"Then Elymas the sorcerer...withstood them seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Then Saul, who is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, 'O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?' "
Acts 13:8-10
It seems that Elymas was demon-possessed. There is a time to speak strongly to those who are doing the work of the devil. But the person who does better be "filled with the Holy Spirit," or he will be like the seven sons of Sceva who were overpowered and fled naked and wounded (Acts 19:13-16). Dealing with the devil is not play-time.
Today's Thought: The Holy Spirit gives power to deal with the devil.
Have a Spirit-filled day. Love you.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Sending People Away
"Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers....As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy spirit said, 'Now separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them, they sent them away."
Acts 13:1-3
The purpose of the Church is not merely to build a congregation, but to mature believers and them release them to their calling. The tendency is to hang on to people, but godly leadership is listening and responding to the direction of the Holy Spirit, being sensitive to how God is working in each individual's life. Sending people away to fulfill their calling is difficult but necessary if the Church is to fulfill God's plan and purpose.
Today's Thought: Building a Church involves sending people out to do ministry.
Have a ministry day. Love you.
Acts 13:1-3
The purpose of the Church is not merely to build a congregation, but to mature believers and them release them to their calling. The tendency is to hang on to people, but godly leadership is listening and responding to the direction of the Holy Spirit, being sensitive to how God is working in each individual's life. Sending people away to fulfill their calling is difficult but necessary if the Church is to fulfill God's plan and purpose.
Today's Thought: Building a Church involves sending people out to do ministry.
Have a ministry day. Love you.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- The Danger of Flattery
"Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's personal aid their friend, asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country. So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, 'The voice of a god, and not of a man!' Then immediately an angel struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died."
Acts 12:20-23
Lobbying is nothing new. The lobbyist gets close to a person of influence in order to get some favor from the person in authority. He uses various tactics – bribery and flattery being two of the main tactics. Flattery is saying something you don't mean to get something you want. Jude wrote about people who "mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage" (Jude 16). Flattery builds up the ego. It is not a real problem until I begin to believe it, and think how good I am instead of giving the glory to God. Herod shows how pride destroys a person – eaten up by the worms of self-importance.
Today's Thought: Beware of flattery; it is destructive.
Have an honest day. Love you.
Acts 12:20-23
Lobbying is nothing new. The lobbyist gets close to a person of influence in order to get some favor from the person in authority. He uses various tactics – bribery and flattery being two of the main tactics. Flattery is saying something you don't mean to get something you want. Jude wrote about people who "mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage" (Jude 16). Flattery builds up the ego. It is not a real problem until I begin to believe it, and think how good I am instead of giving the glory to God. Herod shows how pride destroys a person – eaten up by the worms of self-importance.
Today's Thought: Beware of flattery; it is destructive.
Have an honest day. Love you.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- The Conundrum
"Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death."
Acts 12:18-19
Now, we know what happened to the soldiers that guarded Peter. They apparently did not know of his deliverance until the light of morning, and they were killed. Peter's miracle of life brought death to others. This is a puzzle to me. I understand that Herod was no sweetie-pie, but it seems unfair that Peter's blessing caused their death. Life is like that. For example, one person is promoted over someone else at work. One persons's blessing is another person's downer. It may not seem fair and I don't have an answer to this conundrum. One thing I do know -- that Jesus died so that I could live.
Today's Thought: Fair or not, one person's miracle might cause another person harm.
Have a ????? day. Love you.
Acts 12:18-19
Now, we know what happened to the soldiers that guarded Peter. They apparently did not know of his deliverance until the light of morning, and they were killed. Peter's miracle of life brought death to others. This is a puzzle to me. I understand that Herod was no sweetie-pie, but it seems unfair that Peter's blessing caused their death. Life is like that. For example, one person is promoted over someone else at work. One persons's blessing is another person's downer. It may not seem fair and I don't have an answer to this conundrum. One thing I do know -- that Jesus died so that I could live.
Today's Thought: Fair or not, one person's miracle might cause another person harm.
Have a ????? day. Love you.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Opportunity Knocks
"So...he [Peter] came to the house of Mary...where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer....She did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate....Now Peter continued knocking..."
