Archive for Devotions

Acts 6: Viral Growth through Practical Ministry

April 6, 2011 Church, Devotions, Leadership No comments

Four separate times in the Book of Acts one can find the phrase:  “So the word of God spread (NIV).” In the English Standard Version it says “And the word of God continued to increase.” Perhaps in the version you have the key word might be flourish. Regardless, in the original language it all boils down to GROW.

The Word of God grew, spread, increased and flourished.  It was anything but stagnant. It was viral.

In each of the four texts, there is a context for this viral growth. The context gives us some understanding about how The Church grows today.

Viral Growth Text: Acts 6:7

Viral Growth Context: Practical Ministry (Acts 6:1-6)

In Acts 6 we read how important duties were being overlooked or poorly executed within the upstart ministry in Jerusalem.  These duties included such valuable things as the care of widows, prayer and the ministry of the word. The disciples, however, were not establishing a ranking of value.  Each were important. Each were necessary for the health and welfare of The Body of Christ.

Often this passage is studied or taught as if the ministries of prayer and the Word are of greater value than that of the care of widows and the distribution of food.  Subtly the message is communicated that preachers have the highest role and that all the lay people would be smart to quietly handle their “piddly” duties so that the “men and women of God” can devote themselves to their loftier callings.

Not true at all.  We are ALL ambassadors of the King.  We ALL have a valuable role in the Kingdom.  Don’t think the role of a pastor as being better than the role of a lay person. Perhaps we need another Reformation to firmly reestablish the priesthood of the believer!

Each believer in the context of this passage had to discover their role and fulfill their task. Some were chosen to distribute food, others designated to pray and preach.

Everyone a minister.

It is this spark that I believe caused the Gospel to spread.  Practical, heartfelt ministry to one another made an impact.  Believers served according to their gifts and callings. Perhaps this was so foreign that many people sat up and took notice.  The number of disciples grew within the context of practical ministry.

This makes me think of Amy Carmichael in India. Her story is so powerful and inspiring. Amy discovered that little girls were being sold into prostitution at and near the Hindu temples. In 1901 she rescued her first girl, one that had been branded with hot irons. Fast-forward to 1943 and Amy and her ministry was taking care of almost 800 children. This is practical ministry. The world cannot help but take notice of this.  Simply put:  when believers speak the name of Jesus and attach it to care and practical love people will respond.

The Word spread because the believers were not only doing something but they were doing the right thing.   They were ministering in the name of Jesus, and within the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit.

That’s the kind of stuff that can go viral.

 

 

Acts 5: Waves in the Body of Christ

April 5, 2011 Church, Devotions, Leadership No comments

“If this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God.” Acts 5:38,39

You know, sometimes even a Pharisee gets it right.

Throughout the Gospels the ruling class of leaders and teachers of the law are always getting slammed. Every time you turn around the Pharisees are taking it in the teeth. Jesus would often single them out for their internal contamination, and the Apostle Paul, having been in their camp at one time, would call them on the carpet. It seems like they couldn’t get a break…until now…

Gamaliel.

Gamaliel is a teacher of the law that was held in great esteem by the people of that time.  He spoke some profound things in Acts 5 that the Body of Christ ought to consider.  In response to the activities of Peter and the apostles, and their subsequent arrest, Gamaliel issued a caution: if God is at work then watch out, and if he is not then it will crumble.

In the years that I have been a part of The Church, and more specifically as a pastor of a local church, I have seen a number of “movements” surface and gain momentum.  Some have been loopy, some downright heretical and others just different from what I am used to.  Admittedly, I have occasionally been far too quick to decry them and label them as “not of God.” Maybe I poked fun, belittled or brought them under suspicion. Other times I outright called them out, or declared my hope for their demise.  Honestly, I didn’t feel very Godly during any of this.  I felt fleshly.

