Apollos' Telling Reaction to Truth

Acts 18:24-28

²⁴ Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. ²⁵ He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism. ²⁶ When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.

²⁷ Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him to go. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God’s grace, had believed. ²⁸ He refuted the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah.

Apollos catches my attention for several reasons. First, he was a scholar, an orator, and a debater. When he began preaching, he lacked "the rest of the story" in that he did not know of Christ as the Messiah. Priscilla & Aquila approached Apollos to "fill him in," and his response is quite telling. I love what Apollos DID NOT do:

• Apollos DID NOT reject the new message or the messengers;
  
• he DID NOT express anger or jealousy over another person's knowledge;
  
• he DID NOT feel criticized; and
  
• he DID NOT feel embarrassed.
  

Apollos listened and responded. This is an example of John 8: 31-22 (NLT):

³¹ Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³² And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Apollos recognized the Truth, accepted the Truth, and the Truth freed him to spread the "new and improved" message with even more passion! Often a person's reaction to instruction is a open door to recognizing whether or not they are teachable, open-minded, and honestly seeking Truth. If a person is not teachable, open-minded, and honestly seeking Truth, then beware of their ability to discern God's message in contemporary terms.

In I Corinthians, we read about Apollos' charismatic leadership. The human race really likes charismatic leaders! The danger with this type of leadership, however, is that followers interchange the message and the man; followers begin to worship the man. Apollos, or any other human, should not be lifted above God's message.

In all areas of thought, we must become lifelong learners and critical thinkers in order to be teachable, open-minded, and Truth seekers. Then, we will experience the freedom God promised through His Truth.

"There is no end of opinions ready to be expressed.
Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting."
Ecclesiastes 12:12 (NLT)

God's Truth & Culture Is Not Oil & Water

Well friends, I am back to Acts after a month-long furlough for no particular reason.... Once again, I believe the Lord is revealing His Truth through The Word and culture - this never fails to amaze me, truly! I began reading Acts because I believed it would reveal to me how I should be responding to our current culture as a Christian. My Lord has not failed me! I love this Truth:

"For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done" (Hebrews 4:12-13, NLT).

I had a troubling experience this week.... Someone called me a "Sunday School Christian." After I gained some distance and perspective from the comment, I realized that this person does not know me well, is not an "up close and personal" friend, and does not respect me, as an individual. While still feeling quite disturbed, though, I started reading again in Acts, because I believe the differences between me and my friend are culturally relevant. It is now "PC" to disrespect conservatives and Christians without even knowing whether or not they are critical thinkers. If there is one thing I know for certain about myself - weaknesses and all - it is that I am not a "Sunday School Christian." No one who knows me well at this stage of my life, whether or not they agree with my belief system, has accused me of such superficial thinking.

Acts 17:11 describes open-mindedness: Open-mindedness is eager listening followed by diligent searching.

"The people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened to Paul's message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to check up on Paul and Silas, to see if they were really teaching the truth" (Acts 17:11, NLT).

This describes precisely what I have been called to do: I eagerly listen to multiple sides of culturally relevant issues and search the Scriptures to make sense of these issues. As a graduate student at a secular university, I never use Scriptural references as they are not considered scholarly; however, I have never even felt the need to because good science, the use of the scientific method, supports God's Truth. I may address this further in another posting....

Later in Acts 17, responses to Paul's message are described:

"Some laughed, but others said, 'We want to hear more about this later.' That ended Paul's discussion with them, but some joined him and became believers" (Acts 17: 32-33, NLT).

Based on these verses and others found in Matthew 13:11-17 and Isaiah 6:9-10, I believe:

• Some will hear God's Truth, but will be unaffected;


• Some will receive knowledge and refute it using intellectual prowess without Spiritual power from God;


• Some will embrace knowledge - with a spiritual power, but not The Spiritual power. They will either refute God's Truth and/or create confusion among those who are not seeking God's Truth;
  


• Some will embrace God's Truth with a heart and mind empowered by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ - which is the only way to fully know, comprehend, apply, analyze, and deeply relate to God's Truth.

To all options, I respond with Acts 5:38-39:

"My advice is: Leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God" (Acts 5:38-39, NLT).

My next post will be about Apollos, a scholar, orator, and debater known for his persuasive preaching. He, too, is teaching me some powerful Truths about engaging in contemporary culture as a Christian.

Acts 17 + A Trip to Gameworks = A 21st Century Application

"As Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by the all the idols he saw everywhere in the city...."