Acts 12:12-14, 16
I wonder how many times God's answer to my prayer has knocked at my door, but because it did not fit into my mindset, I was not open to receive it. God does not always answer my prayer in the way I think He should, but He is gracious and keeps knocking. As our car license reads, "With God all things are possible."
Today's Thought: Sometimes God's answer is closed out because it does not fit into human thinking.
Have an "open" day. Love you.
Acts 12:12-14, 16
I wonder how many times God's answer to my prayer has knocked at my door, but because it did not fit into my mindset, I was not open to receive it. God does not always answer my prayer in the way I think He should, but He is gracious and keeps knocking. As our car license reads, "With God all things are possible."
Today's Thought: Sometimes God's answer is closed out because it does not fit into human thinking.
Have an "open" day. Love you.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Natural or Supernatural?
"Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, 'Arise quickly!' And his chains fell off his hands."
Acts 12:7
God works in the natural realm to accomplish the supernatural. I think much of what we attribute to the natural is actually angels doing the supernatural. God could have just zapped Peter and transported him out of the prison. But He didn't. Peter had to tie his shoes, put on his clothes, and walk out of the prison gate (which opened by itself) into the street (vss. 8-10). Peter thought this was a dream or a vision. But it was in the real world. God's angels (ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation, Hebrews 1:14) are daily at work in my life, even though I don't see them. They are protecting and delivering (where were the guards, inquiring minds want to know) . They may have to strike me to get my attention, but they are active in my life.
Today's Thought: God's angels are working in the natural to accomplish the supernatural.
Have a supernatural day. Love you.
Acts 12:7
God works in the natural realm to accomplish the supernatural. I think much of what we attribute to the natural is actually angels doing the supernatural. God could have just zapped Peter and transported him out of the prison. But He didn't. Peter had to tie his shoes, put on his clothes, and walk out of the prison gate (which opened by itself) into the street (vss. 8-10). Peter thought this was a dream or a vision. But it was in the real world. God's angels (ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation, Hebrews 1:14) are daily at work in my life, even though I don't see them. They are protecting and delivering (where were the guards, inquiring minds want to know) . They may have to strike me to get my attention, but they are active in my life.
Today's Thought: God's angels are working in the natural to accomplish the supernatural.
Have a supernatural day. Love you.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Resting in God
"And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison."
Acts 12:6
Peter was quite a guy. Here he is the night before judgment, probably on death row (Herod had already killed the Apostle James , vss. 1-2) – and Peter is sleeping! I think if I was in that situation, I would be fretting and stewing all night. But Peter had such confidence that God was in control, that he could rest in God's peace. Whatever happened – in life or in death – he could trust God. What faith! What a man!
Today's Thought: There is rest in trusting that God is in control.
Have a resting day. Love you.
Acts 12:6
Peter was quite a guy. Here he is the night before judgment, probably on death row (Herod had already killed the Apostle James , vss. 1-2) – and Peter is sleeping! I think if I was in that situation, I would be fretting and stewing all night. But Peter had such confidence that God was in control, that he could rest in God's peace. Whatever happened – in life or in death – he could trust God. What faith! What a man!
Today's Thought: There is rest in trusting that God is in control.
Have a resting day. Love you.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Prayer for Spiritual Leaders
"Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church."
Acts 12:5
Peter was the subject of constant, earnest (marginal reading) prayer. As a leader in the Church, he was the focus of concentrated attack by the enemy. Another time, Jesus prayed for Peter – the out-front leader – that his faith would not fail (Luke 22:32). As spiritual leaders on the battle front, pastors and other godly men are in the cross-hairs of Satan for focused attack. They go through trials that many people are not aware of. We are called to pray for all who are in authority (I Timothy 2:1-2). But those who "watch out for your souls" (Hebrews 13:17) are worthy of special consideration.
Today's Thought: The Church should pray for its leaders.
Have a praying day. Love you.