While reading Acts 5, I was reminded of something a great man of God, Ron Mehl, once said to myself and a group of pastoral leaders.  He was talking about his many years in ministry and all the waves of teaching, styles and flavors of church that had come and gone in the Body of Christ.  During those times folks would question why he and his church didn’t “rides the waves.”  He humbly told us that many of the “movements” that arose over his years in ministry were no longer viable. They had died.  The bubble burst.  The wave crashed.

In the end, what is still standing?

I think that Gamaliel nailed it.  If God is in it then you won’t be able to stop it.  If he’s not, then it won’t last.

That’s not to say that the “waves” that did not last were not of God, but rather, it is to say that I have become increasingly careful to not be too quick to pronounce judgment.

The last thing I want to be said of my life is that I opposed God.

Acts 4: A Barnabas Spirit

April 4, 2011 Church, Devotions No comments

In Acts 4 Barnabas comes upon the scene and is known as the “son of encouragement” (I guess there are worse titles to have).

His name denoted his nature.

His designation was his demeanor.

Throughout the Book of Acts we find multiple examples of Barnabas’ encouraging spirit. Often it involved a young, upstart named Saul. We know him now as Paul the Apostle, but I often wonder if Saul would have ever became Paul if it wasn’t for the encouragement of Barnabas and the interest that he took in the “long-shot” with the dicey reputation.

How many potential Paul’s are there within our sphere of influence that are trapped in the externals of Saul? Sauls have a history, are recognized as troublemakers, and are often misunderstood by the populace?

Who are the Sauls around you that you can be a Barnabas to?

Acts 3: Silver, Gold & Jesus (Repost)

April 3, 2011 Church, Devotions One comment

In Acts 3 I think we find an important reminder of how we should approach life and ministry.

Peter and John were confronted by a beggar near the entrance to the temple and he was looking for money. Its unknown whether or not they would have given him money IF they had some. I don’t think it’s inherently wrong to give out money to those in need and nor is the text making that point. However, Peter and John had NO money so they said, “Silver and gold we don’t have, but what we do have we will give.”

They had Jesus. So they gave him Jesus.

How often do we rely upon money as the answer to most, if not all, things? Are we too quick to throw dollars at something rather than the message and ministry of Jesus? In our culture, even within the local church, we have a default propensity towards money as THE answer. Have we perhaps overlooked and/or minimized Jesus? He is the only one that causes a paralyzed man to instantly rise up and begin to walk, leap and worship. That’s someone that money really can’t buy.

I wonder if our ongoing economic realities have forced us to lean harder upon Jesus? When there isn’t much in terms of silver and gold then we gotta go to Jesus. But what happens then when the silver and gold starts to flow again? Does Jesus take a back-burner? Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

 

Acts 2: From Confusion to Clarity

April 2, 2011 Church, Devotions No comments

Acts 2 captures a powerful event that took place during Pentecost. The Holy Spirit poured out upon those that gathered in the Upper Room. Imagine the stir that made. I was quite a moment in history.

And it didn’t go unnoticed.

The Bible says that a “multitude” of Jews had gathered in Jerusalem for the festivities. When they heard  worshipful utterances in recognizable and unrecognizable languages, we read in verses 5-13 that they were bewildered, amazed, astonished, and perplexed.  In other words:  massive confusion.

Many asked, “What does this mean?”

Others mockingly said, “They are drunk.”

Quite often spiritual things can be confusing. Those that are not familiar with what happens in church, such as exuberant worship, prayer, spiritual gifts and the teaching of scripture often scratch their heads in wonderment. There is a lot of mystery in spirituality. Not everything can be summed up in quick, little formulas.  For example, try to simply explain, say, The Trinity.  Good luck.

In most every crowd like this you’ll have pockets of believers, doubters, and mockers. Believers experience the presence of God. Doubters are bewildered by it. Mockers choose to put it down. Thus the need for Teachers.

Enter Peter.

On the Day of Pentecost Peter brought clarity into the confusion. He stood, lifted his voice and addressed those that had gathered: believers, doubters and mockers alike. He brought affirmation to the believers and points of adjustment to those that didn’t understand or stood in opposition. Clarity into confusion.

