Tuesday Acts 1:15-26

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the many blessings you have provided, help us through your Word to reach out to others. Amen.

Matthias, Apostle

…and the lot fell to Matthias; (v. 26)

After well over 1,000 posts and over 3 years, I have been sending out this daily devotion commentary.  Today is the last one.  I pray that God will find someone to continue it if it be His will.  I pray that I God has used me in some small way to help further His Kingdom.  I know that for  me, it has been a blessing, because I have been able to do a daily discipline which involved prayer and Bible study every day and from wherever I was.

Now I move on to another chapter in my life and I hope that God has used me for good.

In today’s text, Peter is moved by the Holy Spirit to replace Judas who as we know committed suicide after betraying Jesus.  It was important to keep the twelve apostolic positions filled.  So the cast lots (a method of voting) and Matthias was selected.

Jesus had many disciples but only twelve who were in His inner circle.  Twelve who He gave special ministry and leadership positions.  We know little of Matthias, but he was obviously a follower and disciple.  He was content to serve in a quiet way, and nothing more was written about his ministry.  Our devotion writer explains; “Matthias seemingly was content to serve behind the scenes.  His example demonstrates to us that service is the important thing and not notoriety.  We need to be constantly reminded of this truth.”

So I pray that God will provide another source for helping your daily devotional discipline. It is not about me, but about serving God.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us not to seek glory, but simply the opportunity to serve in your name. Amen.”

Acts 1:15-26

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) ¹⁶ and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. ¹⁷ He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

¹⁸ (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. ¹⁹ Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

²⁰ “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted;
    let there be no one to dwell in it,’

and,

“‘May another take his place of leadership.’

²¹ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, ²² beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

²³ So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴ Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen ²⁵ to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” ²⁶ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Monday Acts 26:19-29

Prayer: Speak to me Jesus through your Word. Amen.

Something to Share

²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Today’s text is not marked in my Bible meaning that I have not read it in recent years.  I find the text very interesting. Paul had been arrested and would have been put to death except that as a Roman citizen, he appealed to Caesar.   He is brought before King Agrippa and Festus, a Roman governor.

Paul’s crime was preaching Christ as the messiah and he is defending himself in front of Agrippa in order by continuing to share the experience of living in God’s love and grace.  He invited everyone.  It is as if Paul knew Agrippa and Festus.  They knew he was a Pharisee and knew that he was well educated in Jewish law:

²⁴ At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

²⁵ “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. ²⁶ The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

Festus was a Gentile, and Agrippa knew the Law and the prophets.  Paul could not contain himself from preaching  to both of them.  Then they asked if he (Paul) expected them to become Christians?  Then Paul answer is “Yes.”  If not today then someday.

Paul encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus changed Paul life so profoundly, he could not resist sharing with everyone.  Our devotion writer explains; “Paul had been transformed by his encounter with Jesus.  He understood the joy of living in God’s love and grace, and he wanted to invite everyone to have that experience.”

We too have been given this same understanding.  We too must share, in our way with others this “joy of living.”  How do we do this?  Our devotion writer writes; “From death, we have been given life; from meaninglessness, we’ve been given purpose:

We have what others crave.  Let’s Share!”

Prayer: “God of life, empower me to be as bold and passionate a witness as Paul was.  In the name of our living Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.”

Acts 26:19-29

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. ²⁰ First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. ²¹ That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. ²² But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— ²³ that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

²⁴ At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

²⁵ “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. ²⁶ The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

²⁸ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Sunday John 17:20-26

Prayer: O Gracious Father, fill us with your Holy Spirit, use us to reach out in mission to the community around us, show us how through your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Seventh Sunday of Easter

²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.

We all know about the risk of taking one verse, or portion of averse from scripture and trying to understand or use it to answer questions.  One can’t fully understand a verse unless we read the whole context.  That context could be the chapter, or several chapters, or even other scripture.  One can take any portion of scripture and attempt to use it to support one belief or another.

Today, our devotion writer raises a question about Christ’s meaning of “unity.”  Or in the NRSV: “…become completely one.”

In today’s text Jesus is sharing a prayer with His disciples present.  It is a summary of His ministry on earth and the His teachings.  The prayer is and intercessory prayer and begins at the beginning of Chapter 17.  Following this prayer, Jesus is arrested and the final journey to the Cross begins.

