Category: Acts

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”

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.

 

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”

Read Acts 4:1-22

Have you ever felt backed into a corner because of your faith? Have you ever felt threatened? There are plenty of believers today and throughout history who have suffered persecution for believing and trusting in Jesus. Most of us live in a place where we have freedom of religion, but even so, Christians seem to take a hit more times than not.

If we could all take heed of how Peter and John handled themselves here. Perhaps I should clarify and say, if we allow the Holy Spirit to take control, this world would look a lot different. Just because we’re Christians, doesn’t mean we are safe from the evil one’s grip. In fact, we are even more prone to be used for evil. That’s why we have to be all the more vigilant and stay connected to Jesus. We need to examine our behaviors and make sure we are aligned properly, acting in a way pleasing to God.

Let’s take a look at what we see happening in today’s story. I have to admit I teared up a bit at the boldness of Peter. I only hope the Holy Spirit speaks through me so eloquently.

I’m sure the priests and leaders were frustrated at the turn of events. Here they thought they had done away with the “trouble-maker,” Jesus. Now there are two common folks throwing the name of Jesus around, doing miraculous things, and getting the people all riled up again. Riled up in a good way, that is.

The message is clear and in a nutshell Peter says, “For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” There it is. The gospel proclaimed. Jesus is the only way! If the religious leaders believed this, even just a little, it would rock their world.

The people believed. The church was growing. There was a lot of praising God taking place. Simply awesome!

The word “propaganda” made me smirk. They still had no clue did they? I loved what Peter said when ordered to never speak the name of Jesus again. “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?” That’s a question we can all ask. Whose law do we really want to obey? Whose authority do we trust? We may live in a place where rules and laws contradict our beliefs. We have to make the decision that is right for us, realizing we may end up in jail like Peter and John did in our reading.

How bold are you in your faith? Think on that today.

Let’s pray. Father God I come to you on my knees in humble adoration. You have used ordinary people to further your kingdom. I am so honored and delighted to have the opportunity to be one of them. With you inside me, I am extraordinary. I thank you for your power, provision and peace. I do hope that if a time comes for me to stand up for you in a confrontational situation I remain steadfast, bold and true to you no matter what. I stand against the devil and all his schemes to control me. I know that he is shaking in his boots because of my love and dedication to you. Let’s do this, together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read Acts 3:1-26

Never let an opportunity to share about Jesus go by. Sometimes we get so caught up in our busyness that we fail to see these God moments right before us. Peter and John had a great opportunity to witness in today’s reading. Instead of giving the man what he was asking for, they gave him a gift he didn’t even dare ask for. Healing.

Peter used his gift, the gift of healing, to glorify God in this moment. The man was amazed and praised God for his healing. The whole crowd of people in the area would have witnessed this and seen a marvelous miracle. A man they had known to be a crippled beggar was now leaping with the joy of the Lord. Because of Jesus. Continue reading “Act 3:1-26 – Seize the Moment”