Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 8:26-40
(If you don't have a Bible close, just click on the link.)

It all began when our preacher talked about this verse not too long ago. Since that time I keep reading and rereading it. I'm fascinated with Philip. I'm even more enamored with how the Holy Spirit moved in Philip's life.

The first verse grabs my attention: God calling Philip to a desolate place. Some versions say a "wilderness road." I wonder... am I willing to go into the wilderness, the untamed, the dangerous just because God asks. Would I go the way less traveled? Am I on the narrow path?

There in the wilderness is someone who needs to hear God's Word. Philip's obedience to go and "climb up in the chariot" opens the door for God to move. A heart was changed that day. A soul saved... entering the waters of baptism.

And if that weren't enough to keep me in awe, the Spirit takes Philip off to the next place. I want to be like Philip. I want to go into the wilderness of my community and world. I want to climb up into chariots and restaurant booths and slides and share the gospel. I want to witness hearts changed and souls saved. I want the Spirit to move me to the next place without my resistance or fear or hesitation.

Lord, so many times I just don't want to go to the wilderness. Forgive me for those times when I choose the comfortable path. I want to be a part of your plan... to climb up in the chariots of today and share your word. I want to see hearts moved and lives changed by your Spirit.

In Jesus name... amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Reading: Acts 8:9-25
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

Simon the wizard is now Simon the Believer. Just when you think his life of tricking people for money is over it shows itself again. He wants what Peter has. He wants to be able to do the things Peter is doing. This power would put him over the top... make him so much money.

Peter realizes it and says, "I can see this is an old habit with you."

Some things just hang on. Old habits are hard to break and sometimes we don't even realize what we are doing. What old habit seems to be hanging around you lately? What is God calling you to do with this old thing?

Lord, cleanse me completely of all the shadows

and habits of my past unbelief. 

Sanctify me by Your Word,

Your Word is truth.

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 7:54-8:8
(Click on the link to read today's verses.)

Did you notice who held the coats of those who threw the stones? Saul... the same one we call Paul now. The same man who wrote so many of the letters we read in the New Testament. Before his Damascus road experience, take a look at the kind of man he was.

The ringleaders took off their coats and asked a young man named Saul to watch them.

Saul was right there, congratulating the killers. 

And Saul just went wild, devastating the church, entering house after house after house, dragging men and women off to jail. 

Consider your own sins. If God can use a man like Saul, He can use you... and me. This is the good news of the Gospel. This is the wonder working power of the God who saves!

Lord Jesus, bless me with the faith to fully walk

in the fullness of salvation You have provided.

I do not want to let my past keep me paralyzed with guilt.

I want to boldly serve You and Your Kingdom

according to Your call on my life.

There is therefore now no condemnation

for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Acts

Today's Verses: Acts 7:28-53
(Click on the link to read today's scripture.)

“And you continue, so bullheaded! Calluses on your hearts, flaps on your ears! Deliberately ignoring the Holy Spirit,"

Stephen's accusations bring me to my own questions:

    Is there something I'm being stubborn about... even bullheaded?

    Are there places in my heart that are hard?

    Where am I refusing to listen... to hear God's voice?

    Am I deliberately ignoring the Holy Spirit in some area of my life?

Father God, tender my heart to Your conviction.

Make me sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

Reveal where I have put together my own religious programs,

and completely wandered from Your Way.

I do not want to miss Jesus.

Beyone the Gospels: Acts

Today's Scripture: Acts 7:1-27
(Don't have a Bible handy? Just click on the link.)

Here Stephen stands before the council, looking like an angel, and the leader asks, "What do you have to say for yourself?" He had been charged of speaking against God and Moses. Witnesses lied and gave false testimony. This was Stephen's chance to set things straight... to call those out who lied about him. This is the point where Stephen had the opportunity to tell of all the good things he was doing. How many were healed. The number of miracles God had performed through Stephen.

But that's not the path Stephen chose. Instead he begins to tell the leaders what they already know. He starts with Abraham and continues in these verses to Moses. What kind of defense is this? Where is Stephen going with this?

Think about the times you've defended yourself. In the end, did it come out the way you wanted? Did it convince anyone really? Could it be that the best defense is God's Word... His story not ours?

Lord, to know Your Word --- the Word made flesh ---

is to know my defense. He alone makes me righteous.

Bless me with a desire to be in Your Word

and to discover Jesus from Genesis to Revelation.