Our devotion writer asks what did Jesus mean about ‘unity?’  Did He mean that all Christians be unified in beliefs?  Obviously that has not happened given the number of different Christian churches.  But as our writer puts it; “We become one in the waters of Baptism—we are all members of God’s family.”

Certainly it does not mean that there are “no more arguments about gay rights, illegal immigration and worship music.”  And it does not apparently mean “a unified church—no more denominations.”

Our devotion writer explains; “Christians come in all shapes, sizes, colors and nationalities.  Our thoughts on politics, religion, and social issues vary widely.  Yet we are one…We all are saved by grace through faith in Christ. We all gather around the same table to eat and drink. Together we enter the world to witness in word and deed.”

“Together we enter the world to witness…”

Prayer: “O Three-yet-One, help us to live in the reality of the unity you create.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

John 17:20-26

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Prays for All Believers

²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

²⁴ “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

²⁵ “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. ²⁶ I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Saturday Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

Prayer: O God, show me the way you want me to go through your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Water of life

And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (v. 17)

 Our devotion writer begins with an example of the danger of having a car breakdown in the summertime on the road through the desert between Phoenix and Los Angeles, and not having enough water.  There is not much water and with temperatures in the 110 + it can be life threatening.  He writes; “Thirst can be an issue almost immediately, and the scarcity of water a looming concern.”

He continues; “Such an experience enables a person to understand the message of hope contained in these verses. The book of Revelation was given to the churches in a wilderness of persecution and upheaval.  Through its images of bowls, horses, beasts, and battles, those early Christians those early Christians were challenged to faithful perseverance. Obedience would bring intense thirst, but there was hope.  They would eventually come to the banks of the River of life.  Their thirst would be quenched.”

I think it is more than that.  All people thirst for answers in the “dry, barren wilderness” of life.  To us today the Revelation speaks to us about the urgency of sharing the promise we enjoy with the unbelievers who do not know that the River of Life flows from Jesus.  If we don’t make every attempt to share Jesus’ promise with the world, they will not have the opportunity to walk with Jesus through eternity.

Churches don’t grow if all they do is preach to the choir of believers who come every week.  There has to be outreach and invitations to our neighbors, one on one.  Two on two.  Churches who do not reach out for new members will not hold onto current members.  They do not bear fruit and therefore wilt and die.

In addition, these churches must have missions, actions, activities which proclaim Christ is Risen loud and clear.  It is easy to become complacent and afraid to reach out, and to let the pastor do it.  But if the pastor is the only one doing it, it will not be enough.  His main job is to tend his flock and nurture them so they can reach out for new members.  The ministry must be embraced by all and each using their gifts to speak to the world around them.

Our devotion writer finishes; “The River of life flows from the cross of Christ.  Jesus, who has promised to walk with us through the wilderness, as also promised to give us ‘a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’ (John 4:14). Ah how satisfying is a cool drink of water.”

This cool drink is not just for us who believe…

Revelation 22:12-21

New International Version (NIV)

Epilogue: Invitation and Warning

¹² “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

¹⁴ “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

¹⁷ The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

¹⁸ I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. ¹⁹ And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

²⁰ He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

²¹ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

Friday Psalm 97:1-12

Prayer: Almighty God, you have blessed me so very much, show me through your Word how I may use these blessings to your Glory.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

True power

⁴ His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.
 

Thunderstorms and lightning displays were rare where I grew up in Washington State.  I am fortunate today to seem them almost daily during the summer months.  Fortunate because of the awesome power they contain reminds me of God’s power and might.  And so today’s Psalm portrays God’s power like a mighty thunder storm where the mountains melt before God’s presence.

Our devotion writer writes; “Enemies are vanquished and idol worshippers are shamed by God’s mighty display of power.”  On the other hand, “God’s power may seem more like a gentle rain.  God speaks and a grieving heart is comforted, a fearful heart experiences peace.”

God’s is present all around and we have seen that His power and might and glory is represented all around us every day; sometimes in fierce storms and at other times as gentle rain and in the morning light and in the glorious sunsets; in the forests and in the oceans. 

Let us rejoice when we are reminded of God’s creations as we travel through this life.  Let us remember to share this joy and awe with others who may not be aware.

