I had a heavy heart this morning as I approached my bible reading and prayer time; there are simply too many things weighing on my mind, and it was reflected in my approach to quiet time. Yet, because I have committed to spending time with God each day prior to eating, I knew that despite my lack of desire, I at least needed to honor my pledge. So I picked up my bible and read II Corinthians 3.
Paul's argument that through the Holy Spirit, there is freedom was just what I needed to hear. I closed my bible and began to freely pour out my troubles to God. I openly listed each issue that was weighing so heavily on my heart, asking God for a miracle in that area of my life.
Beyond the current financial strains, the relationship issues, the fear of the future (as it pertains to ensuring I can provide for my family while pursuing my dream); I was also somewhat concerned about what to write today. Earlier in the week I had heard God tell me I needed to get back to writing regularly, and took that to mean I should blog daily as well as read His word and pray. So during my prayer time this morning I was also asking God what I should write.
The amazing thing was I could "hear" God talking back to me. There was a point as I prayed that I realized I was doing a lot of talking and very little listening. At that moment, I sensed it was a message from God and in my prayer said, "OK God, I want to listen," and I stopped praying and began to listen.
In that moment, old gospel hymns began to fill my mind. The first was the song "I'd Rather Have Jesus" and then I continued to hear song after song about Jesus. "Jesus Saves" was followed by "Jesus Loves Me" and then "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus." The message was clear; focus on Jesus, and the everything else will no longer be as significant.
For a moment I had peace and thanked God for His message to me. And then a miracle happened; I fell asleep. This is a miracle because I have not been sleeping well the past several weeks. I sleep an hour, am awake a few hours, and then sleep an hour again. I repeat this pattern each night until my lovely bride wakes up to go to work. It was a pattern I had repeated again last night. So this morning, at 8:30 am, after reading II Corinthians 3 and praying for a few minutes, God interrupted me, gave me a great message that the priority in my life should be His son, and then gave me rest.
Are you listening when God speaks in your life? What message has He given you and what are you doing with that message?
Friday, July 2, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Two Different Approaches
Yesterday I became aware of two different approaches to treating people by Christians that I simply could not pass up the opportunity to share here today. It all started during my prayer time yesterday morning. During my quiet time with God, I sensed Him telling me I needed to return to my writing.
So I wrote my first blog of 2010, on June 30th, exactly half way into the year. And then I began a quest to read other writers, to peruse other blogs, to see what the world was discussing. I found the first of what I'm calling "Two Different Approaches" through a link on Twitter. A friend on Twitter had linked to the following website: http://naytinalbert.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-hugged-man-in-his-underwear-and-i-am.html. It was a story about some Christians who wore "I'm Sorry" t-shirts to a gay pride parade in Chicago. Along with the t-shirts, they carried hand written signs apologizing to the gay community for the way churches and Christians have showered the gay community with hate. The resulting healing that was started was amazing. I recommend each of you read the blog entry and then consider how you can find ways to also begin the process of reconciliation in your community.
I immediately sent the link to my lovely bride because I was so moved by the power of this simply act. Yes, it cost little financially, but it offered so much spiritually and emotionally; both to those who needed to hear the message of love Jesus truly offers, and to those who were offering the "olive branch." I am motivated to be a better Christ follower when I read stories like this; stories of true Christianity in action.
Later in the day, as my bride and I were sitting on our back porch, eating ice cream, talking, and looking at fireflies and stars, I heard the story of the second approach; unfortunately the all too common approach. A nationally syndicated radio host was responding to an email.
Now I cannot truly confirm this host is a Christian. While reading through the website this morning I found a section dedicated to providing the company's solutions to churches, and the corporate mission statement says: "... providing biblically based, common-sense education and empowerment which gives HOPE to everyone ...." However, I could not find sufficient definitive proof on the website to truly say the host himself is a committed Christ follower.
Yet, because churches across the county use the system developed by this company, because many of the principles included in the process are truly bibically based, my wife (and many others I would assume) believe this host is a Christian. So as she was listening to his response to an email while driving to the store to pick up the ice cream we were about to enjoy on the back porch last night (and yes, we had a coupon for the ice cream) she became offended by his response. The question was from a woman who did not agree with her husband's financial choice and she wanted some help.
