Tag: Christianity

Advent Day 21, Can you be a Witness?

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Today’s Advent scripture is from John 1. The first scriptures in verses 6-8 tell us who John is was and why he had come.

“God sent a man, John the Baptist, 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.” He was to have a powerful testimony before the people about the messiah to come.

Later in Chapter 1 verses 19-28 relates a confrontation John the Baptist had with the religious leaders of his day. “This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20 He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”

23 John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,  ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” 24 Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25 asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?” 26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” 28 This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.”

We see very clearly that John knew who he was and what his purpose. Even though the Pharisees were learned men who had studied the Torah, they did not see that John was the one foretold by the prophet Isaiah. John did not try to persuade them or mislead them in any way – he gave them the truth of the coming Messiah who would be greater by far.

How can we relate to this passage? Do you think God has a mission for you too? Jesus told us in Matthew 28:18-20 “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” When Jesus gave this command, it was to and for all believers until He returns. So what are you doing about telling others?

I created this acrostic to help me remember the importance of being a WITNESS.

W-wonder and amazement should be on my mind as I look to tell others of my faith in Jesus.

I–intentional giving out of my testimony of how I came to trust in Jesus.

T-timely speaking to others, look for that God opportunities.

N- newness of life in Jesus is good news for everyone, let it be known.

E- eagerness to tell others at home, in my city, in the world.

S-seeking to tell the lost about Jesus is a must do.

S- Savior Jesus is my answer, I want you to know Him too!

I pray this acrostic speaks to your heart and you see that you have the same purpose as John the Baptist to tell others about Jesus. It is a timely message that is so needed, especially at this Advent Season.

Linda

Advent Day 19, Being mindful-day by day

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Today’s Advent passage comes from 1 Thessalonians 5. The Apostle Paul had been doing some final teaching as this letter to the Thessalonian Christians concludes. Verses 12-22 gives us advice about what God expects of our lives now that we know Jesus. Can you relate to these admonitions today?

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. How do you view your church leadership? Do you praise their efforts? How about a special gift to them this season? Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.  Are you quick to judge the efforts of others? Do you carry your weight at work and at home? How are you at encouraging others? How’s your patience? 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Do you like to get back at people, waiting for the right time? Do you look for ways to help others regularly?

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  This one is hard- always be joyful, praying a lot and being thankful whatever happens! 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. Paul ends with this one two punch. We are not to try to subdue, thwart, put down the work of the Holy Spirit. Love all of God’s Word and cling to what is good. Do you claim God’s promises and hold onto them? Do you watch your actions to be sure you are not participating in anything evil?

Having given the Thessalonian Christians his parting advice, Paul leaves them with these words. Verses 23-25. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Paul is confident that God would see them and us through the trials of life. We just need to stay focused on Jesus and seek to live for Him daily. God is faithful and will not leave us or forsake us! Philippians 1:6 is a promise we can cling to with assurance. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

I pray that Paul’s words will encourage you and cause you to reflect this Advent season. Jesus is the reason! Keep that in mind always.

Linda

Advent Day 16, The Perfect Defense

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Today’s Advent passage comes from Ephesians 6:10-17. Paul advises us as believers to be ready by putting on God’s armor as it will help us stand when things get hard, when we are under attack from the evil one, or when we feel weak and unfocused in our faith. Do any of those conditions describe how you are feeling this holiday season? Are you going through tough times? Is money in short supply? Do you have relatives that take pleasure in making fun of your faith? Are you doubting God’s power to overcome or your ability to hang in there with God? Paul is writing just for you.

Ephesians 6:10-12 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Before telling us about the specific pieces of armor God provides for those who believe in Him, Paul gives his general reasons for putting it on. 1) From the beginning Paul reminds us that God’s armor works because it is given infused with His mighty power! 2) God’s armor will help us be strong in Him. 3) His armor will help us stand firmly rooted in faith against Satan’s attacks. 4)The forces coming against us are unseen, other worldly, not tangible so we need God’s special armor to be able to stand and fight victoriously.