¹¹ Light shines on the righteous
    and joy on the upright in heart.
¹² Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
    and praise his holy name.

Prayer: “Almighty God, I stand in awe of your thunderstorm power and gentle rain power.  Drench me with your Spirit, through Christ. Amen.”

Psalm 97:1-12

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 97

¹ The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;
    let the distant shores rejoice.
² Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
    righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
³ Fire goes before him
    and consumes his foes on every side.
⁴ His lightning lights up the world;
    the earth sees and trembles.
⁵ The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
    before the Lord of all the earth.
⁶ The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
    and all peoples see his glory.

⁷ All who worship images are put to shame,
    those who boast in idols—
    worship him, all you gods!

⁸ Zion hears and rejoices
    and the villages of Judah are glad
    because of your judgments, Lord.
⁹ For you, Lord, are the Most High over all the earth;
    you are exalted far above all gods.
¹⁰ Let those who love the Lord hate evil,
    for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
    and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
¹¹ Light shines on the righteous
    and joy on the upright in heart.
¹² Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
    and praise his holy name.

Thursday Acts 1:1-11

Prayer: Open our hearts and minds through your Word, O God, to see the needs of people around us.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ascension Day

¹¹ “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky?

Wow, what a powerful message our devotion writer sets before us today!  Sometimes we get so caught up in the looking into the heavens that we forget to take action.  Think about it.  Are we so focused on our worship and the emotional highs we get from singing praises and experiencing the spiritual highs that we miss the purposes for which Jesus has called us?

When in high school, I had an opportunity to attend a Billy Graham Crusade.  The message, the thousands of people, the songs of the famous performers made for a wonderfully energizing experience.  Such experiences can be habit forming.

To be awestruck as they watched their teacher raised up into the heavens, the disciples were brought back to reality and reminded to go about their mission as commanded by Jesus.  Our devotion writer explains; “the disciples, like so many Christians, wanted to stand and bask in God’s love and grace.  That’s not our calling, though.  Jesus has ascended; we the body of Christ, are signs of his presence in the world.   Empowered by our baptismal covenant, we can turn our attention toward meeting the needs around us.”

So in other words after the glow of worship, it is time to look to the needs of our community and our mission as Jesus has given us gifts and talents.  We should not put it in the closet until next Sunday, but put it on our hearts and our faces as we go about our week sharing the love of Jesus.

Prayer: “Risen Lord Jesus, make me aware of the needs around me and empower me to serve in your name. Amen.”

Acts 1:1-11

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach ² until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. ³ After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. ⁴ On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵ For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

⁶ Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

⁹ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

¹⁰ They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹ “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Wednesday Acts 16:16-34

Prayer: Lord Jesus, let us sing with joy out loud and with all our hearts when we worship you.  Teach how through your Word. Amen.

The gift of music

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God,,,

How can reading today’s text not be excited and inspired by God’s power?  Paul cast out an annoying spirit and as result both he and Silas wound up beaten and in jail.  Yet they sang hymns and prayed in the middle of the night, then an earthquake and all the jail doors were thrown open and the chains fell off.  Yet not one prisoner escaped.  The jail manager was so impressed that he and his whole family became Christ followers.

Our devotion writer focuses on the singing of Paul and Silas and how the gift of music and song are moving and inspirational.  He writes; “Words and notes enabled them to sing their praise and express their trust in God.”  It is obvious that the jailer was moved too. 

So when we have the opportunity to express our praise of God through song, let us sing out with all of our passion.  Who knows what will happen as a result.  Will our passion and our song reach out and inspire others?  Regardless of how we sound we need to make a joyful noise.

Our devotion writer concludes; “The ageless gift of music is ours today.  Music links us to the saints who have gone before us, to those who will come after us, and to Christians around the world.  Music is God’s blessing and our offering.”

Prayer: “O Giver of life, may songs of life, love, and praise be always on my lips and in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Acts 16:16-34

New International Version (NIV)

Paul and Silas in Prison

¹⁶ Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. ¹⁷ She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” ¹⁸ She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

¹⁹ When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. ²⁰ They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar ²¹ by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”

²² The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. ²³ After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. ²⁴ When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. ²⁷ The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

²⁹ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. ³³ At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. ³⁴ The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.