Missing the Point

Acts 6:9-10

Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called) -- Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

Thoughts for Today:

In the mid 1800's as the west was settled in our country, families would pack their entire homes on covered wagons and join other groups as they ventured west. These wagon trains would follow well established trails. To this day these trails remain visible, because after years of rain, wind, sun, snow, (freezing and thawing) the tracks were eventually hardened into stone. So much so that a wagon had to be built to certain specifications so it would fit in the width of the track including a high center of gravity to not bottom out.

There is nothing wrong with being in a rut or following a path. After all, like in the western days it can serve a very useful purpose in helping us to reach a destination. The problem is when if we stay in the rut despite having arrived at our destination -- we miss the point of why we do what we're doing. The Jews from our story were like that. They had so long been on the path to the Messiah -- that when He came and went -- they completely missed Him because they were so focused on their own established routines and thought processes.

How do we avoid a similar situation? I think the key is in verse 8, "they could not stand up against his wisdom or the spirit by whom he spoke." Every once in a while, God breaks into our daily routine with a person or a word that shakes us up because it challenges us or is in opposition to the way we are used to doing things. The question is will we pause long enough to listen and adjust?

Questions to Ponder:

Take a break from your routine and consider for a moment: Has God been allowing interruptions to get your attention? When that happens, ask yourself: Do I have the right focus and priorities established? What is the goal? Have I missed Jesus? Am I on the right path? What needs to change?

What Are You Full Of?

Acts 6:8

Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

Thoughts for Today:

Stephen was a man who was FULL: Full of faith -- he believed without limits in the promises of the Lord; he was Full of grace -- he received the fulfillment of those promises, he was anointed by the Spirit, and experienced the favor of God; and, as a result, he was Full of power -- by which he was enabled to do great wonders and miracles among the people.

Many times we wonder why God doesn't use us -- it's because of what we're full of. Paul, in Romans 1:29-31 gives us a pretty complete list of what we don't want to be filled by: "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, quarreling, deceit, and viciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, haughty, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to their parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless."

Wait a minute, you say, "I haven't murdered anyone." Isn't it funny how we pick the most extreme from the list to argue about? But what about listening to some juicy talk about a colleague at work (gossip); yelling at someone on the freeway who cut you off (quarreling); showing off your new car for the wrong reason (boastful); ignoring the needs of the family down the street (heartless)?

Questions to Ponder:

What do you want to be filled with? The answer for all of us is to be filled like Stephen -- full of God's grace and power. So how do we get there from here? The answer is Jesus -- He has already paid the price (for our sin), there is only one thing we need to do -- have faith (believe) without limits in the promises of the Lord.

Just Like Us, at the Beginning

Acts 11:15-17

[Peter Speaking] "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"

Thoughts for Today:

I can't help but feel a little envy when I watch someone baptized for the first time -- emerging from the water -- "a new creation in Christ," because I know from my own experience how incredible I felt. The world changed for me -- the colors were a little brighter because I finally saw God in His creation. Over time if we are not careful, that youthful exuberance (newness in Christ) can begin to fade as the trials, tribulations and disappointments of daily life begin to stack up. But it doesn't have to be that way -- we can live in a perpetual state of re-birth. How? By re-living, re-membering, and re-thinking.

1. Peter is re-living his experience by telling his story. If you want to get re-energized, then tell your story to someone else.

2. Peter re-membered what the Lord said. (verse 16: John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.). There is no substitute for memorizing Scripture.

3. Peter was re-thinking his position on the Gentile after he received a "change order" from God (verse 17: "If God gave them the same gift as he gave us... who was I to think that I could oppose God?"). Sometimes we stop growing because we refuse to change an old idea or thought process.

While I think all of these steps are equally important in continuing to live a fresh, new life in Christ each and every day -- it is the last part of verse 17 that gets in our way so often: "Who was I to think that I could oppose God?" When you get new information what do you do with it? Do you throw it out as useless because it doesn't fit with your understanding of how things work? Or, do you instead surrender your understanding to the Lord -- just as you did "at the beginning" of your Christian journey -- when you were an empty vessel waiting to be filled.

Questions to Ponder:

Back when you were a new Christian -- you knew nothing -- you needed to study and be taught God's Word. So it was no surprise to you when you found a thought or behavior that needed to change (after all you were a new believer). But what happened over time? Are you still so teachable? Have you become stuck in your ways? Have you lost any of your "new believer" passion? Have you held onto thoughts or ideas that God has been trying to change? What can you do today to re-energize your journey of Faith with God? What do you need to re-live, re-member, or re-think?

