Walking in the Word: Day-To-Day Reflections on the Christian Journey

By Greorge Vink

Walking in the Word is a practical, yearlong devotional to use many times over or share with family members or friends. You may not always agree, but youll always be stimulated to think about what Gods Word has to say to that part of your life being addressed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 27, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449773687

Greorge Vink

George and Shirley Vink served as a pastoral couple in the Christian Reformed Church for over forty years. Born in The Netherlands, they’ve enjoyed living in Canada and the United States. The Vinks have four happily married sons and ten delightful grandchildren.  In addition to preaching and traveling, George enjoyed sharing a weekly “Pastor’s Perspective,” writing devotionals for the Back to God Ministries’ TODAY and teaching other pastors in Myanmar, Russia and Vietnam. He has experienced life as a challenge to walk faithfully with his Lord.

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Copyright © 2012 George Goris Vink

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Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7368-7 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7366-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7367-0 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012920673

WestBow Press rev. date:11/21/2012

OUR WALKING

Shirley and I began our walking together when both of us were students. Her studies were in nursing and mine in teaching. They’ve been a good combination, even after I studied further for preaching and pastoring. Therefore, even though she wrote none of the pages of this devotional, her being by my side has made all the difference! She celebrates its completion with me.

The Back to God Ministries asked me to write a month of devotions which were well received, encouraging me to do it again along with additional writings. A weekly Pastor’s Perspective in addition to sermons challenged me to say what I needed to say within a time and space allotment. I’m grateful and I trust the congregations I served appreciated it.

The congregation at Visalia First Christian Reformed Church granted me two sabbaticals, making it possible for me to complete an aspiration of publishing that I had cherished for some time. I’m grateful for their making it possible as well as their regular encouragement.

Paul wrote, The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers…. (I Corinthians 3: 9, 10a) Whether planting or watering, teaching or preaching, I hope and pray that my work helped to build God’s kingdom. Our walking days will end when we walk into His full presence. To Him be the glory!

— George

A YEAR FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

~Rev. George G. Vink

January –Acts I Chapters 1-16 I Will Build My Church

February - Looking at a Heart Theme

March – A Lenten Theme from Luke’s gospel and others

April – Acts II Chapters16-28 I Will Build My Church

May - Love One Another-A Look at Christ’s Command

June - On Families, Fathers and Faithfulness

July – Galatians’ Good New and Spiritual Fruit

August - Lessons from James and The Law

September -Romans-A Walk with Paul

October – Healthy Relationships

November –Looking at God’s Song Book-Psalms

December - A Journey to Bethlehem

*Originally written for TODAY-A Publication of the Christian Reformed Church’s Back To God Ministries but expanded for this book.

All scripture references come from The NIV Study Bible-1985 by the Zondervan Corporation

JANUARY

ACTS 1-16

I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH

Luke does not identify himself as the author, but inferences within the book and evidence outside the Scriptures have led to concluding that he authored The Acts of the Apostles. Luke is seen as a companion of Paul as well as a physician, although not specifically identified as one.

As a companion book to the gospel of Luke, Acts provides a bridge to the books that follow and an account of the early church. Acts provides a history of how Christ’s early followers learned and lived the gospel. Luke has an amazing historical perspective and appropriate vocabulary as he described the gospel’s gaining ground and work of Paul and others in spreading the Good news of Jesus Christ.

This month’s devotions were initially written for The Back to God Ministries’ TODAY, a daily devotional mailed and distributed world-wide, and now available on its website. They’ve been expanded and a Let’s think and talk about it added.

January, as the first month of the year, will consider the first sixteen chapters of Luke’s extensive account. After a break of a few months for Heart Month and a time of Lent, the consideration will resume in April. It was considered best not to dwell too long on one book, and yet the scope of Acts would best be served by a two-month consideration.

Acts 1:1-11                                January 1

WAITING AS OBEDIENCE

He gave them this command: Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.

Acts 1:4

One of the rewarding things about getting older includes the ability to wait more patiently. Nicely-wrapped presents under the Christmas tree no longer tempt me to shake or rattle them in order to find out what would be coming my way. No need to hide gifts as some parents end up doing. No need to be a re-wrapper like some impatient teenager after sneaking a look when Mom and Dad weren’t looking.

Jesus commanded his followers to wait for a very special gift promised by his Father. The amazing, surprising thing is that they obeyed! We know it wasn’t too many days until their upper room exploded with the wrappings flying in all direction and they tumbled down the stairs onto the street. And, like our nicely-wrapped Christmas presents, the gift’s nature hadn’t been explained.