The response, however was where it all broke down. My wife said the host started mocking the husband, calling him a "loser" in a patronizing tone of voice. He didn't stop there, he continued by saying when you told you father you were going to marry this guy, the sigh you heard escape from his lips was your father calling him a "loser." The host continued to say "loser" still using a condescending tone in his voice as he said the word, repeating it four or more times before my wife turned her radio off, unable to listen to another word.
Again, I cannot confirm this host is a committed Christ follower. I do not listen enough to know his heart. But I do know his response last night, at least the portion my wife heard and relayed to me, was not in concert with a response Jesus would have made. This man's response last night was not uplifting, did not provide the wife, who was seeking help, with hope or ammunition for a strong debate with her husband. The response did not provide the wife with a means of honoring her husband, while also striving to help him grow in his understanding of financial responsibility.
Please do not hear me judging the radio show host with my words. To judge him would be a failure to follow Jesus' example and an act against my own writing. My intention as I wrote today was to offer a challenge; a challenge supported by the offering of "Two Different Approaches."
Do you call yourself a Christ follower? If so, how do your actions reflect Christ. As you touch people throughout your day, consider carefully how that interaction reflects the message of Jesus. Commit today to leave each encounter with the knowledge you have impacted your world positively for the gospel. That is how we carry the message of Jesus to a world in need.
So I wrote my first blog of 2010, on June 30th, exactly half way into the year. And then I began a quest to read other writers, to peruse other blogs, to see what the world was discussing. I found the first of what I'm calling "Two Different Approaches" through a link on Twitter. A friend on Twitter had linked to the following website: http://naytinalbert.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-hugged-man-in-his-underwear-and-i-am.html. It was a story about some Christians who wore "I'm Sorry" t-shirts to a gay pride parade in Chicago. Along with the t-shirts, they carried hand written signs apologizing to the gay community for the way churches and Christians have showered the gay community with hate. The resulting healing that was started was amazing. I recommend each of you read the blog entry and then consider how you can find ways to also begin the process of reconciliation in your community.
I immediately sent the link to my lovely bride because I was so moved by the power of this simply act. Yes, it cost little financially, but it offered so much spiritually and emotionally; both to those who needed to hear the message of love Jesus truly offers, and to those who were offering the "olive branch." I am motivated to be a better Christ follower when I read stories like this; stories of true Christianity in action.
Later in the day, as my bride and I were sitting on our back porch, eating ice cream, talking, and looking at fireflies and stars, I heard the story of the second approach; unfortunately the all too common approach. A nationally syndicated radio host was responding to an email.
Now I cannot truly confirm this host is a Christian. While reading through the website this morning I found a section dedicated to providing the company's solutions to churches, and the corporate mission statement says: "... providing biblically based, common-sense education and empowerment which gives HOPE to everyone ...." However, I could not find sufficient definitive proof on the website to truly say the host himself is a committed Christ follower.
Yet, because churches across the county use the system developed by this company, because many of the principles included in the process are truly bibically based, my wife (and many others I would assume) believe this host is a Christian. So as she was listening to his response to an email while driving to the store to pick up the ice cream we were about to enjoy on the back porch last night (and yes, we had a coupon for the ice cream) she became offended by his response. The question was from a woman who did not agree with her husband's financial choice and she wanted some help.
The response, however was where it all broke down. My wife said the host started mocking the husband, calling him a "loser" in a patronizing tone of voice. He didn't stop there, he continued by saying when you told you father you were going to marry this guy, the sigh you heard escape from his lips was your father calling him a "loser." The host continued to say "loser" still using a condescending tone in his voice as he said the word, repeating it four or more times before my wife turned her radio off, unable to listen to another word.
Again, I cannot confirm this host is a committed Christ follower. I do not listen enough to know his heart. But I do know his response last night, at least the portion my wife heard and relayed to me, was not in concert with a response Jesus would have made. This man's response last night was not uplifting, did not provide the wife, who was seeking help, with hope or ammunition for a strong debate with her husband. The response did not provide the wife with a means of honoring her husband, while also striving to help him grow in his understanding of financial responsibility.
