Effectiveness

"At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed." Acts 14:1

I spent a number of years pursuing a management degree in college. In that pursuit the term effective was often used. Every author had something to say about effectiveness. It was the effective thing to do. We talked in classes about how to be effective. Always coupled with efficient, effective was a constant theme. The disciples were effective for a reason. Beyond the definition in the workplace, they were in the center of God's will. Much easier to be effective when you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. Effective doesn't always mean easy. Led of God or not, often effective is not simple. Nice when it is, but sometimes being effective is complicated.

Keep on Knocking

"But Peter kept on knocking..." Acts 12:16a

As Peter shows up at Mary's house, they are still inside praying for his release. They literally cannot believe it is him at the door and leave him standing there for a long time. Peter knows he is there and persistently keeps knocking. He has just been delivered from prison by an angel. Locks are falling off, guards can't see them and doors are swinging open. Then he gets to where the believers are, back in the real world and the door is locked. It seems ironic that as soon as the element of human reactions and disbelief are once again in play, things slow down. But, the Scripture says... Peter kept on knocking. You see, once you have seen God's power, once you have experienced the supernatural, once you have tasted and seen His glory and power, you never give up, no matter what.
I am guessing that this circumstance even must have somewhat humored or amused Peter. Can you imagine? After he mysteriously escapes from jail, then he is locked out of the place where they are praying for him. They are praying for him to be released and protected, yet cannot believe he is standing at the door. Why are we sometimes so surprised when God answers prayer? Deep inside, do we actually not believe that God can answer us? Maybe it’s that we are just going through the motions because we think we should be faithful and trust Him, in spite of what we really think? I can see Peter suggesting to the girl who answered the door that she go tell James, (the half-brother of Jesus) that it really is him, Peter, and he is really at the door. I think he himself is so excited to tell the story of how the angel came to him and brought him out that he is anticipating being able to say, "Surprise!" when they finally come to the door. The Bible is so real in the way that it reveals the way of human beings.

And Then I Saw It...

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overthrow you. When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." Isaiah 43:2

I woke up around 4:15 this morning to an upset eight year old conversing with me as though I'd been awake for hours. Usually, when he needs something in the middle of the night or early morning before I'm up, he does the normal shoulder tap accompanied by a gentle whisper of "mommy, are you awake?" but this time was different. He was already in full conversation mode by the time my left eye sluggishly began to open. "What?" I asked, and then I heard him continuing with "...and I think I threw up..." at which point his little voice began to drift off again. At this point, I wasn't even sure what was real and what was just a vomit detail of a dream gone gross, but there it was again, this time louder - "and it's on my bed..." One eye fully open now, I asked him to repeat the problem. "I threw up and it's in my bed," he loudly responded. Surprisingly, even then, I was still a little confused about what was happening and I wondered how long he had been talking into my nearly deaf ear. "Did he say he threw up and it's in his bed?" I asked my husband with a few firm pats on the back to make sure he was also awake. "Huh?" was his barely audible reply. As the seconds passed, I became increasingly aware of my consciousness and somehow managed to open both eyes. Coordination absent, I got out of bed and stumbled through the dark hotel room, certain not to miss the shoes left out in the middle of the floor. After I groggily found my way to the bathroom, I gave my eyes a good rub, flipped on the light, and called my son over to me. And then I saw it...

Brother James

"He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword." Acts 12:2

This is James, the son of Zebedee, the fisherman also one of the "sons of thunder". He and his brother John were part of the inner circle of apostles. Unlike Peter and John, the other two who were invited to the transfiguration, James did not write part of our Bible. He is mentioned in every gospel many times, but there are not many details like Peter and John. We only know he was close to Jesus, a witness of the resurrection, and a faithful disciple. Herod, on the other hand, who had James put to death, was not a believer. Herod the Great, his grandfather, had the babies in Bethlehem killed, trying to do away with Jesus the Messiah. His uncle, Herod Antipos tried Jesus and had John the Baptist beheaded. This third Herod made a fatal mistake when he was called “god” by the people, and failed to defer to the only God (James knew the only true God). An angel struck Herod with a disease and he died eaten by worms. Whether you are martyred, murdered, mentioned, or not, when it comes down to it, the most important thing is, Do you know Jesus? James did, apparently Herod the Great did not. I hope he figured it out at the very end, dying so painfully and all. We all choose not how we die or when, but whether we truly believe or not. I hope James is your brother too.