Lord, I am deeply troubled by the idols I see everywhere around me and within me. These are some of the idols I see and experience:

1. Fear of standing out; embarrassment; offending another - even for the sake of Truth
2. Comfort; safety; entertainment; luxury in body, mind, and spirit
3. Freedom and tolerance in spite of Godly boundaries
4. Work, career, identity, approval
5. Power, control, status, success
6. Fitting in with worldly culture

My parents are visiting from Oregon for two weeks, so Thursday afternoon we packed up, drove to Columbus, and stayed the night in a hotel. Friday we took the kids to Gameworks at Easton. The purpose of Gameworks was 100% for the entertainment of the kids. Such establishments give me a headache - I really DO NOT like gaming. This was our first visit as a family and we were unfamiliar with how to purchase a game card. Upon learning the details, we knew this adventure was going to cost more than we had planned, so we ended up purchasing less game time. This option also required the boys to share a card (heaven forbid!). They pouted, complained, and generally frustrated me with their attitudes.

As they went on to play their games with grandma in tow, I set up a table for me to study. Since my quiet time has been lacking the last week, I decided to review my memory work first. The verses in Acts 17 took on a whole new meaning:

"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens,"
While I was waiting for Tanner and Tyler to play at Gameworks....

"he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city."
I was disturbed by the extreme draw my kids experience towards gaming, electronics, and technology; by the way they idolize the experience; by their complete lack of understanding towards those less fortunate (i.e., their extreme selfishness).

"It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas."
I have read that some of the Athenians represented in this group of philosophers were Epicureans. The focus of their lives was pleasure and happiness, like that of modern day materialists and hedonists. As I "fully experienced" the atmosphere and purpose of Gameworks, I felt so sad thinking of the materialistic pleasures on which my children depend.

"Men of Athens, I notice you are very religious, for as I was walking along, I saw your many alters...."
Later today, Tanner asked why he was not paid money for doing a good deed. I responded by asking him why I am not paid for doing nice things.... He said, "I should be paid to go to school...." To which I responded with something along the lines of, "Someday you will be paid as a result of your commitment to learn." Tanner wasn't impressed!

Paul was able to speak with the philosophers and leaders of his day in Athens because he was well-schooled. He had a broad base of knowledge; he was well-spoken and persuasive; he spent his life thinking and reasoning about the Scriptures. As Christians, education is important because we must be able to reason and relate with many kinds of people. We must be able to think critically about complex topics. We must understand, evaluate, and synthesize a variety of viewpoints to create Christlike responses in ways that our intended audiences will hear and respond.

Today, the focus of my critical thinking is related to how I should respond to my children; how I might influence their self-centered thinking; how I might guide them away from their addiction to entertainment and technology. Applying Christlikeness to daily living is difficult and sooooo counter-cultural. Oh my Lord, how is this possible? I need your guidance, strength, and power!

132nd Verse - Same as the 1st

Sometimes I wonder if people (myself included) are talking just for the sake of talking.... Such a phenomenon can be annoying at times. Well, yesterday I feel like I was writing just to write; writing just because I thought I needed to create a blog entry. It did not feel natural like I have been feeling.... So, this morning I re-read portions of Acts to consider what I was missing.

"One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them.' So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way" (Acts 13:2-3).

P & B were set apart for a special work. In our day, I believe this equals those called to be pastors, teachers, missionaries, etc. At the same time, though, I believe every believer is set apart to serve as God empowers and guides. We must not allow humans to discourage our God-gifted guidance to contribute to His plan for His glory. Think of the most Godly, vivacious person you know and seek to serve with that kind of focus.

I allowed my passion to be deflated by mere humans. On one hand, they believed I lacked a specific calling worthy of my being "set apart." This may be true.... On the other hand, their compassion-less directive left me feeling rejected without further guidance and encouragement. Looking back I am thankful for the closed door, but I wish it had not been so impersonally slammed in my face. The experience hurt and created a wound requiring healing.

I am thankful God knows just what to do with wounds that need attention. It has taken me awhile to find my balance again, but God has been faithful; He has renewed my heart again. Wounds always provide fertile soil for growth.... I continue to ponder the following thoughts:

• It takes focused attention on God alone to distinguish between God's authority and man's interpretation of that authority. Humans, even church leaders, are not always correct in their judgments. I must not be like a sponge soaking up another's words as truth. I must be dependent on my personal relationship with Christ to determine His Truth.
• Humans can be very disappointing, but God overcomes and cleans up the messes men create.
• While denominations may achieve large scale advances for the sake of the Kingdom, denominational pride is a serious problem that must be addressed before God - particularly in the USA.
• Reliance on positions, titles, power, education, knowledge, etc. is dangerous. God speaks through many people, in unique circumstances whether throngs of followers are listening or not. In many cases, God uses ordinary people in common circumstances to have the most significant impacts.

