316 - "Who Are You, Lord?" Acts 9-10

                               

SAUL...murderer no more
Acts 9:17 The Master sent Ananias to Saul so that he could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.  With the help of the Spirit, Saul begins preaching uninhibited in the Master's Name---so much so that the Jews and Hellenists wanted to kill him.   He went from a voice of crime to a voice of compassion.  Wonder what he thought about, what images were imprinted on is mind?

AENEAS...crippled no more
Peter healed this paralyzed man.  All those in town saw the miracle and woke up to the fact that "God was alive and active among them."

TABITHA...dead no more
Tabitha was well-known for doing good and helping out.  She became sick and died.  Peter knelt beside her lifeless body and prayed.  Tabitha sat up straight from the dead.  I'll be in Joppa on Thursday.  I weep as I think about seeing the spot.  

CORNELIUS...separated no more
Acts 10:33 God puts things together like Cornelius meeting Peter.  "And now we're all here in God's presence, ready to listen to whatever the Master put in your heart to tell us."  That's where I am this very day.  Given a trip to Israel and here we are in God's very Presence.  Whether we are in Israel or Indiana, would you dear God please make us ready to listen?  Acts 10:35 "It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open." 

Seeing the face of Christ dazzled Paul to the things of Another Country. It took his eyes off of this world and what he was doing to make this world work. Dazzled by the Holy One. Blinded and offered eternal hope. And Paul cooperated to the fullest extent with the One Who held his hand. Acts 9:9

Every one of us has to answer the question:  "Who are you, Lord?" Acts 9:5
Such a wonder that Saul found Him.
Such a wonder that we find Him today.
God can draw aside the blindness.
God did for me. And He has for you.
"Who was brought to Christ's feet with those words?" M. Henry
I'm praying we all will.

PHOTO:  There is Something about a person's face that thrills the soul. Seeing this face for the first time shook my world.  

315 - "Jesus Starts Appearing From the Other Side---Inside of Them" Acts 7-8

                                       

Acts 8:1 "And Saul approved of Stephen's execution."
Great persecution among the church in Jerusalem.
Disciples scatter.
And Samaria believes and receives the Word of God!
These disciples were not afraid to preach the Word. hears an angel giving him a direction to go.  Not so much as a detailed plan of what to do.  But, to go!  And he does.  Acts 8:26

When Jesus was with the disciples, they had a hard time following directions.  For example, Thomas---I will not believe until I see His nail-scarred hands.  No direction taken.
The disciples moved in fear.  When asked a question, Peter cowered and said he never even knew Jesus. But here's, a courageous Philip asking if a court official understands what he is reading.  May I jump in your chariot? Philip opens his mouth and tells the good news!  And the eunuch wants to be baptized! Acts 8:30

Then the Spirit carries Philip away! That's most unusual and scary to me. Not so, though.  Philip finds himself in Azotus and starts preaching! Acts 8:40

This story amazes me.  Jesus had been with most of these guys for 30 years.  One day, He is gone.  A grave is empty.  And no one sees Him up in the air.  They are grieving over the loss and He starts appearing from the Other Side---the inside of them.  He now lives inside. And look what is happening in these men that didn't happen when He was physically present.   And!  He still lives today, inside me and you if we invite Him in!  Am I listening for the stirring of the Spirit of God in me?  What is so of God this day that I know I can't explain it any other way?  May I jump in your chariot?

PHOTO:  A dark day in Florida when the heavens opened up. Whatever darkness we face, may our first words be a prayer. 

314 - "If God Is The Author of This Religion" Acts 4-6

If.

If this is from God. 

If. 

Then you won't be able to stand. 

"If God is the 'Author' of this religion...

From this it seems that Gamaliel supposed that it was at least possible that this religion was divine. He evinced a far more candid mind than did the rest of the Jews; but still it does not appear that he was entirely convinced." John Gibbs

How could a witness to a Resurrection not stagger our life?

How could a lame man of 40 years walking into the Sanctuary not bewilder us with wonder? 

How could an angel unlocking a cell to free the apparent innocent not shock unlocked?

The Almighty is Here. 

