Archive for April, 2009

Read Acts 9:1-19

This devotion was written by Dennis Clark

Saul was one mean dude. The emphasis is on the word “was”.

Chapter 9 is all about miracles and we see one right here. It is the miracle of a transformed life. Back in Chapter 7 Saul is consenting to the death of Stephen. As our reading begins today, he is eager to do some more dirty work. He is on his way to Damascus to arrest or possibly take out some believers.

That is when the miracle happens; the type of miracle that even the attackers of the Christian faith have a hard time explaining.   Saul meets Jesus and his life is changed. Saul of Tarsus becomes Paul the Apostle.  The worst of sinners as he describes himself in his first letter to Timothy (1:15) becomes a fully devoted follower of Christ.

Have you experienced the miracle of a transformed life? You can, you know? If God can save Saul, He can save anybody. 

And, if you are already a believer, then why not be an “Ananias” by helping disciple a young convert.  You never know – you could be the wind beneath the wings of another “chosen instrument” (v 15) that will carry the name of Christ before the masses.

Read Acts 8:26-40

This devotional was written by Josh Ray

I grew up playing baseball.  I like baseball.  I am currently coaching a Little League team.  Most seven and eight year olds don’t like playing an outfield position.  There is less action.  It’s hard to focus on what is going on in the rest of the field because quite honestly, it can be boring and you can easily be distracted by what is going on elsewhere at the ballpark.  However, playing in the outfield is no less important than a pitcher who touches the ball every play of the game.  An outfielder must always be ready and alert.  If not, the result will almost always give points to the opposing team. 

In this passage of scripture Philip is doing as he has been told and the result is the salvation of an Ethiopian eunuch.  The Lord practically laid an opportunity to share the Gospel in Phillip’s lap.  Phillip was ready and made a great “play”. 

Who will God place in your path today?  Don’t be guilty of staring into the stands or daydreaming about what your plans are for later in the day while the ball rolls right past you.  We are all called to share the Gospel.  If we remain eager and ready, you just may find yourself as the day’s most valuable player.

Read Acts 8:1-25

Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight.  

Just ask Simon.

It is a process.  And as most of you know, it is a process that never ends.  We never actually arrive at “final” spiritual maturity. We certainly never reach perfection.

I’m not saying that we don’t strive to be sinless.  I’m just saying it’s impossible. 

And let’s be honest.  It can especially be difficult for a new follower of Jesus to turn completely away from their old ways.  

Again, ask Simon.

There are those who are skeptical of Simon’s conversion, but I think when Luke writes, “Simon himself believed and was baptized“, that’s what actually happened. I’ve got no reason to doubt Luke’s commentary.

Anyway, I think the point I want to make today is that sometimes our past gets in the way of our present.  Sometimes our old life can get in the way of our new one. 

Ok, so I know these insights are a little jumbled today, but I hope you get the point.  Don’t let your past mistakes interfere with your present walk with Christ.

Read Acts 7

Sometimes you have to forgive people even if they don’t ask for your forgiveness. It’s an extremely healthy practice and one that I have personally benefitted from.  

However, I must admit that although sometimes it’s easy to extend this kind of forgiveness, most of the times it’s not.  

If you accidentally step on my toe or show up late for an appointment, consider yourself forgiven, even if you don’t ask for it.

But if you personally attack my character, or mistreat a member of my family, or talk negatively about this church, I’m not thinking forgiveness.  Actually, I can’t write what I usually think in these kinds of moments.  

And yet, as I look at Stephen, I can’t help but think that I want to forgive like he was able to forgive.  In the face of brutal persecution, he wants his Heavenly Father to know that he cares about his killers.  In fact, with his very last breath he utters these words: ”Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (v.60) 

I don’t forgive like that yet.  But I think with God’s help that maybe I can get there.

Read Acts 6:8-15

There is a beautiful phrase used at the beginning of this passage that sums up who Stephen was. And I have to admit that I so hope that this phrase will be said of me one day.  The Bible says that Stephen was “a man full of God’s grace and power”. (v.1)

Think about that phrase for just a minute. Some might think those two are contrary to each other. Clearly, they are not.

It’s possible to be someone who is both full of God’s grace and full of God’s power.  As we’ll see in our reading tomorrow, Stephen exhibited both right up until his very last breath.  

But let’s not talk about Stephen today.  Let’s talk about you and me.

How are you exhibiting God’s grace on a daily basis?  How are you showing undeserved favor to the people in your circle of influence? And not only that, how is God’s power evident in your life? Are you living your life plugged into His power or are you depending on your own strength?

Read Acts 4:23-37

“There were no needy persons among them…” (v. 34)

I think this is one of the coolest statements in all the New Testament, as well as one of the best statements that could be made about any church in any age.  

I so wish this statement was true of more churches today.  While it may be true of a few, let’s be honest, it’s not true of most.

In fact, there are all sorts of unmet needs in our community today.  And not just financial ones. The reality is that there are spiritual, physical, and emotional needs everywhere we look, both inside and outside the church walls. 

But it shouldn’t be that way.  In fact, it doesn’t have to be that way.  

So, today, as the people of God in this community, I say we pay attention.  I say we keep our eyes open, hearts soft, and hands willing to help. Let’s look for needs and meet those needs with speed!