The Lord is certainly not done with me yet! I still have this desire within me for some kind of man made status that signifies I have received some level of achievement or approval from man. Again and again the Lord reminds me that human approval is not necessary for effective ministry - sometimes it even impedes effective ministry. I am growing accustomed to how this lesson feels within my soul, so I catch God's message a little faster each time. Thank you, Jesus, for your patience! I am so grateful that You never give up on Your beloved children.

What's the Point? "Snip-its" from Acts

I have a little catching up to do in Acts. It seems as if I have a bunch of little lessons to share, but we'll see how they come together in this blog, and maybe the next one, too.

I believe we left off at Acts 13. It is here that Saul and Barnabas were dedicated for a specific work that the Holy Spirit had planned for them (verse 2). I like reading about such things in the Word of God because I know God loves me and you just as much as Saul and Barnabas. He has a unique place of service for each one of us! Pray with me for revelation from Jesus to reveal His plans in His time - and He WILL do it as you invest in your relationship with Him!

In Acts 13:9-12, Saul (from now on called Paul) confronts a sorcerer. Two things stand out to me here: 1) sorcery is real (i.e., it should not be carelessly considered), and 2) confrontation of sin is directed by God. Paul faced the sorcerer with boldness and confidence. In recognizing the difference between Truth and lies, in hearing from God, and in obeying God, Paul glorified God in his response! To this end, Paul's rock-solid relationship with God is a great example for us to follow.

Acts 13:44-52. Some Jewish leaders did not like the attention Paul and Barnabas were receiving as they preached the Gospel among Jews and Gentiles. So, how did the Jewish leaders respond? They created controversy among community leaders! Hmmm - I find this interesting. This scenario reminds me to always be cautious of the people whose impressions influence my thinking. Religious leaders are not immune from being controlled by factors outside of God's plan. I must place my deepest trust in relationship with God ahead of relationships with people.

Dependence on man versus God is also addressed in Acts 14:8-20. As a human, there is a natural draw to seek the approval of other people, but as is evident in these verses, people change their minds rather easily. It is valuable to gain understanding of the people around us, but only God deserves our ultimate allegiance as we are in relationship with Him.

Acts 14:1-7. I have often wondered whether or not the unbelievers in my life would turn to Jesus if they witnessed more of His miracles. It is clear through scripture that miraculous signs and powers are not enough to bring people to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the One who draws people, and people have a definitive choice as to their response. The same principle applies to all the flashy church stuff we create "for the glory of God." The Holy Spirit is capable of working with or without our flash - we must be willing and sensitive to act in communion with what the Holy Spirit is already doing in our midst. Such a response requires an active relationship with Christ.

Acts 15 takes a powerful turn for me, so I am going to end this entry here.... As I re-read these snip-its from Acts, I noted the common theme of relationship with Jesus. Hmmm - this is clearly a key idea; the point we need to internalize before moving on in scripture.

Worms or Blessings in Leadership

As 2009 began, my thoughts centered around my plea to the Lord to just get me through June 13th. I really don't like to live this way, but the first half of 2009 promised to be extremely busy - a good kind of busy. In January, I started my 12th (out of 13) master's course in the process of earning a degree in Educational Psychology. In February, I started teaching at MVNU for the first time: University Success Strategies and Reading Success Strategies. In the meantime, the first of each year means heavy duty planning for an annual women's event at MVNU that I coordinate. All of this is on top of being a wife, mother, and my other "3/4-time" job at MVNU. Somewhere in there we had a doctor's appointment for Tyler that led us to schedule surgery for him on March 23.

My class ended last Friday - PTL! The retreat begins this Friday. Oh, and Tyler turns 9 on Friday, I turn 39 on Sunday, and Steve turns 42 next week. Next week is Spring Break for me and the boys. Because Tyler will be recovering from surgery, we will spend the whole break laying low at home - ahhhh. I will start my "final integrative project" at the beginning of April, complete my teaching responsibilities in mid-May, and (hopefully) submit my project by mid-June (which equals GRADUATION!).

Clearly I have not been seeking for things to fill my time - which makes writing this blog all the more odd. I did not decide one day to write a blog. I had been reading several blogs for a few months. During that time, I wondered whether I had anything to blog about. Then, without my seeking it, I believe the Lord just started filling my head and heart with stuff - His stuff. It had to go somewhere... so why not a blog? At first, I responded to the Lord with, "I'll know this is from you if you provide a name for this blog." He gave me Acts 6:7 which led to "Pebbles, Ripples, Circles."

Sometimes I wonder if this is my blog or God's blog - I am seeking for it to be God's blog. I have this fear that my pride or my ego may get in the way of God's plans. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds me that God knows my intentions, or my heart:

"The Lord said to Samuel, 'Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions" (NLT).

