"Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fairminded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
Acts 17:10-11
Christians are often accused of being bigots. Bigot is defined by the dictionary as "one obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his own church, party, belief, or opinion." I plead "guilty." I am obstinately devoted to what Scripture teaches. During the "No Special Rights" elections in Oregon regarding homosexuality, I was called a bigot because I do not believe homosexuality is an appropriate lifestyle. I think I am fairminded and open to listen to many opinions. But I reject any ideas that I cannot support from Scripture. Those who do not accept the authority of Scripture have only their own ideas, and they have no basis to determine what is true. Being bigoted in the sense of being devoted to biblical teaching is a good thing, because it keeps a person from believing everything that comes down the pike. So I need to "search the Scriptures daily" to see if anything is true or not.
Today's Thought: If being devoted to biblical truth makes one a bigot, so be it.
Have a "bigoted" day. Love you.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Equal Opportunity Employer
"And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas....Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men."
Acts 17:4, 12
Why does the Scripture make a point of saying many "leading" and "prominent" women believed? Many of Jesus followers were women and in Acts, we see such women as Lydia, Dorcus, and Pricilla. Women are also often mentioned in the letters of Paul. Perhaps it is because women have influence. I have known many women who have powerful ministry in the church. God is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Today's Thought: Women have a large part in the ministry of the Kingdom.
Have an "appreciation of women" day. Love you.
Acts 17:4, 12
Why does the Scripture make a point of saying many "leading" and "prominent" women believed? Many of Jesus followers were women and in Acts, we see such women as Lydia, Dorcus, and Pricilla. Women are also often mentioned in the letters of Paul. Perhaps it is because women have influence. I have known many women who have powerful ministry in the church. God is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Today's Thought: Women have a large part in the ministry of the Kingdom.
Have an "appreciation of women" day. Love you.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Demanding Accountability
"And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers [those who had beaten Paul and Silas], saying 'Let these men go' .... But Paul said to them, 'They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. No, indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.' "
Acts 16:35, 37
Sometimes public officials (especially politicians) act as though they are not accountable, that they can do what they want and then sweep it under the rug. Paul said, "No way, Jay. They must admit that they were wrong." It is a whole lot easier to avoid confrontation than make them face the music. I know. I try to avoid confrontation, especially with those over me. But there are times when we must stand our ground and hold their feet to the fire, and demand public admission of wrong-doing. (Please forgive all the cliches.)
Today's Thought: Public officials need to be held accountable for their misdeeds.
Have a "standing up" day. Love you.
Acts 16:35, 37
Sometimes public officials (especially politicians) act as though they are not accountable, that they can do what they want and then sweep it under the rug. Paul said, "No way, Jay. They must admit that they were wrong." It is a whole lot easier to avoid confrontation than make them face the music. I know. I try to avoid confrontation, especially with those over me. But there are times when we must stand our ground and hold their feet to the fire, and demand public admission of wrong-doing. (Please forgive all the cliches.)
Today's Thought: Public officials need to be held accountable for their misdeeds.
Have a "standing up" day. Love you.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Living Faith
"And he [the jailer] brought them out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.' Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house."
Acts 16:30-31
The jailer had heard Paul and Silas praying and singing, so he knew that they believed in God. But his heart was opened to their message because their actions matched what they said. People are more apt to hear the word of the Lord from someone who not only talks their faith but also lives it. Words and actions together build confidence that the message is true. I need to demonstrate my faith – not just speak it. As James wrote, "Show me your faith, and I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:18).
Today's Thought: What I say is either affirmed or denied by what I do.
Have an action day. Love you.
Acts 16:30-31
The jailer had heard Paul and Silas praying and singing, so he knew that they believed in God. But his heart was opened to their message because their actions matched what they said. People are more apt to hear the word of the Lord from someone who not only talks their faith but also lives it. Words and actions together build confidence that the message is true. I need to demonstrate my faith – not just speak it. As James wrote, "Show me your faith, and I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:18).
Today's Thought: What I say is either affirmed or denied by what I do.
