Humbly His

"For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.]" 2 Peter 1:16-18

There is a line of thinking – simple logic – that asks why would so many strong men, men’s men, probably mostly brawlers, would willingly give up everything – even their lives – for a stranger named Jesus. Peter himself even spurned his executioners as they prepared to crucify him, saying that he should be crucified upside down since he was not worthy of the same death as Christ.

Up on the Roof

"About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray." Acts 10:9

This is another devotional thought about a passage of Scripture that illustrates an important principle in the daily walk of faith. The Bible does not make it clear where Peter was exactly, but wherever he was he had access to somebody's roof and decided to use it to get away to pray. I cannot express how important this is for our spiritual growth. Back in the 60's there was a song, written by Carole King and sung by The Drifters, called “Up on the Roof”, hence the title of this writing. The words go something like this.....

I am Just a Man

"As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. "Stand up." he said, "I am only a man myself." Acts 10:25-26

How can you not love Peter? Not only is he passionate and disciplined, he is also sincere and humble. Here he is in the house of a Gentile, just recently having the epiphany of the concept of human equality in a vision from God, and he has the depth of character to do the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason. Just think what else he could have said. "Yes my son, you can kiss my ring? No, not even close to anything like that. I guess he could have put his hands on the shoulders of Cornelius and given him a wordy blessing. Instead, he very graciously and humbly has Cornelius stand up, and eye to eye says to him, "I am only a man myself." Wow! This changes everything. You see, Peter has learned humility. Peter wanted most of all to know and do what God's desire was for him. He sure is a different man than the angry zealot who cut off the ear of Malchus. He is definitely a transformed man from the denier who heard the rooster crow. He is even a more mature man than the fisherman who jumped out of the boat and into the water and swam ahead of the others to get to Jesus on the shore. He is not only the "everyman", as he has been called; he is the man that every man can learn from. Why? Because Peter is a man who understands that he is only a man. Like Cornelius, like you, like me. We cannot be reminded too many times of our humanity. For from that understanding blooms true spirituality. God bless you for reading and considering this today.

Evil Company Corrupts

"Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character. Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame." 1Corinthians15:33-34

As a young man growing up I was blessed to have lived in two worlds. My house was in the North Tustin area where basically everyone except me grew up with the proverbial ‘silver spoon’ in their mouth. I had to work hard for all that I had but my friends were given new cars, new motorcycles-basically whatever they wanted was given to them. The second world and the world I claim to be from was the inner city of Santa Ana. My father’ garage and gas station was at 1st and Daisy in Santa Ana. I started helping my father at age 4 picking up trash and emptying parts on the shelf and when I was 17 years old my senior year in high school I would open and run the garage when my dad was sick or went on vacations. During this period of time my mom always told me that I would be known by the friends I kept. My actions along with my friends would speak volumes compared to what I verbally said.

The Dorcas Circle

"In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas) who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa, so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord." Acts 9:36-42

A Giving Communicator

I am constantly amazed at God’s timing. Consider last week, when I needed to write a devotional, had no clue what to write, and asked God to send a message. All I was thinking was that I wanted to acknowledge our gifted Pastor. It played into my day, as I completed the first 3 tasks of every day (after breakfast of course).

Get Up

"Aeneas", Peter said to him, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat." Immediately Aeneas got up." Acts 9:34

The Scripture is so rich with illustration. Especially in these passages from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, where the message is not always so direct. Let me begin by saying that what you need and is God's will for you has most likely already been provided. Our faith is not magic, you know. It is believing in a mighty God who sees us, hears us and responds to us. Aeneas was a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. I can't second guess why Peter was used of God to heal him other than that it was God's desire and plan to do so. But, I believe that much if not most of what God wants and has for us is only waiting on us to act and not for something else to happen. If Peter says 'get up' and Aeneas does not get up, I don't think he would be healed. How would it do him any good if he was healed and just continued to lay there? Aeneas got up alright, he did it immediately. I sometimes wonder how many things God has done for us and we just haven't acted on them yet. Interesting thought huh? What all does God have for you in terms of healing, transformation, blessing and purpose and the only reason nothing has happened is because in your own mind you are stuck. Aeneas would never have known that he was healed unless he got up and took care of his mat. How many things in my life are really now in my hands or feet or legs or voice and all I have to do is take action? If you are not getting what you are praying for, or hoping for, maybe it is time to ask God what you should do next? Wait a minute, isn't God just supposed to take care of everything? So if I say to God, God help me find a job and I don't look for one, how does that work? Or, if I want to find a right relationship and don't become more of the wonderful person that special person is looking for, what should I expect? How about if I want a better communication relationship with someone and I refuse to talk to them? So, I pray God help me and should also pray, show me what to do. AND...... then do it. I cannot tell you how many people come for counsel and then don't take it. I am actually shocked how many people plan to get counsel and then don't show up for the meeting to get it. What do we expect? We are so disappointed in our circumstances, yet don't do what we should to change them. I think blaming God for no answer is easier than taking action. So let me leave you with three little pieces of counsel. Up to you what you do with them. I am not responsible for what you decide not to do.

A Cord of Three Strands is not Quickly Broken

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

Today's passage of Scripture was written by King Solomon, who is said to have been one of the wisest men of his time. In Ecclesiastes Chapter 4, King Solomon talks of watching men working and toiling under the sun, and as this man is working, King Solomon notices that this man is all alone. He has no brothers or sons or family. This is why Solomon begins to ponder and explain the importance of not being alone, and allowing ourselves to develop friendships where friends are closer than a brother or a sister.

He First Loved Us

"We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Today's passage comes from the daily devotional series from one of my favorites, Charles Spurgeon. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me. Have a wonderful weekend!
Hank

I Will Show Him

"But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My Name." Acts 9:15-16

When Paul was blinded on the road to Damascus, he saw a vision of Ananias touching his eyes and his sight restored. Ananias’ first reaction was to resist because of the trouble Saul was bringing on the early church. God knew exactly what He was doing. Saul was going to be used as an instrument of God to reach the Gentiles and their kings. That is exactly what he did eventually. God assured Ananias that Saul would be shown how much he must suffer for the Lord’s name. This must have been a tough thing to hear. Sure, we all like to see bad guys get it, and victimizers, victimized. I sometimes wince at how we can be so vindictive, without much consideration for God’s justice or plan. We call for judgment and jump on the bandwagon for ultimate punishment, and the toughest consequences. We say, “Hang em high”, and “stone them”, especially if their crimes are heinous or violent, cruel or have been committed against the defenseless. I have done it, too. Recently, we have heard the gruesome details of those who have wreaked unthinkable havoc, pain and senseless injury, and even death on bystanders, children and the innocent. It is baffling that God chooses yet another troublemaker to be His chosen Instrument. Why this vengeful Pharisee? Why not a guy with a stellar reputation? God has His reasons and Saul (Paul) did indeed suffer. Saul was hated, blamed, not trusted, and made the example by all of how being a true Christian costs everything. He paid dearly and counted it as joy, because Paul knew his sin and understood the payment of Christ’s life and blood for it. He was despised by all and gave it everything anyway. Both Jews and Christians loathed him. He suffered greatly. I guess God did indeed show him and I am so glad he had his eyes opened.