I wrote on Sunday that I planned on keeping my March 1-15 verse for March 16-31. I may do that, or I may memorize 1 Samuel 16:7. Somewhere in my past people have judged me for receiving attention, so I get a little paranoid about taking such an outward position like that of writing a blog. It is safer to fly under the radar, but God doesn't appear to desire that for me. The Lord doesn't make decisions like people... He knows the heart. There is freedom in God's plan rather than man's plan!

God does address the human ego. In Acts 12, Herod Agrippa I is featured. From his example, we know that there is great danger in accepting praise that belongs to God. When Herod Agrippa I accepted the adoration of some Jews who were trying to make peace with him, the Lord punished the leader with an awful death. Herod Agrippa I died from worms that ate him from the inside out - that is simply disgusting!

Tomorrow afternoon I will head to the airport to pick-up our event speaker: Shaunti Feldhahn. From that point on, I will be swimming in details, people, and responsibilities. Pray for me - that the Lord will strengthen me under pressure, that He will be glorified in all things, and that I will give Him all the praise and honor through my thoughts, words, and actions.

To live, or not to live... in a box.

Before I write anything, I must point you toward Beth Moore's blog in regards to the Scripture Memory Challenge. For all the folks who complete the challenge, Living Proof Ministries is going to host a free event in Houston (well, "free" if you don't count travel, accommodations, and food - ha!). Go read about it, if you're interested.... I just may go - if I complete the challenge. Houston in January sounds mighty nice for an Ohioan! Oh, and by the way, I am sticking with 2 Timothy 1:6-8 for March 15-31 because I need more time and this is not a legalistic kind of thing....

Back to Cornelius....

The Jews thought salvation and the Holy Spirit were only for them. Gentiles were considered anyone who was not a Jew. In Acts 10, God spoke to Cornelius (a Gentile; a Roman army officer, no less) and Peter (a Jew and an apostle) in some sort of separate vision or dream. God told Peter to include the Gentiles in preaching the Gospel. God told Cornelius to send some guys to find Peter and bring him to Cornelius' house.

This series of events is quite out of the box for both men! Under Jewish law, Peter was not allowed to be in relationship with Cornelius, a Gentile. Act 10:28 (NLT) reads, "Peter told them, 'You know it is against the Jewish laws for me to come into a Gentile home like this. But God has shown me that I should never think of anyone as impure.'" In spite of their differences, Cornelius and Peter both obeyed God and personally related with one another - though Peter needed some divine prodding.

I love this verse of divine prodding: "If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't." Acts 10:15 (NLT).

A party at Cornelius' house most likely included eating impure food and rubbing shoulders with impure people - by Jewish standards. Peter preached a simple sermon and many Gentiles were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter experienced these Gentile conversions first hand - in relationship with them. This was very significant for Peter because, prior to this event, he did not know that Gentiles could be saved and filled with Holy Spirit.

Acts 10: 15 is repeated in Acts 11:9, "If God says something is acceptable, don't say it isn't."

As I look at this verse, I see two assumptions:

1. If some things are acceptable, then there are some things that are not acceptable. In our relativitic culture, where people believe they are free to come up with their own versions of right and wrong, it is a good reminder to know that God does have some ultimate guidelines set up with our best interests in mind.
2. God is not all about telling us what not to do (this is a double negative, I know). Many unbelievers are turned off by Christians and their rules. As a parent, I have a much deeper appreciation for "rules." My rules are enforced for the purpose of protecting my children. At 2 years of age, they don't understand that when cars hit children, children die. At 6 years of age, they don't know what molest means and that it can happen in the bathroom at McDonalds. At 10 years of age, they don't know what pornagraphy is; that it is addictive and that it can ruin relationships for a lifetime. Someone has to guide kids through these life issues. Such issues are a very real part of life for all of one's life.

I choose to rely on God for guidance believing with all of my heart that His guidance is meant for my protection.

Peter obeyed God and overcame his cultural understanding of impurity. God sent Peter to Cornelius because Cornelius was sincerely seeking God and Truth. God did not deny Cornelius the opportunity to know Him - He sent Peter to help. Peter needed to know and experience the fact that God had salvation and the Holy Spirit in mind for the Gentiles, as well as the Jews. Like most of us, Peter had to see it with his own eyes to believe it. All of this was possible because Peter and Cornelius obeyed God and entered into a relationship with one another. Peter and Cornelius needed each other to understand God's larger plan.

Obeying God may mean getting out of the cultural box we are so familiar with in 2009. I do not write these words with ease - such moves are hard for me. Am I willing? Yes. Will God guide me? Yes. I believe that through simple willingness, God will accomplish great things outside of the box.