Have an action day. Love you.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Witnessing Through Trials
"Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, 'Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.' "
Acts 16:26-28
So what kept Paul and Silas from escaping? Surely God had delivered them; yet they stayed and apparently persuaded all the other prisoners not to run away. People were saved, both physically and spiritually, because they refused to run. It takes a lot of integrity to forego apparent opportunities to run from my problems instead of using the opportunity to witness God's grace in the middle of them. We are not told what Paul and Silas prayed (vs. 25), but it must have been, "Lord Jesus, use this for Your glory," because that is how they responded. (For a current example of witnessing through trials, go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/juanitapomeroy, the website for the wife of the A/G pastor in Lincoln City, Oregon.)
Today's Thought: God can use my problems to minister to other people if I don't run from them.
Have a ministering day. Love you.
Acts 16:26-28
So what kept Paul and Silas from escaping? Surely God had delivered them; yet they stayed and apparently persuaded all the other prisoners not to run away. People were saved, both physically and spiritually, because they refused to run. It takes a lot of integrity to forego apparent opportunities to run from my problems instead of using the opportunity to witness God's grace in the middle of them. We are not told what Paul and Silas prayed (vs. 25), but it must have been, "Lord Jesus, use this for Your glory," because that is how they responded. (For a current example of witnessing through trials, go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/juanitapomeroy, the website for the wife of the A/G pastor in Lincoln City, Oregon.)
Today's Thought: God can use my problems to minister to other people if I don't run from them.
Have a ministering day. Love you.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- The Midnight Song
"Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates ... commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison .... But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them."
Acts 16:22-23, 25
In the darkness of midnight, Paul and Silas – their bodies bruised and hurting – were focused on God instead of their situation. Too often in my own dark hours of pain, my focus is on myself, and my song is, "Does Jesus Care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song." I wish my faith was mature enough to always sing hymns of praise at midnight. Other people are listening to how I respond to my challenges, and my witness would probably be more effective if they heard me singing praise to God instead of "Woe Is Me."
Today's Thought: The Midnight Song should be hymns of praise to God.
Have a singing day. Love you.
Acts 16:22-23, 25
In the darkness of midnight, Paul and Silas – their bodies bruised and hurting – were focused on God instead of their situation. Too often in my own dark hours of pain, my focus is on myself, and my song is, "Does Jesus Care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song." I wish my faith was mature enough to always sing hymns of praise at midnight. Other people are listening to how I respond to my challenges, and my witness would probably be more effective if they heard me singing praise to God instead of "Woe Is Me."
Today's Thought: The Midnight Song should be hymns of praise to God.
Have a singing day. Love you.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- The Wrong Spirit
"Now it happened, as we went to prayers, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us .... (She) followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, 'These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.' And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, 'I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.' And he came out of her that very hour."
Acts 16:16-18
Even though this girl was speaking the truth, it was with the wrong spirit and it annoyed Paul. Paul did not need demonic affirmation of his message. In fact, it was detrimental, detracting from his ministry. Why he put up with it for "many days" is a puzzle to me. You can tell the spirit behind the words. When a child says, "I'm sorry," the spirit that he says it with tells whether he is sincere or not. I remember buying an album of Sandy Paddy one time, and the first time I listened to it, I said to Mildred, "Something's wrong with this music." I later learned that it was recorded while she was having an affair. The music was right but the spirit was wrong. I need to be sensitive, not just to the words, but to the spirit behind the words.
Today's Thought: The spirit words are spoken with is as important as the words themselves.
Have a sensitive day. Love you.
Acts 16:16-18
Even though this girl was speaking the truth, it was with the wrong spirit and it annoyed Paul. Paul did not need demonic affirmation of his message. In fact, it was detrimental, detracting from his ministry. Why he put up with it for "many days" is a puzzle to me. You can tell the spirit behind the words. When a child says, "I'm sorry," the spirit that he says it with tells whether he is sincere or not. I remember buying an album of Sandy Paddy one time, and the first time I listened to it, I said to Mildred, "Something's wrong with this music." I later learned that it was recorded while she was having an affair. The music was right but the spirit was wrong. I need to be sensitive, not just to the words, but to the spirit behind the words.
Today's Thought: The spirit words are spoken with is as important as the words themselves.
Have a sensitive day. Love you.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- The Open Heart
"Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul."
