Acts 10:4 "A Memorial Before God" (June 30)

Acts 10:4  "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God."  What a beautiful thing to be caught in a life of prayer.  And, as well, to have an angel direct you to a meaningful mission.  In every conversation, every visitation, every action, may I be more concerned about what is happening inside of me and what I am offering to my God and my world, than I am fixed on what's happening to me and what others are doing to me.  This verse invites me to a larger place than where I live and give.  Oh, to "let go" of what is clenched in my fist and live open-handed before Our Author, Our Maker.  Will my God experience a memorial from me this day?  Wonder what that would look like?

Acts 9:31 "Not Only Possible But Predominant" (June 29)

Acts 9:22 Saul increased all the more in strength.  And how did he do that?  Saul went for three years into the desert to be alone before this God Who had called him.  Be still, Saul, and know I am God.  Surrounded by thirst and dust and hunger and wild animals and alone.  Saul found God in the desert.  Psalm 81:10 - Saul opened his mouth and God filled it with Himself.  Truly, God found Saul in the desert.  And what happened next?  Acts 9:31 "The church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied."  This isn't about numbers.  Not about results.  All about the Spirit of the Living God Who has come.  Jesus had physically been with the disciples and they didn't change in character like they did in the Book of Acts.  Look at Saul the persecutor.  Look at bold Peter raising Tabitha from the dead.  Their lives are passionately radically changed.  And 2,000 years later, we believe that real lasting change of heart in not only possible but predominant in the heart of Saul and Peter ... and it is predominant this day for the heart that asks for it, the heart that seeks for it, and the heart that knocks.  Whatever God has allowed in your life this day, He is deepening your Strength in Him for accomplishing anything on our own power is just simply ludicrous.

Acts 9:10 "Here I Am" (June 28)

Acts 9:5 Saul falls to the ground and asks: "Who are you, Lord?" They all could hear the Voice, but no one saw a face.  And now Saul was blind.  But, again, he was given a direction where to go. 

Meanwhile Ananias is struggling with God---"LORD I have heard from MANY about this man and how much evil he has done."  What a step of faith for Ananias to obey God and move into what looked to be a dangerous, harsh, overwhelming situation.  "Here I am, LORD." Acts 9:10.  Ananias didn't step in alone. He has HIM on the inside.  The Person of Jesus Christ was his pursuit and passion.  God gave Ananias a signpost that he would be okay, whatever that meant.  When rest evades me, what about when peace that passes understanding is not there, or when joy is not my demeanor, what has gone amiss?  I have all of Him. He must have more of me!  He must increase and I must decrease.

The Living God has now entered the hearts of men who are made for Him by intercommunion with Himself. 
For some days, Saul stays with the disciples.  Soon, Saul will be headed to the desert for a few years (some say three years!) to communion with His God, Alone.

Acts 8:30 "May I Jump in your Chariot" (June 27)

Philip hears an angel giving him a direction to go.  Not so much as a detailed plan of what to do.  But, to go!  And he does.  Acts 8:26

When Jesus was with the disciples, they had a hard time following directions.  For example, Thomas---I will not believe until I see His nail-scarred hands.  No direction taken.

The disciples moved in fear.  When asked a question, Peter cowered and said he never even knew Jesus. But here's, a courageous Philip asking if a court official understands what he is reading.  May I jump in your chariot? Philip opens his mouth and tells the good news!  And the eunuch wants to be baptized! Acts 8:30

Then the Spirit carries Philip away! That's most unusual and scary to me. Not so, though.  Philip finds himself in Azotus and starts preaching! Acts 8:40

This story amazes me.  Jesus had been with most of these guys for 30 years.  One day, He is gone.  A grave is empty.  And no one sees Him up in the air.  They are grieving over the loss and He starts appearing from the Other Side---the inside of them.  He now lives inside. And look what is happening in these men that didn't happen when He was physically present.   And!  He still lives today, inside me and you if we invite Him in!  Am I listening for the stirring of the Spirit of God in me?  What is so of God this day that I know I can't explain it any other way?  May I jump in your chariot?

