Acts 6:1-7 – Problem Solved

Read Acts 6:1-7

How many times have you kept what is bothering you inside without looking for a solution? It doesn’t feel good. It can cripple you. If you don’t have a solution, perhaps someone else will. A similar situation is happening today in our reading. We see some complaining going on about unfairness. While it starts as complaining, it ends with a solution that works for everybody. Not every problem has an obvious solution. That’s why it’s so important to involve other trusted individuals, and certainly God, to figure it out.

Again, we see a helpful example here for what we can do when faced with difficulty or frustration. Certainly, keeping it inside will not benefit anyone, especially you. Maybe we worry that a solution won’t be found, or we’re too embarrassed to even ask for help. Our lack of trust can often keep us imprisoned in our own difficulties.  So how do we break free of our chains? Continue reading “Acts 6:1-7 – Problem Solved”

Acts 5:12-42 – Obey God First

Read Acts 5:12-42

Jesus is not dead. His Spirit lives on in us. We read today of his apostles continuing Jesus’ work. They were spreading the Good News, healing, and performing miracles in Jesus’ name. Their numbers were growing. People were watching and believing, yet some were jealous. Jealousy is not from God, but it was Satan again having his way with these Sadducees. How did they respond? They arrested and imprisoned the apostles.

What happened next? God intervened. The doors of the jail cell would not stop God as his angel released them with a message from God – “Tell.” There were no excuses like, I don’t know enough, or I’m scared. They did what they were told. They had just been thrown into jail for doing that very thing, but they were obedient to God first. Continue reading “Acts 5:12-42 – Obey God First”

Acts 5:1-11 – Deception

Read Acts 5:1-11

This is quite a story. One that gripped the people with fear. The lesson should not be taken lightly. We cannot hide our faults from God. Second, we should never lie because God knows our heart.

We should never put the Lord our God to a test. What happened to the couple in today’s passage. Death. But why? Deception. They tried to conspire. My question is why? Why couldn’t they just admit they kept some of the received purchase price for their own financial support? Peter said they let Satan fill their hearts. We can be guilty of this, too. Continue reading “Acts 5:1-11 – Deception”

Acts 4:32-37 – Unity

Read Acts 4:32-37

What is the best recipe for unity? Striving for a common goal is what we see here. They were like-minded, all wanting to spread the Good News. God rewarded their behavior, and their needs were supplied. They had plenty and were able to share with those less fortunate. Doesn’t that sound like a good community of believers?

So why do we see so much division and bickering in churches today? It can be really distracting to our mission. It’s no surprise when God doesn’t reward this kind of behavior. It’s sad really. If people could just embrace the simple system the apostles had going and be more focused on a relationship with God and making sure everyone knows about the saving grace that is available.

Unity is also important in businesses, families, and really any groups where people are building relationships. One bad apple, so to speak, can really put a damper on the harmony and success of such a group. So how do we all get on the same page? How do we fix a broken relationship where unity no longer exists? Great questions! Not sure I have the answer – but prayer and counsel from a trusted adviser is a good place to start.

We hear of one particular apostle, Joseph, nick-named Barnabas. This means “Son of Encouragement.” By the nick-name, I’m guessing Joseph was a cheerleader and encourager. We know this is a gift of the Holy Spirit, for not everyone has that kind of personality. Barnabas would be the kind of person who could keep a group in check, keeping unity alive.

In one congregation we were part of, I recall a “Barnabas Ministry” which was simply one that encouraged folks. It usually went hand and hand with visitation for the sick, elderly, etc., but it also had a youth focus. Kids these days face a lot of pressures we didn’t a generation or two ago. The idea was to have a safe place (group) where kids could gather to share their “stuff” and be encouraged. It was a cool ministry, based on this text, that should be utilized more and more these days.

Are you a Barnabas or in need of a Barnabas in your life?

Let’s pray. Lord, I see so many places where unity is absent. People’s hearts and minds are not focused on the same goal or intention. Lord, I pray that you send a Barnabas to those situations. I thank you that you have given me the gift of encouragement. Sometimes this gets me into a little trouble when I lose focus on my own agenda while I’m so busy helping others. I love how you use me and each day look forward to a new opportunity. Thank you for the blessings you give. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Acts 4:23-31 – Doing the Right Thing

Read Acts 4:23-31

If you’d like to review the passage directly before this one that describes what it was Peter and John were reporting to the others, you can click HERE for that reading.

I’m glad they wrestled with the situation. It helps us know and recognize when we need to step back and analyze a situation. A lot of times, the situations we find ourselves in move us in a direction away from God. We may not be intentionally drifting, but we are. Sometimes we realize it only after we are far from the shore. If we’re lucky, we have a paddle in the boat. Continue reading “Acts 4:23-31 – Doing the Right Thing”

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