Acts 16:14
It is Jesus who opens the heart of a person to receive the Gospel, but again and again in Acts we see that Jesus reveals Himself to those who have God-consciousness (see also Acts 10:1-2 - Cornelius; and 18:7 - Justus). I don't know why some people have a desire for God and some people don't. It is not my job to determine who is a worshiper. Nor is it my job to open their hearts; the Lord does that. Paul did not seek out Lydia. He was just sharing the Gospel with some women down by the riverside (vs. 13), and she was there and believed. I do believe that Jesus will somehow reveal Himself to anyone in the world who's heart is open – whether witch doctor, Muslim, Hindu, or plain Joe American. God knows the heart.
Today's Thought: Jesus opens the hearts of worshipers.
Have an "open-heart" day. Love you.
Acts 16:14
It is Jesus who opens the heart of a person to receive the Gospel, but again and again in Acts we see that Jesus reveals Himself to those who have God-consciousness (see also Acts 10:1-2 - Cornelius; and 18:7 - Justus). I don't know why some people have a desire for God and some people don't. It is not my job to determine who is a worshiper. Nor is it my job to open their hearts; the Lord does that. Paul did not seek out Lydia. He was just sharing the Gospel with some women down by the riverside (vs. 13), and she was there and believed. I do believe that Jesus will somehow reveal Himself to anyone in the world who's heart is open – whether witch doctor, Muslim, Hindu, or plain Joe American. God knows the heart.
Today's Thought: Jesus opens the hearts of worshipers.
Have an "open-heart" day. Love you.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Spirit-led
"Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them."
Acts 16:6-7
"The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives" (Psalm 37:23 NLT). People who want to be in God's will need to be sensitive to God's leading, and not just their own desires, even when it comes to sharing the Gospel. We are not told how the Holy Spirit made His will known to Paul and Silas – whether by prophecy, closed doors, or the inward constraint of their own spirits. Luke does record that God called them to Macedonia by a night vision and they concluded that this was God's will (vss. 9-10). God does have a plan, and we need to be willing to follow His leading. Paul's prayer when he met Christ on the road to Damascus is good for any time: "Lord, what do you want me to do?" (Acts 9:6).
Today's Thought: Following God's leading requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Have a Spirit-led day. Love you.
Acts 16:6-7
"The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives" (Psalm 37:23 NLT). People who want to be in God's will need to be sensitive to God's leading, and not just their own desires, even when it comes to sharing the Gospel. We are not told how the Holy Spirit made His will known to Paul and Silas – whether by prophecy, closed doors, or the inward constraint of their own spirits. Luke does record that God called them to Macedonia by a night vision and they concluded that this was God's will (vss. 9-10). God does have a plan, and we need to be willing to follow His leading. Paul's prayer when he met Christ on the road to Damascus is good for any time: "Lord, what do you want me to do?" (Acts 9:6).
Today's Thought: Following God's leading requires sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Have a Spirit-led day. Love you.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Choosing Your Battles
"The he [Paul] came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.....Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek."
Acts 16:1, 3
Does this seem strange? Paul, who was so adamant against the circumcision of the Jewish law, had Timothy (his son in the faith – I Timothy 1:2) circumcised. It seems to be a contradiction. I think the reason may have been to eliminate what might have been a stumbling block to his ministry to the people of that region. Since Tim's mother was Jewish, it would not have been out of order for him to be circumcised. I think Paul recognized that sometimes concession of a non-essential is important to keep relationships open. Paul demonstrated this principle when he responded to a dispute in the Corinthian church regarding head-coverings. He wrote a lengthy treatise seemingly defending the practice, but ended it by writing, "If anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God" (I Corinthians 11:16). In other words, some things are not worth fighting for, as long as they do not violate our convictions. We should choose our battles prayerfully and carefully.
Today's Thought: Some things are worthy fighting for and some are not. We need to choose carefully.
Have a wise day. Love you.
Acts 16:1, 3
Does this seem strange? Paul, who was so adamant against the circumcision of the Jewish law, had Timothy (his son in the faith – I Timothy 1:2) circumcised. It seems to be a contradiction. I think the reason may have been to eliminate what might have been a stumbling block to his ministry to the people of that region. Since Tim's mother was Jewish, it would not have been out of order for him to be circumcised. I think Paul recognized that sometimes concession of a non-essential is important to keep relationships open. Paul demonstrated this principle when he responded to a dispute in the Corinthian church regarding head-coverings. He wrote a lengthy treatise seemingly defending the practice, but ended it by writing, "If anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God" (I Corinthians 11:16). In other words, some things are not worth fighting for, as long as they do not violate our convictions. We should choose our battles prayerfully and carefully.
