never recorded that Paul complained about his situation or wondered when it would end. In fact, in Philippians 4:11b-12 Paul says: …I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Paul wrote Philippians while he was confined in Rome under house arrest, after his 2 years in prison in Caesarea. So, he was definitely speaking from plenty of experience with trouble, including confinement!

Would others around us say we are content in any circumstance? Or, has our confinement brought out greater frustration and impatience?

Lord, help us develop greater contentment by relying on and trusting you through this time of confinement.  

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Love and Judge

When you tell people about God and Jesus, do you focus on their love or their judgment?

I think some people probably focus on one or the other. Paul, of course, did a wonderful job of highlighting both. As we talked last week, he was courageously consistent to all audiences, whether commoners or top officials (such as with governor Felix).

Acts 24:24-26           ²⁴ Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁵ As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” ²⁶ At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. ²⁷ When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

Like Governor Felix, people often don’t want to talk or hear about God as Judge or that they may need to make changes in order to follow Christ. Earlier this year, James had several conversations with his fellow gymnastics’ peers and coaches. He told them God was real, loved them, etc. He was so saddened that many of them blew him off, didn’t believe in God and didn’t want to talk about Him. In one conversation he shared that if they didn’t believe in God then they would go to Hell. I first cringed, thinking he was a bit harsh. However, he was sharing the whole truth! He also did it out of a heart of love and not trying to scare them into belief.

May we be like Paul and James, able to consistently share the whole truth of God with those He places in our path to hear. May we gently and lovingly share God’s love and the truths of Him as the perfect Judge.

Lord, help us follow your lead for your words and timing.   

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Courageously Consistent

Have you ever been frustrated to tell the same story over and over? Have you had to tell your symptoms to the front desk person at your doctor’s office, then to the nurse and then again to the doctor? Or maybe it was a computer problem to the help desk, or instructions to a child/spouse, etc.

Paul had to tell his story over and over again. He didn’t get frustrated, though, and saw it as an opportunity to share God’s truths over and over to different people!

After Paul was seized in the temple, he spoke his defense to the crowd about meeting Jesus and told them Jesus gave him a mission to be a witness to the Gentiles (Acts 22). Then, the next day he spoke before the Sanhedrin regarding the same charges (Acts 23). As we saw last week, he was then secretly escorted to Caesarea. A few days later, his case was heard by Governor Felix. He calmly, courageously, and consistently continued to speak truth.

Acts 24:12-16           ¹² My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. ¹³ And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. ¹⁴ However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, ¹⁵ and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. ¹⁶ So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Paul was never ashamed of who he was, what he believed, or what God said. He consistently and courageously took opportunities to speak the truth. With whom do you and I need to be courageously consistent to speak the truth, even if it’s the same thing over and over?

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Courage to do Nothing?

Jesus timely encouraged Paul in prison, giving him assurance he would go to Rome to testify. Jesus is trustworthy and Paul didn’t have anything to worry about, but did that mean he sat back and did nothing?  

Paul was in prison, so there wasn’t much he could do besides pray. Although he was already in prison, the Jews’ continued plots to kill him. God had Paul’s nephew find out about the plots, though, and he told Paul.

Paul could have told his nephew “Just trust God. Don’t worry about it!” since Jesus told Paul he would testify in Rome. However, Paul wisely (and prayerfully, I’m sure) did what he could do by sending his nephew to the commander.

Acts 23:17-22 ¹⁷ Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” ¹⁸ So he took him to the commander.

The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

 ¹⁹ The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

²⁰ He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. ²¹ Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”

²² The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

Paul had active faith. He also had the Holy Spirit and godly wisdom.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we can fully trust God as Sovereign and in control of everything. That doesn’t mean we sit back and do nothing. We are to have active faith. We can pray for wisdom to listen to the Holy Spirit’s direction on how to use the information available in a way that glorifies God and accomplishes His will. How will you and I do that today?  

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Timely Encouragement from Jesus

Have you been timely encouraged recently?

Last week we saw how Paul was ready and willing to die for Jesus as he traveled back to a hostile Jerusalem. Things went well for the first week in Jerusalem (Acts 21:17-26), but then he was wrongly accused, seized, and dragged out of the temple to be killed. God sovereignly had the Roman commander and troops intervene and spare him. The Jews were determined to kill him, though, and continued their wrongful accusations (Acts 21:27-23:10).