His words in Acts 2 continue to give us clarity about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives today. We find how this amazing event was rooted in history (ie:  Book of Joel). Peter also draws attention to the Father’s promise and Jesus’ role in the outpouring of the Spirit. As well, Peter calls for a point of response.

“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter an the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’  Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:37-38

In all over 3000 souls responded to the message of Christ that day. I love how the Holy Spirit works like that. He uses real people to comfortably move in the mysterious. He invites teachers to stand, lift their voice and address the confusion, with the goal of bringing clarity!

 

Acts 1: Reacting to Traumatic Times

April 1, 2011 Devotions No comments

“All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers and sisters.” Acts 1:14

I’m always amazed at how crisis brings people together. During pressing, traumatic times watch how folks huddle and find strength and solace in one another.  Many Christian churches found themselves at capacity following the events of September 11, 2001. It was a time to pray. It was a time to draw near to one another.  There is nothing wrong with wanting to be together in times such as these. It’s natural. It’s normal.

In Acts 1 we find a confused and conflicted tribe of Jesus-followers trying to process a series of events that any person worth their salt would have struggled through. Jesus’ arrest, trial, beating, crucifixion and untimely death were shocking, to say the least. Now, in this chapter of Scripture we find them working through the implications of a reported resurrection.

What does all this mean?

Was it now possible that Jesus would restore the Kingdom of Israel (vs. 6)?

In times of dismay and trama, one is prone to ask a lots of questions.

Added to the resurrection is the befuddling ascension.This certainly came as a surprise. Just when the disciples thought things were looking up, they literally had to “look up” (vs. 11) in order to watch Jesus disappear into the clouds. Undoubtedly, this had to be confusing and a primary reason why the small band of believers returned to Jerusalem. They had to regroup and seek the Lord for clarity, and also deal with internal issues such as the choosing of a replacement for Judas.

So often in reading the opening chapters of Acts we picture our “Upper Room Prayer Team” as powerful warriors optimistically pumping their fist, crying out for power from on high. Our Pentecostal leanings what to portray them as confident and expecting.

However, we must remember the fear, confusion and trauma that they had experienced of late. These were trying times and their best reaction was to huddle up, handle some important details, pray and wait.  It was then that “suddenly” the Spirit of God came upon them like a rushing wind and tongues of fire.

Is it possible that these are the classic times and scenarios when God’s Spirit shows up “suddenly?” Isn’t God’s strength made perfect in our…wait for it…weakness?

How do you react to traumatic times?

Solid Foundation

March 5, 2011 Church, Devotions, Family, Leadership No comments
Luke 6:47-49 says “Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.“

Jesus equates the person that hears his words and does them to a well-constructed home on a firm foundation.

That person dug deep and laid the foundation of the home on a solid rock. The imagery is rich and clear: our life is the building and the foundation is Jesus Christ.

Will this kind of home be standing although it is blasted with wind and waves?

Yes! Why?

Because it is well built.

Here are a few questions for you:  Who is your foundation?  How deep did you dig?  What is the condition of your spiritual home?

I encourage you to dig deep into Christ. He is our solid rock…all other ground is sinking sand.

 

Purpose-Driven Jesus

January 4, 2011 Church, Devotions, Leadership One comment

In Luke 4 we read of Jesus entering Capernaum, including a visit to Simon’s house and the healing of his mother-in-law. After a long stretch of ministry (not to mention the temptation in the wilderness and travel from Nazareth), Jesus went into a solitary (quiet) place. The crowds followed him and begged him to come back and continue the “good stuff” he had been doing previously.

Jesus, however, knew that he needed to keep moving to other communities.  His purpose was clear.  Let’s look at it in His own words:

“I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose”(Luke 4:43).

Purpose-Driven Jesus.

It could have been easy (and notably popular) for him to hang out in Capernaum awhile longer. He was attracting quite a following because of his miracle-working healing powers. But that was not his primary purpose.  Earlier in Luke 4 we see how Jesus applied the words of Isaiah to his own life and ministry:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim…” (4:18).