Today's Thought: Some things are worthy fighting for and some are not. We need to choose carefully.
Have a wise day. Love you.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Disagreement Between Godly Men
"Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take [him] with them.... Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another."
Acts 15:37-39a
John Mark became a lightning rod for disagreement between Barnabas and Paul. Barnabas, always the encourager, wanted to give Mark (his nephew) a chance to redeem himself after the previous trip when Mark deserted them. But Saul would have no part of it. His focus was to spread the Gospel, not to coddle a young man. So the contention became very heated. Paul later wrote, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). But sometimes there seems to be no possibility of agreement and still keep integrity. It was not a matter of someone being wrong. It was a matter of perception. So what do you do when two godly men disagree? Sometimes, the best solution is for them to go their separate ways and allow time to heal the schism. In the end, Paul called for Mark because he was "useful to me for ministry" (II Timothy 4:11).
Today's Thought: Godly men can disagree, but they may need to part ways.
Have a peaceable day. Love you.
Acts 15:37-39a
John Mark became a lightning rod for disagreement between Barnabas and Paul. Barnabas, always the encourager, wanted to give Mark (his nephew) a chance to redeem himself after the previous trip when Mark deserted them. But Saul would have no part of it. His focus was to spread the Gospel, not to coddle a young man. So the contention became very heated. Paul later wrote, "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). But sometimes there seems to be no possibility of agreement and still keep integrity. It was not a matter of someone being wrong. It was a matter of perception. So what do you do when two godly men disagree? Sometimes, the best solution is for them to go their separate ways and allow time to heal the schism. In the end, Paul called for Mark because he was "useful to me for ministry" (II Timothy 4:11).
Today's Thought: Godly men can disagree, but they may need to part ways.
Have a peaceable day. Love you.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- God Knows What He Is Doing
" 'Known to God from eternity are all His works. Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God.' "
Acts 15:18-19
This incident in the early Church gives us a pattern when ministering to new believers. How do we encourage new converts to walk humbly in God's ways without putting a yoke of rules and regulations around their necks (10)? It is a fine distinction because we know there are behaviors which enhance a person's walk with God, and things that hinder. In our desire to mature people, we sometimes load them down with rules and regulations to follow. Perhaps the answer lies in the ministry God has given to church leadership (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) to encourage and strengthen (vs. 32) and teach and preach the word (vs. 35), and then leave the rest to God. Known to God are His works – He knows what He is doing. When we do our part to encourage and share God's Word, God will do the rest. It is the Holy Spirit's work to perfect (mature) God's people – not ours.
Today's Thought: God knows what He is doing in building His Church.
Have a trusting day. Love you.
Acts 15:18-19
This incident in the early Church gives us a pattern when ministering to new believers. How do we encourage new converts to walk humbly in God's ways without putting a yoke of rules and regulations around their necks (10)? It is a fine distinction because we know there are behaviors which enhance a person's walk with God, and things that hinder. In our desire to mature people, we sometimes load them down with rules and regulations to follow. Perhaps the answer lies in the ministry God has given to church leadership (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers) to encourage and strengthen (vs. 32) and teach and preach the word (vs. 35), and then leave the rest to God. Known to God are His works – He knows what He is doing. When we do our part to encourage and share God's Word, God will do the rest. It is the Holy Spirit's work to perfect (mature) God's people – not ours.
Today's Thought: God knows what He is doing in building His Church.
Have a trusting day. Love you.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Slow Learners
"Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter [of Gentile conversions]. And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose and said to them: '....God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.' "
Acts 15:6-9
Same song, second verse. The leaders of the Church had already been through this issue of accepting the Gentiles when the house of Cornelius was saved (Acts 11:17-18). They were slow learners. I am sometimes like the Jews. I know God accepts all who repent and receive Christ. Yet I struggle with the salvation of some people, not because of race but because they have done such horrible things – as Ted Bundy. God lumps us all together as sinners who need salvation. Everyone is saved by faith, just as I am. Today, God reminds me that He knows the hearts of people, and I dare not reject someone He has acknowledged [margin: bore witness to]. He is the judge and Savior, not I.