The disciples had waited and wondered, even questioning once again about the restoration of the glory of Israel as a kingdom. And, once again, Jesus had rebuked them, saying, It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority (Acts 1:7). So, until the gift came, they waited, possibly realizing what we also eventually must realize: There are some things best left in the Father’s hands!

As we anticipate a new year, possibly surprised that the world hasn’t changed all that much since midnight’s celebration, we will continue to wait for Christ’s return. We do so, however, as those upon whom the Spirit has been poured out. The gift has been given. Disciples have been given the power for waiting, watching and working. God’s world needs our obedience in doing just what Jesus commanded.

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Have you ever impatiently opened a gift before you were supposed to do so?

2.   When did you learn to trust your earthly parent’s judgment?

3.   What do you know Jesus wants you to do differently in this coming year?

Prayer

Dear Giver of gifts, Thank you for being with us as we enter a new year. Fill us with your holy fullness that we may be empowered for meaningful service as we wait. Amen.

Acts 1:12-17, 21-26                                January 2

WORKING WHILE WAITING

They all joined together constantly in prayer…. Lord you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.

Acts 1:14, 24

Imagine the disciples’ surprise, if not sense of desolation. Jesus was taken up before their very eyes and a cloud hid him from their sight. At one moment, they’re excited because their risen Lord is in their midst talking about gifts that they’re going to receive, and then the next moment, he was gone! If we had been there, we too would be looking intently up into the sky, (1:10) hoping that the miserable cloud would move and not hide him from our sight!

The group then gathered in their upper room and talked about what had happened. Again, imagine the speculation, eventually followed by trust. After all, hadn’t Jesus told them to wait for the gift?

Author Luke makes clear, though, that their waiting was not just a time of wondering. The group joined together constantly in prayer. What a lesson for waiting people! How many opportunities for prayer do we allow to slip away because we think something else appears more urgent or important? How often do we just wait and fuss impatiently while we could be praying and doing faithfully?

Their meeting and praying led to replacing the deserter Judas. A waiting church filled the void, but only after prayerfully determining the qualifications needed. The person had to be someone who had walked with Jesus and was also a witness to his resurrection. Then Matthias was added to the twelve. Jesus’ promise, I will build my church ( Matt.16:18) was being fulfilled. It’s still being fulfilled by people who wait and pray, as well as work and participate. It’s still the same balance of waiting and praying, working obediently, doing what we know needs doing. Are you doing your share?

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Would we really like to have Jesus around so that we could see him?

2.   How do you know that you’ve been given the promised gifts?

3.   What have I done to help build up Christ’s church?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, as you build your church, open our eyes so we can see what we must do. Open our ears so we can hear your directions. Open our hearts so that we will follow. Amen.

Acts 1:20-26                                 January 3

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

"May another take his place of leadership…

to take over this apostolic ministry."

Acts 1: 20, 25

A familiar church form for ordaining leaders in the local church begins this way, "Today we celebrate God’s gift of faithful leadership for his people." What a wonderful way of putting it! It’s a reminder that the leadership the church needs in our age of various voices and intense challenges must be leadership that is gifted by God.

Attendance at worship encourages and challenges us to face our daily world. After worshiping, some of us may feel caught up in ruts or routines. Some of us may not regularly worship with others at churches. But all of us know that churches, like other organizations, need good leadership.

Jesus provided for effective, dynamic leadership when he restored Peter from his fallen position after three denials. Jesus knew that building his church would take intensive leadership by those willing to take some heat, knowing they were called of God to do so.

God uses different leaders at different times. Peter’s style would probably not work well in the church scene today. He probably wouldn’t listen sufficiently, and the thought of taking a survey to determine peoples’ wants and needs would send him into a tailspin of fear and frustration. The other disciples might even suggest that maybe he should let John take over that part of the church’s ministry. After all, John came across less bossy, more loving and understanding.

Churches need good and gifted leaders. Christians need to encourage their leaders, including praying for them. Church leaders are not perfect, none of us is , but we do need them to lead, for Christ’s sake. They need to lead as they are led by the power of God’s Holy Spirit while searching God’s Word for divine guidance.

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Which of your church’s leaders do you feel you could pray for today?

2.   What about Peter’s denials made him a better leader in the church?

3.   Would you describe your church’s leaders as led by God’s Word and Spirit?

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for redeeming a fallen leader like Peter, calling others like Matthias, and using those leading your church today. Help me to honor them as your servants. Amen.