PHOTO:  No one can raise a sun, a body, the crippled, the broken. Only Him. 
A Resurrection. A Healing. A Breakthrough. Only explained in terms of God. God, have mercy on this child. Ezri, may God find space in your heart for Him. Ezri, may you live with inconceivable inner Strength from God! May you live in Wonder! You are off to the best start you could have ever had, thanks to your Mom and all those who have surrounded you these first years.

313 - "A Fool Shows Annoyance At Once" Acts 1-3

I'll admit it up front. 

I'll apologize for a lifetime of this fault. 

I'll own this one.

"Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." Proverbs 12:16

Even this day, I have several insults getting to my goat.  I wonder why.  Why can't I let them go?  By His Power.  Drive out the foolishness.  Build in that wisdom.  Overlook the insults.  This isn't about behavior modification.  This is about a change of my heart to the way that I look on what is happening to me---most of it has to do with losing money or being denied money.  Help us, God to see "for me to live is Christ" and not the solution of my financial problems. 

You will receive power. Acts 1:8

It is a specific energy only from God. 

For time and eternity. 

We are made new in strength. It's what I need to draw on in my annoyance.

 

"This energy would be given in such times and seasons, and in such measures, as should appear best to the infinite wisdom of God." John Gill

It is Enough in this life that God has spoken to me through His Word. 

It is Enough in this life that God has given to me the strength to live what He has brought my way. I would not have made it otherwise. 

It is Enough in this life that God has given me power to be His Witness. "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority." Acts 1:7 Then and Now. We are to live what is before us. When trifling about how life has left me lonely and empty, Look to the Northern Sky. He is coming Again. 

PHOTO:  I had to share my photo on this post cause I am way too easily annoyed by anything and everything, especially if it has to do with demeaning me or proving me wrong or distancing me or dealing with my pocketbook.  Oh dear me!  

312 - “Do You Really Love Me?” John 19-21

John does not mince his words about the Crucifixion of Jesus. He offers such detail. John 19. In a world where people try to protect Jesus, promote Jesus, this disciple tells the true story with no holding back.

The Disciple that Jesus loved.  John is the first to recognize the Risen Christ on the Sea of Galilee.  He saw the miracle of multiplying fish where these skilled fishermen had worked all night with nothing to show.  Until.  Christ moves into the picture.  John 21:12 "Come and have breakfast."  An invitation.  Early Morn.  And the disciples ventured not to question Him.  And this Christ asks the probing question:  "Do you love Me?"  Three times.  One for each betrayal.  And we all see our hearts in Peter.  Yes, LORD!

Do You Love Me?
May I be more consumed with how I break His Heart than how I break the rules.

311 - “Jesus Prayed For Me Today” John 17-18

  

Jesus prayed for the disciples that they may be made holy. Sanctifying Grace. And that Sanctifying Grace comes through Truth, the Word. May Your Hand go with all of us. A living faith. A working faith. And if the way we think about life has no sanctifying grace effect on us, there is no Divine truth Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Oh God, let us receive this living faith, this Divine sanctifying workNot for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word,  that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. John 17:20

PHOTO/ My heart has fallen into this ocean so many times. My God is always accomplishing what concerns me. 

310 - •Loved to the Uttermost” John 13-16

 

He loves us to the uttermost, the Greek says. To the end! John 13:1. To the ends of the earth.  To the end of anything we face.  So, do not let your heart be troubled.  

How do we then live without troubled hearts. There is no "do-able" life.  "I think about living a full life meaning: more do-able, like going to church, working hard, being good, praying, reading the Bible every day, trusting God for blessing." 66LL. But God defines real life so differently.  Even if our suffering gets worse, we can live a life of love.  Stand up!  Do what it takes to advance His Kingdom. Live a life of love because you are loved to the uttermost.  You are in an opportunity for Christ to do His Work in you, your family, your kids, your friends, your co-workers.  Be fully present.  Meanwhile... The point is t.h.i.s. Christ goes to prepare a place for you and for me. Think on heaven, love on earth.