Today's Thought: God knows the hearts of people.
Have an "acknowledging" day. Love you.
Acts 15:6-9
Same song, second verse. The leaders of the Church had already been through this issue of accepting the Gentiles when the house of Cornelius was saved (Acts 11:17-18). They were slow learners. I am sometimes like the Jews. I know God accepts all who repent and receive Christ. Yet I struggle with the salvation of some people, not because of race but because they have done such horrible things – as Ted Bundy. God lumps us all together as sinners who need salvation. Everyone is saved by faith, just as I am. Today, God reminds me that He knows the hearts of people, and I dare not reject someone He has acknowledged [margin: bore witness to]. He is the judge and Savior, not I.
Today's Thought: God knows the hearts of people.
Have an "acknowledging" day. Love you.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- A Strenthened Faith
"And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.' "
Acts 14:21-22
The prosperity Gospel and easy Christianity are peculiar to the American Church since the 1960s. They certainly have no Scriptural support. Historically and biblically, Believers have suffered for their faith. The Bible says those who live godly will suffer persecution (II Timothy 3:12). Our souls need to be strengthened to continue in the Christian faith – not a "name it and claim it" faith.
Today's Thought: Tribulations are a part of the genuine Christian life.
Have an strengthened day. Love you.
Acts 14:21-22
The prosperity Gospel and easy Christianity are peculiar to the American Church since the 1960s. They certainly have no Scriptural support. Historically and biblically, Believers have suffered for their faith. The Bible says those who live godly will suffer persecution (II Timothy 3:12). Our souls need to be strengthened to continue in the Christian faith – not a "name it and claim it" faith.
Today's Thought: Tribulations are a part of the genuine Christian life.
Have an strengthened day. Love you.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Feeling Pain
"Then the Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city."
Acts 14:19-20
In this sparse narrative, it is difficult to feel how much pain Paul endured when he was stoned. It is like the T.V. Western where the guys get into a bar room brawl. They get hit again and again, but no one ever gets hurt and they don't even get out of breath. They just go on like nothing happened. I suppose it is possible that Paul was healed as the brothers gathered around him, but the narrative does not say that. I can imagine Paul in great pain, his body bruised and blood coming from his mouth, barely able to walk, and leaning on his friends for support. It's not like he was leaping and dancing. Around the world there are Christians who are being tortured and are in great pain. As I sit in cozy America, it is difficult to empathize with them. I need the Holy Spirit to sensitize me to other people's pain so I will "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15).
Today's Thought: We are called to bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Have an "empathetic" day (not pathetic). Love you.
Acts 14:19-20
In this sparse narrative, it is difficult to feel how much pain Paul endured when he was stoned. It is like the T.V. Western where the guys get into a bar room brawl. They get hit again and again, but no one ever gets hurt and they don't even get out of breath. They just go on like nothing happened. I suppose it is possible that Paul was healed as the brothers gathered around him, but the narrative does not say that. I can imagine Paul in great pain, his body bruised and blood coming from his mouth, barely able to walk, and leaning on his friends for support. It's not like he was leaping and dancing. Around the world there are Christians who are being tortured and are in great pain. As I sit in cozy America, it is difficult to empathize with them. I need the Holy Spirit to sensitize me to other people's pain so I will "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15).
Today's Thought: We are called to bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Have an "empathetic" day (not pathetic). Love you.
Dad's Ramblings -- Feeling Pain
"Then the Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city."
Acts 14:19-20
In this sparse narrative, it is difficult to feel how much pain Paul endured when he was stoned. It is like the T.V. Western where the guys get into a bar room brawl. They get hit again and again, but no one ever gets hurt and they don't even get out of breath. They just go on like nothing happened. I suppose it is possible that Paul was healed as the brothers gathered around him, but the narrative does not say that. I can imagine Paul in great pain, his body bruised and blood coming from his mouth, barely able to walk, and leaning on his friends for support. It's not like he was leaping and dancing. Around the world there are Christians who are being tortured and are in great pain. As I sit in cozy America, it is difficult to empathize with them. I need the Holy Spirit to sensitize me to other people's pain so I will "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15).
Today's Thought: We are called to bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Have an "empathetic" day (not pathetic). Love you.