  "The meaning of anything is more than its visible presence.  There is a soul in everything and that soul is the meaning of it.  The soul of the world and all its beauty has come nearer to you because you have been separated from it for a time."  George MacDonald

Acts 8:1 "Receive the Word of God" (June 26)

Acts 8:1 "And Saul approved of Stephen's execution."

Great persecution among the church in Jerusalem.
Disciples scatter.
And Samaria believes and receives the Word of God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These disciples were not afraid to preach the Word.

Simon: "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."

Acts 7:51 "Profoundly Personal" (June 25)

No, Stephen's speech is 50 Verses about the Old Testament. It was as though Stephen had committed all this to memory! Startling! Compelling! Then in verse 51, he calls these leaders "stiff-necked people" uncircumcised in heart and hearing, who always resist the Holy Spirit, who betrayed and murdered The Righteous One.  Stephen was chosen to serve tables, help widows. But for such a time as this, he opened his mouth, his heart.  And it cost him his life.  The leaders were enraged while Stephen, lifting his eyes, was full of the Holy Spirit and stoned to death.  The Spirit didn't stop the stoning.  It was Stephen's privilege to suffer for Christ's sake.  The witnesses laid his garments at the feet of one of the stone throwers, Saul.  What went through Saul's mind as He witnessed a young man so "profoundly personally" committed to The Righteous One.  If people don't startle and surprise and stir your heart to find God, then you be the catalyst.

       "The source of all deep and meaningful change
         is an encounter that is so profoundly personal
         that worship results."    Bruce Edstrom

Acts 7:22 "Mighty in Words & Deeds" (June 24)

Acts 7:22 Moses was mighty in his words and deeds.  Stephen is mighty in his words and deeds.  43 Verses from the Old Testament story that flow out of his profoundly personal experience with the Living God of the Old Testament, the Living Word inside of Stephen.  Is God's Word alive in me?  When do you find yourself most awake in Him? 

Acts 7:1 "Are These Things So?" (June 23)

Acts 7:1 Stephen's Speech:  Are These Things So?
  
A beautiful soliloquy comes out of the mouth of Stephen.  I should say, it pours out of his heart! God has been talking to Stephen since the day he was born and Stephen knows it!  Here is a man who embraces what he has been taught.  What a beautiful grasp of the Old Testament.  God's Words were found by Stephen and he ate them.  An Astonishing Summary of the Presence of God in the Old Testament and now here in Stephen's overflowing heart.  Can we give an answer for what has happened to us?  Do you see how God has been talking to you since the day you were born?  If you say He hasn't, have you ever felt shame?  Where did that come from?  Do we really listen to our hearts and engage in this present moment?  Are these things so in your life?

Acts 6:15 A "Good Reputation" (June 22)

You don't get the message that Stephen was out looking for a successful ministry. He was just being faithful and serving right where he was.  And look at the reasons why they chose this guy for ministry.  No strategy.  No big name.  No administrator.  No popularity.  Acts 6:15  Stephen was chosen because he had a good reputation and was full of the Spirit and wisdom.  And what was the measure of success for Stephen's ministry?  Did he produce numbers?  Was he recognized for his wisdom?  What he successful in ministry? What happened to Stephen?  Stephen counted himself worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ. And in the midst of suffering for The Name, anyone who gazed at Stephen saw that his face was like the face of an angel.  

Acts 5:29 "Failing Forward" (June 21)

Acts 5:29 ~ "We must obey God rather than men.  The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree...we are witnesses."  Wait! Last week they were witnesses of Jesus being scourged and they remained silent. What have these disciples found to make them so bold this week? Failing Forward. Change is not what I expect. Sow your seed in the morning for you don't know what will take place today.  Sometimes I know something this moment that I didn't know a moment ago or a month ago.  Our God is moving in our lives and we will fall forward.  So, Acts 5:41 ~ The disciples were beaten for sharing the Gospel.  They left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for His Name. If I was beaten up, would I be whining or worshipping? May we fail forward.

Acts 5 "His Healing Hand is Stretched Out" (June 20)

The story of Ananias and Sapphira is startling and scary.  I've done far worse.  Look around and we see the unbelievable today.  Look in our very own hearts. Repent and live for advancing God's Kingdom, not our own kingdom.  Why do I have to make sure that I am taken care of?