Please do not hear me judging the radio show host with my words. To judge him would be a failure to follow Jesus' example and an act against my own writing. My intention as I wrote today was to offer a challenge; a challenge supported by the offering of "Two Different Approaches."
Do you call yourself a Christ follower? If so, how do your actions reflect Christ. As you touch people throughout your day, consider carefully how that interaction reflects the message of Jesus. Commit today to leave each encounter with the knowledge you have impacted your world positively for the gospel. That is how we carry the message of Jesus to a world in need.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Where I Am Right Now
It amazes me how quickly time flies for me now. Just yesterday I was mowing part of the back lawn, our back lawn is divided into four distinct areas and I was mowing one of the four, when it hit me an entire week had passed since I has last mowed. Here I am mowing the second of four areas, and it had been a week since I'd started mowing the first of the four areas. Somehow, between mowing the first and second portion of the back yard, a week had passed.
That is just where I am living right now. Time is simply flying by, and I have no idea why it has changed. One thing I do know, I'm going to wake up one day and wonder where it all went.
I've recently left the church I spent the last year building, literally, because I no longer felt effective in the ministry to which they called me. After much prayer and deliberate conversations with my lovely bride, it became apparent that leaving was what we believed God was leading me to do. It was not an easy decision, I prayed and struggled for nearly two months, but time after time, the direction seemed to be, "Your work here is finished."
This move freed me up to start working on me again, something I'd left behind during the past year. I now make sure I feed my spiritual needs, read my Bible and pray, each day PRIOR to feeding my physical needs; food. This is a departure for me, helping me realize that it all truly does come from God.
But despite taking the time each day with God, I still feel like I'm stuck on a treadmill. I recently finished Don Miller's latest book, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years," and through him learned life is a story and we have the power to control the scenes. Yet I still feel like life is flying and I'm simply marking time. Even my daily time with God, a new practice only missed twice in the past eight weeks, has not truly moved me to a place where I feel I'm making a significant navigational change to my "story."
So I find myself more frequently in moments like yesterday with the lawn mower, wondering how an entire week managed to squeeze itself between my mowing two portions of my own back yard.
I'll continue to wake up each day and spend time with God, both in His word and in prayer, prior to putting food in my mouth. This is one habit I can pursue that will lead to a better story in my life, even if I feel that time is moving so quickly I simply can't keep up the pace.
What new habits are you developing to help change the direction of your story?
That is just where I am living right now. Time is simply flying by, and I have no idea why it has changed. One thing I do know, I'm going to wake up one day and wonder where it all went.
I've recently left the church I spent the last year building, literally, because I no longer felt effective in the ministry to which they called me. After much prayer and deliberate conversations with my lovely bride, it became apparent that leaving was what we believed God was leading me to do. It was not an easy decision, I prayed and struggled for nearly two months, but time after time, the direction seemed to be, "Your work here is finished."
This move freed me up to start working on me again, something I'd left behind during the past year. I now make sure I feed my spiritual needs, read my Bible and pray, each day PRIOR to feeding my physical needs; food. This is a departure for me, helping me realize that it all truly does come from God.
But despite taking the time each day with God, I still feel like I'm stuck on a treadmill. I recently finished Don Miller's latest book, "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years," and through him learned life is a story and we have the power to control the scenes. Yet I still feel like life is flying and I'm simply marking time. Even my daily time with God, a new practice only missed twice in the past eight weeks, has not truly moved me to a place where I feel I'm making a significant navigational change to my "story."
So I find myself more frequently in moments like yesterday with the lawn mower, wondering how an entire week managed to squeeze itself between my mowing two portions of my own back yard.
I'll continue to wake up each day and spend time with God, both in His word and in prayer, prior to putting food in my mouth. This is one habit I can pursue that will lead to a better story in my life, even if I feel that time is moving so quickly I simply can't keep up the pace.