Acts 14:19-20
In this sparse narrative, it is difficult to feel how much pain Paul endured when he was stoned. It is like the T.V. Western where the guys get into a bar room brawl. They get hit again and again, but no one ever gets hurt and they don't even get out of breath. They just go on like nothing happened. I suppose it is possible that Paul was healed as the brothers gathered around him, but the narrative does not say that. I can imagine Paul in great pain, his body bruised and blood coming from his mouth, barely able to walk, and leaning on his friends for support. It's not like he was leaping and dancing. Around the world there are Christians who are being tortured and are in great pain. As I sit in cozy America, it is difficult to empathize with them. I need the Holy Spirit to sensitize me to other people's pain so I will "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15).
Today's Thought: We are called to bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Have an "empathetic" day (not pathetic). Love you.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Useless Things
" 'We ... preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He did not leave Himself a without a witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.' "
Acts 14:15b-18
Paul and Barnabas came to give witness to God's grace, but the people wanted to worship them. God has given us all of creation as a witness to His greatness and goodness. Yet generation after generation, people of all nations have walked in their own ways and turned to "useless things" instead of Him. They have "worshiped the creature more than the Creator" (Romans 1:25). God is so patient and longsuffering, calling us to Himself, if only we would listen to His witness.
Today's Thought: Worshiping God's creation instead of the Creator is a useless thing.
Have a "useful" day. Love you.
Acts 14:15b-18
Paul and Barnabas came to give witness to God's grace, but the people wanted to worship them. God has given us all of creation as a witness to His greatness and goodness. Yet generation after generation, people of all nations have walked in their own ways and turned to "useless things" instead of Him. They have "worshiped the creature more than the Creator" (Romans 1:25). God is so patient and longsuffering, calling us to Himself, if only we would listen to His witness.
Today's Thought: Worshiping God's creation instead of the Creator is a useless thing.
Have a "useful" day. Love you.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Celebrity Status
"Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, 'The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!'....But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude crying out and saying, 'Men, why are you doing these things? We are men with the same nature as you....' "
Acts 14:10, 14-15a
There is a tendency in human nature to elevate celebrities into gods, and forget that they are human just like us. They have no greater value than anyone else. They go through the same doubts, fears, and challenges as I do. Their opinions are worth no more than mine. Celebrity status does not make a person more than a mortal human. President Obama goes to the bathroom just like I do. With God, there are no differences. The custodian is just as important as the preacher. This does not mean that we should not show respect and honor. But let's get over our practice of putting people on a pedestal. Instead, let's give the glory to God.
Today's Thought: With God, there are no celebrities; we are all just human.
Have a "human" day. Love you.
Acts 14:10, 14-15a
There is a tendency in human nature to elevate celebrities into gods, and forget that they are human just like us. They have no greater value than anyone else. They go through the same doubts, fears, and challenges as I do. Their opinions are worth no more than mine. Celebrity status does not make a person more than a mortal human. President Obama goes to the bathroom just like I do. With God, there are no differences. The custodian is just as important as the preacher. This does not mean that we should not show respect and honor. But let's get over our practice of putting people on a pedestal. Instead, let's give the glory to God.
Today's Thought: With God, there are no celebrities; we are all just human.
Have a "human" day. Love you.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Personal Faith
"And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speak. Paul, observing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, 'Stand up straight on your feet!' And he leaped up and walked."
Acts 14:8-10
Personal faith is an important component in receiving anything from God, whether healing or salvation, or anything else. As James said, 'Let him ask in faith without doubting...For let not that man (the doubter) suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:6-7). That notwithstanding, Scripture is filled with healings where there is no indication of faith on the part of the recipient, both in Jesus' healing ministry and when Peter healed the lame man in Acts 3. God is not limited by my faith or lack of it. He is greater than my doubts, and my trust is in Him, not in my own faith.
Today's Thought: While faith is important, God is greater than my faith, and not limited by my lack of it.
Have a "faith" day. Love you.
Acts 14:8-10
Personal faith is an important component in receiving anything from God, whether healing or salvation, or anything else. As James said, 'Let him ask in faith without doubting...For let not that man (the doubter) suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord" (James 1:6-7). That notwithstanding, Scripture is filled with healings where there is no indication of faith on the part of the recipient, both in Jesus' healing ministry and when Peter healed the lame man in Acts 3. God is not limited by my faith or lack of it. He is greater than my doubts, and my trust is in Him, not in my own faith.