Acts 12:5
Peter was the subject of constant, earnest (marginal reading) prayer. As a leader in the Church, he was the focus of concentrated attack by the enemy. Another time, Jesus prayed for Peter – the out-front leader – that his faith would not fail (Luke 22:32). As spiritual leaders on the battle front, pastors and other godly men are in the cross-hairs of Satan for focused attack. They go through trials that many people are not aware of. We are called to pray for all who are in authority (I Timothy 2:1-2). But those who "watch out for your souls" (Hebrews 13:17) are worthy of special consideration.
Today's Thought: The Church should pray for its leaders.
Have a praying day. Love you.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Expectations
"Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hand to harass some of the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also."
Acts 12:1-3a
Harassment of Christians has been the life experience of many since the early days of Christianity. This reminds me that following Jesus may include suffering. The same Jesus who said that He came to give abundant life (John 10:10) and a life full of joy (John 16:24) also promised persecutions (Mark 10:30). It sounds like an oxymoron, but the joy of knowing my sins are forgiven makes the bad times bearable. The preacher who promises that all our problems will be solved when we come to Jesus only raises unreal and unbiblical expectations that are bound to be unfulfilled.
Today's Thought: The Christian can expect both joy and suffering as a matter of life.
Have a joy-full day. Love you.
Acts 12:1-3a
Harassment of Christians has been the life experience of many since the early days of Christianity. This reminds me that following Jesus may include suffering. The same Jesus who said that He came to give abundant life (John 10:10) and a life full of joy (John 16:24) also promised persecutions (Mark 10:30). It sounds like an oxymoron, but the joy of knowing my sins are forgiven makes the bad times bearable. The preacher who promises that all our problems will be solved when we come to Jesus only raises unreal and unbiblical expectations that are bound to be unfulfilled.
Today's Thought: The Christian can expect both joy and suffering as a matter of life.
Have a joy-full day. Love you.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Climate Change
"And in those days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to their ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea."
Acts 11:27-29
I wonder what the pundits of the day blamed this famine on. Man-caused climate change? The fact is that there have been times of climate change throughout history, beginning with the Flood of Noah. People are quick to blame either man or God. Weather is just a natural cycle. Jesus said there would be wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes, but the end is not yet. They are only "the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:6-9). Even though there seems to be an increase of these things, they should not trouble our hearts. They are opportunities to minister to other believers who are suffering, just as the believers in Antioch did.
Today's Thought: Disasters – whether man-caused (as war) or natural (as earthquakes) – are just a part of a fallen world, but they give opportunity to show the love of Jesus to fellow-believers.
Have a giving day. Love you.
Acts 11:27-29
I wonder what the pundits of the day blamed this famine on. Man-caused climate change? The fact is that there have been times of climate change throughout history, beginning with the Flood of Noah. People are quick to blame either man or God. Weather is just a natural cycle. Jesus said there would be wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes, but the end is not yet. They are only "the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:6-9). Even though there seems to be an increase of these things, they should not trouble our hearts. They are opportunities to minister to other believers who are suffering, just as the believers in Antioch did.
Today's Thought: Disasters – whether man-caused (as war) or natural (as earthquakes) – are just a part of a fallen world, but they give opportunity to show the love of Jesus to fellow-believers.
Have a giving day. Love you.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Mentoring
"Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch."
Acts 11:25-26
I believe in mentoring. Barnabas had taken Saul under his wing right after Saul's conversion (Acts 9:27). Saul had been sent to Tarsus by the apostles, but Barnabas went after him and brought him to Antioch. During the year together in Antioch, Barnabas was mentoring Saul and together they were teaching the believers. Barnabas poured his life into Saul, and eventually the student became greater than the teacher. (Note: In Acts 14:14, it is "Barnabas and Paul," but in chapter 15:2, it is "Paul and Barnabas." From then on, Paul was the focus of the story and Barnabas faded into the background.) This is the goal of mentoring: to pour your life into another person so the student has a greater impact than the teacher.
Today's Thought: Mentoring is Jesus' way of developing disciples.
Have a mentoring day. Love you.