Proclaim what?

• Liberty to captives

• Recovery to the blind

• Freedom to the oppressed

• God’s favor

There are a number of wonderful things that Jesus did while he was on this earth.  It would take considerable space to recount all of his anointed exploits. Nothing that Jesus did should be discounted or minimized, and yet, it would seem that he had ONE primary purpose: to preach the good news of the kingdom of God.

Purpose-Driven Jesus.

What is your primary purpose?  Of course, there will always be secondary, and wonderfully important things that you and I do that wouldn’t be considered as our primary purpose.  It’s simply not possible for us to do only ONE THING – not even Jesus could stake that claim.  But it is vital for us to follow the pattern of Jesus, who constantly aligned himself to that which the Father called him to accomplish.

Like Jesus, we will find ourselves being pulled and prodded by the whim of the crowds. How should we respond?

Graciously and Intentionally:  ”Thank you, but I must stay on task.  God has given me a primary purpose for my life. It is to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. Everything else is secondary.”

Imagine what could be accomplished if we discovered our primary purpose and lived intentionally to accomplish it.

White Collars, iPads, and Ripped Jeans

September 17, 2010 Church, Creative, Devotions, Leadership 5 comments

Right now I’m experiencing an interesting convergence with my devotions and my day. I’m at my local coffeehouse and with one eye I’m reading my Bible and with another eye I’m watching a young priest sitting near me. He is about my age and he’s meeting with a group of people, undoubtedly from his congregation, much like I would do on any given day.

The following reflections are a work in progress. I’m only musing.

When I saw him walk in with his full priestly garb my first thought was how underdressed I am right now. Granted, this is my day off. Yes, I’ve showered, but I just threw on some clothes consisting of faded jeans with a huge rip in the knee, thrashed shoes with a tear in the fabric, an Athletic Booster t-shirt from West Salem High School, a black hoodie with some skater logo on it (all in an effort to look relevant to the kiddos), and a Nike baseball cap. I’m a walking billboard – my life is a product placement.

Then there is the priest – the man in black. He’s in pressed clothes, dress shoes, overcoat and even a classy top-hat (admittedly, I am a bit envious of that). In stark contrast, a bright white collar peeks out to confirm all questioning of this man indeed being a priest.

He and I serve in similar roles, but you wouldn’t know it.

More musings that are converging…

During this time I was reading my Bible on my trusty iPad. This digital device is absolutely amazing. I’m typing these thoughts on it right now. While reading my Bible off my iPad my gut started feeling weird, and I couldn’t really explain until right now why I wanted to have my actual paper Bible in my hands instead of the iPad. When I switched to reading from my tried and true NIV, leather bound copy of the Scriptures, I felt better. I felt like people around me would notice it and would say, “Oh, he’s reading a Bible.” I didn’t do this because of pride or be recognized. I did this because over the years many a conversation have been struck up by people saying, “I see you’re reading your Bible. Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

This has become my…well…my white collar.

When I read the Bible from my iPad or iPhone I’ve only had people say, “Hey, that’s a pretty cool dealio. How much you pay for that and what kind of tricks can it do?”

Now, I’m not a legalist. I’m about as far from that description as could be imagined. I don’t think the words of Scripture are more holy on parchment then on a glossy screen. I don’t subscribe to the notion that a person is more righteous when wearing slacks and a button down shirt vs. jeans and a t-shirt. I’ve been around that block in my past and it’s not a good trip. It’s religion, and religion kills.

More musings that are converging…

Today my devotional reading is Ezekiel 44 and interestingly it’s about the priestly garments. Coincidence? I think not. The bulk of chapter 44 deals with what the priests and Levites are to wear in the temple (inner courts) and outside the temple (outer courts). Verse 19 says: “When they go out into the outer court where the people are, they are to take off the clothes they have been ministering in and are to leave them in the sacred rooms, and put on other clothes…” It goes on to address hair length, wine consumption, marriage and divorce with a culminating statement: “They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.”

