Tag Archives: Acts

Tell it like it is (Acts 13:1-12), Feb 6, 2012

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 13:1-12
Set – Leviticus 1; Acts 13
Go! – Leviticus 1-3; Acts 13

Acts 13:1-12
1The church in Antioch had grown strong, with many prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (a dark man from Central Africa), Lucius (from Cyrene in North Africa), Manaen (a member of Herod’s governing council), and Saul. 2 Once they were engaged in a time of worship and fasting when the Holy Spirit spoke to them, “Commission Barnabas and Saul to a project I have called them to accomplish.” 3 They fasted and prayed some more, laid their hands on the two selected men, and sent them off on their new mission. 4 Having received special commissioning by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went to nearby Seleucia on the coast. Then they caught a ship to the island of Cyprus.

5 At the city of Salamis on the east side of Cyprus, they proclaimed the message of God in Jewish synagogues, assisted by John Mark. 6-7 They went westward from town to town, finally reaching Paphos on the western shore. There the proconsul named Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear their message. At his side was an occult spiritualist and Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus 8 or Elymas (which means “magician”). Elymas argued with Barnabas and Saul, trying to keep Sergius Paulus from coming to faith.

9 Saul, who is also known as Paul, was suddenly full of the Holy Spirit. He stared directly into Elymas’s face.

Paul: 10 You’re a son of the devil. You’re an enemy of justice, you’re full of lies, and you steal opportunities from others. Why do you insist on confusing and twisting the clear, straight paths of the Lord? 11 Hear this, Elymas: the Lord’s hand is against you, and you will be as blind as a bat for a period of time, beginning right now!

At that instant, it was as if a mist came over Elymas and then total darkness. He stumbled around, groping for a hand so he could be led back home. 12 When Sergius Paulus saw this happen, he came to faith and was attracted to and amazed by the teaching about the Lord.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Elymas is like so many I see today. He argued not just to keep Paul from talking to him about Me, but to keep him from talking to anyone else. Sometimes I just don’t understand the crowning glory of My own creation. I don’t understand why people want to hold others back from the truth. Maybe I can see that they will decide for themselves they want to play god with their life, but to try to impose that on others. I just don’t get it.

Elymas was and always would be no better than second fiddle to anyone that Rome sent to Salamis. He knew that. His trickery would allow him to stick around the court and entertain the proconsul and his guests for a while, but Elymas knew he had no real wisdom and no real answers for the proconsul. Why would he deny the truth to the man who could make a difference in the daily lives of others?

I’m appalled at how often it happens even today. Those who taunt their benevolence and goodwill, but then withhold My message of real hope and salvation are just like Elymas. I don’t understand them. They hold back the really good things in life for those in need. They present themselves as genuine and concerned and generous, but their true colors eventually come out as untrustworthy and greedy, focused on what is best only for them and not what is best for those they supposedly serve.

I’m so proud of what Paul did, though, through the prompting of My Spirit. Elymas didn’t stick around long after Paul pointed out who he really was and who he served. I think today your societal spirit of “tolerance”, that is tolerance for everything except Me, blinds the vulnerable to the truth. In that tolerant atmosphere, everyone fears identifying Satan for who he is and fails to warn others of the traps he sets around the weak. Paul put Elymas straight and warned Sergius Paulus, just like I hope you will do for My children.

As one saved from My greatest enemy, you have a responsibility to help your brothers and sisters. Fallen humanity needs people who will call out those putting others at risk by failing to let them hear My truth. It’s time to start letting My message be heard loud and strong above the clammer of lies that try to push it away.

Will you do your part? My Spirit will be there to give you strength, just like it was for Paul.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Prejudice is still the problem (acts 10/1-33), Feb 3, 2015

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 10:1-33
Set – Exodus 36; Acts 10
Go! – Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

Acts 10:1-33
1Cornelius, a Roman Centurion and a member of a unit called the Italian Cohort, lived in Caesarea. 2 Cornelius was an outsider, but he was a devout man—a God-fearing fellow with a God-fearing family. He consistently and generously gave to the poor, and he practiced constant prayer to God. 3 About three o’clock one afternoon, he had a vision of a messenger of God.

Messenger of God: Cornelius!

Cornelius (terrified): 4 What is it, sir?

Messenger of God: God has heard your prayers, and He has seen your kindness to the poor. God has taken notice of you. 5-6 Send men south to Joppa, to the house of a tanner named Simon. Ask to speak to a guest of his named Simon, but also called Peter. You’ll find his house near the waterfront.

7 After the messenger departed, Cornelius immediately called two of his slaves and a soldier under his command—an especially devout soldier. 8 He told them the whole story and sent them to Joppa.

