Acts 7:54-55
"When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit...."
Acts 2:37
"Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Acts 7:51
“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you."
The other time the phrase "When they heard these things they were cut to the heart" is used, in Acts, the people are asking what they must to in obedience to the man Jesus. When the Holy Spirit moves in Acts 2:37 the result is full submission, obedience, salvation. Here, just as Stephen identified in 7:51, the stiff-necked religious leaders violently resist the Holy Spirit and His work. And just to emphasize how thoroughly they resisted the Holy Spirit, Luke contrasts their response by identifying that Stephen was "filled with the Holy Spirit."
It's mind-blowing to consider the vast difference in response and consequence. In both instances the Holy Spirit is speaking and working. The tipping point for each is found in vs. 57; "then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears" Their voice was louder than the Spirit's and their ears were closed off to what He was saying.
It is so evident here in the book of Acts and even within my own life that the Holy Spirit is always at work, always speaking. I must listen - especially more-so when I am "cut to the heart." I must learn to keep my mouth shut and my ears open; to be still.
So do I have the ears to hear His voice and a circumcised heart to be cut and receive His word? Where have I stopped up my ears or hardened my heart? Where have I been moved by His prompting?
God - give me ears to hear and a sensitive heart to receive Your Holy Spirit; to discern His voice and submit to Your will. Amen.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Priority of Prayer
Acts 6:2-4
"Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
There certainly is no shortage of distraction - even good and noble ones - in the life of a pastor or spiritual leader. No one could possibly bear the load of a God-sized ministry alone. We must pick and chose wisely what we will focus on and what we will pass on.
For the apostles, their priority was first on prayer and on the ministry of the Word. From the text, I get the sense that prayer was a non-negotiable and the ministry of the Word was a wise choice. Prayer consistently pops up in the early church and the foundation stages as the strongest calling. Without prayer, the ministry of the Word lacks power. Without prayer, the ministry to the poor lacks discernment. Without prayer, miracles cease to occur.
So is prayer my priority? Is prayer something I schedule and plan for or do I squeeze it in between other responsibilities? Do the people in my care see it as my passion or simply a tool I use to open, close or transition my messages and meetings? Do I set aside tasks, even noble and necessary ones, to spend extended time in prayer seeking God's wisdom, favor and presence? Do I practice the prayer discipline of listening for God to speak back? Is prayer my first priority?
God - make prayer my priority. Not only remind me to pray, but make prayer my passion - give me a heart and dependence on prayer that drives me to your presence daily. Amen.
"Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
There certainly is no shortage of distraction - even good and noble ones - in the life of a pastor or spiritual leader. No one could possibly bear the load of a God-sized ministry alone. We must pick and chose wisely what we will focus on and what we will pass on.
For the apostles, their priority was first on prayer and on the ministry of the Word. From the text, I get the sense that prayer was a non-negotiable and the ministry of the Word was a wise choice. Prayer consistently pops up in the early church and the foundation stages as the strongest calling. Without prayer, the ministry of the Word lacks power. Without prayer, the ministry to the poor lacks discernment. Without prayer, miracles cease to occur.
So is prayer my priority? Is prayer something I schedule and plan for or do I squeeze it in between other responsibilities? Do the people in my care see it as my passion or simply a tool I use to open, close or transition my messages and meetings? Do I set aside tasks, even noble and necessary ones, to spend extended time in prayer seeking God's wisdom, favor and presence? Do I practice the prayer discipline of listening for God to speak back? Is prayer my first priority?
God - make prayer my priority. Not only remind me to pray, but make prayer my passion - give me a heart and dependence on prayer that drives me to your presence daily. Amen.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Worthy to Suffer... for His Name
Acts 5:41-42
"So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ."
I don't fully understand the joy of suffering, mostly because I have not suffered - for His name or any other cause. In itself, suffering is not, cannot be, a good or joyful thing. But the phrase "for His name" changes the experience completely. In suffering the apostles identified with Jesus, feeling honored to follow in His steps. Yet even more than identifying with Jesus in their suffering, their joy came from knowing they suffered for His name. This suffering was not just a response to good deeds or even revolutionary teaching, this was a direct response to their use of Jesus name. This joy and purpose came from knowing that suffering exalted the powerful and authoritative name of Jesus, by which men must be saved and may be restored. Even after the beatings, when they would be asked about their bruises and scars they would be able to exalt His name and tell their story. His name made all the difference.