God realizes that standing firmly against Satan and his minions will take His power within us. We cannot do it alone. He has designed special armor for believers to wear so that we can stand protected in His power. We need to know that God goes before us and also has our backs! “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;  your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:16

Paul continues in the passage to explain the separate pieces of armor and what they can do to help us in our struggles. The end result of wearing God’s armor is victory in Jesus.

Ephesians 6:13-17  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Belt of Truth- Jesus is the truth that holds us up and supports us. John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Breast plate or Body armor infused with God’s righteousness – provided for us in Jesus. Romans 3:22 “ the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.“

Shoes for delivering the gospel of peace- the good news of the gospel brings peace. Acts 10:36 “As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),“

Shield of faith to stop the flaming arrows of Satan– our faith is our defense in Jesus. Psalm 18:30 “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

Helmet of Salvation- our salvation in Jesus protects our thoughts, minds and deeds from Satan’s’ grasp. 1Thessalonians 5:8 “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.”

Sword– which is God’s Word- our defensive weapon is the best ever. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Being prepared to meet the challenges of faith is necessary to thwart Satan and his devious tactics. With Jesus, our Savior, by our side we can and will defeat the enemy. Jesus will be returning as the conqueror. I love Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Remember Jesus- his strength, his power and love as you navigate this season of Advent.

Linda

Advent Day 6, The Way to Be Reconciled to God

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Psalm 85:1-13 is a journey of faith described by the psalmist. In verses 1-2, he recognizes the good fortune God has bestowed upon them and how He has forgiven their sins.

Lord, you poured out blessings on your land!
    You restored the fortunes of Israel.
2 You forgave the guilt of your people—
    yes, you covered all their sins.  How about you this holiday season? Can you reflect on your life and see God’s hand of mercy upon you, his restoration and forgiveness?

Now restore us again, O God of our salvation.
    Put aside your anger against us once more.
5 Will you be angry with us always?
    Will you prolong your wrath to all generations?
6 Won’t you revive us again,
    so your people can rejoice in you?
7 Show us your unfailing love, O Lord,
    and grant us your salvation. The psalmist continues in his discussion with God. He asks for mercy and salvation, protection from God’s wrath over sin, and for joy to return to his life. Does this mirror your own pleadings with God? The salvation he asks for is found only in Jesus. Acts 4:12 “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” If you desire to be right with God, forgiven and restored, Jesus is the only answer. Turn to Him today.

I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,
    for he speaks peace to his faithful people.
    But let them not return to their foolish ways.
9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,u
    so our land will be filled with his glory. The psalmist promises to listen to God, seek His peace and forsake his foolish ways. This is a posture of repentance. He is vowing to turn towards God and seek him. Repentance is the first step towards God after acknowledging your own sin. God desires that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”

10 Unfailing love and truth have met together.
    Righteousness and peace have kissed!
11 Truth springs up from the earth,
    and righteousness smiles down from heaven.
12 Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings.
    Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.
13 Righteousness goes as a herald before him,
    preparing the way for his steps. The psalmist realizes what wealth is available in repentance as one turns to God. You will experience the unfailing love of God, His truth, be covered in His righteousness, and receive His peace! You will be bless and be able to yield righteousness in your life.

This psalm is a beautiful picture of what is available to us in Christ. Jesus came to free us from the sins which bind us. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 5:8 “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” God wanted us so much that he sent Jesus to reconcile us to himself. I love the beauty of Colossians 1:22 “Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.”

As you reflect today, take measure of where you are with God. Make sure you have followed the way the psalmist has laid out to become reconciled to God and then see His greatness in your life.

Linda

Advent Day 5, We Have it All in Jesus

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As we ponder Christ in the past, present and future, we can be mightily encouraged by today’s scripture from 1 Corinthians 1:3-9. I have read it in various translations and like the Message as it is the clearest to me. The Apostle Paul was writing to the Corinthian Christians to encourage them in their walk with Christ so that they could endure the trials of their faith in their present culture. Corinth was a very large pagan city with many temples and shrines to various pagan gods. Their faith in Christ was definitely counter-culture and there would have been many temptations to return to their pagan ways.