9 Just as these men were nearing Joppa about noon the next day, Peter went up on the flat rooftop of Simon the tanner’s house. He planned to pray, 10 but he soon grew hungry. While his lunch was being prepared, Peter had a vision of his own—a vision that linked his present hunger with what was about to happen: 11 A rift opened in the sky, and a wide container—something like a huge sheet suspended by its four corners—descended through the torn opening toward the ground. 12 This container teemed with four-footed animals, creatures that crawl, and birds—pigs, bats, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads, and vultures.

A Voice: 13 Get up, Peter! Kill! Eat!

Peter: 14 No way, Lord! These animals are forbidden in the dietary laws of the Hebrew Scriptures! I’ve never eaten non-kosher foods like these before—not once in my life!

A Voice: 15 If God calls something permissible and clean, you must not call it forbidden and dirty!

16 Peter saw this vision three times; but the third time, the container of animals flew up through the rift in the sky, the rift healed, 17 and Peter was confused and unsettled as he tried to make sense of this strange vision.

At that very moment, Peter heard the voices of Cornelius’s delegation, who had asked for directions to Simon’s house, coming from the front gate.

Delegation: 18 Is there a man named Simon, also called Peter, staying at this house?

19-20 Peter’s mind was still racing about the vision when the voice of the Holy Spirit broke through his churning thoughts.

Holy Spirit: The three men who are searching for you have been sent by Me. So get up! Go with them. Don’t hesitate or argue.

21 Peter rushed downstairs to the men.

Peter: I’m the one you’re seeking. Can you tell me why you’ve come?

Delegation: 22 We’ve been sent by our commander and master, Cornelius. He is a Centurion, and he is a good, honest man who worships your God. All the Jewish people speak well of him. A holy messenger told him to send for you, so you would come to his home and he could hear your message.

23 Peter extended hospitality to them and gave them lodging overnight. When they departed together the next morning, Peter brought some believers from Joppa.

24 They arrived in Caesarea the next afternoon just before three o’clock. Cornelius had anticipated their arrival and had assembled his relatives and close friends to welcome them. 25 When Peter and Cornelius met, Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet in worship, 26 but Peter helped him up.

Peter: Stand up, man! I am just a human being!

27 They talked and entered the house to meet the whole crowd inside.

Peter: 28 You know I am a Jew. We Jews consider it a breach of divine law to associate, much less share hospitality, with outsiders. But God has shown me something in recent days: I should no longer consider any human beneath me or unclean. 29 That’s why I made no objection when you invited me; rather, I came willingly. Now let me hear the story of why you invited me here.

Cornelius: 30 It was about this time of day four days ago when I was here, in my house, praying the customary midafternoon prayer. Suddenly a man appeared out of nowhere. His clothes were dazzling white, and he stood directly in front of me 31 and addressed me: “Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your kindness to the poor has been noticed by God. 32 God wants you to find a man in Joppa, Simon who is also called Peter, who is staying at the home of a tanner named Simon, near the seaside.” 33 I wasted no time, did just as I was told, and you have generously accepted my invitation. So here we are, in the presence of God, ready to take in all that the Lord has told you to tell us.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say to us:

You have a problem in the church today in getting My message out. It’s the same problem Peter and many in the early church had. It’s called prejudice.

You try to defend yourself and cry out, “But look, we have all races in our church! We have all ethnic groups worshiping in our building! How can You call us prejudice?”

Prejudice comes in all forms. When you minister to yourself and confine yourself to the four walls of your place of worship, shutting the world outside, you exercise prejudice. Sure you think you are an inviting place, but are you? How do you really feel about the prostitute who walks the street to make enough money for that next fix – trying to find something to fill the emptiness in her soul? How do you feel about the radical Islam terrorist taught all his life to kill infidels? How do you feel about the man who brings young teenagers across the border to traffic them into the sex slave market?

Do you see your prejudices come through? I love them all. They are My special creation. They are all made in My image, remember? Oh, I abhor their behavior. I detest evil. I would like to stamp out all of the things that fallen man has done to mar the beauty of My creation. But humankind is still the crowning glory of My creation. Those who stirred those dark feelings of prejudice in you a few minutes ago, I still love. They break My heart and I call out to them to return to Me just like I called to you one day. But how can they respond unless you extend a hand of love to them like someone did for you.

Peter would never have gone to meet with Cornelius without the vision I sent him that day. Fortunately, I broke his prejudices and he saw that all humankind is made in My image. His nation, his race is no more or no less important to Me than another. I made them all. I long for all…all…to come to Me in repentance so I may bring them into My kingdom. So, who will dare to love all humankind and share My mercy and grace to the lost without prejudices getting in the way? Will you stand up to the challenge…with My help?