The Definition of Success

Acts 6:7

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Thoughts for Today:

There is a saying that goes, "You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time." Previously in verse 5, the apostle's "proposal pleased the whole group," however the definition of success is not in whether the whole group is pleased or not (although it's nice when that happens). Rather, the real definition of success is found by the result illustrated in verse 7: "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly…."

The bottom line is you can't have as your sole criteria what is pleasing to the group. Ultimately success is best measured by healthy church growth (including new believers), and that requires teaching of the word. It's funny how it works: where God's word goes church growth appears -- rapidly. Too often we think programs, slick marketing campaigns, or building projects are what we need to grow. All that's really necessary is to preach and teach God's word. We make it complicated and expensive, but it's really quite simple.

The simplistic beauty of this approach is reflected at the end of verse 7: "…a large number of priests became obedient to the faith." You see even priests who have been highly educated and placed great value in their rituals, can change -- recommit, reconnect, and redirect -- once they are exposed or re-exposed to the power of the gospel.

Questions to Ponder:

Is your ministry area growing or stagnant? Why? No matter what you're doing -- whether it's parking cars or serving food -- the word should always lead. If your ministry area isn't growing ask yourself: Is God's word leading? If God's word was leading, what would be different?

Commissioned for Service

Acts 6:6

They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Thoughts for Today:

Earlier, we studied a problem with equal distribution of food to widows which the apostles delegated to men within the body of believers "who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom." This is the first recorded practice for the selection and qualifications of deacons (the Greek verb for serving corresponds to the noun, deacon). So what happens next -- in other words: How do you get started in your ministry area? Watch carefully: "They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid hands on them." Notice the sequence: they presented, then they prayed and laid hands. So often we start working before we present or pray. What we need to do is prayerfully present our choices (and/or direction) -- first -- then begin, once we are commissioned for service.

This practice of commissioning through "laying on hands" dates back to Numbers 27:22-23, when Moses was instructed by God to lay his hand upon Joshua to entrust him with the authority to lead the children of Israel into the promised land, "Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua, and had him stand before Eleazar the priest, and the whole assembly. Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD instructed through Moses."

In the same way, the apostles "who prayed and laid their hands on them" symbolized the impartation of those gifts necessary to perform the duties to which these men were now entrusted.

Questions to Ponder:

Do you think "laying on hands" has a practical purpose in the modern church? Is it practiced regularly in your church? When someone new enters your ministry area, do you lay hands on them as well?

How Much is Enough?

Acts 5:1-11

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God." When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?" "Yes," sh! e said, "that is the price." Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also." At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Thoughts for Today:

This is one of the most chilling examples of how God deals with hypocrisy and sin within the body of believers. We are shocked by the story as both Ananias and Sapphira are struck dead despite what appears to be a rather high level of giving. It brings to mind the question, "How much is enough?"

I think the key is in verse 4 when Peter poses the question to Ananias, "Didn't it belong to you before it was sold?" The implication is, if the intention is to give -- then whatever you give is sufficient. However, if your intent is not generosity but rather selfish pride or recognition by others -- then the consequences can be rather severe, regardless of the amount of the gift. In other words, don't lie about your generosity. There is nothing wrong with holding back certain amounts from the sale of property -- that was not the sin. Their sin was in the lie or misrepresentation of the sales price.

Throughout the Old Testament are numerous accounts of how God deals with faithlessness, sin, pride, hypocrisy, etc. God is patient but He knows our hearts, and as a loving Father He also knows that discipline -- even severe discipline is sometimes needed. The result of this discipline is summarized in verse 11, "Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events."

Sometimes a new believer doesn't fully understand his responsibility when he accepts Christ and is welcomed into the family of believers. As in an earthly family, we assume and accept a new level of accountability and leadership from the head of our family -- Jesus. This is not a commitment we should take lightly or expect God to take lightly. Thankfully, God only makes such dramatic demonstrations against sin in the body of believers at certain times in church history. If you +or I were struck dead the next time we spoke or did something hypocritical, I doubt we would survive the day. Think about Ananias and Sapphira on Sunday when you sing "All to Jesus, I surrender, all to Him, I freely give….." Boom! Down we'd go. The body of believers would be thinned out really fast.