H.e.r.e. Christ leaves us with Another Helper, John 14:6

Why does the next worship service have to be better than the one before?  Why does the next song need to be more powerful than the last?  Why are we always trying to outdo ourselves?  Jesus wrapped a coarse everyday towel around his waist.  He dipped His Hands in a worn porcelain water basin and poured water. John 13:5. He spit in the dirt to stir up some mud to spread on a blind man.  He didn't use the spectacular.  He used the ordinary to reach, to touch, to give life. May I not be caught up in thinking I have to have the next best book or song or experience.  Seek Truth not the blessings of this life.

309 - "Like Lazarus, Awaken My Soul" John 11-12

Is there ever a prayer that is unanswered. No. God answers all of them---it's just that maybe the answer we hoped for; or it is not the one we receive;the timing we require is revealed to be our will not His. In John 11:41 ~ Jesus lifts up his eyes and says, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me. Lazarus had been dead for 4 days. Did anyone really believe that God would bring him back to life? If we ask, He will answer. Don't be silent. Please be near to me. 

Psalm 35:22 Please hear my voice as I cry for mercy. Psalm 31:22 Just like Lazarus, awaken my soul to see life again. Just like Lazarus, send people my way to unbind what I cannot. Thank you, God, for the invitation to pray without ceasing. 

PHOTO: Eatonville, Washington. The street where the Morgans and Brandons once lived.

308 - "Go To The Place With Mud on Your Face" John 9-10

Whether we can see or not, believe for the sake of His Glory. John 9:30 "Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes." Since the world began, no one has ever even heard of anyone who can open blind eyes. So, why is it that we don't believe God? 

As Christ passed by the very people who despised Him, he healed one of their neighbors. Lifted a burden off the community who took care of this blind helpless man for 3 decades. In transitu, as he passed by. May we live to love as we pass by. Blind men and sighted. Never stop doing them good, even if treated invisible. With common elements of mud and saliva. He used what He had. The very thing the Pharisees had a fit over---how the eyes of the blind man were opened. You would have thought they would have thrown him an all-town parade. Instead the Pharisees threw him out! No longer blind. No beggar job; no family support; no community behind him. But, because he went to the pool of Siloam, he was healed. May we go to places we are called to go with mud on our faces.

PHOTO: Free Bible images. 

307 - "No Delays in God's Provision" John 6-8

                                                            

Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?" John 6:5

Philip knows where to buy bread in his hometown and he knows that they could come up with 200 denarii but it wouldn't buy enough bread.  200 Denarri!!!!  One denarii is a day's wage. 200!!!!  That's six months of daily wages. What disciple had that kind of wealth?  In today's economy, at minimum wage, six months of working every single day would net almost $12,000.  And that still wouldn't be enough to feed them a full meal.  

And where could Philip find that much barley bread and fish in Bethsaida?  The town was emptied----they were all there.  There were 15,000, maybe 20,000 hungry people sitting there.  It would take 15,000 pounds of bread and fish to feed that many.  And how long would that take to serve 20,000 people?  Have you ever tried to serve 500 people at a reception real fast?  20,000!!!!  

This is a major miracle before their eyes.  Not only does Christ have the power to deliver the food instantaneously (each disciple taking one second to feed the 20,000----you can make it through no more than 3,000 per hour and probably collapse right there staring at another 17,000 hungry people),  but there are 12 baskets left over. No delays with God's Hand, God's Power. 

You know, some of those 20,000 people are poverty-stricken and don't eat that well.  Yet, they weren't grabbing for more.  They were satisfied.  This is a parable of Abundance.  

Do I know His Power to supply all of my needs and so much more?  Am I trusting Him for more?  He is stirring up faith in our hearts. He will fulfill every desire we have to do what's right.  Those desires aren't coming from the enemy of your soul.  May you press into and lean hard on the Christ, this day, our Abundant Provider and His Infinite Resources for whatever need you hold in your heart!  

Whatever you face this day, there are 5 barley loaves and 2 fish waiting.  At the lowest point of my life, a friend said to me when I cried out to him for help:  "Five Loaves & Two Fish."  Somehow, at that moment, I knew a little bit more than the moment before, that God was going to show up in my despair.  And He did...with so much more than I could have ever imagined!