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

God can even use you (Acts 9/1-20), Feb 2, 2015

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Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 9:1-20
Set – Exodus 33; Acts 9
Go! – Exodus 33-34; Psalms 16; Acts 9

Acts 9:1-20
1Back to Saul—this fuming, raging, hateful man who wanted to kill every last one of the Lord’s disciples: he went to the high priest in Jerusalem 2 for authorization to purge all the synagogues in Damascus of followers of the way of Jesus. His plan was to arrest and chain any of Jesus’ followers—women as well as men—and transport them back to Jerusalem. 3 He traveled north toward Damascus with a group of companions.

Imagine this: Suddenly a light flashes from the sky around Saul, 4 and he falls to the ground at the sound of a voice.

The Lord: Saul, Saul, why are you attacking Me?

Saul: 5 Lord, who are You?

Then he hears these words:

The Lord: I am Jesus. I am the One you are attacking. 6 Get up. Enter the city. You will learn there what you are to do.

These are shocking, unexpected words that will change his life forever.

7 His other traveling companions just stand there, paralyzed, speechless because they, too, heard the voice; but there is nobody in sight. 8 Saul rises to his feet, his eyes wide open, but he can’t see a thing. So his companions lead their blind friend by the hand and take him into Damascus. 9 He waits for three days—completely blind—and does not eat a bite or drink a drop of anything.

10 Meanwhile, in Damascus a disciple named Ananias had a vision in which the Lord Jesus spoke to him.

The Lord: Ananias.

Ananias: Here I am, Lord.

The Lord: 11 Get up and go to Straight Boulevard. Go to the house of Judas, and inquire about a man from Tarsus, Saul by name. He is praying to Me at this very instant. 12 He has had a vision—a vision of a man by your name who will come, lay hands on him, and heal his eyesight.

Ananias: 13 Lord, I know whom You’re talking about. I’ve heard rumors about this fellow. He’s an evil man and has caused great harm for Your special people in Jerusalem. 14 I’ve heard that he has been authorized by the religious authorities to come here and chain everyone who associates with Your name.

The Lord: 15 Yes, but you must go! I have chosen him to be My instrument to bring My name far and wide—to outsiders, to kings, and to the people of Israel as well. 16 I have much to show him, including how much he must suffer for My name.

17 So Ananias went and entered the house where Saul was staying. He laid his hands on Saul and called to him.

Ananias: Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, sent me so you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

18 At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see. So he got up, received the ceremonial washing of baptism identifying him as a disciple, 19 ate some food (remember, he had not eaten for three days), and regained his strength. He spent a lot of time with the disciples in Damascus over the next several days. 20 Then he went into the very synagogues he had intended to purge, proclaiming,

Saul: Jesus is God’s Son!

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:
I can use the most unusual people to do My work. Sometimes I use people with great character and seemingly unblemished pasts. People like Joseph who withstood incredible tests of his power to forgive. He forgave his brothers, the jailer, Potiphar and his wife, the cupbearer, so many who could have freed him from a life of prison and slavery long before he met Pharaoh on that fateful day when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams.

But often I use those you might never expect to carry My message. Men and women who understand My forgiveness because they have experienced deep forgiveness themselves. They still suffer the physical consequences of their crimes quite often. They pay in this life with poor health, lost family, wrecked lives for the poor choices they made along their path. But they know My grace and mercy. They experience My forgiveness. They understand peace in their heart and life, sometimes for the first time. And share with others in extraordinary ways.

No one in Saul’s day would have thought to choose him as My spokesperson to the Gentiles. After all, he sought to destroy My church. He sought to find and arrest all who believed My Son was the Way to life eternal. Saul found pleasure in finding, arresting, and trying My believers. Who would think I could use this man as the one to propagate faith in My Son and the doctrine of the New Covenant He established with all people who would trust in Him?

But people forget that “all have sinned and come short of My glory.” No one meets the standards of holiness set out in My laws. It is only by the blood of My Son, Jesus that any can come near. It is only Jesus’ sacrifice that makes it possible for any to find forgiveness and wholeness in life. So whether morally good, like Joseph, or corrupted and out to slaughter My sons and daughters, like Saul, it isn’t until you come to Me in repentance and accept My gift of forgiveness for your sins that you can come into My presence and find your real purpose in life.

When you come to that point, though, what a difference I can make! What a life I can give you! How I can change you inside and out! Try Me and see for yourself. Saul did on that road to Damascus and never looked back. I want to do something special in your life, too…if you’ll let Me.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Lessons from Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40), Feb 1, 2015

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Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 8:26-40
Set – Exodus 32; Acts 8
Go! – Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

Acts 8:26-40
26 A heavenly messenger brought this short message from the Lord to Philip during his time preaching in Samaria:

Messenger of the Lord: Leave Samaria. Go south to the Jerusalem-Gaza road.