Hypocrisy like many sins, begins with a lie. It ends as all sin does in death. Maybe not actual death like Ananias and Sapphira, but it kills your witness (does do as I say not as I do work for you?); it kills your joy (in order to justify your own hypocrisy you judge others to make yourself feel better); it kills your peace (if you're living in hypocrisy you must always keep your guard up, constantly fearing someone will discover the real you).

Questions to Ponder:

The land of hypocrisy in not the home any of us would choose to live in (or even visit). Is there any inconsistency in your words versus your life? Are you struggling with your witness, joy or peace? What needs to change?

Giving: What if the Blessing Isn't What I Want?

Acts 4:36-37

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Thoughts for Today:

The Lord placed on my heart the need to address this issue of giving from another perspective from our last devotion. When I was growing up I had a cousin Sammy who was my same age. Sammy and I were the best of friends despite the fact he lived in Oklahoma and I lived in Kansas. As Christmas approached the year we were both 12 years old, we decided we were going to be rock stars and therefore needed guitars. We agreed we would both ask for guitars for Christmas, then when we saw each other during summer vacation we would write some songs and play together. As Christmas approached my Mom and Dad asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I explained the plan that Sammy and I had made, therefore the only thing I wanted for Christmas was a guitar.

Christmas morning arrived and I was shocked to see a number of presents under the tree with my name on them (wow I thought, my parents were really generous this year). I quickly passed over all of them until I found the one shaped just the right way -- could this be it? I tore off the wrapping as my heart raced. You can imagine my disappointment when I discovered a toy guitar, with plastic strings "for ages 5 and up." I never even unpackaged the gift.

You might think I was ungrateful. Maybe, but I will admit I was incredibly disappointed. Have you ever felt that way before? I think my experience and reaction to it, is one of the core issues in our relationship with God on the subject of giving: We don't trust Him to give us what we want. In Malachi 3:10, the Lord tells us "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Tithing is the only Biblical circumstance in which the Lord tells us He wants us to test Him. If we step out in faith He will "pour out so much blessing that we won't have room for it". My earthly parents had a budget and 3 other children to buy for as well. They had limited resources. God does not. So what is the key to receiving "so much blessing that you won't have room for it"? The answer: "Bring the! whole tithe into the storehouse…"

We so often tithe superficially -- giving whatever is leftover after everything else is paid (what amounts to loose change). That's the opposite of what the Lord instructs. Everything belongs to the Lord; He has given us everything we have -- therefore we need to tithe first ("bring the whole tithe") and spend what's left. If you are not experiencing "so much blessing you don't have room for it" -- the solution to your problem is the amount of your tithe, not the annual return on your retirement account. it is the condition of your heart, not the balance of your credit card bill.

Questions to Ponder:

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" It comes down to this: Do we believe God will just meet our needs for survival, or He will fill us to the point that we have room for no more? When you believe in that promise, you can tithe in faith -- which is the point. How can you begin to tithe by faith? Do you need to talk with your spouse or family about this? What is your first step?

Who Does It Belong To?

Acts 4:36-37

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Thoughts for Today:

Too often when we think about giving, we start with the idea that something must happen for us first before we can consider helping out someone else: after we get the promotion and raise, after we buy a larger home, remodel the kitchen, get a new sofa, replace the old car, etc. There always seems to be a never ending list of things to do or acquire before the giving begins. This is the exact opposite idea of instruction from the Bible and how things are to work in God's family.

I am sure you are aware that the tithe required by the Old Testament would be the equivalent of 10% of your income (see Leviticus 27, Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 12 and 14). I am also sure that for some of us tithing like that would seem to border on the impossible. It represents too much of a financial burden. Take a moment and figure out how much 10% of your income is -- then make a list of what you would have to give up to tithe appropriately. Now you have honestly answered the question: Why is it so hard to give? The answer: It requires more sacrifice or compromise of our lifestyle than we are willing.

How did we get this attitude about tithing? How did our finances get so tight that we live paycheck to paycheck? There are lots of answers, but I think it all revolves around one central theme and that is: We think it all belongs to us. In other words, "It's mine, I earned it and I alone decide how to spend it." This is true for the financial liberal as well as the conservative. The only difference is how it's spent: either on consumer purchases or investment and retirement accounts. The bottom line is this -- the liberal and conservative are both in error in God's sight.