Acts 11:25-26
I believe in mentoring. Barnabas had taken Saul under his wing right after Saul's conversion (Acts 9:27). Saul had been sent to Tarsus by the apostles, but Barnabas went after him and brought him to Antioch. During the year together in Antioch, Barnabas was mentoring Saul and together they were teaching the believers. Barnabas poured his life into Saul, and eventually the student became greater than the teacher. (Note: In Acts 14:14, it is "Barnabas and Paul," but in chapter 15:2, it is "Paul and Barnabas." From then on, Paul was the focus of the story and Barnabas faded into the background.) This is the goal of mentoring: to pour your life into another person so the student has a greater impact than the teacher.
Today's Thought: Mentoring is Jesus' way of developing disciples.
Have a mentoring day. Love you.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- A Good Model
"Then news [that there were many converts in Antioch] came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord."
Acts 11:23-25
I am a #1 fan of Barnabas. Of all the men in the Bible, besides Jesus, he is the one I would like to model – an encourager, a good man, full of faith, and full of the Holy Spirit. He was an encourager and discipler, who took new believers and strengthened their "purpose of heart" to walk with Jesus. Hurrah for Barnabas!!!
Today's Thought: A good model is a good man, full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.
Have a good day. Love you.
Acts 11:23-25
I am a #1 fan of Barnabas. Of all the men in the Bible, besides Jesus, he is the one I would like to model – an encourager, a good man, full of faith, and full of the Holy Spirit. He was an encourager and discipler, who took new believers and strengthened their "purpose of heart" to walk with Jesus. Hurrah for Barnabas!!!
Today's Thought: A good model is a good man, full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.
Have a good day. Love you.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Isolationism
"And when Peter came to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them.. But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning....And when they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, 'Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.' "
Acts 11:2-4, 18
The Jewish Christians confronted Peter because he had dinner with Gentiles. So Peter explained to them what had occurred – that God had accepted Gentiles into His Church. This event was so important to the Church that the Holy Spirit devoted two chapters to it. Some groups make isolationism a badge of honor. "Come out from among them and be separate" becomes a part of the identification of who they are. But how can we, as Christians, impact a lost world if we don't have social contact with it? Jesus didn't isolate Himself. He ate with all kinds of sinners – tax collectors, religious hypocrites, and prostitutes. I confess that it has been a long, long time since I have invited an unsaved person for dinner.
Today's Thought: God's love of people is bigger than my little clique.
Have an inclusive day. Love you.
Acts 11:2-4, 18
The Jewish Christians confronted Peter because he had dinner with Gentiles. So Peter explained to them what had occurred – that God had accepted Gentiles into His Church. This event was so important to the Church that the Holy Spirit devoted two chapters to it. Some groups make isolationism a badge of honor. "Come out from among them and be separate" becomes a part of the identification of who they are. But how can we, as Christians, impact a lost world if we don't have social contact with it? Jesus didn't isolate Himself. He ate with all kinds of sinners – tax collectors, religious hypocrites, and prostitutes. I confess that it has been a long, long time since I have invited an unsaved person for dinner.
Today's Thought: God's love of people is bigger than my little clique.
Have an inclusive day. Love you.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Enlarging the Borders
"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished...because the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God."
Acts 10:44-46
I can understand the astonishment of the Jewish believers when these Romans received the Holy Spirit baptism. Fifty years ago, in the early 1960s, God poured out his Spirit on many people in liturgical denominations. One of the first was an Anglican Church in Seattle pastored by Father Bennet. From there it spread to Episcopalians and Catholics and then to Lutherans and other mainline denominations. This astonished many in the Pentecostal denominations because they didn't think people in these denominations were even saved! But God saw devout people who were serving Him in the knowledge they had. God often works outside my parameters to build His church.
Today's Thought: God's church is bigger than any one sect or denomination.
Have an "enlarged" day. Love you.
Acts 10:44-46
I can understand the astonishment of the Jewish believers when these Romans received the Holy Spirit baptism. Fifty years ago, in the early 1960s, God poured out his Spirit on many people in liturgical denominations. One of the first was an Anglican Church in Seattle pastored by Father Bennet. From there it spread to Episcopalians and Catholics and then to Lutherans and other mainline denominations. This astonished many in the Pentecostal denominations because they didn't think people in these denominations were even saved! But God saw devout people who were serving Him in the knowledge they had. God often works outside my parameters to build His church.