The message was especially unusual because this road runs through the middle of uninhabited desert. 27 But Philip got up, left the excitement of Samaria, and did as he was told to do. Along this road, Philip saw a chariot in the distance. In the chariot was a dignitary from Ethiopia (the treasurer for Queen Candace), an African man who had been castrated. He had gone north to Jerusalem to worship at the Jewish temple, 28 and he was now heading southwest on his way home. He was seated in the chariot and was reading aloud from a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.

29 Philip received another prompting from the Holy Spirit:

Holy Spirit: Go over to the chariot and climb on board.

30 So he started running until he was even with the chariot. Philip heard the Ethiopian reading aloud and recognized the words from the prophet Isaiah.

Philip: Do you understand the meaning of what you’re reading?

The Ethiopian: 31 How can I understand it unless I have a mentor?

Then he invited Philip to sit in the chariot. 32 Here’s the passage he was reading from the Hebrew Scriptures:

Like a sheep, He was led to be slaughtered.
Like a lamb about to be shorn of its wool,
He was completely silent.
33 He was humiliated, and He received no justice.
Who can describe His peers? Who would treat Him this way?
For they snuffed out His life.
The Ethiopian: 34 Here’s my first question. Is the prophet describing his own situation, or is he describing someone else’s calamity?

35 That began a conversation in which Philip used the passage to explain the good news of Jesus. 36 Eventually the chariot passed a body of water beside the road.

The Ethiopian: Since there is water here, is there anything that might prevent me from being ceremonially washed through baptism and identified as a disciple of Jesus?

Philip: 37 If you believe in your heart that Jesus the Anointed is God’s Son, then nothing can stop you.

The Ethiopian said that he believed.

38 He commanded the charioteer to stop the horses. Then Philip and the Ethiopian official walked together into the water. There Philip baptized him, initiating him as a fellow disciple. 39 When they came out of the water, Philip was immediately caught up by the Holy Spirit and taken from the sight of the Ethiopian, who climbed back into his chariot and continued on his journey, overflowing with joy. 40 Philip found himself at a town called Azotus (formerly the Philistine capital city of Ashdod, on the Mediterranean); and from there he traveled north again, proclaiming the good news in town after town until he came to Caesarea.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

Philip’s experience teaches a couple of things I want you to remember. First, you never know when I might ask you to do something important on a moment’s notice. Philip had a strong evangelical ministry in Samaria. His preaching was bringing in new converts daily just as Peter and John were doing in Jerusalem. He didn’t expect Me to send him somewhere else. He enjoyed his ministry there. No one expected him to leave. But I had another task for him.

So I sent My messenger and told Philip to leave Samaria and head south on the Jerusalem-Gaza road.

Philip didn’t hesitate. He knew I must have a reason and he left. He didn’t ask why. He didn’t ask, “Why are you sending me through this barren desert?” He didn’t question My directions. He just got up and left Samaria and headed down the southbound road as I told him to do.

My Holy Spirit prompted Philip to catch up to a chariot he saw in the distance. No explanation, just catch it. So Philip began to run. Again, no question. Just obedience. When he caught up. You know the story. He found the Ethiopian reading from Isaiah in the chariot. The eunuch turned out to be an important man in Queen Candace’s court. The treasurer made sure armies got their money. Kings and queens didn’t last long when their armies didn’t get paid. Military coups happened when soldiers were unhappy. Messing with pay meant changes in power. This eunuch was at least as important to Candace as anyone in her court.

Lesson number one: When I give you a task to do, just do it.

Second, Philip asked the Ethiopian if he knew what he was reading. The man could have killed Philip for questioning his wisdom or even for interrupting his reading. He had power. No doubt, as treasurer, he did not travel alone and had a retinue of soldiers traveling with him on that deserted road.

Instead of punishment, the treasurer offered Philip a place in the chariot to mentor him on what he read from Isaiah. And Philip began to unfold the events that took place surrounding the death and resurrection of My Son, Jesus. The hope that comes through faith in Him. The good news that we can have forgiveness of sins because Jesus paid the price for our freedom.

Lesson number two: As Peter records in the letter I inspired him to write, “Always be ready to give a testimony of the reason for the hope you have within you.”

My Spirit whisked Philip away after the Ethiopian asked for and received baptism that day. Philip spent enough time with him, he was not only ready to believe in Me and receive My Spirit, but Queen Candace’s treasurer wanted to let all those around him know it through the outward sign of water baptism. Philip did all he could do and then went on to another assignment. He didn’t stick around for pats on the back. He didn’t travel with the treasurer to do what I had in mind for the Ethiopian. He stayed only long enough to do what I asked. Then I gave him another task – preach in every town from Azotus to Caesarea.