Why me.... Why now?

In Acts 9:36-41, Peter raises Tabitha from the dead. Tabitha is not a well known woman of the Bible, yet she receives some attention in Acts. Verse 36b reads, "She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor." As a result of her kindness, "the room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing (Peter) the coats and other garments Dorcas (i.e., Tabitha) had made for them" (Act 6:39b, NLT). These verses stand out to me today in light of the current verse I am memorizing (and I must say this one has been a bit harder for me):

"This is why I remind you to fan into flame the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hand on you. God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.... With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News" (2 Timothy 1:6-8, NLT).

Tabitha/Dorcas had the gift of helping through making clothes for needy people. In using her gift, she became known for it and people paid her respect. God used her to illustrate his power over death in the Book of Acts. I think this is fairly simple, yet it can be quite difficult.

"Fan into flame the spiritual gift God gave you...." I have taught spiritual gifts classes on several occasions. According to the assessments, my gifts are clearly leadership, administration, and wisdom. For several years, I just left off the wisdom gift because I really did not understand it (scholarly of me, huh?). I have known of these gifts in me for a long, long time - late elementary school - though I could not articulate them until my early 20's. I had many opportunities to fan these flames throughout my years in school, but following college the opportunities dramatically decreased. I experienced a number of incredibly disheartening work scenarios between 22 and 27 years of age - ultimately leading me to give up trying to serve in a professional capacity. Tanner was born in 1997 and I devoted the next 8 years to being at home with my boys and volunteering for my church. It was a season of life I am very thankful for now.

"God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline...." During that time following college, I lived in fear and timidity. Rather than seeking out opportunities to use the spiritual gifts God gave me, I sat back and I wondered why I was so unfulfilled. I wanted to serve God in an official ministry capacity, but the doors were closed. As I moved on to motherhood, I found fulfillment in leading and administrating at home and at church. The Lord used those opportunities to re-light the fire within me. Then, through another seriously disheartening life-event, my fire to serve was nearly extinguished. I have spent the last three years focusing on pursuits other than ministry - family, work, and graduate school. I would characterize this time as peaceful, challenging, and rewarding. As I approach the end of my master's degree, I feel the Lord re-lighting the fire within me. I suppose it was never completely gone.

I really have no clear idea what the Lord has in mind for this rekindled fire, but the next phrase of my memory verse states this:

"You must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord...."

Why is it so hard to share Christ with others? When I take my Bible in public places, like the local coffee shop, I feel self-conscious. Why is that? I am tired of feeling this way, and I think that maybe Christ is strengthening me for "such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). Without the ever-present reality of Christ in my life, I would be absolutely nothing! He has revealed in me a Truth that is eternally powerful and purposeful. He is the only part of my world that equals satisfaction guaranteed. How do I know this? I know this because the longer I seek God, the more of Himself He reveals to me and the more I believe Him to be The Truth. Do I have perfect understanding of all thing? No way. Am I always comfortable and happy? No. Is there a burning sense of purpose in the depths of my being? Yes! And, nothing, NOTHING, except for God can touch those places within me.

Is there something special about me? Well, it depends on who you ask.... But truly, I am more similar to you than different. You and I are equally special in God's eyes (as a parent with two boys, that truth is more real to me now). What He did for Tabitha/Dorcas, for Mary, for ______, He will do for you and for me. There is a deep place in every human being that was created by God, and it is a place only He can fill. For some people, that place is empty and they are searching to fill it with something. For some believing people, that place is half-full because there is just so much to do in a day/week/month/year.

I think God wants that place to have a fire in it - where His Presence can fill it completely. God doesn't struggle with making fire, like the folks on Survivor. All He needs is the desirous heart of a person seeking Him. Need an example? Stay tuned to hear about Cornelius, or better yet, read Acts 10 & 11 to prepare. Also, March 15 is tomorrow.... I need a new verse.

Keeping it Real; Keeping it Short

I am home this morning to research and write about "transformational leadership," so I must keep this very short, but very real....

A reader emailed me this week and commented on feeling uncertain about the kind of Bible she uses; wondering if other Christians would look down on her because of her choice. This confession struck me to the core, but I have experienced similar judgments. I once painfully sat through a workshop outlining which ladies Bible studies were suitable and which were not if one claimed to be a part of a particular denomination. WHAT? As long as Bibles and Bible studies are presenting salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and keeping Jesus as the focus, then I believe the Holy Spirit can and will speak to ears and hearts seeking Truth. Personally, I prefer to stick with Bible study teachers that I know a bit about and trust, but as far as their denominational affiliation goes, God is blessing many! The enemy is not our believing brothers and sisters.