In Matthew 19:16-24, Jesus was approached by a rich young man who asked what he must do to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus answered, "sell all that you have, give it to the poor and follow me." Jesus wasn't asking for 10%, He was asking for everything. You see, Jesus saw this young man's problem wasn't following the Law, it was allowing his possessions to possess him. Jesus goes on to say in verse 24, "it is easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

History tells us that in Jerusalem all commerce would stop at sunset or on the Sabbath because the gates allowing camels and caravans to enter the city were closed. One gate was left open for foot traffic to enter the city and that was the "Needle Gate" (which was actually a gate within the main entrance gate). A camel could fit through this gate if it was first unpacked (it's burden removed), and it crawled through on it's knees. This is a great picture for me. It tells me that if I am not careful, I can let my financial burdens (house, car, college tuition, etc) rob me of experiencing the joy of giving. So how do we free ourselves? We give what we have to God -- we follow Joseph's (Barnabas') example -- we take what we have and we put it at the foot of the cross for Jesus to do with it what He wills.

Questions to Ponder:

Those of us living in the United States are rich by the world's standard, so whether you live in an apartment or a mansion, drive a 10 year old car or a new top-of-the-line model -- You are the "rich young man" Jesus was speaking to and about. Ask yourself: who owns your television, health club membership, Starbucks card, or paycheck? What or who is the Lord of your life? Is it your possessions, or Jesus? God is the creator of the universe; if He wants to do something He doesn't need our money to do it. What He's after is our hearts. If we truly trust Jesus -- give Him our paychecks -- and let Him decide how to spend it. What is your next step in giving? Is it to see everything you have as God's? Is it to begin giving regularly? It is to trust God with the first 10%, and learn to live on the rest? What is it for you?

Giving from Excess or First Fruits?

Acts 4:32-37

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Thoughts for Today:

A pastor from the Bay Area of California recently led a mission trip to Africa. As the bus approached the village, their guide gave them some last minute instruction, "Now whatever you do don't pity these people or approach them as if they are poor. Everyone in the world is poor by American standards but you will find these people to be some of the happiest people on earth."

The pastor found this last statement a little hard to believe as the villagers lived on the African plain with no running water or bathrooms. Their homes were made of cow dung and had dirt floors. While they were there it started to rain, so you can imagine the smell and the mud. Despite all of this, the guide was right -- these people were truly happy.

As the Pastor walked around the village he noticed a man wearing a coat identical to one worn by a young man in his party. When he saw the young man without it, he said "Hey, what happened to your coat?" The young man answered, "I gave it to that guy over there." The pastor replied, "But if it rains again, you'll need it!" "So will he," replied the young man.

By the time the young man got on the bus to return to their hotel, he was dressed like a villager because he had traded every article of his clothing for something worn by a villager. His shirt was tattered; his pants were too short; and his shoes were worn out and two sizes too big.

Questions to Ponder:

All too often as we read our text about the first century church, or hear a sermon on giving, we look down the aisle at the guy with the Rolex or the woman with the big diamond ring, and we think, "Yes Pastor, they should be giving more." But what about you? Are you giving clothes to the Goodwill that you don't want and you'll never use or are you giving the clothes off your back? Are you giving out of first fruits as the Bible instructs, or out of excess?

What is the Cornerstone of Your Life?

Acts 4:11-13

"He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Thoughts for Today:

The reference Peter makes to "the stone you builders rejected which has become the capstone" refers to Psalm 118:22. Tradition has it that in Solomon's day during the construction of the temple, the engineers called the quarry for the capstone (cornerstone is another translation). They responded saying, "We sent it to you weeks ago." But the builders, not knowing what it was (it didn't fit), rolled it into the Valley of Gehenna -- the place where all the refuse or waste went. They went searching and indeed found it there, this vitally important component of construction -- upon which everything else is based.

In other words, they received something they didn't understand, so they rejected it -- sent it away with all the garbage. But Peter tells us, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men, by which we must be saved." This man Jesus, the foretold messiah -- like the capstone was thrown away -- yet had great value.

Verse 13 tells us that when the Jewish leaders saw the courage of Peter and John, as well as the scholarly approach to scripture they were astonished -- they took note of the fact these men had been with Jesus. I think those words are worth repeating, "these men had been with Jesus". We too are changed from the inside out when we spend time with Jesus.

Questions to Ponder:

Be honest with yourself, how much time do you spend with Jesus each day? If you are struggling in any area of your life, the solution will start with one-on-one time spent with the Lord. Begin slowly at first, commit to a time and a place, then stay committed. This time you spend with Jesus will become the most valuable part of your day. It will become the "cornerstone" in the construction of your life -- from which everything else is measured, adjusted, and built upon.