What lingers with me from our reading is to pray for boldness, all the while knowing that our LORD's Hand is stretched out to heal.  Only God can bring the healing through our words.  Praying this day that our Mighty Healer will make us bold in advancing His Kingdom.

  

Acts 4:30 "Speak His Word with Boldness" (June 19)

Acts 4:29-30 May we speak His Word with all Boldness while He continues to stretch out His Hand to heal.  Praying for each of us not protection from suffering but boldness to live out loud the Mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Who is always moving to heal His People.  What does a bold step of faith look like in my life?

Acts 4:10 "Jesus Makes You Stand Well" (June 18)

Rulers. Elders. Scribes. They SEE the boldness of Peter and John healing a lame man then preaching about the Christ that THEY crucified.  3,000 respond in baptism.  5,000 respond to Peter's sermon.  You know Peter, the one in the square who cowered when asked if he even knew Jesus...while Caiphas was passing the verdict of crucifixion.  Caiphas sees strength in Peter that wasn't there when our Christ died. 

Rulers. Elders. Scribes. They KNOW they cannot stop the power of the Risen Christ. So, Caiphas asks: "By what power or by what name did you do this?"  Acts 4:10 ~ The Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified. Whom God raised from the dead.  Who makes this man stand well.  Who makes you stand well this day. 

Rulers. Elders. Scribes.  They HEAR Acts 4:12 "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."   So, why do men go on living for this world as though this is what life is all about?

Rulers. Elders. Scribes. They RECOGNIZE that these disciples had been with Jesus ~ Act 4:13.  These leaders of Jerusalem couldn't deny that the man was healed so they ask the disciples to not speak in His Name.  Acts 4:20 ~ "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." Do you recognize when you have been with Jesus? Do others recognize it?  I'm struck by the thought that what matters most is that God walks with us.  That's why we will be faithful.  That's why we can stand well.  God walks with you!

Acts 3 "Live Tall. Love Well" (June 17)

Peter said to the lame man. Rise Up and walk. May we turn to our limping world and offer the Author of Life Who has raised each of us up from our wayward ways.  Rise up.  Stand straight.  Live tall.  Love well.  Psalm 20:8 ~ while others are polishing and straightening up their trophies, stand tall, alive in Him.  What do I have to "let go" of to rise up and stand tall? Live in this moment. Truly live. It's the most important moment you have. 

Acts 2 "Sense of Awe" (June 16)

Where did the fearful, timid Peter find such boldness as he speaks out:
You crucified and killed the Christ, you lawless men.  Acts 2:23.
Peter spoke of their crimes and said it several different ways.  When the crowds heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
Peter's response:  Acts 2:38 - "Repent...".  The word in the Greek is plural and an imperative command.  Change your mind. Change your life. Change your direction. So...
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayers. Pretty good change of heart.  Is there any of those four that we are not devoted to?  Where is our sense of awe, our wonder.  Acts 2:43 ~ "And awe came upon every soul."

Acts 2:14 "Finding a Deeper Strength" (June 15)

A Mighty Rushing Wind...
and the Bible names people from at least 16 nations that began to listen to Peter who stood and lifted up his voice. A sermon like none other.  They heard Peter in their very own language as he addressed Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem ~ Acts 2:14.  Unbelievable.  Here's the man who, just a few days ago, cringed when a young girl asked him if he was a follower of the Christ.  What happened to Peter?  A resurrection and a rushing wind of the Spirit of God turned his cowardice into courage to cut to the quick those who crucified the Christ.  Wouldn't you like to find, just like Peter did, a Deeper Strength that only the Spirit of God can provide?

Acts 1:4 "Fresh Hope" (June 14)

Acts 1:4 Wait for the promise from Me. Stay in Jerusalem. When God speaks, these confused, scared, grieving disciples listen. When I am in the midst of suffering, what do I do? These disciples continued in prayer. It's not something "to do" but it flows out of their detached hearts. They reveal fresh hope in confusion and dependent faith through prayer. Yes, they stayed in Jerusalem and the Holy Spirit of God rushed in.

