Between the Words & Lines

"In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day He was taken up into heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had shown." Acts 1:1-2

The Bible, God’s word, is incredibly rich, full to overflowing with teaching, wisdom, and illustration. I have often said we must slow down our reading and the study of it in order not to miss so much. So let’s do that for our devotional today. Word by word, and phrase by phrase. We will only scratch the surface of all that can be ascertained, but we will not gloss over the first two verses as is so easy to do and not get something out of it. Every verse in scripture is a resource to know God. If you want to get deeper you must dig and keep learning how to dig, better.

Ordinary Courage

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

I too am an unschooled and ordinary courageous guy. You may say that since I am 'The Pastor' that somehow I am not ordinary. Allow me to straighten out that misconception. For sure I am unschooled to a degree. (Pun intended, since I do not have a formal degree). Truth is, I finished my Bachelor's program with enough units, but over a technicality about a Senior Project I did not receive my actual sheepskin. I actually have pictures of me in cap and gown and 'walking' to get my degree from the President of Relands University.

Broken Pieces Are We

When it's my time to prepare the Friday devotional, I'm never at a loss for what to share because inevitably, God always seems to provide me with at least three or four little gems, and I then have the difficult task of deciding between them. I get a lot of my inspirations from little devotional books that I've purchased myself or from ones given to me by good friends. Such is the case this week, when I had the choice of about three. But, as it turns out, the devotional for my nightly reading last night from a book given to me by Sara Botts for Christmas, "Be Still...And Let Your Nail Polish Dry," provided just the message which I think is applicable to all of us. One of the four authors of the book, Andrea K. Boeshaar, at page 130, used her literary skills to remind us of something that can be so easily forgotten, and that is, God can and does use broken things "for His purposes."

What Am I Doing?

This devotion is shared with permission of the author, Heather Gent. Original post may be viewed at The Write Hope.

"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. " 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

I listened to a sermon a few weeks ago in which my pastor talked about our church's food ministry, specifically, what it means to be a part of it, and it occurred to me that although my particular church is relatively small, its endeavors to feed the hungry are mighty. From providing help to the congregation and local townspeople each week to a group of young adults who take food to the Santa Ana homeless every Saturday night, Grace Harbor Church of Tustin, CA (www.ghcs.us) doesn't just talk the talk, it walks the walk. However, as I examined my own shortcomings, I realized that while it's appropriate to consider the collective church's ways, especially when looking to get involved, the more pressing issue is not - what is the church doing to help others in need, but what are YOU doing and what am I doing? After all, what is the church if not a body of people (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) made up of flawed and imperfect individuals just like you and me? Or, better stated by John MacArthur in Ashamed of the Gospel: "The church is not the brick and mortar assembly in which the assembly meets; it is God's people in whom He dwells," but never forget that those dwelling places are also the home of our own inner sinful man. And yet remembering this, we're still content to point fingers from the comfort of our living rooms and sneer at all the hypocrisy in the church, but until we're willing to get out there in the middle of it and be the change we wish to see in the church, our mouths speak wiser words when they say nothing at all (Job 13:5). Instead of asking what the church is doing, ask yourself - What am I doing?

More Last Words

"He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will recieve 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." After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." Acts 1:7

Pretty safe to say that His last words on earth were these as the Ascension happens right after He says them. I have always taught and still believe that His last words were the Great Commission. Though we know these words best from Matthew 28, another derivation of them is shared here in Acts. Jesus instructs His disciples that they will be (sounds like a directive to me) His witnesses everywhere. (to the ends of the earth implies that).

This Thing

"But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." Acts 4:17

It always has been His Name that bugs people. There as the old song says, is....'just something about that name'. What is that name? His name is Jesus. Talk about church, talk about God even, talk about all the wonderful things that are happening because of Him. Just leave Him and His Name out of it. Can't we just have a nice little religion without the Crucifixion and Resurrection? The teachings are great, many of them are part of other religions. Why do we have to bring Him up all the time. Isn't what we believe in and stand for most important in principle without having to make it personal about a man who lived on this earth, who came from God and was His Son and paid the sacrificial price for sin by dying on a cross, and then resurrected in three days to conquer death and defeat the devil? Why can't we keep it simple? Why make it so messy and complicated?

We Urge You, Our Friends

"We urge you, our friends, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 1Thessalonians 5:14

I like lists. Lists of things to do, lists of things to remember, lists of data and information, lists of names and lists of trivial information. All kinds of lists. In my study of God's Word lists are always great for me because they are easier to memorize. For example if there are four things on the list, such as in this verse I know I have the verse memorized when I come up with all four things.

One Way

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

When I was lots younger I didn't care much for this verse and how succinct it was and somewhat wrote it off as just indicative of the zealousness of Peter and not an actual principle of my faith. I have long since learned that all of scripture is good for doctrine and reproof. I have been reproved as I matured regarding my early faith and desire to make sure that I wasn't being judgmental or close-minded. Funny how we grow up our views and understand better about what open-mindedness is and about who judges and to take ourselves out of the formula of what Scripture means.