Acts 2: 1-4                                January 4

THE PROMISE FULFILLED

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:4

In order for ordinary people like you and me to accomplish extra-ordinary things, we need some power outside of ourselves. Jesus knew that too! So when he stood up at a feast and promised the power of the Holy Spirit, people assumed he was a prophet. Some even thought he might be the promised Messiah, the Christ! (John 7:37-41) We have the privilege of knowing that he was!

The required and obedient waiting had passed quickly, and now a wonderful power invaded the lives of the disciples in the upper room. Jesus’ promise of a new baptism took on a fabulous, surprising form. Luke tells us it came from heaven with the sound of a violent wind, filling the house. Now, if you’re someone who has survived a hurricane’s blowing away your home or a tornado’s uprooting the strongest of trees, you may have a different association with violent wind. It can be a most frightening, scary experience!

The Holy Spirit came with what seemed like tongues of fire. Fire and wind! What terrible forces of destruction! But, things with great potential for harm often have also the greatest potential for good. The Holy Spirit was desperately needed to set afire the tongues of men and women to speak the message of a Messiah who promises new life and extra-ordinary happenings as we submit to him.

Ordinary people, like you and me, empowered by extra-ordinary power from on high are able to stumble from our places of waiting to minister to people who want and need to hear from us the good news of Jesus. We can do it as enabled by the promised Spirit. The question is, Will we?

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   How do we know that we have the power of the Holy Spirit?

2.   What other Biblical stories have wind and fire included?

3.   Are you just ordinary or more significant? Why?

Prayer

Dear Giver of power, Spirit of wisdom, grant that we may share with others the good news of a Savior who keeps his promises and empowers us to share the joy of a new life. Amen.

Acts 2:14-36                                 January 5

PETER PREACHES

"Be assured of this: God has made this Jesus,

whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Acts 2:36

Reading Peter’s whole sermon as it’s recorded by Luke takes less than three minutes. If you go to worship services next Sunday, you’d probably wonder what happened if your pastor preached for only a few minutes.(Parents with squirming children might be relieved….) Yet, Peter makes his point! Luke writes, When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart. Now, that’s good preaching! Results from such preaching are rewarding!

Peter wasted few words defending the unusual action of his fellow disciples. They were not drunk! After all, it’s only nine in the morning. He went straight to what their Old Testament had taught them about the Spirit. With great signs and wonders God would pour out His Spirit upon all people, sons and daughters, young and old, and they’d be his servants. When this happens, they’d hear the good news of salvation and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. It’s all about promises and their fulfillment!

Peter went on to tell about Jesus and the resurrection. Death could not hold the son of David in its stony tomb. Peter kept it simple, building on what he knew his hearers already knew. God’s Holy Spirit had a recently restored sinner and a former fisherman preaching the good news of what God was doing in and through Jesus Christ, his Son.

Isn’t that something we all can do? Can we take some memorized passages of scripture and show that God is fulfilling his promises? It may take more than three minutes, but over a cup of coffee or coke, we can make time. We may not cut to the heart, but then the Holy Spirit has to do that. We just need to tell what we know. Do we know enough?

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Can you think of any promise God made to you that you see being fulfilled?

2.   Do you know anyone like Peter who did something else and then became a preacher?

3.   Why are we so slow to share what we know with those who need to know?

Prayer

Dear Lord, I cannot preach like Peter or even pray like Paul but me to share the love of Jesus with those who need to hear it. Help me live it showing Jesus in my life and actions. Amen.

Acts 2:42-47                                January 6

THE CHURCH’S FELLOWSHIP

They devoted themselves to the apostles’

teaching and to the fellowship,….

Acts 2:42

Every so often it would be a good thing for Christians to go back and study these words describing the early church. As we journey through Acts, we’ll notice again and again that the church can and does wander away from the basics. It’s still no different today.

I still recall a movement some years ago by well-meaning believers to have a church fellowship based simply on the model of this early church and it activities. We celebrate that Jesus is building his church as promised in Matthew 16: 18. Essential to its vitality are teaching, fellowship, worship and growth. Luke notes the growth by stating, The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Church growth is not an option but a result of faithfully being Christ’s church.

It may seem sometimes that churches today get too structured and too organized for their own good. Have we as members lost our sense of enthusiasm about what God has done for us? When we get together, have we so formalized our teaching and fellowship that we’ve forgotten the why of it all? We must ask the questions while searching for the right answers needed today.