"You are not alive in this world in order to experience Me or to enjoy the blessings of a comfortable life.  If that were My purpose, I'd have brought you into My Presence in heaven the moment you were forgiven and adopted into My family.  Your purpose til you die is to reveal a new attitude toward suffering and a new agenda in prayer that flows out of your new purpose in life that makes sense only if you claim your new hope of resurrection."  Trusting Truth, Not Experiences or Blessings.  66LL

These distraught disciples are finding fresh Hope. Do I see fresh Hope on my Horizon?"Trusting Truth
Not Experiences or Blessings...

John 21:12 "Come Have Breakfast" (June 13)

"Heaven's reality has invaded yours." 66 LL

Peter denied Jesus three times.  After Jesus' death, Peter does what Peter does best.  He goes fishing.  But, Peter can't even catch a fish in the stocked Sea of Galilee.  John 21:2.  "I want to live a life that I'm good at, a life that lets me protect myself from avoidable pain and feel good in available pleasures.  But You want me to live a life I can't live!"  66 LL

Cast your net on the other side, Peter, says Jesus, and you'll find 153 fish.  It is smack dab in the middle of this miracle that John recognizes what just happened.  Instant insight.  It's Jesus!  May we have Marvelous Insight into the Miracles that He is performing in all of our lives, keeping us alive physically and spiritually and emotionally.  It's Him! 

Come Have Breakfast with the Risen Savior.  Last night, He forced you to sleep, a forced rest, brand new Mercies over you and your circumstances this day.  Release the Beauty that lies within you by His Power.
So what does that mean for my little life, for yours?

"In the world you now inhabit, communion with Me is not defined by:
An Experience of me nor
Does it Depend on Blessings from Me.
To really Live
is to release My Son's Life through yours
in any circumstance,
no matter what you feel,
to relate as He related,
giving when no one gives back,
loving when no one returns love,
forgiving when no one deserves forgiveness,
suffering in the place of those who should suffer."  66 LL

What lingers with you as we close The Gospel captured by 4 disciples.
John 21:25 ~ The whole world wouldn't have room for the books
that we could write about all that Jesus did. 
"Dimly visible now, He will One Day fill the Heavens and the Earth."
So, Come, Have Breakfast with Him this day. 
Will you?  Miracles await you.

John 20:15 "Whom Are You Seeking?" (June 12)

John 20:7 John saw that the face cloth was folded.  A custom that meant that the work was finished. What could John feel finding an empty tomb? Whatever he felt, he believed the Scriptures. And Peter, the first to walk in the tomb, witnessed the flogged, wounded, scourged, crucified body of his LORD m-i-s-s-i-n-g.   And Mary, peering in, sees two angels who ask: "Why are you weeping?" A quick turn around and the supposed gardener asks Mary the same question.  Then, asks John 20:15 "Whom are you seeking?"  It's the same question our LORD asks us this day, 2000 years later.  Whom do we seek?  Do we seek to solve our situations over seeking the Face of our God?  Am I humble enough to say Your Will be done, at any cost to me? So many people in so many impossible situtations.  He rose from the grave to conquer our sin.  He rises up this day to stand in our path and ask us Whom do we seek? Oh, weeping woman, take courage. The Risen Savior first appeared to a woman.  Not to the Beloved John or Peter the Rock but to a weeping woman.  He loves you so, dear girl.

John 19:22 "Lifted Up From the Earth" (June 11)

John 19:22 ~ Pilate refused to change the inscription, however, saying with an air of finality indicated by the double use of the perfect tense, “What I have written, I have written.”Jesus, King of the Jews."  Written in 3 languages!  How ironical!  He is now proclaimed to all the world as King by a Gentile.  He is now lifted up from the earth---the Event that changes our lives--- and God now begins to draw all men from every nation to Himself.  How can I lift up the Name of Jesus this day that He may draw men to Himself?  How can we lift up His Name 2,000 years later to Sally, to Noah, to Greg, to Lauren, to Blair, to Barrett?  He is on the move.

John 19 "History Hinges on Three Words" John June 10)

Flogged naked
Arrayed regally
Mocked royally
Struck underhanded
Declared guilty
Crowned illegal
Behold kingship
Bore shame
Delivered silently

Jesus was crucified ~
The Greatest Story ever told is described in 3 words.
The King was crucified. The Suffering Savior went to the Cross in Silence.
What does that silence in suffering mean for me this day?