3 May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours. Paul begins by letting them know that all they have in faith comes from Jesus. The same is true for us today as without Jesus we would have nothing. I am so thankful Jesus came to set me free from the burden of sin so I can live in Him.

4-6 Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives. We are so rich in Christ. We have access to the Father, the indwelling Holy Spirit and God’s Word to guide and direct our lives. Whom do you pray for in the faith? Do you remember your Christian friends, like Paul is doing? Yes, we pray for our unsaved friends to come to know Jesus and be freed from sin’s power in their lives, but what about those who know Jesus? Praying for the strengthening of the faith of our fellow believers is part of our job as fellow Christians. Whom will you pray for this season?

7-9 Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.

These are such encouraging words from Paul. He reminded them, and us too, that we are gifted by God in so many ways. We have salvation in Christ, the fruits of the Holy Spirit that will be evident in our lives as we mature in Christ and the Word of God to guide us. Romans 1:16-17 speaks of salvation, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Galatians 5:22-23 explains the fruits of the Holy Spirit that can be manifested in our lives as we mature in our faith “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Jesus also sent the Holy Spirit to guide us in His ways. John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. “ God’s Word provides guidance as we seek to walk with Jesus each day, Hebrews 4:12 “ For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

We do indeed have it all in Jesus! Because He came to die on the cross for my sins and be resurrected to life, I can know Him and be used by Him to reach others. I am so thankful that Jesus came to redeem me and a future with Him gives me hope as I live in today’s world.

May your hope abound as you consider what you have today in Jesus!

Linda

Advent 2024, Jesus is our Hope

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Our first scripture comes from Isaiah 64 as the prophet reminds us of how sinful and undeserving we are of God’s mercy and goodness. Here are verses 1-7 in the Message translation.1-7 Oh, that you would rip open the heavens and descend,
make the mountains shudder at your presence— You are a mighty and fearsome God.
As when a forest catches fire,
    as when fire makes a pot to boil—
To shock your enemies into facing you,
    make the nations shake in their boots!
You did terrible things we never expected,
    descended and made the mountains shudder at your presence.
Since before time began
    no one has ever imagined,
No ear heard, no eye seen, a God like you No God is like him!
    who works for those who wait for him. He cares for those who do what is right.
You meet those who happily do what is right,
    who keep a good memory of the way you work.
But how angry you’ve been with us! Sin causes God to be angry.
    We’ve sinned and kept at it so long!
    Is there any hope for us? Can we be saved?
We’re all sin-infected, sin-contaminated. How can sinful man be saved???
    Our best efforts are grease-stained rags. Our best efforts are worthless.
We dry up like autumn leaves—
    sin-dried, we’re blown off by the wind.
No one prays to you
    or makes the effort to reach out to you The world seems to have ignored you,God.
Because you’ve turned away from us,
    left us to stew in our sins. Have you left us in our own sins?

Isaiah 64: 8-9 bring us hope. “But now, O Lord, you are our Father;
    we are the clay, and you are our potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.
9 Be not so terribly angry, O Lord,
    and remember not iniquity forever.
    Behold, please look, we are all your people.” Isaiah reminds us that God formed us and is our Father. He pleads with God to not remember our sins forever but be assured that we are His people.

God indeed did remember us and sent us Hope, into this dire situation. We were lost in sin with no way to redeem ourselves and get right with God, our Father and maker. He sent us Jesus to bring hope into our world, love into our lives and redemption from sin. Now that is something to rejoice about and focus upon in our ever changing world. 1 Peter 1:2-4 explains the hope we now have in Christ. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,” Our hope is now living in Jesus and was made possible because of the cross. He died for us so that we may be alive in hope through faith in Him. Paul confirms for us this miracle of faith in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Praise God today for the living hope of Jesus and His plan to redeem us. Jesus is our only hope.