Today's Thought: God's church is bigger than any one sect or denomination.
Have an "enlarged" day. Love you.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- The Quiet Time
"While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Behold three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down with them, nothing doubting: for I have sent them.' "
Acts 10:19-20
Peter heard the voice of the Spirit during his prayer time (vs. 9) while he was meditating on the meaning of the vision. God can speak to me any time He desires, but it seems His voice is often drowned out by the hustle and bustle of living. I need the times of quietness before the Lord, in personal devotions or at church, where my heart is still enough to hear Him speak. When Peter heard God speak, he could get on with life with confidence – "doubting nothing."
Today's Thought: The voice of God can best be heard when my spirit is quiet.
Have a listening day. Love you.
Acts 10:19-20
Peter heard the voice of the Spirit during his prayer time (vs. 9) while he was meditating on the meaning of the vision. God can speak to me any time He desires, but it seems His voice is often drowned out by the hustle and bustle of living. I need the times of quietness before the Lord, in personal devotions or at church, where my heart is still enough to hear Him speak. When Peter heard God speak, he could get on with life with confidence – "doubting nothing."
Today's Thought: The voice of God can best be heard when my spirit is quiet.
Have a listening day. Love you.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- God's Timing
"Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate."
Acts 10:17
God was at work on both sides of the situation so that the timing was exactly right. Sometimes I, like Peter, am "perplexed" (marginal reading), but it is because I only see half of the picture God is painting. I can be sure that His timing is always right. "In His time – He makes all things beautiful in His time."
Today's Thought: God makes all His plans come together at just the right time.
Have a trusting day. Love you.
Acts 10:17
God was at work on both sides of the situation so that the timing was exactly right. Sometimes I, like Peter, am "perplexed" (marginal reading), but it is because I only see half of the picture God is painting. I can be sure that His timing is always right. "In His time – He makes all things beautiful in His time."
Today's Thought: God makes all His plans come together at just the right time.
Have a trusting day. Love you.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Uncommon People
"The next day...Peter went up on the housetop to pray.....[Then] he fell into a trance and saw the heavens opened and an object...descending to him....and a voice came to him, 'Rise, Peter, kill and eat....What God has cleansed you must not call common.' ....This happened three times."
Acts 10:9-11, 13, 15, 16
Peter's vision about unclean food had nothing to do with his dietary habits, but everything to do with his esteem for other people. The Jews, as God's chosen people, had low regard for the Gentiles whom they did not think worthy of the Gospel. God showed Peter that the Gospel was for everyone. Peter, like me, was dense, and God had to explain this three times. There is no room for elitism in the Kingdom. Can a savage in the jungle really know God like I know Him? Or a murderer on death row? Or a Lutheran or Presbyterian? After all, I'm Spirit-filled! What a bad perception. In God's eyes, we are all just cleansed sinners, which makes us all uncommon.
Today's Thought: There are no levels of status in God's Kingdom – just cleansed.
Have an "uncommon" day. Love you.
Acts 10:9-11, 13, 15, 16
Peter's vision about unclean food had nothing to do with his dietary habits, but everything to do with his esteem for other people. The Jews, as God's chosen people, had low regard for the Gentiles whom they did not think worthy of the Gospel. God showed Peter that the Gospel was for everyone. Peter, like me, was dense, and God had to explain this three times. There is no room for elitism in the Kingdom. Can a savage in the jungle really know God like I know Him? Or a murderer on death row? Or a Lutheran or Presbyterian? After all, I'm Spirit-filled! What a bad perception. In God's eyes, we are all just cleansed sinners, which makes us all uncommon.
Today's Thought: There are no levels of status in God's Kingdom – just cleansed.