As a student of the Bible I can say with a level of confidence that the Older Testament finds it’s fulfillment in the person of Jesus in the New Testament. The external requirements of the Older Testament points towards an internal work of the Spirit. For example, the law of circumcision is now a physical representation of the work of the Spirit in the HEART. In a nutshell, Jesus wants our willful surrender not our wardrobe. He’s not much concerned whether we read Scripture from paper or a computer. Jeans or slacks? Not major issues for Jesus.

But are they issues for me? Do I need to do certain things personally? Do I sense a desire to read from my paper Bible because it keeps my heart focused (it’s so easy to check Facebook or read email from my iPad)? Does it add a level of accountability for me to have people SEE me with a physical copy of the Scriptures? In other words, does the priest wear the white collar so that he’s reminded that he is INDEED A PRIEST? Are there disciplines that we think are FOR GOD, but actually are FOR US?

Musings.

We’ll Keep The Light On For You

January 30, 2010 Church, Creative, Devotions, Leadership No comments

I’m currently reading the Book of Exodus. In it we discover such great detail regarding the construction, decor and maintenance of the temple of the Lord. If you’ve ever read through Exodus then you too have discovered the incredible minutia. Everything detail has of corresponding detail. Everything has a purpose and a place. The lampstand must be made of certain materials. The frame of the tabernacle has specific dimensions. Even the curtains must be made of a particular fabric and have just the right amount of embroidery  and yarn. Lots and lots of detail. Almost mind-numbing. Just when my eyes were beginning to gloss over I was captured by these verses:

“And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. In the tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel.”  Exodus 27:20-21

Here we discover God’s command to the priests that there should always be a light left on in the temple. The inner court must alway have illumination. The lamps were to be filled with pure beaten olive oil.  The process by which olive oil is harvested and refined is amazing. There are various grades of oil (ie: extra virgin) and the command was such that only the purest form be brought to the inner court to keep the light burning day and night.

Throughout Biblical history, we discover that oil is often used as a typology of the Holy Spirit and His anointing presence. From this passage, one can surmise that the Lord God desired that there be a visual reminder of His Presence always burning brightly within the temple and before the people.  God’s desire for His manifold Presence to be expressed, enjoyed and exalted remains today. He wants His Presence to be evident in our modern churches.

How often have we been a part of or at least aware of congregations in which God’s Presence has not dwelt for some time?  These are empty shells, white-washed tombs, and shadows of their former selves.

The lights are barely on, and God is certainly not at home.

How can we, in our postmodern culture, insure that the Presence of the Holy Spirit still burns brightly within our midst?  I believe there are two components that are found in the Exodus 27 passage.

1.  The People Bring It

The people of Israel were commanded to bring the pure oil to the temple for the lamp to remain lit. There is a responsibility on their part that is often overlooked today.  Our contemporary churches have largely become spectator based in which folks rate the service like that of an episode of American Idol or So You Think You Can Dance? In large part the leaders of the local church have a heavy expectation to “bring it,” and if there seems to be a lack of God’s Presence then the service is rated accordingly. In this passage we discover the opposite expectation.  The people were to “bring it.”

Imagine, Spirit-filled believers coming together and collectively bringing the indwelling Presence of God with them. Our church gatherings would be lit up! That’s where the pastors role begins.

2.  The Pastor Tends It

Aaron and his sons were the priests of the temple. They were commanded to tend to the lamp from evening to morning. What is notably absent from this passage?  Bringing oil was not their responsibility. Their role involved tending. Today in our churches, we have pastors that are given the same role: to keep the lamp burning with the oil that the people bring.

I have known good and Godly leaders that are struggling in their place of service. There are a number of reasons why this could be the case. But it occurs to me that perhaps they are trying to keep a lamp burning without oil. Another image would be: making bricks without straw.  These well-meaning pastors have too great an expectation upon them to be both bringer and tender. That is an undue expectation.

Welcome to the Kingdom of God partnership:  people and pastor. Together we can keep the light on for God.

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