Linda

Wrong Motives Revealed; Correction Required!

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Acts 8 continues with the story of what took place in Samaria with Phillip. Due to the persecution of Christians by Saul, Phillip had gone into Samaria to preach the good news. He found people receptive to the message, who welcomed his healing and many professed faith even unto baptism. One such Samarian was Simon, a local magician who had a following. When he saw and heard Phillip, he believed and was baptized. Acts 8:13 “Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.”

“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 8:14-16 The Holy Spirit had come at Pentecost but had not been known to come upon others outside of Jerusalem. We will see the progression in Acts as witnesses venture out into the world. Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Peter and John arrived in Samaria and began praying and laying hands on the new believers so that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit. When Simon witnessed this, he offered Peter money for this power. Peter’s response is decisive and swift, Act 8:20-25 from the Message, “Peter said, “To hell with your money! And you along with it. Why, that’s unthinkable—trying to buy God’s gift! You’ll never be part of what God is doing by striking bargains and offering bribes. Change your ways—and now! Ask the Master to forgive you for trying to use God to make money. I can see this is an old habit with you; you reek with money-lust.” 24 “Oh!” said Simon, “pray for me! Pray to the Master that nothing like that will ever happen to me!” 25 And with that, the apostles were on their way, continuing to witness and spread the Message of God’s salvation, preaching in every Samaritan town they passed through on their return to Jerusalem.” Peter saw Simon’s heart motives were not for worship or desirous of being indwelt by God’s Holy Spirit but for profit. He rebuked him and called for Simon to repent. Simon seemed to get the message but no repentance was evident in this passage only fear for what might happen to him.

How does this passage speak to us today? God will not be mocked or fooled by sweet words as He sees into our hearts. How does God do this? As here in Acts, his messenger the Apostle Peter called Simon up short on his actions and exposed his heart. We can become convicted by our Pastor’s message, a sermon on Christian radio or by the words of a Christian friend. We can also be convicted by reading God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” This is why it is so important to be in the Word yourself daily. God can and does speak to us, correcting our hearts and motives through the Bible.

Are you allowing yourself to be exposed regularly to God’s Truth? Are you willing and open to changing when He reveals to you wrong motives or desires? Growing and maturing in our faith is a life long process that needs attention daily. The Psalmist puts this into perspective for us: Proverbs 16:1-3 The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
    but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the Lord,
    and your plans will be established.

Seek His guidance and perspective so that your life and deeds will be honoring to Him.

Linda

The Message is Too Important to Stop

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After Stephen was stoned for professing faith in Jesus, Saul (later Paul) increased the persecution of the Christians. Saul wanted them eliminated and out of circulation where they could not tell others about their god. Scripture tells us of his intensity in Acts 8:3 “ But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.” Why would God allow this mistreatment of believers? In this case, we can see an immediate spreading of the good news of Jesus to Samaria, a place where Jews did not go because of their hatred of the Samaritans. Persecution forced them to leave Jerusalem and they went to Samaria to get away from Saul. As a result many in Samaria came to know Jesus and were filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:4 describes it this way: “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” They were not stopped by the persecution but redirected by God.

As a result many came to know Jesus. Acts 8:5-8 “Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.”

There are valuable lessons in these first 8 verses of Acts 8. They cause us to examine how we act in the face of opposition. Do we give up? Accept defeat? Or do we look for another way to serve? Scripture tells us they mourned deeply for Stephen and were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, vs 1,2. I am sure they were frightened and hurting but nothing is said about giving up. They pressed on- why? They knew that the message they had, the good news of Christ, was life changing and opened the door/way to forgiveness of sins. The message was too good, too important to stop.

By being open to God’s leading and moving out of Jerusalem, many came to know Jesus. It provided the apostles with a greater way to fulfill Jesus’ commission given in Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Jesus wants us to share the joy with others. Look for His guidance and move beyond the obstacles Satan tries to throw in your pathway. The news is good and worthy of spreading! Jesus Saves.