What new habits are you developing to help change the direction of your story?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A Gentle Reminder
I have spent the previous five days fighting a migraine. It came on at full force at approximately 2 pm on Christmas day. I managed to spend Christmas morning with the family, doing our normal Christmas routine (stockings first thing, breakfast, and then the presents) ... We even played some games together, listened to some new CDs, and enjoyed the morning.
But then, inexplicably, I was hit with the beginnings of a terrible migraine. Immediately, I went to the medicine cabinet and downed a few pills. It was my hope the early medication would minimize the event, making it possible to enjoy Christmas dinner with the family.
But by 2:30 I was flat on my back in bed with a wet cloth covering my eyes. I lay there until Saturday morning, eating Christmas dinner in bed.
Saturday, the pain continued and because the details of the individual days are not important, I'll fast-forward to day five; the pain was still there on Tuesday morning. I had missed work on Sunday, I had been in bed with a wet cloth on my head far too long, I had watched far too many videos (finding the diversion helped me focus beyond the pain). Most importantly, I had filled my body with pills (something I've walked away from in recent years) because of the pain.
It wasn't until late Tuesday morning, after reading an email from a life group member, that healing began. In that email, Eric asked me had I taken my migraine to God? Yes I was taking medication, yes I was making plans to visit my chiropractor, yes I was dulling the pain with videos; but had I invited God's healing for my pain?
This hit me with great conviction. Why do we (and by we, I mean me) so quickly reach for modern medicine, push drugs and other 'healing' substances in our bodies, and yet forsake the Great Physician, the Great Creator, our Father when we are sick or hurting, or in need?
So with prompting from my friend, and a humbled heart at my own personal arrogance, I went to my Heavenly Father asking for His healing. Within a very short time, I felt less pain, was able to focus for the first time in days, and didn't feel that hopelessness that had overwhelmed me the previous five days.
So it is my prayer this gentle reminder helps you. I'm not sure what you are facing right now. I'm not sure what 'earthly' solutions you are using to mitigate your suffering. But if you have not sought God to be with you in this, stop and ask. He is waiting for your invitation.
I can't promise that you will see immediate healing as I did. I can promise that God wants to be with you, wants to comfort you, and wants community with you; all of which are good.
But then, inexplicably, I was hit with the beginnings of a terrible migraine. Immediately, I went to the medicine cabinet and downed a few pills. It was my hope the early medication would minimize the event, making it possible to enjoy Christmas dinner with the family.
But by 2:30 I was flat on my back in bed with a wet cloth covering my eyes. I lay there until Saturday morning, eating Christmas dinner in bed.
Saturday, the pain continued and because the details of the individual days are not important, I'll fast-forward to day five; the pain was still there on Tuesday morning. I had missed work on Sunday, I had been in bed with a wet cloth on my head far too long, I had watched far too many videos (finding the diversion helped me focus beyond the pain). Most importantly, I had filled my body with pills (something I've walked away from in recent years) because of the pain.
It wasn't until late Tuesday morning, after reading an email from a life group member, that healing began. In that email, Eric asked me had I taken my migraine to God? Yes I was taking medication, yes I was making plans to visit my chiropractor, yes I was dulling the pain with videos; but had I invited God's healing for my pain?
This hit me with great conviction. Why do we (and by we, I mean me) so quickly reach for modern medicine, push drugs and other 'healing' substances in our bodies, and yet forsake the Great Physician, the Great Creator, our Father when we are sick or hurting, or in need?
So with prompting from my friend, and a humbled heart at my own personal arrogance, I went to my Heavenly Father asking for His healing. Within a very short time, I felt less pain, was able to focus for the first time in days, and didn't feel that hopelessness that had overwhelmed me the previous five days.
So it is my prayer this gentle reminder helps you. I'm not sure what you are facing right now. I'm not sure what 'earthly' solutions you are using to mitigate your suffering. But if you have not sought God to be with you in this, stop and ask. He is waiting for your invitation.