I sent the Ethiopian home to minister there. Queen Candace’ court received the impact of his conversion. I ministered through him and Ethiopia became one of the fast growing communities of early Christendom.

Lesson number three: Expect new assignments. Celebrate, but know I will give you new tasks quickly. There are too many that need to hear My Good News to stop or get complacent about spreading My Word.

So who on your path do you need to tell about the good news today?

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

We always have a choice (Acts 7:20-43), Jan 31, 2015

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Today’s Devotional

Today’s background scripture comes from Acts 7. And God says:

Stephen began to lay out the story of My people well before the Jewish leaders the day of his trial. He pointed out several key issues with every story he relayed to the leaders as he recited their history. In every story I brought to his mind, the key feature was the choice made. In this one, the Israelites made a poor one.

Despite their witness of the plagues on the unbelieving Egyptians, they failed to follow the instructions I gave Moses. Despite the miracle of the Passover and the sacrifice in every Egyptian household while they escaped the death angel’s march, they chose other gods. Despite their crossing of the Red Sea on dry land and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army in their sight, they did not believe Me. Despite the miracles they saw at My hand freeing them from the oppressive slavery in Egypt, they failed to follow Me.

Stephen comes to the climax of his testimony soon. The Israelites chose trinkets they could see instead of the Eternal God of Creation they could not see. They failed to trust Me even though they saw all the miracles I performed for them across those several months to free them and make them into the nation I promised Abraham.

Moses believed and I used him to lead My people. He never lost sight of the promise I had given his ancestors and the promise I made him that day at the bush that burned but was not consumed. Stephen believed and I used him to witness to all who heard his testimony then and in the centuries to come who would hear and read his words. I gave him a special blessing by opening the windows of heaven and letting him view My Son at My side on My throne before he died.

Paul believed and I let him glimpse heavenly wonders few have experienced this side of eternity so he would not waiver in his testimony to the world despite the arrests, beatings, stoning, and other intense persecutions he would face as My messenger. He wrote much of the scriptures and put in place the teachings that would spread around the globe of the love I want others to know because of the relationship I have always wanted with you.

But all of these had a choice, as do you. Each person has a choice as to whether or not you will follow Me. You can choose to believe in Me or to follow your own way. I will warn you of this, though. I made it plain when I walked with man on the earth in human flesh and said, “I am the way, no man comes to the Father except by Me.” You choose. Your way or My way?

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 7:20-43
Set – Exodus 29; Acts 7
Go! – Exodus 28-29; Acts 7

Acts 7:20-43
20 Into this horrible situation our ancestor Moses was born, and he was a beautiful child in God’s eyes. He was raised for three months in his father’s home, 21 and then he was abandoned as the brutal regime required. However, Pharaoh’s daughter found, adopted, and raised him as her own son. 22 So Moses learned the culture and wisdom of the Egyptians and became a powerful man—both as an intellectual and as a leader. 23 When he reached the age of 40, his heart drew him to visit his kinfolk, our ancestors, the Israelites. 24 During his visit, he saw one of our people being wronged, and he took sides with our people by killing an Egyptian. 25 He thought his kinfolk would recognize him as their God-given liberator, but they didn’t realize who he was and what he represented.

26 The next day Moses was walking among the Israelites again when he observed a fight—but this time, it was between two Israelites. He intervened and tried to reconcile the men. “You two are brothers,” he said. “Why do you attack each other?” 27 But the aggressor pushed Moses away and responded with contempt: “Who made you our prince and judge? 28 Are you going to slay me and hide my body as you did with the Egyptian yesterday?” 29 Realizing this murder had not gone unnoticed, he quickly escaped Egypt and lived as a refugee in the land of Midian. He married there and had two sons.

30 Forty more years passed. One day while Moses was in the desert near Mount Sinai, a heavenly messenger appeared to him in the flames of a burning bush. 31 The phenomenon intrigued Moses; and as he approached for a closer look, he heard a voice—the voice of the Lord: 32 “I am the God of your own fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” This terrified Moses—he began to tremble and looked away in fear. 33 The voice continued: “Take off your sandals and stand barefoot on the ground in My presence, for this ground is holy ground. 34 I have avidly watched how My people are being mistreated by the Egyptians. I have heard their groaning at the treatment of their oppressors. I am descending personally to rescue them. So get up. I’m sending you to Egypt.”

35 Now remember: this was the same Moses who had been rejected by his kinfolk when they said, “Who made you our prince and judge?” This man, rejected by his own people, was the one God had truly sent and commissioned by the heavenly messenger who appeared in the bush, to be their leader and deliverer.