So why don't I know this joy?
Perhaps if I exalted the name of Jesus more often I would at least give God a chance to count me worthy to suffer and bear His name with joy. They maybe one day I'll understand.
Father - make me bold to speak the name of Jesus Christ, my savior and God. Find me worthy to identify with Him in suffering and worthy to carry with me the scars and joy and story as I exalt Jesus name. Amen.
"So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ."
I don't fully understand the joy of suffering, mostly because I have not suffered - for His name or any other cause. In itself, suffering is not, cannot be, a good or joyful thing. But the phrase "for His name" changes the experience completely. In suffering the apostles identified with Jesus, feeling honored to follow in His steps. Yet even more than identifying with Jesus in their suffering, their joy came from knowing they suffered for His name. This suffering was not just a response to good deeds or even revolutionary teaching, this was a direct response to their use of Jesus name. This joy and purpose came from knowing that suffering exalted the powerful and authoritative name of Jesus, by which men must be saved and may be restored. Even after the beatings, when they would be asked about their bruises and scars they would be able to exalt His name and tell their story. His name made all the difference.
So why don't I know this joy?
Perhaps if I exalted the name of Jesus more often I would at least give God a chance to count me worthy to suffer and bear His name with joy. They maybe one day I'll understand.
Father - make me bold to speak the name of Jesus Christ, my savior and God. Find me worthy to identify with Him in suffering and worthy to carry with me the scars and joy and story as I exalt Jesus name. Amen.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Name of Jesus
Acts 4:12
"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
I chuckled out loud thinking about the question exchange between Peter and John and the Jewish rulers. Peter and John must have been thinking, "you want to know what?... really?... Cool! Alright, here goes... you asked for it!"
Knowing that this same group had Jesus crucified just weeks before, they could not help but proclaim the power and authority in Jesus name. Even after being told not to speak Jesus name, they couldn't help but proclaim it! (vs. 17-20).
So why do I have such a tough time with the name of Jesus? I'll say "God," or "Lord," or even "Christ" but rarely Jesus. I'm not proud of it, I'm actually embarrassed. I think its because I associate the name "Jesus" with all the children's' songs and flannel graph stories I learned in Sunday School. "Jesus" seems so juvenile. But exactly the opposite is true, when it comes to the names of God, we have given children the nuclear bomb of names! And for some reason, the older we get, we exchange this powerful name for pea shooters and sling shots. Perhaps if I better understood the power and authority in Jesus name I would speak it more often. There is not denying it - there is unimaginable power in the name of Jesus.
Jesus - fill me with boldness to proclaim your name through the power of the Holy Spirit. Teach me the power of Your name. Amen.
There's Just Something About That Name
Author Unknown
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
There's just something about that name
Master, Saviour, Jesus
Like the fragrance after the rain
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Let all Heaven and Earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms
Will all pass away
But there's something about that Name.
"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
I chuckled out loud thinking about the question exchange between Peter and John and the Jewish rulers. Peter and John must have been thinking, "you want to know what?... really?... Cool! Alright, here goes... you asked for it!"
Knowing that this same group had Jesus crucified just weeks before, they could not help but proclaim the power and authority in Jesus name. Even after being told not to speak Jesus name, they couldn't help but proclaim it! (vs. 17-20).
So why do I have such a tough time with the name of Jesus? I'll say "God," or "Lord," or even "Christ" but rarely Jesus. I'm not proud of it, I'm actually embarrassed. I think its because I associate the name "Jesus" with all the children's' songs and flannel graph stories I learned in Sunday School. "Jesus" seems so juvenile. But exactly the opposite is true, when it comes to the names of God, we have given children the nuclear bomb of names! And for some reason, the older we get, we exchange this powerful name for pea shooters and sling shots. Perhaps if I better understood the power and authority in Jesus name I would speak it more often. There is not denying it - there is unimaginable power in the name of Jesus.
Jesus - fill me with boldness to proclaim your name through the power of the Holy Spirit. Teach me the power of Your name. Amen.