I can't promise that you will see immediate healing as I did. I can promise that God wants to be with you, wants to comfort you, and wants community with you; all of which are good.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Shepherds
Our church has been in a series called "How to Steal Christmas." It is about the ways our actions steal the true meaning of Christmas. Week one was "Give in to Greed." Through a 'greed based' outlook at Christmas (I want, I want, I want or worse I need, I need, I need), we miss the truth of this marvelous season. Week two was "Unwrap Unbelief" which focused on our tendency, especially in America, to simply not seek actual truth, but to settle for what society calls truth, or worse simply do nothing to pursue what our heart so desperately seeks.
Today we learned so many "Waste the Wonder." The pastor asked, "Have we allowed this story to become so familiar, we waste the wonder?" Or have we become so focused on our 'to do list' that we simply don't have time to revel in the wonder that God became man simply to save us.
Enter the shepherds. As you read the story in Luke 2, you learn a heavenly host came to the shepherds and told them of the birth of Christ in neighboring Bethlehem. And what was the shepherds response? They LEFT THEIR SHEEP to go find this baby.
Now I wonder how often you've been like me and read the story and never marveled at this simple act. Shepherds would defend their sheep, even to death if necessary. They certainly would not leave them in the fields. This announcement had to be something that was so important to them, their primary focus would shift.
Which is exactly what happened. Because even after going to meet the messiah, the shepherds did not immediately return to their herds, they continued to neglect their charges in order to spread the word of Jesus' birth. Please don't miss the importance of these acts we so frequently gloss over as we 'sterilize' the birth of our Lord. This one event some two thousand years ago has literally changed the world. It split history in two.
And it took shepherds from their flocks. Please don't waste the wonder this year. Please find some new truth in the story of the Incarnation. Please follow the lead of the shepherds and forsake everything you hold dear to meet this Christ and then tell everyone you meet about the encounter!
You will not regret the decision and it might just split the history of your life in two as well!
Today we learned so many "Waste the Wonder." The pastor asked, "Have we allowed this story to become so familiar, we waste the wonder?" Or have we become so focused on our 'to do list' that we simply don't have time to revel in the wonder that God became man simply to save us.
Enter the shepherds. As you read the story in Luke 2, you learn a heavenly host came to the shepherds and told them of the birth of Christ in neighboring Bethlehem. And what was the shepherds response? They LEFT THEIR SHEEP to go find this baby.
Now I wonder how often you've been like me and read the story and never marveled at this simple act. Shepherds would defend their sheep, even to death if necessary. They certainly would not leave them in the fields. This announcement had to be something that was so important to them, their primary focus would shift.
Which is exactly what happened. Because even after going to meet the messiah, the shepherds did not immediately return to their herds, they continued to neglect their charges in order to spread the word of Jesus' birth. Please don't miss the importance of these acts we so frequently gloss over as we 'sterilize' the birth of our Lord. This one event some two thousand years ago has literally changed the world. It split history in two.
And it took shepherds from their flocks. Please don't waste the wonder this year. Please find some new truth in the story of the Incarnation. Please follow the lead of the shepherds and forsake everything you hold dear to meet this Christ and then tell everyone you meet about the encounter!
You will not regret the decision and it might just split the history of your life in two as well!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Musings on my Life Group
I have joined a new church and a new life group since my last post. On October 1, 2009 I joined the staff of Hope Springs Community Church. Today (December 13, 2009), I became a member of the church. It is kind of funny to me that I've been on staff for 10 weeks but was not a member of the church. I guess that is common, there are some churches who encourage certain staff to attend a separate church so they can experience worship without having to feel like they are 'working' ...
However, joining the new church also brought me and my lovely bride to a new Life Group. Our old church called them small groups, you church might have a completely different name, but here at Hope Springs, we call them Life Groups.
And that brings me to my musings from our time together today. Our group has studied the book of Philippians since our inception in October, wandering from home to home, taking a verse, section, or chapter at a time. Because we meet every other week, we didn't finish this four chapter book until today ... and quite honestly, I don't feel we are actually finished.
But during the conversation on contentment (Paul states he has learned to be content in any circumstance in Philippians 4:11) ... the talk turned to the more communal living style of the first century Christians. We wondered if part of the contentment was from truly "doing life together" as opposed to what you find in most modern church life groups.
