June 24, 2014
Our calling is to bear witness to the gospel and leave the heart’s receptivity to the Lord. We can’t “open the heart” of the hearer, but we can open our own mouths to speak the gospel message. Paul’s faithfulness to sow the seed of the gospel everywhere he went and leave the heart condition of the soil up to God was what resulted in churches being planted all over the Roman world. I wonder how many “Lydias” are apparently going about their business, yet desperately looking for God? Are we willing to be like Paul and spread the Word?
June 23, 2014
Simple instructions… The Uganda mission team is home again. Yet, I can still hear Blake teaching the “simple instructions” of salvation through the lesson of Naaman. Children and adults alike in Uganda freely responded. What a great surprise to return to the world of reliable internet and see this OYB reading today. Naaman had to surrender his pride and “go and wash” in the Jordan to be healed of leprosy. Jesus gave us simple instructions too in order to be saved. “Believe on the One whom God has sent” (John 6:29).
June 7, 2014
014 – Uganda mission trip. June 7th through 22nd. Unable to post during the trip.
June 6, 2014
Something extraordinary happens to ordinary people when they spend time with Jesus. When the former fisherman Peter stood to speak to the illustrious gathering of Jewish priests and rabbis they were shocked at his bold eloquence. So much so, that they asked Peter and John to leave the room while they conferred. What gave Peter and John such authority? They didn’t have famous fathers or letters after their names. They didn’t study under Gamaliel or Hillel. They had spent all but the last three years as blue collar workers, as fisherman. But the last three years they had devoted to following Jesus and that changed everything. Others are able to “recognize” people who have “been with Jesus.”
June 5, 2014
Peter and John encountered a cripple asking for money on their way to afternoon prayers at the Temple. While many worshipers passed by the invalid without looking at him, probably even avoiding eye contact, Peter and John “looked at him intently.” They weren’t afraid of his need. In fact, they looked past his felt need for money to his deeper need for wholeness. Peter and John didn’t have money, but what they did have was better. When we have Jesus, we always have what people need. We don’t have to fear making eye contact with those in need. We may not have what people want, but we certainly have what they need.
June 4, 2014
and to prayer” (Acts 2:42 NLT).
The first century church was devoted to four things: 1) the apostle’s teaching, 2) the fellowship, 3) the sharing of meals and 4) prayer. And there was a rhythm to their days as they worshiped in the temple and met in one another’s homes (Acts 2:46). Following this pattern, the early church grew miraculously as God added to their number daily “those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). We would do well to devote ourselves to this same pattern in our churches today.
June 3, 2014
Psalm 121 is the second of 15 “Psalms of Ascent” (Psalms 120-134). These psalms became known as such because of their use by Hebrew pilgrims making the three annual treks to Jerusalem for the required festivals. The pilgrims would sing these songs as they ascended to the temple mount in preparation for worship. During Jesus’ time there were 15 steps to the Herodian Temple that approached the Double Gate. These psalms were sung on these steps before entering the gates to the temple. Today, the gates are sealed, but the steps remain. It’s good to get your praise on before coming to worship. And this reminder from Psalm 121 that it is the “Lord himself” that is with you, watching over you to protect you is especially encouraging.
June 2, 2014
After Jesus’ resurrection he appeared to his disciples many times. On his third appearance he asked Peter three times whether he loved him. Certainly this must be connected to Peter’s denying Jesus three times before his crucifixion. In this manner Jesus helped restore their relationship, giving Peter the opportunity to renew his pledge of love, even reminding him of his earlier promise that he was willing to die for Jesus. Our pledge to love Jesus even unto death is of no value without Jesus helping us to keep our relationship. When we make a commitment to Jesus, as Peter learned, he helps us to keep it. Jesus loves us and it is the power of his love that enables us to love him back. Coincidently, this OYB reading falls on June 2nd, my anniversary. On this day 35 years ago, Robin and I committed to love one another until death do us part. We have kept that promise so far and we give Jesus all the credit for empowering us to not only keep loving, but to love one another more and more deeply as the years roll on. Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” Perhaps the most important question we will ever answer.
June 1, 2014
Jesus encouraged his disciple Thomas to stop being “faithless” and to see and believe. Thomas saw the risen Lord and believed. Early church history indicates that Thomas carried the gospel to India and was martyred there. Thomas saw the words of Jesus come to pass as three thousand believed in Jerusalem at Pentecost and many more thousands across the Roman empire and even to the East in India believed without seeing the risen Savior. Today, those of us who believe are among those who are blessed, for we have believed without seeing. At least not yet. For Thomas, seeing preceded believing. For us, believing came first, but seeing will soon follow.
May 31, 2014
The story of David’s betrayal foreshadows that of Jesus. David wept on the Mount of Olives as he left Jerusalem. He was betrayed by a trusted advisor. And his advisor later hung himself. The Old Testament prepares us for the Jesus story, which is the gospel story. Yet, only those with eyes to see and ears to hear will believe.