It seems that the early church had something about it that attracted people to their fellowship. People wanted to be part of it as ministry took place to those in need as well as those supplying what was needed. A faithful fellowship has both those who have been given much as well as those who need some help. We need to ask if we’re part of a fellowship that regularly reviews its purpose in the light of God’s Word. Our world needs purposeful churches and people.

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   What does my home church have in common with the church of Acts 2?

2.   In what way could our churches be simpler and more purposeful?

3.   What makes our church an attractive place to belong?

Prayer

Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways of building churches that forget the why and focus too much on incidentals. Help us see ourselves more clearly. Amen.

Acts 3:1-10                                 January 7

HEALING OR SILVER AND GOLD?

"Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.

In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

Acts 3: 6

Today’s employee will not receive her pay in an envelope with gold or silver. Most likely she’ll receive it by way of a check or direct deposit. Cash only seems to be the tender today of those unashamedly avoiding taxes and the laws of the land.

The story is told of Thomas Aquinas visiting Pope Innocent II as he was counting his church’s large sums of silver and gold. The church leader said, You see, the church can no longer say that silver and gold have I none. To this Aquinas replied, True, but neither can she say ‘Rise up and walk!’ Ouch! Have things really changed that much?

In the shadow of the beautiful temple, a man crippled from birth begged daily for a meager existence. He asked for money, but got healing! His response was praise! He danced with delight. Everything looked different from his new and upright perspective. Life took on a meaning he had never envisioned. His despair changed to joy as he experienced deliverance.

Peter and John as God’s instruments had provided the miracle the man needed to change his direction. The power of Pentecost had been applied once more. Not Peter’s! Not John’s! The Holy Spirit’s blowing in unexpected places heals the crippled and moves the church!

It’s still happening today. People paralyzed with fear come to know Jesus and all fear is gone. Despondent people who cannot face the future, bend their knees to Jesus, and their lives move ahead with a meaningful purpose and a marvelous power. The ultimate paycheck is not drawn on a bank or based on gold; it’s in the healing and walking with Jesus, wherever he leads.

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Has the church put too much emphasis on securing money for its ministry?

2.   What are some of the needs of your neighbors? Can you supply them?

3.   Where is Jesus leading you to minister in His name?

Prayer

Lord, you know my weaknesses and what cripples me. Heal me to walk with you. Holy Spirit, empower me to face my fears and live with power and purpose. Amen.

Acts 4:1-13                                January 8

WHAT MAKES FOR BOLDNESS?

They were astonished and they took note that

these men had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13

Our sons believe that my mother spoke only half the sayings that I attribute to her. Even after confirming with an aging aunt that there were more sayings than they suspected, they still have their doubts. So whenever they hear, My mother used to say…, their listening skills diminish greatly. But, my mother did say, You get infected by the people with whom you hang. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it could be said of you, Wow! You can tell he’s been hanging with Jesus! or It’s really easy to see that she’s joined a believers Bible study.

A crippled man gets healed, and the authorities respond with rage. Imagine! Peter and John’s preaching disturbs the establishment. These recently ordained-by-the-Holy Spirit pastors get hauled off to face their accusers. No breaking of the rules on the authorities’ part regarding their assembling. They’d learned their lesson after dealing with Jesus so unorthodoxly.

Peter and John use the occasion to preach! As promised, the power of the Holy Spirit is theirs as they face their skeptic interrogators. They share that Jesus is the only way of salvation, and they do so with courage. These unschooled, ordinary men do wonderful, extraordinary things. They do so in the power of the Holy Spirit. People observe that these men had been with Jesus.

Being with Jesus has a way of affecting behavior and the freedom to talk about him. Being with Jesus does really change your life and may upset some others who have a tight, neat system that cannot afford to be disturbed, for whatever reason. It happens today in the marketplace as well as in marriage, in business and in relationships. When you’re there, does it show that you’ve been with Jesus?

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   What favorite parental saying do you find coming back again and again?

2.   What do you think made the authorities so fearful and Peter and John so bold?

3.   How could someone tell that you’ve been with Jesus?

Prayer

Dear Lord, Help me to talk and walk with you in such a way that it shows that I love and worship you—and not just on Sundays, but also other days. I need your presence and power, Lord. Amen.

Acts 4:23-31                                 January 9

MORE BOLD SPEAKING

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 4: 31

Peter and John had made it clear: We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.(Acts 4:20) Threats against their lives weren’t about to stop these apostles. They had been with Jesus. They saw lives changed because the Spirit of God was at work. So, after another time of prayer asking for boldness, they went about their building-shaking, people-changing business.