Look at Saul in Acts 9. Saul was the last person the apostles thought they could trust because, "he was eager to destroy the Lord's followers" (Acts 9: 1, NLT). Yet, Saul (later to be renamed Paul) is exactly who God had in mind to take the Good News to the Gentiles, kings, and Israel. Jesus' followers had to listen closely and obey blindly to participate in this plan as it was definitely "out-of-the-box." The study notes in my Bible say, "Beware of people who insist that you must have a particular type of conversion experience. The right way to come to faith in Jesus is whatever way God brings you."

Our relationships with Christ are similar - we are each created uniquely in God's own image. He will meet us and teach us in unique ways. Our responsibility is to diligently seek Him as best as we know how today. From that starting point, He will gladly take our humble offerings and multiply them beyond our wildest dreams.

Jesus loves you as you are today - will you receive His love and uniquely seek Him?

Help, I am stuck in a pit!

Okay, I've been a little distracted this week, a little stressed, quite anxious actually.... I could name any number of circumstances as the source; I wrote of one such situation in my previous entry. Tonight I just want to get of the pit and into the light of Christ. His perspective is so different from mine - I am sure of it. I need His perspective tonight! To set my sights on obtaining Godly insight, I am reviewing some recent quiet time reflections.

On 2/17/09 (wow - that feels like months ago), I read and reflected on Acts 7:51-59 (NLT). This is the portion of scripture when Stephen boldly confronted the religious leaders. Here are his words:

"You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? But your ancestors did, and so do you. Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One - the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God's law, though you received it from the hands of angels."

Wow - Stephen did not mince any words, did he? This clearly maddened his audience - they were "infuriated" and "shook their fists in rage." In these moments, Stephen saw the glory of God!

This evening in the local newspaper, a man wrote a letter to the editor responding to a recent controversy. It is a typical Christian vs. non-Christian public debate: the Christians are standing up for what they believe to be true while the non-Christians respond with accusations of intolerance. Public debates of this kind are disturbing to me. The writer states, "It has been my experience to see Christian faithful use God for violence and hatred.... I just can't understand how it is preached that God is love and all forgiving and to see Christians with such hatred for one group or another." Hmmm.

What are the underlying assumptions of these words? Based on anecdotal evidence from this man's perspective, Christians are violent and hateful. Also based on anecdotal evidence from this man's perspective, God is loving and forgiving. So, I ask: Is every Christian violent and hateful? Does love mean that humans can not disagree with one another? Is is possible to receive forgiveness when one does not recognize his/her need of it?

No one enjoys being negatively stereotyped - neither believers nor unbelievers. On one hand, I am offended by this author's words about me. On the other hand, this author does not claim to know Jesus, so I can neither expect him to know Truth, nor can I expect the Holy Spirit to reveal Truth to him. In short, the author can not speak of God's love and forgiveness because the author does not know God.

The next sentence is heartbreaking, "I myself have shied away from Christianity just for this reason, how can I believe in God and watch his faithful resent and hate others...." If I could respond to this man (and I do not believe a letter to the editor would be an effective response), I would say, "Dude, you are watching the wrong players!" Humans, faithful to God or not, will always disappoint, but, in a devoted relationship, God will not."

Stephen was in a devoted relationship with Jesus. He followed the teachings of Jesus closely on earth. He courageously stood up for what he believed based on his relationship with Jesus. He ranted before the religious leaders and God smiled down upon him with approval. "Stand up for you what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done in love." (Acts 4:13, NLT). Stephen had the love, but the leaders did not choose to accept it; the leaders did not know to accept it. As a result, Stephen was brutally stoned to death. "Then they put their hands over their ears, and drowning out his voice with their shouts, they rushed him. They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him" (Acts 7:57-58a, NLT).

Over Christmas break, I read The Kite Runner. Khaled Hosseini described a death by stoning in this book. Had I not lent it to a friend, I would add the desciption here. Without it, you will have to rely on my recollection: It was sickening!

Unbelievers witnessing, or hearing of, Stephen's death might have deduced that Stephen's life was meaningless saying, "He died standing up for a lie. What good does that accomplish?" Based on scripture, we know of several huge by-products of Stephen's death. One of those by-products viewed the event as an unbeliever, "The official witnesses took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul" (Act 7:58b). Yes, this is The Saul who later in Acts is renamed Paul! I don't know about you, but I would die for that by-product.