There is a Balm in Gilead

"The people cry out, 'The summer is gone, the harvest is over, but we have not been saved.' My heart has been crushed because my people are crushed; I mourn, I am completely dismayed. Is there no medicine in Gilead? Are there no doctors there? Why, then, have my people not been healed?" Jeremiah 8:20-22

Having grown up in Baptist churches for over 50 years. (yes, I started attending church regularly when at 13) I am very familiar with a lot of hymns. Since it was basically the only music allowed at one time, I learned a lot of them and as a young man the best ones with the best messages and most compelling melodies stayed with me longest. Many of my favorites are "Negro Spirituals", with their roots in the oppression of African-Americans who first came to America in chains. Their hellish voyage aboard slave ships was only the beginning of their sorrows. The break-up of their families, the horror of bondage, the whips and shackles, their loss of dignity... all combined to crush body and spirit. Out of this injustice came some of the most compelling music ever written. Songs that were composed in the fields and barns, the words speaking of the daily pain and future hope. Often slaves were allowed to sing while working, (doesn't that sound humiliating in and of itself?) Words like "Go Down, Moses," "Roll, Jordan, Roll", "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands", and "There is a Balm in Gilead".... based on Jeremiah 8:22. I know songs I have written out of my dismay have been some of the best. Since their aren't many more dehumanizing experiences than slavery, these "spirituals" convey the depths of woe, survival and faith. Though these hymns cannot be accurately dated nor the authors credited, they have become classics, because of their excellence and depth of meaning. These words and tune were written about 1800 and when a Gospel singer and friend of mine passed away recently I was reminded of how inspiring it was to me to hear him sing this particular song. I want to share the words with you. Be blessed.

He Has Risen

"...He has risen..." Matthew 28:6]

These words are spoken every Easter Season more than at any other time. Of course it is that time of the year, but it is true all year long. He arose over 2,000 years ago and by doing so, changed everything for everybody forever. His resurrection showed the world that He conquered death and sin. What that means for us is that by accepting Jesus as our personal Savior we can have our sins forgiven and live forever with Him.

Don’t be a Cretan!

"They claim to know God, but by their actions deny Him." Titus 1:16

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to Titus, the young pastor, to encourage him in his work on the island of Crete. Evidently, the Cretans were a surly lot with lots of rough edges and not much conscience about it. Paul says earlier that Titus should straighten them out because even their leaders were prone to be overbearing, hotheaded, violent, dishonest, and they drank way too much. Whoa, not an easy job assignment. Paul directs Titus to rebuke them sharply, and to confront their bad behavior so as not to corrupt the whole church. Even today the term “Cretan” is far from a compliment and the reputation of this culture and people has had a bad reputation for centuries. Of course the grace of Christ can transcend anything or anyone regardless how inappropriate or vile. It is largely unknown across the many years how the churches on this Mediterranean Island faired. I am sure sometimes better and sometimes not.

The Hand of God

"The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the Kebar river in the land of the Babylonians. There the hand of the lord was upon him." Ezekiel 1:3

Ezekiel saw a lot in his life as a priest and a prophet. He saw many visions, things too amazing and wonderful to describe, and maybe even to understand. We today, certainly don’t completely understand, totally all that Ezekiel saw. Some of it is awesome, and some symbolic, some prophetic, and some as clean as day, but all of it from God. The Lord’s hand was on Ezekiel. When we think of his hand, we envision His healing touch, and we picture His creative power, His interceptive reach. But this is different; when His hand was on Ezekiel, He revealed things, showed things and opened his eyes to things, and opened his eyes to things no one had ever seen.

Father Knows Best

"The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. … But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. … Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed … "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead." Daniel 1:5, 8, 11-16

I have been thinking about the above story from the first chapter of Daniel a lot lately as we prepare to inaugurate The Daniel Plan healthy lifestyle program at Grace Harbor. The highlights quoted above serve as a great illustration of how something we may view as "good" is not "good for us."

The Whole Story

So may all of your enemies perish O Lord! But, may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength.’ Then the land had peace forty years." Judges 5:31

Wow, forty years of peace! What a blessing! Judges has an underlining theme as it tells the saga of good and bad leaders, mostly bad. Several times throughout the book it says, “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” This always leads to disaster! Of course, bad leaders didn’t help matters.

This blessing is preceded by another, asking that those who love God be like the rising sun. The picture I get is strong, bright, reliable, and the source of light. The words about peace for 40 years and this blessing take on deeper comparative meaning when read after the first 9 words of verse 31. “So may all of your enemies perish O Lord.” And just how is the author suggesting they die? Well, the little victory song that precedes verse 31 tells of Jael, a rather strong woman who all by herself took a tent peg and drove it through the temple of unsuspecting Sisera, the baddest dude in that time. He was a horrible, detestable man who had been a curse and had killed countless innocent people. So that is the flip side of the blessing about the rising sun for those who love God. In essence, the enemies of the Lord should be lulled to sleep with warm milk and the BOOM, tent peg through the temple. Just thought you ought to know the whole story. The Bible is graphic and real.

Time

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

I love this passage of Scripture and the verses following. When I was in my teens a new music group the Birds recorded a song “Turn, Turn, Turn” that used these words from Ecclesiastes as lyrics. I always enjoy when the truth intersects culture, because it is an opportunity for positive change.

Change My Perspective

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I have been a little under the weather lately. For awhile I have been fighting some bacterial infections and just as I figured that out and was getting better, my resistance was low and I picked up the flu bugs going around. What is interesting to me is that I was starting to accept that I didn't feel well and almost presuming that wouldn't change. After a barrage of over the counter meds, home remedies and probiotics, I now am on antibiotics for a few days and I actually feel quite a bit better. Don't sound like it or necessarily look like it, but inside me I know I am getting well. I believe real soon I may be feeling better than I have felt for a long time. I don't like that I was thinking I wouldn't get much better again. We have a capability to give in to things as they are too soon sometimes. That is what I did. I lost hope and quit believing for the best. I went into survival mode, cruise control, just getting by gear. Well, I am getting back in drive and more under His control and moving forward mood. I've had some changes happen to me and around me lately and these affected how I was feeling. My mood and health and attitude kinda ganged up on me.

God Is Always With You

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20

Last night was truly encouraging with our first Thursday evening worship service. I know for myself, Sunday mornings hasn't been much of an option with work, family, travel, etc., so it was nice to meet up with fellow Christians, put all worldly matters aside and simply worship the Lord together.