Linda

Do You Hear Yourselves? What Are You Thinking?

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Acts Chapters 6 and 7 focuses on the story of Stephen, a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church. Scripture describes him as “full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.“ The opposition arose against Stephen from within and from foreign influences and they decided to bring him up on charges of wanting to destroy the Temple and change the customs of Moses. In Chapter 7, Stephen gives his eloquent response to their charges. Actually, it is one of my favorites as Stephen gives a short concise review of the Israelites journey with God. He goes from Abraham, to Isaac and Jacob, to the selling of Joseph into slavery, Pharoah’s treatment of Joseph and God’s favor upon the family of Joseph. Later, he includes the 400 years in captivity in Egypt, Moses’ killing of an Egyptian and fleeing to Midian, God appearing the Moses in the Burning Bush and commissioning him to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. He tells about the 40 years in the wilderness, conquest of Canaan, David as king then Solomon and his building of the temple. In Acts 7: 51-53 Stephen turns to the leaders and accuses them of persecuting the prophets and rejecting and killing the Righteous One. “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” It was a valid complaint as they were calling themselves righteous and holy because they kept the ‘law’ but were actually hypocrites. Stephen’s forthright accusations were too much for the leaders and they called for him to be stoned.

As Stephen was being stoned, scripture gives us a glimpse of this scene, 54-56 “ Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Scripture also records the presence of the Saul, later to be Paul the Apostle. Stephen’s words undoubtedly had an effect upon Saul. “7:59-8:1 “And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 8 And Saul approved of his execution.”

Why does this story of the stoning of Stephen have such an effect on me? The accusations were false and he was innocent. No one likes to see the innocent punished. Stephen was learned and delivered his impassioned plea with eloquence and logical reasoning and yet he was rejected. One must always be aware and cautious of not responding to a ‘mobs’ mentality’ or just going along with the crowd. Jesus calls us to think and be wise and discerning. We are to test false teacher against the Word of God. We can never know how much of an impact Stephen’s testimony and death had upon Saul. I’m sure he remembered Stephen’s word and the look upon his face as he look upon God in heaven.

I encourage you to read these chapters again for yourself. Stephen’s words speak to us today.

Linda

Waiting with Purpose

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All part of living Fearlessly for Jesus is learning to use your wait time purposefully. See how the Apostles led the way….

How do you make use of your ‘waiting’ time? Jesus had given the disciples directions to return to Jerusalem and wait for the gift the Father had promised. After witnessing Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, these level headed men and women did exactly what Jesus asked. They retuned to Jerusalem to wait. They did not know how long it would take but they obediently followed Jesus’ directive to wait. Acts 1:12-14 “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. “

Led by Peter, the disciples decided to take up business and find a replacement for Judas. Judas had betrayed Jesus and was dead at his own hand. In Acts 1:18-19 Peter gives some of the gory details of his death and then laid criteria for choosing Judas’ replacement while they waited. Acts 1: 21-22, “So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” Peter felt that the new apostle must be someone who had been with Jesus from his baptism by John to his resurrection. At this point in time, their own testimony to having actually seen the events which had taken place was of upmost importance for them to be taken seriously by those they witnessed to about Jesus, His power, His resurrection and message of redemption. So, they nominated 2 men, Justus and Mattias. They prayed and then cast lots. Mattias was chosen.

What can we learn from these events? We need to seek to be fruitful in our waiting. We don’t want to just waste time when we could be praying, studying, fellowshipping, etc. The disciples were organized and recognized the need for someone to replace Judas. How do you spend your waiting time? I am impressed and encouraged that even in this uncertain time the disciples were about kingdom work. They saw to it that their group was ready for whatever God had in store for them. Let us take a lesson from the disciples and when we have ‘wait’ time, turn to Him in prayer. Ask Jesus how best to use the time to accomplish the most for Him and to be ready.

Linda