Unfortunately, we were not able to come to any answers, leaving only questions. Our group isn't ready to sell everything (like the first century church in Acts) and move into a community of faith house ... but some good questions were asked that I'd like to challenge anyone who reads this blog (which is very few, I imagine):
1. We have a member who was unemployed for over a year. The question I'd like to challenge you with today is who do you know that is unemployed? Who do you know that you can connect that person with in hopes of getting them a job? Have you asked your friend if they are able to make their mortgage payment this month, and are you willing to help or find those who can if the answer is "no, I'm short on money"? What if that unemployed friend needs food? Will you help?
Unfortunately, these questions were never asked of our life group member ... fortunately, shortly after the group coming together, he found employment. I'd like to think that had his situation continued, our group would have done the right thing. I certainly hope we will should a similar situation arise in the future.
2. We are a young group, but almost immediately, we began to support each other in daily prayer. Are you connected to a community that prays for you daily? Do you have a list of people for whom you pray daily? If the answer is no, why not?
I know this is far from what the early church experienced. I know that deep in my soul I long for deeper community. But I believe this group is going in the right direction. We will never sell everything and become communal, but I do hope that as a group living lives in separate houses we will be as close to the Acts model as is humanly possible.
That is my prayer ... I'm starting to believe it is also the prayer of many of my life group partners.
Be blessed!
However, joining the new church also brought me and my lovely bride to a new Life Group. Our old church called them small groups, you church might have a completely different name, but here at Hope Springs, we call them Life Groups.
And that brings me to my musings from our time together today. Our group has studied the book of Philippians since our inception in October, wandering from home to home, taking a verse, section, or chapter at a time. Because we meet every other week, we didn't finish this four chapter book until today ... and quite honestly, I don't feel we are actually finished.
But during the conversation on contentment (Paul states he has learned to be content in any circumstance in Philippians 4:11) ... the talk turned to the more communal living style of the first century Christians. We wondered if part of the contentment was from truly "doing life together" as opposed to what you find in most modern church life groups.
Unfortunately, we were not able to come to any answers, leaving only questions. Our group isn't ready to sell everything (like the first century church in Acts) and move into a community of faith house ... but some good questions were asked that I'd like to challenge anyone who reads this blog (which is very few, I imagine):
1. We have a member who was unemployed for over a year. The question I'd like to challenge you with today is who do you know that is unemployed? Who do you know that you can connect that person with in hopes of getting them a job? Have you asked your friend if they are able to make their mortgage payment this month, and are you willing to help or find those who can if the answer is "no, I'm short on money"? What if that unemployed friend needs food? Will you help?
Unfortunately, these questions were never asked of our life group member ... fortunately, shortly after the group coming together, he found employment. I'd like to think that had his situation continued, our group would have done the right thing. I certainly hope we will should a similar situation arise in the future.
2. We are a young group, but almost immediately, we began to support each other in daily prayer. Are you connected to a community that prays for you daily? Do you have a list of people for whom you pray daily? If the answer is no, why not?
I know this is far from what the early church experienced. I know that deep in my soul I long for deeper community. But I believe this group is going in the right direction. We will never sell everything and become communal, but I do hope that as a group living lives in separate houses we will be as close to the Acts model as is humanly possible.
That is my prayer ... I'm starting to believe it is also the prayer of many of my life group partners.
Be blessed!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Ramblings on Acts 19 ... an assignment for Church
I was asked today to post a blog for our church's newest series. We are studying the book of Acts and several people from the congregation have been assigned a chapter and have been asked to blog about what they've read. My assignment was Acts 19, which is really not a great chapter to write about. While it is a good historical account of the life of Paul and the persecution he encountered spreading the gospel of Christ, it isn't a great chapter like Acts 2 (the pouring out of the Holy Spirit), Acts 9 (the conversion of Saul, who later became Paul) or Acts 16 (the Philippian jailer - "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved").
So I was to read my assigned chapter, choose a key verse, blog a few paragraphs about what I encountered reading the passage, and then leave the readers with a few questions to ponder as they study the passage themselves.