A few years ago a friend faced the possibility of death at a very young age. She had children similar to the ages to my own baby boys. I remember pleading with Christ to save her life. I also remember the response He laid in my heart - If someone else could lead your sons to Christ and into purposeful lives of Christlike service other than you, then would you be willing to die and trust me with your boys? Ummm, I know the answer is supposed to be "Yes!" but that is a hard one, God.

Following Christ does not promise a life of ease, freedom from pain, and limited to zero persecution. Following Christ does promise purposeful living (and dying), a future with Christ as King, and powerful support for the burdens of this earth.

Dear Jesus, You have pulled me out of the pit tonight and shined the light of your perspective upon me. Thank You - May your Name be praised!

Acts Chapter 6 - A Model to Follow

I am approaching my reading of the Book of Acts from the perspective that it may be a model of an active church during politically contentious times. In chapter 6, the apostles were distracted by the physical needs of the people. In order to keep their focus on teaching and preaching, as Jesus has instructed them, they delegated. Two ideas strike me: 1) They did not ignore or dismiss the need, and 2) They emphasized the type of volunteer that was needed to facilitate meeting the need.

The apostles did not avoid meeting the physical needs of people thereby forcing another group to address the problem. In 2009, we know that when humans' basic needs are not addressed, they will be unable to deal with higher-order needs. Basic needs can not always be completely met, but they often can be sufficiently addressed to a point that people can experience the love and support they need to live. The apostles did not have the scientific evidence we currently know; they had the all-sufficient knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit's leading.

The apostles did not expect the government to meet the needs of the people. In fact, they specified qualifications for leading in the capacity of distributing food to the needy. Volunteers must be well-respected, full of the Holy Spirit, and wise. The apostles chose 7 men, and Stephen was among them. He was described as, "a man full of God's grace and power, (he) did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people" (Act 6: 8, NIV).

Stephen met opposition, and some men slandered him, forcing Stephen to testify before the religious leaders. As the lies about Stephen were presented, read what happened: "At this point, everyone in the council stared at Stephen because his face became as bright as an angels" (Acts 6:15, NLT). Does this remind you of anything? Here's a clue - my second memory verse of 2009, Psalm 37:6-7 (NIV): "He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn; the justice of your causes like the noon day sun." Whoa - what a testimony of God's Truth!!! Some of you knowwhat is going to happen to Stephen, and it is not pretty.... But, remember the next verse in Psalm 37? Here is a reminder: "Do not fret when men succeed in their ways; when they carry out their wicked schemes." Whoa - I don't know about you, but I am enthralled with is series of events. My NLT Study Bible says that the religious leaders stoned Stephen because they believed he was speaking irreverently about God. "They did not understand Stephen's words were True because they were not seeking Truth. They only wanted to support their own views." Whoa!

The Truths I am experiencing in this passage are:

1. Meeting the physical needs of people is important to God.
2. There are specific qualifications necessary to serve in this capacity on His behalf.
3. It is unacceptable to expect those without these qualifications to meet these needs in God-honoring ways.
4. Having these qualifications, and obeying God, does not equal full understanding, fair treatment, and justice for all.
5. Sinful humans will succeed in some plans on earth.
6. Even religious leaders may not understand Truth because they are not truly seeking Truth.

Interesting stuff, huh? I am closing with my current memory verse (which is not yet commited to memory):

"So my advise is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God" (Acts 5:38-39, NLT).

A Goal for 2009 - February 15

Did I tell you that over 3000 ladies are participating in Beth Moore's Scripture Memory Blog? I believe that is amazing!!! If you have even a slight inkling, visit the blog at:

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/

It is such a blessing to be a part of this challenge - more than I can describe in mere words. Even better, I did not expect this experience to be so dynamic.

For February 15, 2009, my fourth verse of the year is Acts 5:38-39 (NLT):

"So my advice is, leave these men alone. If they are teaching and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God."

On one hand, I am skeptical of people, and on the other hand, I am quite trusting of people. In my nearly 39 years of life (as of March 22), I have learned a few lessons about how to discern Truth in the lives of others. When Christians face hardship, Truth is often more detectable in their lives. I have known a few people who claimed to be in relationship with Christ, and who accepted positions of leadership in the church, and who betrayed the the privilege given them. I have also known a few people to claimed a relationship with Christ, accepted positions of leadership in the church, and were betrayed. When this happens, I watch closely to see how the leader responds because one's response often reveals one's heart, one's motives, and God's Truth.

The Book of Acts describes a similar scenario. The apostles, who had been in the presence of Jesus while He walked on earth, began preaching and teaching. Religious and government leaders questioned their motives and their knowledge. The apostles were persecuted for their beliefs and actions, yet they continued to do that which Jesus Christ had taught them to do. There was a man named Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law, who addressed the leaders with the advice written above in Acts 5:38-39. As a result, the religious leaders decided not to kill the apostles at that time, but they did flog them and ordered them to stop speaking in Jesus' name.