Following Angels

"Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision." Acts 12:9

The "him" who Peter was following was an angel. I have an easy piece of advice. You can trust angels. I know many of you may have not experienced angels, or are not sure whether you have or not. But, if you are sure, you can definitely trust them. We should definitely give more consideration to angels than we do. Angels have been popularized and at the same time need to be "demystified". Angels are real. Even though Peter was not sure that what was happening to him, was really happening, he still followed. It was an act of faith. We don't exercise our faith very often. We usually apply faith to a reality we have already experienced, and not to an event that we don't quite understand. Which means, we describe faith usually only after it has been 'factualized'. Remember the definition of faith from Hebrews 11. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." This deep truth can help us understand that which is inexplicable.

By Faith

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see...And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seeks." Hebrews 11:1,6

Yesterday I had an experience that caused me to understand the concept of "faith." My current journey in restoring my legs has me needing to use the wheelchair. One day recently, my son had to push me in my wheelchair to my doctor's appointment. My "faith" strengthening exercise came when I had to try and walk from my bed to the wheelchair. Every step I took my knees were buckling, giving me the sensation of falling. But, when it came to sitting down in the wheelchair, because it was behind me, I couldn't see it, I couldn't feel the seat against the back of my legs, and I wasn't able to reach or feel the arm rests. I had my son telling me to "just sit down" and I would be able to safely sit in the wheelchair. Guess what? When I closed my eyes, and "just did it", I was able to sit in the wheelchair without falling on the floor.

The Girl at the Door

"if I perish, I perish!" Esther 4:16

Twelve years ago in the middle of the night, I found myself regaining consciousness in a Days Inn of Maumelle, Arkansas. As my eyes dared to open, pain surged through my head and body. I winced as I tried to turn and get up. I felt like I'd been hit by a truck and I couldn't remember a thing about where I was, who I was with, or how I came to be waking up in this dark hotel room, but within seconds the memories, many of which I wont share, began crashing in. Though they were still foggy and coming faster than I could process, I was at least aware of the room, myself, and a cloudy recollection of my friends who certainly must be somewhere nearby. Nothing could have prepared me for the two strange Hispanic men I saw in their place seconds after my vision came into focus. My friends were nowhere to be seen, and as I struggled to think and move at the same time, I realized I wasn't even fully dressed. Suddenly, terror began to well within my core as I quickly scrambled to find my clothes, phone, and other personal belongings that accompanied me earlier in the night. Though my head felt like it weighed a hundred pounds, I quickly dressed and searched for anything that was mine, but found nothing. As both men began to stand, I spoke the first words through building tears and rising vomit, and asked "who are you?" but received no reply. Instead, they looked at me and then at each other and I knew I had to get out fast. As one of the men moved towards the door, I caught a glimpse of the other one moving in behind me as I also moved towards the door, but within seconds I had my hand on the knob and dashed out. Not knowing where to turn or what to do, I began knocking on every door in a desperate search for my friends, but it wasn't until recently that I actually saw the girl at the door.

A Mission Experience

"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ, giving thanks to the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17

I don’t know if you have seen the mosaic tile mural that was done on the back wall of the preschool this past week. I hope you have. It’s a wonderful reminder of God’s promises, and it’s quite lovely! Many thanks especially to Lahoma who had the vision and organized this project.

Praying for Prisoners

"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him." Acts 12:5

Herod Agrippa was on a mission. After he had James put to death, he arrested Peter and was going to put him on public trial after the Passover. Of course he was. After the Passover when the big crowd was gone, then he would haul Peter out so he could make the most of the opportunity without too big of a reaction. But you see, Peter was on a mission also. Herod and Peter were on different missions. You could say they were on opposite missions. Most of us have a knee-jerk reaction to prison. Isn't that where criminals are kept? Well, yes it is. It is a place where people who have broken the law are kept. Are there any good people in prison? Are there really any "good" people at all? Not really, in the doctrinal sense.

You're not Barbie; You are Beautiful!

"God looked everything He had made; it was so good, so very good." Genesis 1:31

When I worked in Youth Ministry, one of the biggest challenges was getting the young people to see how totally amazing they were. They were constantly comparing themselves to all of the pictures that television and the print media was showing them of what the perfect person would look like. It broke my heart! I would have these amazing young people putting themselves down cause they didn't look like a Calvin Klein or Victoria Secret model. I still remember the results of a college study that created an anatomic graph of the Barbie Doll. (The doll that represents what our young girls think of how they should look.) The study concluded that it was humanly impossible for any girl to look like that on their own. As men and women of God, we need to take this passage of Scripture to heart. We are blessed to be made and created by God. And like the passage says, God stepped back and looked at all He did and He said it was "Good", not just "Good" but 'Very Good."