Christians all over the world, regularly gather in houses of worship. Some will be in cathedrals, some in what are called worship centers, some in huts, some in a designated safe area of their prison, and others in traditional sanctuaries. Whatever they’re called, these places can only be shaken by the Spirit of God. Earthquakes may cause walls to crumble, but only the Spirit of God can cause hearts to crack. And crack they will where God’s Word is faithfully opened and proclaimed with boldness and confidence. God has made that promise and God is a keeper of his promises.

We might be helped by asking ourselves what is keeping us from being bold? In our churches, are we settling for blandness? Why are some bored in church? Are we afraid to speak because of authorities who threaten us? For some fellow Christians, that’s a very painful reality! Let’s pray for them. But, for most of us, it’s our fear of embarrassment and not harassment that stifles our speaking out with the truth or speaking up for those needing justice. . Maybe the church needs to experience a wonderful or painful healing to embolden its speaking God’s word once again.

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   When did you last pray for the persecuted church?

2.   What are some areas of life that the church avoids addressing?

3.   Why do churches have so little to say in the marketplace today?

Prayer

Empower your people, O God. Help us to speak the truth in love, wherever and with whomever. Thank you for the power given then and now. Lord, it’s needed and we need it. Amen.

Acts 4:32-37                                January 10

A NEW COMMUNITY

The believers were one in heart and mind….They shared everything they had.

Acts 4:32

It all seems so wonderful—unity in heart and mind! They probably all agreed on worship style as well as daily dress. No mother said to her daughter, No daughter of mine is leaving the house in that outfit. And surely, no one came up to Peter and suggested that there had been too music in the service last week, or asked, Why did we have to stand to sing all those songs? Can’t we praise God sitting down? It sounds like the church had truly arrived!

The story is told that Oliver Cromwell was being painted by a court painter who omitted some disfiguring warts that the prime minister had on his face. He wouldn’t tolerate it. When shown the picture, he said, Take it away and paint me, warts and all!

The Bible paints with warts and all. But, before it paints the warts, it paints a picture of peace. Luke presents the ideal. People share their goods as well as sharing the joy of being one in Jesus Christ. They are one in heart and mind as they share possessions so that no one goes without basic needs. People give readily and cheerfully, and the apostles are able to preach with great power.(Acts 4:33) We ask, "Is there a relationship between their sharing and the powerful preaching?

Next, Luke introduces us to Joseph, better known as Barnabas. He’s known and named for his encouragement beyond the fine gift of money from a field he sold. The early church was truly blessed with members who shared what they had. Men like Barnabas provide a great example and model to imitate. Was it any wonder that they grew?

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Can you name people from your Christian community who are role models for you?

2.   In what ways could our churches share more with their communities?

3.   If you knew someone saw you as an example, would you do things differently?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, as we see you build your church, we see men and woman sharing. Help us to do the same in a spirit of unity and with hearts of love. We also love your church. Amen.

Acts 5:1-11                                 January 11

A REALISTIC PICTURE?

You have not lied to men but to God.

Acts 5:4

The American president, Theodore Roosevelt spoke about an Ananias Club as a unique gathering of liars. It would be a place where nobody trusted anybody and everybody would try to cheat somebody. Truly a hell of sorts! Some of you may feel like you’re living in that kind of world.

Shakespeare in his play Hamlet has Polonius saying to his son, This above all: To thine own self be true and it must follow as night the day, thou cans’t not then be false to any man. Good advice! When we lie to ourselves, we are certainly at least first cousins of him whom Jesus calls the father of lies. (John 8: 44)

Peter clearly demonstrates that Ananias and his wife cannot lie to God. There is no room for dishonesty, deception or pretense in Christ’s church! Contrasted with Barnabas, Mr. and Mrs. Ananias and Sapphira Dropped-Dead present a picture of pain and hypocrisy. We might even wonder, Why would anyone lie to be a part of a church fellowship? Church is supposed to be a place where liars are redeemed and restored. Church is supposed to be the place where those kinds of things have no place, no room to grow.

God’s people must not lie. They must not lie about not having time. God’s people must not lie about I cannot really give at this time. God’s people cannot afford to sacrifice any integrity! Lying leads to dying. If you lie, you may not drop dead at Peter’s feet, but you’ll die spiritually.

Lying is no basis for the Christian life. In the Old Testament’s account of early Israel, we learned about Achan’s lying while a member of God’s O.T. Church. He paid a similar price. As God’s temples, His community, we host the Holy Spirit. No room for lying. (I Corinthians 3:16)

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   How do you feel when you’ve been lied to about something significant?