36 Moses indeed led our ancestors to freedom, and he performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness over a period of 40 years. 37 This Moses promised our ancestors, “The Eternal One your God will raise up from among your people a Prophet who will be like me.” 38 This is the same one who led the people to Mount Sinai, where a heavenly messenger spoke to him and our ancestors, and who received the living message of God to give to us.

39 But our ancestors still resisted. They again pushed Moses away and refused to follow him. In their hearts, they were ready to return to their former slavery in Egypt. 40 While Moses was on the mountain communing with God, they begged Aaron to make idols to lead them. “We have no idea what happened to this fellow, Moses, who brought us from Egypt,” they said. 41 So they made a calf as their new god, and they even sacrificed to it and celebrated an object they had fabricated as if it was their God.

42 And you remember what God did next: He let them go. He turned from them and let them follow their idolatrous path—worshiping sun, moon, and stars just as their unenlightened neighbors did. The prophet Amos spoke for God about this horrible betrayal:

Did you offer Me sacrifices or give Me offerings
during your 40-year wilderness journey, you Israelites?
43 No, but you have taken along your sacred tent for the worship of Moloch,
and you honored the star of Rompha, your false god.
So, if you want to worship your man-made images,
you may do so—beyond Babylon.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Expect persecution (Acts 6), Jan 30, 2015

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Today’s Devotional

Today’s background scripture comes from Acts 6. And God says:
In the western world you don’t see much persecution. People like to complain they do, the Ten Commandments are removed from public places. The government prohibits prayer to Me in public ceremonies. Christian holiday names are changed to avoid offending others. But I don’t think of that as persecution, really. All those things are nuisances you can put up with if your faith is strong.

Real persecution still goes on, though. More now than ever in the history of My church. Brave men and women hold onto their faith in the face of torture, financial ruin, loss of everything including their family, even death. And in those countries where persecution seems greatest, My church grows faster than ever.

There is something about those who stand for Me in the face of persecution that others see. Like with Stephen, I give them a joy they cannot explain to others in the middle of that persecution. Yes they suffer the temporary pain that the circumstances bring, but they also feel My presence. They know I am with them in the midst of all their suffering and I will not leave them. They know I live and I live in them.

Expect the world to hate you. There has and will be a battle between good and evil until the end of time. But the end of time may not be as far away as you think. Persecution will increase for those who follow Me. I foretold it and it will happen. But remember, I will never leave you alone. I will stay with you. The momentary suffering will seem as nothing compared to the eternal joy I have in store for you.

So, until I return, take lessons from Stephen, Paul, Peter, and the other apostles, the early Christians and today’s Christians in many lands face persecution. None enjoy it, but they face it knowing that they share in the same suffering My Son faced. They know the world hated him for no reason and they will hate you for no reason…other than you carry the name of Christ. Your perseverance will build My kingdom. It will help others recognize My kingdom is not of this world. It will show others I am worth the worship you give Me.

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 6
Set – Exodus 27; Acts 6
Go! – Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

Acts 6
1Things were going well, and the number of disciples was growing. But a problem arose. The Greek-speaking believers became frustrated with the Hebrew-speaking believers. The Greeks complained that the Greek-speaking widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2 The twelve convened the entire community of disciples.

The Twelve: We could solve this problem ourselves, but that wouldn’t be right. We need to focus on proclaiming God’s message, not on distributing food. 3 So, friends, find seven respected men from the community of faith. These men should be full of the Holy Spirit and full of wisdom. Whomever you select we will commission to resolve this matter 4 so we can maintain our focus on praying and serving—not meals—but the message.

5 The whole community—Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking—was very pleased with this plan, so they chose seven men: Stephen (a man full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit), Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (a Greek-speaking convert from Antioch). 6 These men were presented to the apostles, who then prayed for them and commissioned them by laying their hands on them. 7 The message of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples continued to increase significantly there in Jerusalem. Even priests in large numbers became obedient to the faith.

8 Stephen continually overflowed with extraordinary grace and power, and he was able to perform a number of miraculous signs and wonders in public view. 9 But eventually a group arose to oppose Stephen and the message to which his signs and wonders pointed. (These men were from a group called the Free Synagogue and included Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asians.) 10 The Holy Spirit gave Stephen such wisdom in responding to their arguments that they were humiliated; 11 in retaliation, they spread a vicious rumor: “We heard Stephen speak blasphemies against Moses and God.”

12 Their rumor prompted an uprising that included common people, religious officials, and scholars. They surprised Stephen, grabbed him, and hauled him before the council. 13 They convinced some witnesses to give false testimony.

False Witnesses: This fellow constantly degrades the holy temple and mocks our holy law. 14 With our own ears, we’ve heard him say this Jesus fellow, this Nazarene he’s always talking about, will actually destroy the holy temple and will try to change the sacred customs we received from Moses.