That’s when Jesus timely appeared:

Acts 23:11     The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

Jesus didn’t promise it would be smooth sailing, but provided renewed confidence, a new assignment, and evidence He was watching, caring for Him and in control.

I have found it so timely that everyone in the Bible study I’m in has been studying Paul’s difficult trials and hardships while we are going through our own new challenges. It has so encouraged me to keep everything in perspective! Jesus’ words to Paul can apply to us. We are to “take courage!” He’s aware of everything going on around us and everything going forward. He’s in control. He’s watching. He has new and different assignments for us during this time. I can trust Him!  

I know several of the devotional writers have shared timely encouragement from God and His Word during this time. Feel free to share any other Scriptures that have really encouraged you recently!

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Ready for a Challenge?

We recently received news that most of us are to work from home beyond the 4 weeks, until May 15th! When I left work on March 13^th and picked up James from school that afternoon, I thought it was going to be 3 weeks of a different work and school schedule and then we would be back to normal. However, it keeps getting extended. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re to stay home beyond May 15^th!!!

I miss my normal routine, my desk setup and ergonomic chair, the extra steps I get walking halfway across the building for water or the restroom 😊, etc. As challenging as it might be, though, I know I’m thankful we have jobs that are possible to do from home!

As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, most of our challenges are small compared to all the challenges and hardships Paul faced. He readily and willingly faced challenges.

Acts 21:10-14                       ¹⁰ After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹ Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

¹² When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³ Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ¹⁴ When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Are you and I ready and willing to continue to persevere in our new working environment challenges without complaining?

What about work for the name of Jesus? Are you and I ready and willing to take up new challenges for the benefit of His people and His name? What about leading a virtual Bible study, virtual prayer group, calling or writing to fellow church members (to provide a listening ear or to encourage), or collecting prayer requests (from co-workers/friends/family) and spending dedicated time in prayer for them? I think some of you are already doing these!

As Luke said, may “the Lord’s will be done” and may I readily and willingly participate!

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Confidence in Uncertainty

How have the last few week’s been for you? Has your life flipped upside down?

I doubt any of us dreamed we would be living life like we are now. Life doesn’t always

go as expected, but God is still in control, and Sovereign over all!

Paul’s life didn’t go the way he thought, either. I’ve been studying Paul in the book of

Acts in Bible study (which has been moved totally online the last few weeks). All the

uncertainties Paul faced has really helped me put my challenges in perspective. My

challenges are very tiny compared to his challenges. Yet, he wasn’t frozen in fear.

In fact, at the end of Paul’s third missionary journey he was told by the Holy Spirit and

Prophets that hardships and prison awaited him in Jerusalem.

Acts 20:22-24           ²² “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³ I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. ²⁴ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Wow, Paul was focused on his task of testifying about the good news of God’s grace. He wasn’t shocked, disheartened, or discouraged by what he faced. He continued to boldly speak for God, confident in God’s plan for his life.

How confident are you and I in God’s plan for our lives? He’s in control. He has a plan. We don’t need to worry, but just do what He’s called us to do, take up our cross, trust Him and follow Him!  

Alice

Thursday Devotional - A Different Sunday, Part II

Well, our “different Sunday” may be our new normal for a while. We did get to watch the live-stream of our worship and sermon again. We also got to watch the live-stream of one of my sister’s services, where she was playing most of the music.

We did several additional prayer/Scripture/song times spread out throughout the day, similar to last Sunday (although, not as many ☹).

We started with praising God for who He is, then a thanksgiving session for all His provisions and blessings, and then prayers for how we could help others during this difficult time. It was encouraging to hear all the attributes of God that James and Sarah thought of for which to praise God, all the blessings they appreciated and their own creative ideas on helping others.

1. Praise God

Holy Holy Holy

Acts 4:23-31

2. Thanksgiving

At the Cross

Acts 12:21-24

3. How we can help others

God Will Take Care of You

Acts 22:30-23:22

Acts 4:23-24, 29-30     ²³ On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them… ²⁹ Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰ Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

We can pray for safety and health during this time, but notice what Peter and John prayed during their time of crisis. They first praised God for who He is and then asked for boldness to continue spreading His message. We can do the same! The biggest need of people right now is to know their Creator, whether they end up seeing Him soon or not for many more years.  

Alice