2.   Why do you think God was so adamant about truth telling in his early church?

3.   In what ways do we lie all too regularly without giving it sufficient thought?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for giving us a picture of your church that shows us clearly, warts and all. Help us to fight the temptation to pretend or deceive. We don’t want to fool with you. Amen.

Acts 5:12-21                                January 12

RESISTANCE AND REJOICING

(They) replied: We must obey God rather than men! …The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering….

Acts 5: 29, 41

Great fear seized the whole church writes Luke. After all, it’s not every day that people fall dead as Ananias and Sapphira did. It may even have made the front pages of the Jerusalem Gazette instead of a sidebar mention. Today, we learn some more about Jesus’ keeping his promise, I will build my church.(Matthew 16:18)

The early church did not have smooth sailing. But, then, Jesus had never promised that it would be cake walk.

Jesus calls for the church to be a place where things are happening because his disciples are obedient. People are attracted to such places! In such places, lives are changed with eternal consequences. Whole, healed people attract attention, even jealousy. The apostles touched lives and they got arrested. Doing good doesn’t always lead to being appreciated. It can be difficult and discouraging to keep trying.

God intervenes through one of his angels and re-commissions the apostles to tell about the new life that’s available in Christ. Luke records simply, They entered the temple courts as they had been told and began to teach the people.(vs 21) Obedience is an essential sign of faithful discipleship.

Once again, they chose to obey God and not the secular authorities. It was risky. But, when God commands, do we have a choice? We are challenged by these men of courage who spoke with conviction and confidence. They rejoiced when suffering came to them because it identified them with their Lord. They were Christ-like. They had been faithful as their Lord had been faithful, willing to die. Can we do any less?

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Has the church grown accustomed to smooth sailing and isn’t ready to suffer?

2.   What sort of things about your church would attract people to Jesus?

3.   How Christ-like are you? How would anyone notice?

Prayer

Lord, Thank you for the persistence of your people despite of dungeon, fire and sword. Help us be obedient to your Word and willing to be your risk-taking people. Amen.

Acts 6:1-7                                 January 13

COMPLAINING AND ITS RESULTS

The Grecian Jews among them complained …

because their widows were being overlooked….

Acts 6:31

You heard it this week. It’s a common expression. It goes: "It doesn’t help to complain. Nobody listens anyway." But, it’s not always true. It wasn’t always true in the church described in Acts 6. A situation with the potential for real division became the occasion for a new ministry of including others. The new and growing church responded to a real need with the urgency of compassion for all groups within the body of believers.

The problem appeared to be one of administration and, hopefully, not one of sinful favoritism. The solution was found in seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit and designating specialized tasks. This principle became clearer as the church grew. A wide variety of different gifts need to be utilized appropriately in order for the church to grow. The sooner we realize that neglecting God-given gifts is a travesty, the sooner Christ’s church will enjoy the ministry of its gifted members.

The result is clear as recorded in our passage. The word of God spread. The church once again kept its focus on making disciples. The church responded to complaining and empowered people who were known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. The church that Jesus Christ was building sought his guidance and avoided another all-too common division.

As God’s people in the world, it may be a good idea to think regularly about ways of examining our lives, business and family, as well as church life, and ask ourselves, What do we do well and what can we do better? As Spirit-led people, we can then make the needed changes to improve our discipleship. It’s really a matter of desiring to build or to just complain. What does Christ want us doing?

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Do our churches exhibit favoritism in dealing with people and issues?

2.   In what area of life do we need to ask the question, What do we do well?

3.   As you participate in your church, are you building or complaining?

Prayer

Master Builder, Help us to see where changes are needed. Guide us with your Spirit to act wisely to do what most effectively helps us grow obediently, for your sake, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Acts 6:8-15                                January 14

THE SPIRIT OF STEPHEN

Now Stephen, man full of God’s grace and power, did

great wonders and miraculous signs among the people….

they saw that his face was like that of an angel.

Acts 6:8, 15

Chosen to be a deacon, Stephen showed an amazing ability and a wonderful spirit of willingness to serve Jesus. His work resulted in gratitude and aroused jealous opposition. Yet, Deacon Stephen’s wisdom showed as he held his own against the Jewish leaders arguing with him. He relied on the power of the Holy Spirit and the God-given wisdom entrusted to him. Before long, false accusations flew. Accusations about the temple and the law, precious traditions, evoked an intense and emotional response. We’ve experienced similar situations.