15 The entire council turned its gaze on Stephen to see how he would respond. They were shocked to see his face radiant with peace—as if he were a heavenly messenger.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

A new day dawned (Acts 4:1-22), Jan 28, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Devotional

Today’s background scripture comes from Acts 4. And from it God says:
I love the Jewish Leaders’ question to Peter and John after making them cool their heels in jail overnight. They must have stayed awake all night crafting that question. It was remarkable, don’t you think?

“Who gave you the authority to create that spectacle in the temple yesterday?” What a question!

Of course, the spectacle involved a man over forty years old, lame from birth who stood at the name of Jesus, My Son. The power resident, even in his name, transferred through the faith of Peter, John, and the lame man caused him to walk out of the temple and into worship. The crowds saw the same man they had seen for forty years walking around, leaping before the Lord, praising Me for the miracle performed on his behalf.

What would you expect but the for the crowds to start praising with him? The temple atmosphere that day turned from one of somber, long faced prayers asking where I was to one of celebration thanking Me for My presence. It wasn’t just a spectacle. It was spectacular. And who authorized it? Me, that’s who! I want My people to celebrate when I’m there. I want people to sound the trumpets, clash the cymbals, let out all the stops. Why, because the God of all creation chose to visit you.

Their decision ended up being a little ridiculous, too. “Don’t talk anymore about what I’m doing through them.” How can they do that? How can anyone hold back the joy and excitement that happens when I intervene in life. Peter answered correctly and it shook their well-schooled, intellectual prowess to the ground. “Is it better that I obey you or God?”

What could they say? They were supposed to lead according to what I tell them, so how could they deny others doing what I tell them to do? What a great day to show a new day dawned for those who believe in Me.

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 4:1-22
Set – Psalms 12; Acts 4
Go! – Exodus 21-22; Psalms 12; Acts 4

Acts 4:1-22
1The conversation continued for a few hours there in Solomon’s porch. Suddenly, the head of the temple police and some members of the Sadducean party interrupted Peter and John. 2 They were annoyed because Peter and John were enthusiastically teaching that in Jesus, resurrection of the dead is possible—an idea the Sadducees completely rejected. 3 So they arrested Peter, John, and the man who was healed and kept them in jail overnight. 4 But during these few afternoon hours between the man’s miraculous healing and their arrest, Peter and John already had convinced about 5,000 more people to believe their message about Jesus!

5 The next morning, the Jewish leaders—their officials, elders, and scholars—called a meeting in Jerusalem 6 presided over by Annas (the patriarch of the ruling priestly clan), along with Caiaphas (his son-in-law), John, Alexander, and other members of their clan. 7 They made their prisoners stand in the middle of the assembly and questioned them.

Jewish Leaders: Who gave you the authority to create that spectacle in the temple yesterday?

Peter (filled with the Spirit): 8 Rulers and elders of the people, 9 yesterday a good deed was done. Someone who was sick was healed. If you’re asking us how this happened, 10 I want all of you and all of the people of Israel to know this man standing in front of you—obviously in good health—was healed by the authority of Jesus of Nazareth, the Anointed One. This is the same Jesus whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead. 11 He is “the stone that you builders rejected who has become the very stone that holds together the entire foundation” on which a new temple is being built. 12 There is no one else who can rescue us, and there is no other name under heaven given to any human by whom we may be rescued.

13 Now the leaders were surprised and confused. They looked at Peter and John and realized they were typical peasants—uneducated, utterly ordinary fellows—with extraordinary confidence. The leaders recognized them as companions of Jesus, 14 then they turned their attention to the third man standing beside them—recently lame, now standing tall and healthy. What could they say in response to all this?

15 Because they were at a loss about what to do, they excused the prisoners so the council could deliberate in private.

Jewish Leaders: 16 What do we do with these fellows? Anyone who lives in Jerusalem will know an unexplainable sign has been performed through these two preachers. We can’t deny their story. 17 The best we can do is try to keep it from spreading. So let’s warn them to stop speaking to anybody in this name.

18 The leaders brought the prisoners back in and prohibited them from doing any more speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus. 19 Peter and John listened quietly and then replied,

Peter and John: You are the judges here, so we’ll leave it up to you to judge whether it is right in the sight of God to obey your commands or God’s. 20 But one thing we can tell you: we cannot possibly restrain ourselves from speaking about what we have seen and heard with our own eyes and ears.

21-22 The council threatened them again, but finally let them go because public opinion strongly supported Peter and John and this man who had received this miraculous sign. He was over 40 years old, so his situation was known to many people, and they couldn’t help but glorify God for his healing.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.