Humble Yourself

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." I Peter 5:6-7

With everything that is going on in today's society it can and does cause a lot of stress and anxiety. It is horrible being stressed out and anxious because it causes you to lose sleep and to be irritable. It also can make you to either lose you appetite, or, to constantly eat. Anxiety and stress amplify relationship issues. Most of us are taught that we need to deal with these issues on our own, but, as Christians, we are told that we don't have to do this alone.

Some Are Persecuted​

"It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them." Acts 12:1"

What time was that Pastor, you may ask? That time was right after the generosity, compassion and decisiveness of the early disciples was so prominent. News of the success of the believers was spreading fast. The early church was on fire for Him and when we are in the center of His will, that is when persecution often comes. Of course King Herod had it in for the Christians, because he couldn't get rid of Jesus before He grew up and fulfilled His mission. The believers in the early church were profoundly committed to Christ and would very willingly give their lives for the Truth. At least some were. It does say that "some" were persecuted, doesn't it? I am sure Herod wanted to make an example of some or someone.

Refined by the Spirit

"As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend." Proverbs 27:137

One of the most challenging things growing up in society today is learning how to be honest and open with one another. In some households being honest and open with an can be looked upon as a sign of weakness. Being raised as the eldest son in my family, I was told that any open, honest sharing of emotions and feelings was a sign of weakness and a sign of questioning your masculinity. When I first read this passage of Scripture it caused me to rethink what I was taught. Not only was I a Christian, but I was a mechanic. I would use a lathe to regrind crankshafts and brake rotors and brake drums. This machine used iron cutting tools to make every lathed item like new. As I prayed I realized just as my lathe made these used mechanical parts new so could my Christian brothers help me grow into a new man of Jesus Christ...If' I would let down my walls and truly share with them the troubles and struggles that I was going through and dealing with.

A Whole Year

"So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul (Paul) met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." Acts: 11:26

Barnabas brought Saul (Paul) to Antioch. Don't take my word for it, read the previous piece of the verse. Who knows exactly why, but we could speculate that they needed teaching. I am thinking that Paul and Barnabas were quite a team. Think about it, possibly the best encourager ever and possibly the best teacher ever. Wow, what a combination. You know they eventually come to a parting of the ways, but that is material for another devotional. Right here, right now, let's talk about how they taught great numbers of people for a whole year.

Follow Christ

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." I Corinthians 11:1

How many of you can remember back to that day when you become a Christian? The day when you totally and completely surrendered your life to Christ. As you began going on about living your life, you find that you have to make choices. The Holy Spirit is there helping you to make choices that would be an example of what Christ would do. I know that was a challenge, but what about being around people who knew you before you became a Christian? I will be honest, my people were brutal! I used to have friends that were into drag racing and street racing. Let's say they had a very rough and challenging lifestyle. But the thing that was cool was, as they saw the Holy Spirit doing His refining work in me they realized that I was changing and Jesus Christ was real. That was one of my greatest days ever when my friend and I were loading the race car on the trailer and he asked me to tell him what it meant to be a Christian. I asked him why he was asking me and he said that he saw that I wasn't the same person since I became a Christian. OMG!

The Purpose of Life

"Now all has been heard, here is the conclusion of the matter. "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." Ecclesiastes 12:13

A lot has been said about the purpose of life. There may not be a definitive answer. Solomon's conclusion in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes is as good of an answer as any. Just what is the conclusion of the matter? What is the Purpose of Life? The only other answer I have heard that resonated with me and is consistent with Scripture is one I heard 40 years ago at a Conference for young adults. The speaker said.... "The sole purpose of life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever!" I really like that. It says what I believe God would tell us. Our purpose is to glorify Him and in doing so, enjoy Him forever.

No Favoritism Allowed

"Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right." Acts 10:14

It is one thing to agree that God does not show favoritism, but an altogether different thing when Peter stands in front of a group that is wanting to know the truth about God and proclaims it publicly. Many of us believe that racism is wrong, yet we never say so when given the opportunity. We know Biblically that God created all humans equally, whether our Constitution says so or not. As Christians, we must stand up to any notion that there are superior and inferior people groups. It has always mystified me how anyone could think that God would be any other way. I am not suggesting making a scene or using a 'bully-pulpit'. I am suggesting that there are times when you must say something.