There's Just Something About That Name
Author Unknown
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
There's just something about that name
Master, Saviour, Jesus
Like the fragrance after the rain
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Let all Heaven and Earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms
Will all pass away
But there's something about that Name.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Power & Faith in Jesus Name
Acts 3:6, 16, 19
-Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
-And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
-Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
Exactly what did Peter extend to the lame man? Faith in Jesus Christ. To the lame man it was faith for restoration - to the crowds it was faith for forgiveness and restoration. To both, was extended the opportunity for faith in the name of Jesus Christ. By faith we are saved and by faith we are healed. Like Peter, I have no power to heal. Healing comes through faith in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter wielded the power of the Holy Spirit to be a bold witness (Acts 1:8) - to call the people to experience forgiveness and refreshing (healing) for themselves... in the name of Jesus! When the name of Jesus is used, it is not to invoke power (though there is a place for this - specifically in spiritual warfare) but to invite others to experience His power through faith in that name alone.
So in my witness, what do I extend to people? Do I use the name of Jesus? Do I invite them to experience the power of forgiveness and restoration found in that name?
I must call people to faith IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST - for the purpose of restoration and refreshing. I cannot shy away from the name of Jesus or the promise found in His name. This is why the Holy Spirit was given, that I may be a witness of His work wherever I go.
God - fill me with boldness to be a witness, to call others to faith in the name of Jesus - to invite them to experience the restoration and refreshing found only through faith in His name. Amen.
-Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
-And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
-Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
Exactly what did Peter extend to the lame man? Faith in Jesus Christ. To the lame man it was faith for restoration - to the crowds it was faith for forgiveness and restoration. To both, was extended the opportunity for faith in the name of Jesus Christ. By faith we are saved and by faith we are healed. Like Peter, I have no power to heal. Healing comes through faith in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter wielded the power of the Holy Spirit to be a bold witness (Acts 1:8) - to call the people to experience forgiveness and refreshing (healing) for themselves... in the name of Jesus! When the name of Jesus is used, it is not to invoke power (though there is a place for this - specifically in spiritual warfare) but to invite others to experience His power through faith in that name alone.
So in my witness, what do I extend to people? Do I use the name of Jesus? Do I invite them to experience the power of forgiveness and restoration found in that name?
I must call people to faith IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST - for the purpose of restoration and refreshing. I cannot shy away from the name of Jesus or the promise found in His name. This is why the Holy Spirit was given, that I may be a witness of His work wherever I go.
God - fill me with boldness to be a witness, to call others to faith in the name of Jesus - to invite them to experience the restoration and refreshing found only through faith in His name. Amen.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Lord and Savior
Acts 2:34-39
“For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:
‘ The LORD said to my Lord,
“ Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ (Psalm 110:1)
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
When Peter calls Jesus both Lord and Christ he is declaring Him to be more than the authoritative Savior, more than an honored man. By Quoting David (Psa. 110:1) declaring the coming Messiah and Lord - Peter was identifying Jesus as God Himself incarnate. Jesus too revealed as much concerning the same passage in Luke 20:41-44. Rejection of Jesus therefor is not simply refusal to follow a good man, wise teacher or even powerful, would-be king - it is rejection of God! He is not merely part of some spiritual equation for salvation, Jesus is divine, eternal God, Creator, Sustainer, Omnipotent King, God! This is why the Jews in Jerusalem were cut to the heart when Peter reminded them of what they did with this Jesus.
I love their response, "What shall we do?!!"
Seeing Jesus for who He fully is demands action, not just belief. Receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior is not merely academic - it's accepting a radical call to action, to live counter-culturally, counter-intuitively, controversially. And it's bringing others along to do the same (vs. 39).
Is this me? Is my life marked by action or simply knowledge? What have I done with Jesus today?
Jesus - remind me of who You are each day. Teach me to revere You and answer Your call to action. Cut me to the heart and convict me when I do not treat you as both Savior and God. Empower me to live boldly as I extend You to others. Be exalted in my life today. Amen.
