A simple gesture

Acts 28:15b On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.

I think there are times when we think what we do or say does not make any difference when in actuality we have said or done something at “just the right time” for someone.  We never know when a simple word of loving encouragement may be just what that person needed.  When I drive down the road or walk down an aisle in a store, I am often reminded that the person I pass may be carrying some heavy burden that does not show but is weighing heavily on them.  Frequently, when I have spoken to them, their response tells me of that burden or their facial expression makes it clear that I have somehow brightened their day.  I see that response often at Aldi’s when I give my shopping cart to them and refuse their quarter.  It reminds me that even a simple gesture can shine the

The WAY

My goal had been to write on my blog every weekday during the year, but that is proving to be more challenging at times than I had expected! 

Acts 24:14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, …

The Way … that title for following Christ struck me as I read it this morning.  “The Way” reminded of numerous scriptures as I though about it:

* “I, being in the way, the Lord led me” (Genesis 24).  God leads me because I am following The Way.

*”There is a way that seems right to a man, the end thereof is the way of death.”  There is only one right Way.

* “As for God, His way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30).  Following God is the only Way of confidence and security.

* “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” (Psalm 32:98* “I am the way” (John 14:6).  Jesus is the only Way to salvation, peace and eternal life. 

Paul said a lot when he said he worshipped and lived according the The Way!

It never fails

Acts 16:6-7, 10 …forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia … the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them … And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

The way God directs the life of the person who trusts in Him remains somewhat of a mystery to me even after having had Him leading me for almost 70 years now (ever since I was six years old).  I call it a mystery because there is no way for me to understand how God knows what is best for me, no way except my faith in God Himself.  There are times when circumstances make it clear that God is saying “no” to something even though there is no clear indication of the “why.”  Even when God is clearly saying “yes, this is the way” we do not always know why.  We merely step out in faith, in obedience, trusting God’s omniscience.  He has never misguided me in all the years I have allowed His Holy Spirit to “forbid me,” to “not allow” me, or to “call” me into a path of service and obedience.  I am grateful for His faithfulness.

Without excuse

Acts 14:16-17 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.  Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good …

God does not force Himself on anyone.  This verse reminds us that fact.  God allows people to act however they wish, to live their lives in the way they choose, but there are signs all around us to remind us of His existence.  Weather and seasons, nature itself, speaks to the existence and actions of a Creator God.  The satisfaction we gain from the results of naturally occurring phenomena is further proof of God.  As the book of Romans further explains, God’s power and authority are shown via nature itself, so people are without excuse for their unbelief (see Romans 1:17ff).

Remain faithful with steadfast purpose

Acts 11:23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, …

This is part of the account of the new Christians from Cyprus and Cyrene who preached to the people (non-Jews) in the city of Antioch.  When Barnabas was sent by the Jewish believers in Jerusalem to investigate, this was his concussion.  It stuck me when I read what Barnabas said to those new non-Jewish believers.  What did he see as the most important message to give them as they started their new spiritual journey?  To “remain faithful” to what they had learned so recently; that was to be their main goal.  I think the phrase “with steadfast purpose” is an especially powerful phrase.  This is how they were to remain faithful, not lacking in diligence, but clearly focused on the goal.  I see this as the target of my own faith-filled life as well, to be steady and diligent and focused, to have a “steadfast purpose” for what I do and how I live as a child of God.  This will have an impact on my surroundings.

Great grace

>Acts 4:33b … and great grace was upon them all.

In those earliest days of the church there were many new believers I Christ and all were facing strong opposition from the religious leaders, especially the apostles.  That opposition, coupled with the unity of faith in Jesus, did create a unique sense of unity with the group of believers.  It was empowering the apostles as the leaders, and the “great grace” that was upon them resulted in some powerful effect:

            1. those who believed were unified (“one heart and soul”, v.32), and “they had everything in common”, v.32b);

            2. they were empowered (“with great power the apostles were giving their testimony,” v. 33a);

            3. they were generous (“not a needy person among them,” v.34).

Grace was the key to the growth of that early church, and if I allow God’s grace to work in me I will see those same elements at work in my life: unity with other believers, empowerment to be a good testimony to others, and generosity.  Lord, may it be so.  I want great grace.

The key

Acts 3:19-20 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you …

When a person repents, they feel sorry for something, but to actually have that repentance mean anything further, there also must be a turning back, away from whatever is regretted.  The result of that repentance and turning back is astounding, when you think about it.  Your sins are blotted out, i.e., they are no longer in existence.  The presence of the Lord is in your live, i.e., your spirit is refreshed.  And the Christ, Jesus, is with you, i.e., you have encouragement and strength for daily living.  With these three things we can face any circumstances that come our way without fear or worry.  If we want a life like this, repentance and turning back is the key.