Like Jesus, Stephen faced false accusers and stirred-up religious leaders along with their followers. Speech after speech condemned him as someone undoing their sacred traditions. Like Jesus, he was accused of blasphemy which merited the death penalty. Stephen’s following Jesus reminds us that there’s risk in true obedience.

Jesus had talked about destroying the temple and rebuilding it in three days. But, Jesus was talking about himself as the temple of God in the midst of the people. (John 2:19) The people with a view of God’s kingdom as consisting of bricks and mortar couldn’t seem to understand a new and different way of thinking about God’s temple, God’s being with them. Their traditions and short-sightedness blurred their vision.

Would I have been a part of that establishment protecting myself and my views? I wonder if I fail to see what God is doing all around me because I’m so focused on what I’m doing and my way of doing it? The Stephens of this world get under our skin. Yet, their spirit is one of truth and righteousness. As such, they have a message from God as reflected in Stephen’s face described as one like that of an angel. If so, I better be looking and listening. God’s speaking.

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Has it ever surprised you that a new deacon ended up giving a message? Why?

2.   What sacred cows would arouse your strong reaction?

3.   How can we listen better to the Stephens today who have a righteous spirit?

Prayer

Lord, you speak to us by way of those whose faces are like those of an angel, but mostly you speak to us by way of those of faith and led by your Spirit. Help us to listen closely. Amen.

Acts 7:54-8:1                                January 15

STEPHEN’S STONING

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Acts 7:59

Stephen knew his Old Testament. His response to the high priest’s question recounted God’s faithful doings, reflecting his faithfulness. In the midst of those who gloried in their connection to Moses, Stephen demonstrated that he knew this God of Abraham, Joseph and Moses. He had their attention. The crowd was with him! He was talking about their forefathers in the faith. But their mood changed radically when Stephen began talking about their resisting the Holy Spirit and their murdering God’s messengers. Their response was quick! Rush in, drag out, and stone him!

Stephen is true to his Jesus to the very end. He is not just like an angel but more like Son of Man whose name he’s been proclaiming. Like Jesus, he prayed for forgiveness for his killers as he breathed his last. Like Jesus, he commended his spirit to the giver of life, knowing it is safe there. Like Jesus, he died in the presence of those who would remember his dying. It’s a scene not easily forgotten.

I cannot imagine Saul ever forgot that he’d stood there that day in the cheering section as Stephen breathed his prayer for forgiveness. Saul had been an enthusiastic participant as he held garments for those who wanted to make sure their stone throwing would be accurate and deadly.

Like Jesus, Stephen died. Unlike Jesus, Stephen didn’t emerge from his tomb. But, years later in that glorious resurrection message, Paul wrote, Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. (I Corinthians. 15:20) Stephen followed his Lord. Will you do the same?

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Do you know anyone like Stephen who seems so much like Jesus?

2.   Praying to forgive your killers is most difficult. Whom do you need to forgive?

3.   Paul survived a later stoning. Why didn’t God let a saint like Stephen live?

Prayer

Dear God of the resurrection, we too are called to fall asleep in Christ. Help us to do so in the assurance of your grace-giving forgiveness. We feel more like Saul than Stephen, Amen.

Acts 8:1-3                                 January 16

THE CHURCH AND PERSECUTION

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem,… Godly men buried Stephen …But Saul began to destroy the church.

Acts 8: 1-3

It’s important for Christians to focus regularly on the plight of the persecuted church in today’s world of unrest and upheaval. Roughly, 200 million Christians around the world face the persecution of physical abuse, family separation, incarceration and martyrdom. Imagine the pain and death involved. Hear God’s heart break for his hurting people. In contrast, the free church’s complaints about losing special status privileges and tax breaks sound self serving, a pity party.

People in the know tell us horror stories about brothers and sisters in Christ that we would sooner not hear. After all, we’re probably pretty comfortable in our daily living as we enjoy the freedoms of the Western world. Most of us are free to walk or drive to our churches to worship and fellowship. It may be in the heat of the summer but in air-conditioned sanctuaries or on snowy, slippery roads but in warm places of worship. We don’t worry about a Saul banging down the door and hauling us away.

Gratefully, and often ignorantly, we fold our hands, close our eyes, and say, We’re so blessed. Our enemy may not be persecution, but could well be complacency. We easily grow soft because we’ve not had to defend our faith.