“For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:
‘ The LORD said to my Lord,
“ Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ (Psalm 110:1)
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
When Peter calls Jesus both Lord and Christ he is declaring Him to be more than the authoritative Savior, more than an honored man. By Quoting David (Psa. 110:1) declaring the coming Messiah and Lord - Peter was identifying Jesus as God Himself incarnate. Jesus too revealed as much concerning the same passage in Luke 20:41-44. Rejection of Jesus therefor is not simply refusal to follow a good man, wise teacher or even powerful, would-be king - it is rejection of God! He is not merely part of some spiritual equation for salvation, Jesus is divine, eternal God, Creator, Sustainer, Omnipotent King, God! This is why the Jews in Jerusalem were cut to the heart when Peter reminded them of what they did with this Jesus.
I love their response, "What shall we do?!!"
Seeing Jesus for who He fully is demands action, not just belief. Receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior is not merely academic - it's accepting a radical call to action, to live counter-culturally, counter-intuitively, controversially. And it's bringing others along to do the same (vs. 39).
Is this me? Is my life marked by action or simply knowledge? What have I done with Jesus today?
Jesus - remind me of who You are each day. Teach me to revere You and answer Your call to action. Cut me to the heart and convict me when I do not treat you as both Savior and God. Empower me to live boldly as I extend You to others. Be exalted in my life today. Amen.
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Holy Spirit & Jesus
Acts 1:1-3
The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
I've been more and more often surprised by how the Holy Spirit shows up in Jesus ministry. He was led by the Spirit, driven by the Spirit, discerned through the Spirit, became strong in the Spirit, was filled with the Holy Spirit, rejoiced in the Spirit, prayed in the Spirit, was troubled in Spirit, and taught through the Holy Spirit. Though He Himself was fully divine, He still submitted to the Holy Spirit in full cooperation. This truth leads me to ask, "how much am I influenced by the Holy Spirit?" and "am I living in full submission to and cooperation with the Holy Spirit?" I'm afraid that more often than not, my association with the Spirit would better be defined with words like "quench," "grieve," or "deny." I tend to be pretty dull to the Holy Spirit. This may be due to a lack of understanding, lack of focus, or lack of desire for the Holy Spirit. I like (and find comfort) in things that are black and white, like Scripture - safe, definable, predictable, manageable. The Holy Spirit is far too dangerous, demands such faith and leads to such unimaginable results. I can't define, predict, manage or manipulate the Spirit or His work. Call me a control freak.
But if I am going to walk as Jesus walked I am going to need to invite the Holy Spirit to play a larger role in my life. I'll need to focus on Him and hunger for His intervention. I'll need to give up control and listen hard. I'll need to ask Him to show up.
Holy Spirit - fully fill me today and open my ears to your voice. Teach me to know Your presence. Drive me to the place where You want to use me. Teach me to submit to Your movement and help me to cooperate with You. Amen.
The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
I've been more and more often surprised by how the Holy Spirit shows up in Jesus ministry. He was led by the Spirit, driven by the Spirit, discerned through the Spirit, became strong in the Spirit, was filled with the Holy Spirit, rejoiced in the Spirit, prayed in the Spirit, was troubled in Spirit, and taught through the Holy Spirit. Though He Himself was fully divine, He still submitted to the Holy Spirit in full cooperation. This truth leads me to ask, "how much am I influenced by the Holy Spirit?" and "am I living in full submission to and cooperation with the Holy Spirit?" I'm afraid that more often than not, my association with the Spirit would better be defined with words like "quench," "grieve," or "deny." I tend to be pretty dull to the Holy Spirit. This may be due to a lack of understanding, lack of focus, or lack of desire for the Holy Spirit. I like (and find comfort) in things that are black and white, like Scripture - safe, definable, predictable, manageable. The Holy Spirit is far too dangerous, demands such faith and leads to such unimaginable results. I can't define, predict, manage or manipulate the Spirit or His work. Call me a control freak.
But if I am going to walk as Jesus walked I am going to need to invite the Holy Spirit to play a larger role in my life. I'll need to focus on Him and hunger for His intervention. I'll need to give up control and listen hard. I'll need to ask Him to show up.
Holy Spirit - fully fill me today and open my ears to your voice. Teach me to know Your presence. Drive me to the place where You want to use me. Teach me to submit to Your movement and help me to cooperate with You. Amen.
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