Acts 3

Today's Reading:

Acts 3

Verses of Note:

Peter said, "I don't have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!" - Acts 3: 6-8

Details: I really like what Peter said here as it's what I feel like I've tried to tell people myself. I don't have money to be able to help, but what I do have is yours. Of course, I've never healed anyone, and I'm not sure my faith is strong enough to do that, but what do I have. I have health, I have talents. I can mow yards for people, I can work on vehicles for people, I can help remodel rooms, I can help paint, I can give out sandwiches and coffee, I can buy a pair of gloves, and the list goes on. Maybe these seem small in comparison to giving a crippled man the ability to walk, but to the person who has received is it?

Acts 2

Today's Reading:

Acts 2

Verses of Note:

"They're speaking our languages, describing God's mighty works!" - Acts 2:11

Details: This section of the passage stood out to me as I believe it's what we're all called to do. Not necessarily speaking in tongues, but to take the Good News to people, and not just take it to them, but take it to them in a way that is familiar to them. Make the story real to them.

---

That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.

Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.

They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved. - Acts 2:41-47

Details: This selection has been very difficult for me to write about. I'd have to say this is probably one of my most favorite passages of scripture in the entire Bible. So, why is it hard for me to write about it? It's hard because there is so much in this verse it's hard to narrow it down to onedigestiblee paragraph. I believe this paints a picture of the church, of community, and of evangelism that the church has lost. One of my passions in life is to see this verse renewed in the church.

Acts 1 :: Follow-up

A little while back, my mom asked me what I ended up thinking about Acts 1. To be honest, I hadn't really put much thought into it. Since she asked, I've been thinking about it some more and wanted to post some of the information that I came up with. I need to thank my friend Mark for most of this as he's the one who lead me in this direction.

Proverbs 16:33 - The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

After asking Mark about this verse, he told me the verse in Proverbs, which basically says that God controls the outcome. As we spoke some more about it, he indicated that he doesn't find anything wrong with casting a lot (flipping a coin) but that there are some rules that need to be followed.

1. The decision can't be determined using scripture
2. Both decisions need to be acceptable

He also had some other thoughts about it regarding the why. He mentioned that the disciples were kind of known for not always making the best decisions around, so the need to cast a lot may not have been necessary, but they felt it was. He also says he thinks they were caught up with the number 12 and feeling that it was important that there be 12 disciples when nothing in the bible indicates anything symbolic about there being 12 disciples, although the number 12 is a symbolic number in the bible. He also went on to say that he believe that Judas was really replaced by Paul, due to the significance of Paul's ministry.

The last piece, which I found very interesting, but hadn't thought about...however, after the story of them selecting Judas' replacement, how many times do you hear mention of Matthias? None.

---

Acts 1

Today's Reading:

Acts 1

Verses of Note:

They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also Jesus' mother, Mary, and his brothers. - Acts 1:14

Details: The fact that they agreed they were in this for good really stood out to me. It shows their commitment to the cause and as history has proven, most of them all gave their lives for it. The unity of the group is what I long for, and I believe every church should long for in their community.

---

They nominated two: Joseph Barsabbas, nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, "You, O God, know every one of us inside and out. Make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way." They then drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles. - Acts 1:23-26

Details: I'm not sure what to think about this one. I read it, and can remember the story and they Judas had been replaced, but I didn't remember the 'how'. As I was reading this, I was excited to see how God would show them, would he write it on the wall, a voice from heaven? Then, they close the prayer, and drew straws. So now I'm left wondering, did God answer their prayer by having the right person draw the right straw, or was this an example of their lack of faith? This is something I need to ponder for a bit.

---

1 Corinthians 16

Today's Reading:

1 Corinthians 16

Verses of Note:

Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping. - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Details: Just another reminder to stay focused. Kind of sums up what we all need to be doing. Keep your eyes open - Watch for opportunities and snares and react accordingly. When you encounter a snare remain faithful, make the decision to keep moving forward, and never stop showing people the love of Jesus.

---

1 Corinthians 15

Today's Reading:

1 Corinthians 15

Verses of Note:

Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these. Aren't you embarrassed that you've let this kind of thing go on as long as you have? - 1 Corinthians 15:34

Details: I read this verse and was struck with a sense of shame. Paul is telling us to focus, and recognize the life we have staked a claim in. He specifically is talking about the resurrection, but shouldn't we treat this call to action in a general manner? I think about the relationships we're building in Lawrence, and the questions and conversations that will be happening and when Paul says "Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these, makes me question if I'm ready. I believe I am, but there is so much that people can ask. All I can do is pray that God will use me.

---

With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort. - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Details: I got to the end of the chapter and I read this last verse, and was filled with hope. I love this as a benediction. Stand strong and put your all into it, for your efforts for the Kingdom of God is not a waste of time.

---

1 Corinthians 14

Today's Reading:

1 Corinthians 14

Verses of Note:

Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it-—because it does. Give yourselves to the gifts God gives you. Most of all, try to proclaim his truth. If you praise him in the private language of tongues, God understands you but no one else does, for you are sharing intimacies just between you and him. But when you proclaim his truth in everyday speech, you're letting others in on the truth so that they can grow and be strong and experience his presence with you. - 1 Corinthians 14:1-3

Details: This first passage kind of sums it all up doesn't it. I'm intrigued by the phrase here "as if your lifedependedd on it - because it does." So what does Paul mean when he's saying this? I believe he'sreferringg to the greatcommissionn, a commandment give to us by Jesus to go make disciples of all nations. What would the church look like if we as Christianspushedd evangelism as if our life depended on it? I'm guessing the church would be thriving as opposed toa lott of churches who have become stagnant and dying.

---

If any one of you thinks God has something for you to say or has inspired you to do something, pay close attention to what I have written. This is the way the Master wants it. If you won't play by these rules, God can't use you. Sorry. - 1 Corinthians 14:37-38

Details: I couldn't help but wonder what Paul was talking about in regards to speaking intonguess or a prayer language. I've never been a part of a tradition that really accepted or recognized this as a valid means of communication. As is the case, I've never really understood it, but I couldn't help but think about how the church has it's own language. Terms that mean very different things in and out of the context of the church. As I read this chapter I couldn't help but feel like maybe Paul was talking about the language of the church vs.Thee language of the culture. Read the chapter again, under this context, I know I've read this before, but under this new context this passage came alive to me. Maybe it's not quite what Paul wasreferringg to when he wrote this, but how true it is. Last night at the Hawk Week Info Fair, we had the chance to talk toa lott of people about our church. For some, they didn't really care, others found what we do interesting, but the odd thing is, when we were speaking with other Christians, it's extremely hard to explain to them what our church is about, and it's because of this 'second' language that we've grown up speaking, outside of that context many Christians don't recognize what the church would or could look like. So..Thiss last section of verses, I added them because I love how frank Paul is when he says "If you won't play by the rules, God can't use you. Sorry." Talk about getting called out, makes you think, doesn't it.

---