John 9:25 "Disciples Riddled with Ambition" (June 9)

Jesus was brought before the High Priest. He remained silent. He was lowered into a sacred pit for the night's stay before his death. The psalmist describes this sobering site where Jesus was abandoned into total darkness, dampness, a dungeon. John 9:25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was safe and standing and surreptiously warming himself. “Are you one of the disciples?” Peter denied the accusations three times. In John 18:27, a rooster crowed searing his conscience. Pierced by a sound. Who was Peter more concerned about? Jesus or himself? The disciples are riddled with their own ambition. Our ambitions are no different than this unrighteous move of denial, of cutting off an ear. We are all fickle disciples who are tempted to serve justice on our own.

John 8:10 "Drink the Destruction" (June 8)

John 8:10 Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off Malchus’ right ear. Jesus’ response: “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” It’s interesting that Peter looks rather noble defending and protecting Jesus, but it will be in less than an hour of time that Peter will deny even knowing Jesus. Was Peter’s anger toward Malchus righteous anger? I think not. Or Jesus would not have corrected Peter. We can look righteous, noble, heroic and be dead wrong. It’s what the motives of our heart reveal, isn’t it? This fickle disciple wanted to look good, maybe even be the hero who would save Jesus from death. Jesus’ question is for us this day. Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me? Am I willing to drink the destruction? Enter the madness of this world we bump against? Every day, we face the wrath of another soul. What will we offer this day? Oh God! Fulfill our every desire for righteousness and work a work of faith with power that You may be glorified 2 Thes. 1:11-12!

John 17:9 "Jesus Prayed for Me" (June 7)

2,000 years ago, Jesus lifted his eyes to heaven
and prayed for you and me.
John 17:9 ~ I am not praying for the world
but for those whom you have given me ~
May they be one
God's Joy fulfilled in them
Kept from the Evil One
Sanctify them in The Truth
May God's Love be in you and me.
Spoken 2,000 years ago for this present hour.

       What is most important in life
       is this present hour...

John 16:33 "Take Heart" (June 6)

"I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away." John 16:1
 "In the world you will have tribulation.
But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

There is a lot of pressure, so it seems, to live a good life, a happy life, a content life, a stable life.  People don't want to be trouble to others.  And people don't want you to have troubles either.  I think I've been dismissed a time or two because of the "drama" that surrounds our lives.  Our Good God has allowed it.  Our Beautiful God walks with me every day in the midst of tribulation not delivering me from it all but delivering me from darkness that the Light of the World may shine forth.  He walks with you this day, no matter what you face. 
 

John 15 "I am the True Vine." (June 5)

John 14 "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." (June 4)

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going."

Such beautiful words of comfort today. Don't miss today's reading. Let each promise fill you and soothe your restless heart.

John 13:21-28 A New Commandment (June 3)

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Even when it's hard to love, no especially when it's hard to love, Lord, give us Your love to soothe, to comfort, to bless others along the way, and in doing, may they be led to You. 

PLEASE SEE COMMENTS--Urgent prayer needed for Bev.

John 13:1 "Love To The End" (June 2)

John 13:1 "He loved them to the end." This day, I have struggled to love--- much less to the end.  I have felt so dismissed---cause I was, I am.  But never by the One Who has washed my feet.  And I ought to go and wash the feet of those who make me feel so small ~ John 13:14.  Or do I only want to wash feet if its comfortable and people I like?  What must Jesus have felt to wash the feet of the disciple he handpicked who would betray the friendship?  He loved him to the literal end.

John 12:43 "Am I Looking for Glory from Man more than Glory from God?" (June 1)

There are things that I do that reveal that I want the glory from man more than God's glory which may be earthly silent. 

John 12: 43 - They loved the glory that comes from man more than the Glory that comes from God.

Does the silence of my Good God mean He isn't giving me what I want here on earth.  There are a couple of things, in my heart of hearts, that I have desired for most of my life that God has withheld.  But, really.  Has God withheld or does Bev seek glory she doesn't have? 

What do I want more than the Glory of God?
If HE be lifted up, He will draw all men to Himself. 
How can I spend my little life lifting up the Name of Jesus. 
Not begging, persuading, convincing, judging. 
Lifting Up His Name.