Have an "uncommon" day. Love you.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- The Prayers of the Unsaved
"About the ninth hour [3:00 p.m.] of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, 'Cornelius!' And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, 'What is it, lord?' So he said to him, 'Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.' "
Acts 10:3-4
Does God hear the prayers of the unsaved? Does He pay any attention to the heathen who has a devout heart toward God? I don't have all the answers, but certainly God heard the prayers of Cornelius, and saw his acts of devotion. I believe there are devout people in many religions who are trying to serve God the best they know how. They may be Mormon or Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, or witch-doctors. I don't believe they can be saved unless they know Jesus as Savior, but God knows their hearts. God is not willing that any should perish (II Peter 3:9), and He will reveal Jesus to them somehow – maybe in a vision as with Saul and Cornelius, by a missionary or radio preacher, by a tract, by reading the Bible, or just an inner revelation. What they do with that revelation determines their eternal fate.
Today's Thought: God is aware of every devout soul who wants to serve Him.
Have another devout day. Love you.
Acts 10:3-4
Does God hear the prayers of the unsaved? Does He pay any attention to the heathen who has a devout heart toward God? I don't have all the answers, but certainly God heard the prayers of Cornelius, and saw his acts of devotion. I believe there are devout people in many religions who are trying to serve God the best they know how. They may be Mormon or Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, or witch-doctors. I don't believe they can be saved unless they know Jesus as Savior, but God knows their hearts. God is not willing that any should perish (II Peter 3:9), and He will reveal Jesus to them somehow – maybe in a vision as with Saul and Cornelius, by a missionary or radio preacher, by a tract, by reading the Bible, or just an inner revelation. What they do with that revelation determines their eternal fate.
Today's Thought: God is aware of every devout soul who wants to serve Him.
Have another devout day. Love you.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- A Devout Man
"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what is called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always."
Acts 10:1-2
There are certain professions where I think it must be very difficult to maintain a devout heart toward God. The military and police are two. (Politics is another.) Military personnel have to develop a certain tough persona to do their duties – to wage war, to keep control of their own troops, to command obedience of the public, and to deal with the nefarious and rebellious law-breaking elements of society. Roman soldiers had the reputation of being tough dudes. The military culture demands hardness. I takes a cold heart to crucify people as the Romans soldiers did. But Cornelius was an anomaly. He was devout – he feared God, he prayed, and he gave charitable contributions to the people. Those prayers and alms came up for a memorial before God (vs. 4). Actually, I think there are probably people in almost every profession who seek after God with a devout heart. God sees the heart and reaches out to reveal Himself.
Today's Thought: There are devout people even in difficult professions.
Have a devout day. Love you.
Acts 10:1-2
There are certain professions where I think it must be very difficult to maintain a devout heart toward God. The military and police are two. (Politics is another.) Military personnel have to develop a certain tough persona to do their duties – to wage war, to keep control of their own troops, to command obedience of the public, and to deal with the nefarious and rebellious law-breaking elements of society. Roman soldiers had the reputation of being tough dudes. The military culture demands hardness. I takes a cold heart to crucify people as the Romans soldiers did. But Cornelius was an anomaly. He was devout – he feared God, he prayed, and he gave charitable contributions to the people. Those prayers and alms came up for a memorial before God (vs. 4). Actually, I think there are probably people in almost every profession who seek after God with a devout heart. God sees the heart and reaches out to reveal Himself.
Today's Thought: There are devout people even in difficult professions.
Have a devout day. Love you.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Dad's Ramblings -- Uplifting Hands
"And turning to the body he said, 'Tabitha, arise.' And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive."
Acts 9:40b-41
All of us a some time or another need someone to give us a hand and lift us up – physically, spiritually, emotionally, or financially. God never intended for us to handle everything by ourselves. That's why God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper" (Genesis 2:18). I am thankful for people who lift me up when I am down.
Today's Thought: We need others to give us a hand and lift us up.
Have an "uplifting" day. Love you.
Acts 9:40b-41
All of us a some time or another need someone to give us a hand and lift us up – physically, spiritually, emotionally, or financially. God never intended for us to handle everything by ourselves. That's why God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper" (Genesis 2:18). I am thankful for people who lift me up when I am down.
Today's Thought: We need others to give us a hand and lift us up.
Have an "uplifting" day. Love you.
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