Today's Thought: While faith is important, God is greater than my faith, and not limited by my lack of it.
Have a "faith" day. Love you.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Poisonous Words
"Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren."
Acts 14:1-2
How do you poison someone's mind about another person? By planting suspicion, rumors, inuendos, outright lies, questioning motives, and generally attacking the person's character. If you can't refute what the person says, then you attack the character. (Just notice political ads.) Words are powerful. They are like seeds that are planted in the mind. They can be good seeds that edify, or they can be poisonous weeds that destroy. I need to be careful what I say about people.
Today's Thought: Words can bless or poison another person's mind.
Have an edifying day. Love you.
Acts 14:1-2
How do you poison someone's mind about another person? By planting suspicion, rumors, inuendos, outright lies, questioning motives, and generally attacking the person's character. If you can't refute what the person says, then you attack the character. (Just notice political ads.) Words are powerful. They are like seeds that are planted in the mind. They can be good seeds that edify, or they can be poisonous weeds that destroy. I need to be careful what I say about people.
Today's Thought: Words can bless or poison another person's mind.
Have an edifying day. Love you.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Resource Allocations
"Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, 'It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you rejected it, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.' ....But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium."
Acts 13:46, 51
It may seem a harsh reaction by Paul and Barnabas to give up on the Jews. They just recognized that there were other people to reach with the Gospel of Christ. They could have spent the rest of their lives beating their heads against a stone wall trying to get the Jews to accept their Messiah. But they saw the futility of it and turned to those who were open to receive – the Gentiles. When they shook off the dust from their feet, they were only doing what Jesus had told his disciples to do when they were rejected (Luke 9:5). I don't think this means we should easily give up on people. Paul never lost his burden for the Jews that they would be saved (Romans 10:1). It is just a recognition that we should be judicious with our time and energy, and make the most effective use of them we can.
Today's Thought: With limited resources, we should make the most of what we have and not beat a dead horse.
Have a witnessing day. Love you.
Acts 13:46, 51
It may seem a harsh reaction by Paul and Barnabas to give up on the Jews. They just recognized that there were other people to reach with the Gospel of Christ. They could have spent the rest of their lives beating their heads against a stone wall trying to get the Jews to accept their Messiah. But they saw the futility of it and turned to those who were open to receive – the Gentiles. When they shook off the dust from their feet, they were only doing what Jesus had told his disciples to do when they were rejected (Luke 9:5). I don't think this means we should easily give up on people. Paul never lost his burden for the Jews that they would be saved (Romans 10:1). It is just a recognition that we should be judicious with our time and energy, and make the most effective use of them we can.
Today's Thought: With limited resources, we should make the most of what we have and not beat a dead horse.
Have a witnessing day. Love you.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Envy
"On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul."
Acts 13:44-45
Envy is an emotion that surfaces so easily. Paul encountered envy not only from those who opposed the Gospel, but sadly, even among believers. He spoke of those who "preach Christ from envy," but his attitudes was to rejoice because Christ was preached (Philippians 1:15-18). He taught that love does not envy (I Corinthians 13:4), and warned us to walk properly – not in envy (Romans 13:13). Envy leads to confusion and every evil work (James 3:16). When someone else is more successful and gets more praise and attention than I, envy is there to raise its ugly head, and I need to stomp it out before it causes damage to me, to others, and the work of Christ.
Today's Thought: Envy is destructive but can be smothered with rejoicing and thanksgiving.
Have a joyful day. Love you.
Acts 13:44-45
Envy is an emotion that surfaces so easily. Paul encountered envy not only from those who opposed the Gospel, but sadly, even among believers. He spoke of those who "preach Christ from envy," but his attitudes was to rejoice because Christ was preached (Philippians 1:15-18). He taught that love does not envy (I Corinthians 13:4), and warned us to walk properly – not in envy (Romans 13:13). Envy leads to confusion and every evil work (James 3:16). When someone else is more successful and gets more praise and attention than I, envy is there to raise its ugly head, and I need to stomp it out before it causes damage to me, to others, and the work of Christ.
Today's Thought: Envy is destructive but can be smothered with rejoicing and thanksgiving.
Have a joyful day. Love you.
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