Pentecost, more than a feast day (Acts 2/1-21;43-47), Jan 26, 2015

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Today’s Podcast


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Today’s Devotional

Today’s background scripture comes from Acts 2
Pentecost had come and gone countless times for the Hebrews through the centuries. People came from everywhere to Jerusalem to celebrate Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost. The day commemorates the giving of My Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. But after My Son returned to heaven, My Spirit came as He promised. What better day than Pentecost for Him to settle upon the hearts of men and women ready to receive Him fully?

Some special things happened that day that many concentrate on when talking about Pentecost, the sound of rushing wind, the flames of fire on each person in the room, the languages spoken and heard by each person in the crowd. Certainly, those things should not be forgotten. They were important in letting both those present and future generations know something different, wonderful, and miraculous happened when My Spirit came to inhabit hearts. But the audible and visible signs of the day were not what made Pentecost special to Me.

What made Pentecost special were the changed lives seen by everyone around them. Luke recorded some of those changes in later verses of the second chapter of Acts, often overlooked because of the spectacular events in the opening verses. But I want you to think about the real change and what I find most important.

Luke describes an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed. Did you get that? No fighting each other, no gossip among that group, no back-biting or slander. They had an intense sense of togetherness. That’s My Church! They were generous with their material goods helping not only their fellow believers, but others in the city in need. They were unified in worship in the temple – day after day! They enjoyed each other’s company and shared meals together, opened their homes to each other, shared each others burdens, joys, and sorrows. Luke describes My newly filled people with glad and generous hearts enjoying the goodwill of all the people of the city.

Why did they enjoy the goodwill of the others? Because they were genuine in their generosity, genuine in their compassion, genuine in their love. How can they exhibit those characteristics in an occupied city whose leaders a few weeks early killed their Savior? Because My Son lives…forever! And My Spirit, His Spirt, We, now lived in them. We can live in you, too. If you let Us. You can experience the same genuine joy they did on that Pentecost day Luke describes in his letter to Theophilus describing the acts of the apostles. As promised to Joel, My Spirit is poured out for the asking. But like any gift, He must be accepted into your life. Do it today.

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – Acts 2:1-21; 43-47
Set – Exodus 15; Acts 2
Go! – Exodus 14-16; Acts 2

Acts 2:1-21; 43-47
1When the holy day of Pentecost came 50 days after Passover, they were gathered together in one place.

2 Picture yourself among the disciples:

A sound roars from the sky without warning, the roar of a violent wind, and the whole house where you are gathered reverberates with the sound. 3 Then a flame appears, dividing into smaller flames and spreading from one person to the next. 4 All the people present are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in languages they’ve never spoken, as the Spirit empowers them.

5 Because of the holy festival, there are devout Jews staying as pilgrims in Jerusalem from every nation under the sun. 6 They hear the sound, and a crowd gathers. They are amazed because each of them can hear the group speaking in their native languages. 7 They are shocked and amazed by this.

Pilgrims: Just a minute. Aren’t all of these people Galileans? 8 How in the world do we all hear our native languages being spoken? 9 Look—there are Parthians here, and Medes, Elamites, Mesopotamians, and Judeans, residents of Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygians and Pamphylians, Egyptians and Libyans from Cyrene, Romans including both Jews by birth and converts, 11 Cretans, and Arabs. We’re each, in our own languages, hearing these people talk about God’s powerful deeds.

12 Their amazement becomes confusion as they wonder,

Pilgrims: What does this mean?

Skeptics: 13 It doesn’t mean anything. They’re all drunk on some fresh wine!

14 As the twelve stood together, Peter shouted to the crowd,

Peter: Men of Judea and all who are staying here in Jerusalem, listen. I want you to understand: 15 these people aren’t drunk as you may think. Look, it’s only nine o’clock in the morning! 16 No, this isn’t drunkenness; this is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. 17 Hear what God says!

In the last days,
I will offer My Spirit to humanity as a libation.
Your children will boldly speak the word of the Lord.
Young warriors will see visions,
and your elders will dream dreams.
18 Yes, in those days I shall offer My Spirit to all servants,
both male and female, and they will boldly speak My word.
19 And in the heaven above and on the earth below,
I shall give signs of impending judgment: blood, fire, and clouds of smoke.
20 The sun will become a void of darkness,
and the moon will become blood.
Then the great and dreadful day of the Lord will arrive,
21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be liberated into God’s freedom and peace.

43 Everyone felt a sense of awe because the apostles were doing many signs and wonders among them. 44 There was an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed; they shared all their material possessions in trust. 45 They sold any possessions and goods that did not benefit the community and used the money to help everyone in need. 46 They were unified as they worshiped at the temple day after day. In homes, they broke bread and shared meals with glad and generous hearts. 47 The new disciples praised God, and they enjoyed the goodwill of all the people of the city. Day after day the Lord added to their number everyone who was experiencing liberation.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.