The early church had little chance to get too settled. Jesus had given a mandate, Go, make disciples of ALL nations.(Matthew 28:20) The church gets scattered and the results are church growth. Isn’t it surprising, even amazing, how the church seems to grow when faced with fierce opposition or painful persecution? Should we be praying for persecution or faithfulness?

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   When was the last time that your church prayed for others being persecuted?

2.   How would you know if you’ve grown too complacent in your discipleship?

3.   Besides praying, is there something you can do for the persecuted church?

Prayer

Dear Lord of the Church, We pray today for all worshiping people. Some face ridicule and others even death. May our churches find ways of encouraging them, Amen.

Acts 8:20-25                                 January 17

SIMONY

You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you….

Acts 8:21, 22

Having a street or town named after you is usually an honor. A name held in high regard is still meaningful. In our passage today, we read about a man whose name defines an unworthy buying and selling of church offices. The word simony still stands for mixing sacred and sordid, buying what should not be bought.

As Christ’s church grew, it encountered a variety of challenges. We noted yesterday that persecution from without often makes a church grow, but church history reveals that wickedness within will wither it. Peter recognized the problem when Simon offered money for a spiritual ability. Peter responded with a desire to see Simon’s money perish as well as Simon. A harsh, but necessary call! He saw Simon’s heart and understood well that there was no room in Christ’s church for such defilement of sacred things.

Unlike Ananias, Simon does not fall dead at Peter’s feet. Instead, Peter challenges him to repent and pray. Peter proclaims a message of forgiveness, giving Simon opportunity to respond to God’s grace and learn that it is by grace that we are saved. We never learn if Simon did or didn’t, but we do learn something about the nature of grace.

The gift of the Holy Spirit remains a gift, not a purchased item! No amount of donations made towards worthy causes or placed into a church offering buy us God’s pleasure. God’s gracious forgiving is based on Christ’s finished work. It was earned by Jesus, who while being crucified prayed, Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing. The forgiveness we need has been fully paid for by the Father’s Son. Have you received it? Does it show in your forgiving others?

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Do you see any signs of simony in the church today?

2.   Why do we find God’s grace so difficult to accept as a gift?

3.   How does it show in your life that you’ve accepted God’s forgiveness in Christ?

Prayer

Father, Forgive us when we try to buy your grace and find it slipping through our fingers. Give us faith, Lord, weak as we are, to accept your gift of life in Christ and to be forgiving! Amen.

Acts 8:26-35                                January 18

THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH

Do you understand what you are reading? Philip asked. How can I, he said unless someone explains it to me?

Acts 8:30, 31

Sometimes I say, And now, like the Ethiopian eunuch, go on your way rejoicing! Most often, a strange and inquisitive look comes over people’s faces. Their unfamiliarity with today’s reading is amusing. Then I have opportunity to explain, briefly of course, the wonderful story of God’s message reaching a distant traveler who came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through the faithful, obedient ministry of Philip. The uniqueness of the eunuch is another explanation.

In the book of Acts in which we’ve been journeying this month, we sense the heartbeat of the early church and its growth. Again and again, we see the early believers seeking God’s guidance and responding with faithful obedience. An angel of the Lord says to Philip, Go! and he goes. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an unlikely place on an out-of-the-way, dry, desert, and probably also deserted road.

Blessings follow obedience. It’s Christ’s way. So, when the Spirit says, Go…, we pack our bags. Dietrich Bonheoffer put it this way, Only he who believes obeys, and only he who obeys believes.

God needed someone to make a passage of Isaiah clear to a steward who served in the Ethiopian queen’s court. We know the feeling of frustration when understanding escapes us. We see how God used a servant willing to run and wait, doing so in an unlikely place with an unlikely person. Philip casually opened the conversation, and then seized the opportunity to tell the good news about Jesus. History revealed the results. Are we open to making the best of similar opportunities? Often it’s just a matter of simple obedience that’ll provide them.

Let’s think and talk about it:

1.   Have you ever had the opportunity to explain a scripture passage to someone?

2.   How can we learn to be more expectant of having situations that allow for it?

3.   Can we casually introduce the good news about Jesus in our workplaces?

Prayer

Opener of doors, help us see when the door is locked and when it is open to sharing about our Savior. Open our hearts to see our neighbors’ needs and seize opportunities for sharing. Amen.

Acts 9:1-9                                 January 19

JESUS ASKS ‘WHY?’-I

Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.

Acts 9: 4,5

We’re more than halfway through the month, and yet we’re not half-way through Luke’s account of the early church. I’m glad we’ve reached the