Here is my first pass. I'm not sure if I'll send this version on for publication, but I wanted to make sure my initial thoughts did at least find its way to my own personal blog.
Key Verse – Acts 19:20 “In this powerful way the word of the Lord was spreading and gaining strength.”
In the early days of the church, God used several key people and numerous miracles to demonstrate his power. First Peter at Pentecost, then later Paul as he traveled throughout the Asian provinces, performed miracles in the name of Jesus. As a result, many turned to follow Jesus, leaving their past lives behind.
And when these new converts began to fully devote themselves to “The Way,” some local merchants felt the pinch. In Acts 19 we learn that because of Paul’s teachings, local silversmiths endured an economic downturn because they were selling fewer idols. Because former idol worshipers learned there is only one true God, they stopped frequenting the silversmith shops. I believe following Jesus should result in our lifestyles changing. Material things that were once important to us should now seem insignificant when compared to the furtherance of God’s kingdom.
The transformation in the lives of the followers of Christ in Ephesus was so great, people who live and work around them noticed. Men who had once profited off the sale of idols became so worried about their future, they incited a riot. While the culture has changed, and while we enjoy many freedoms in America, a life devoted to following Christ should look different than the lives of those around us. I don’t imagine our choices in the 21st century will lead to anyone inciting riots; however I do believe our daily choices, especially on things where we choose to spend our time and money, demonstrate where our hearts are truly focused.
When the world around us notices the changes in our lives, they will want to know more about what has caused us to change. As you tell them what has motivated your lifestyle metamorphosis, Acts 19:20 will continue to ring true in our communities: “In this powerful way the word of the Lord was spreading and gaining strength.”
As you read through Acts 19 today, ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I live my life each day in a manner that permits the word of the Lord to continue to spread to all I encounter?
2. Are there any areas in my finances that I have yet to turn over to God and if so, am I willing to surrender them to Him today?
3. What can I do today to show the love of God to someone, causing them to desire to know more about my Savior?
So I was to read my assigned chapter, choose a key verse, blog a few paragraphs about what I encountered reading the passage, and then leave the readers with a few questions to ponder as they study the passage themselves.
Here is my first pass. I'm not sure if I'll send this version on for publication, but I wanted to make sure my initial thoughts did at least find its way to my own personal blog.
Key Verse – Acts 19:20 “In this powerful way the word of the Lord was spreading and gaining strength.”
In the early days of the church, God used several key people and numerous miracles to demonstrate his power. First Peter at Pentecost, then later Paul as he traveled throughout the Asian provinces, performed miracles in the name of Jesus. As a result, many turned to follow Jesus, leaving their past lives behind.
And when these new converts began to fully devote themselves to “The Way,” some local merchants felt the pinch. In Acts 19 we learn that because of Paul’s teachings, local silversmiths endured an economic downturn because they were selling fewer idols. Because former idol worshipers learned there is only one true God, they stopped frequenting the silversmith shops. I believe following Jesus should result in our lifestyles changing. Material things that were once important to us should now seem insignificant when compared to the furtherance of God’s kingdom.
The transformation in the lives of the followers of Christ in Ephesus was so great, people who live and work around them noticed. Men who had once profited off the sale of idols became so worried about their future, they incited a riot. While the culture has changed, and while we enjoy many freedoms in America, a life devoted to following Christ should look different than the lives of those around us. I don’t imagine our choices in the 21st century will lead to anyone inciting riots; however I do believe our daily choices, especially on things where we choose to spend our time and money, demonstrate where our hearts are truly focused.
When the world around us notices the changes in our lives, they will want to know more about what has caused us to change. As you tell them what has motivated your lifestyle metamorphosis, Acts 19:20 will continue to ring true in our communities: “In this powerful way the word of the Lord was spreading and gaining strength.”
As you read through Acts 19 today, ask yourself these questions:
1. Do I live my life each day in a manner that permits the word of the Lord to continue to spread to all I encounter?
2. Are there any areas in my finances that I have yet to turn over to God and if so, am I willing to surrender them to Him today?
3. What can I do today to show the love of God to someone, causing them to desire to know more about my Savior?
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