I am thinking.... What would I have done? I am a respecter of authority, I avoid controversy, I fly under the radar.... The apostles considered their flogging an affirmation of their ministry. Hmmm. I probably would have taken "no" for an answer, gone home, and kept to myself for awhile. In the U.S. of A., Christians have not experienced serious, open persecution, yet. I believe the day is coming, or may already be upon us, when Christian persecution is more commonplace. As Christians in the U.S. of A., we still believe we have "rights." Actually, everyone in the USA believes they have rights - which is part of of the problem, but that is another story.... I do not recall Jesus Christ speaking of the rights of Christians while He walked on earth. Could it be that we have been lulled into this idea because we believe we live in Christian nation? I don't recall Jesus Christ speaking of the need to build a Christian nation apart from His coming again. I have said before that I am not a theologian, and I am also not a historian, but I wonder if I am following Christ when I am focusing on my rights ahead of focusing on His Truth. This is a bit of the draw I have to the Book of Acts at this point in my life and at this point in world history.

It appears that the apostles were teaching and preaching in Christ's name just as He had taught them to do. The reaction of the religious leaders and the political leaders of the day included jealousy, imprisonment, trials, flogging, and death. The reaction of the people included support of the religious and political leaders, as well as support of the apostles, transformed lives, and a dynamic, growing, difference-making church. The apostles did not preach and teach according to the politically correct directives of the day. They did not seek the pleasure of the religious and political leaders of the day. They obeyed God as they had been taught through Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Their behavior went against authority, was controversial, and definitely flew way above the radar - there is no doubt they would have been voted out on the first week of Survivor!

Several Truths are coming soon in Acts. Read them with me, if you would like to - I am beginning the 6th chapter. For me, this pursuit began in me as our nation prepared for the presidential elections. I want to be a Christ-centered, open-minded person who has ears to hear and eyes to see the Lord working in our midst. Then, I want to have the courage and strength to begin living the eternal promise of life in Christ today. Life on earth is confusing. Life in the USA is distracting. Life in the Tracht home is busy! In the midst of all this, Christ is meeting me in Bible reading, in journalling, in prayer, and in Scripture memory. Join me - if you will. Let's share and learn from one another about how God is working in our midst.

Until next time, find that quiet place to meet the Lord and seek His Truth.

I Corinthians 16:13-14

"Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done in love."

For the last 6 to 12 months (at least), I have been pondering Truth. How does one know Truth? How can one be courageous and strong in Truth? The world around us accepts and demands such a variety of truths. I have always believed in One Truth; clear; definitive; right and wrong - not that I always know and understand all Truth. As humans, I don't think we need to know and understand all Truth. I don't think our minds could handle such knowledge; however, I do believe God reveals His Truth to believers as it needs to be revealed - in His time and in His way. I am okay with this phenomenon.

I am learning and accepting the parts of God's Truth that He is expecting me to uphold. This knowledge is actually frightening at times because I am a "fly under the radar" kind of girl. I don't want to stand out in a crowd - especially related to controversy. Some people who claim Truth do so in self-righteous, even hateful, ways. That is not God's revealed Truth.

As I hear and accept God's call to pursue Truth, another message is resounding loud and clear: "everything you do must be done in love." Wow - that is significant! God's Truth isn't always politically correct and it never has been. Even when Peter and John were recognized as men who had been with Jesus in Acts 4:13, and even as they were accomplishing many things by the power of the Holy Spirit, they were still misunderstood and threatened by the authority figures of the day. Reactions to the Apostles preaching included jealousy, trials, imprisonment, and death, as well as support, acceptance, obedience, and transformation. Truth does not equal fair treatment, it is not easy, and it is often rejected by those without a personal relationship with Jesus. Even worse, it is often misunderstood among those who have a personal relationship with Jesus. And yet, "everything you do must be done in love." Only the Holy Spirit can provide that kind of love!

My thoughts about Truth center on how would Jesus live in 2009 on this earth? I am convinced that He would personally care for people more than he would focus on their sin because that is how his lived on earth previously. Any person with an ounce of desire to know Him would feel comfortable in His presence because of His personal love for that person. He did not ask people to clean up before coming to see Him when He walked the earth before, so why would He now? At the same time, and with immeasurable love, Jesus spoke clearly about sin and about how to turn from it. As a consider Truth in 2009, and how Jesus is guiding me to pursue it, my first thought, my first word, and my first action must be steeped in love - a fruit of the Holy Spirit given only to those who love God and are surrendered to Him.

I want me some love - Happy Valentine's Day!