THE GIFT OF SALVATION

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Day 10

THE GIFT OF SALVATION

READ:

Acts 9.1-43

No sinner is beyond God’s long arm of love. Here, Saul is so obsessed with persecuting the Church that he wants to get rid of Christians in areas other than Jerusalem. Then, Jesus reveals himself to Saul as Saul travels on the road to Damascus. Saul responds with obedience and surrenders to Jesus Christ. It is an amazing transformation. In this narrative, we see God’s salvation plan at work. First, the person is dead in sin and blinded by disobedience. God then reveals himself, and the sinner has to either choose or reject the Lord’s invitation. Upon accepting God’s invitation, God removes the scales from the eyes of the formerly sinful person, and ushers him into a new life with Christ.


REFLECT:


How does your story relate to Saul’s? Have you allowed God to work in your life as he did in Saul’s?

PRAY:

God, thank you for your gift of salvation. May I always treasure it and be mindful of what it cost you.

Unleashed: As You Go – Pray

Unleashed – As You Go – Pray

“Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is.” I John 3:2

 

“Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways; we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness, it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God.”

I enjoyed reading Oswald Chamber’s devotion the other morning and especially the title, “The Graciousness of Uncertainty.” I was greatly struck by how much I needed certainty in my life yet seldom could I say with certainty what certainty I had in my life. Growing up on a farm in Oklahoma I realized there was a rhythm of certainty others may not experience in their growing-up years. Life on a farm allows you to comfortably settle into a predictable routine; a certainty of life.  I could almost guess I am not alone in the need for certainty. This pandemic we find ourselves living through right now has taken countless lives but also has caused us to no longer live a settled, certain life.

I came to radically understand what leaving your comfort zone really meant on that early morning flight out of Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City. Connie and I boarded our plane that morning, leaving Oklahoma for our new home in Bophutatswana. There was uncertainty pulsating through every fiber of my body; leaving family, friends and the known; for a country whose name I could barely pronounce. Over the next five years, I came to understand ever so slightly the “gracious uncertainty of life” that God gives us.

I wouldn’t trade the uncertainty of those first days in Africa for anything. The morning I didn’t think I could take another day in this dry and desolate place, I walked out of the front door of our house in Mmabatho to see God’s signature in the sky. The most perfect rainbow took my breath away, a sight that even today is etched deep into my soul. Normally rainbows come after a rainstorm but God doesn’t always work normally.  Bophuthatswana was in the midst of a dust producing drought. I’m sure there is a scientific explanation for a rainbow without rain but for me it was God’s signature to me that He had me secure in the midst of uncertainty.

That first term we would still face frustrations of living in a different culture, experience the hurt of a miscarriage, overwhelming joy of two of our children’s births, the gut-wrenching despair at the near death of our son, civil unrest, and normal first term adjustments. However, I could settle into the uncertainty because I could trust in the certainty of God. He brought into our lives friends who still hold a special place in our hearts, ministry that encouraged us, and a rhythm of life that echoed God’s grace in our lives.

Chambers continued in his devotion, “If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality about our views’ but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy.” I truly don’t know what a day may bring but I do trust God. I can now say with certainty that I am learning to live in every uncertain day with an “expression of breathless expectation.”

“For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.” Psalm 62:5-7

Who needs a comfort zone when you can live in God’s unexpectedly glorious creation!

God is great,

 

A DOWN SOUTH READING LESSON

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Day 9

A DOWN SOUTH READING LESSON

READ:

Acts 8.1-40

In this Scripture text, an angel speaks to the apostle Philip, telling him to arise and go to the south. This is an interesting command in that the angel does not give him any word about what to do down south, or how to get there, just get up and go. When he does, Philip meets an Ethiopian who is struggling to understand the Scriptures he is reading. Philip explains the passage and eventually leads the man to accept the Lord Jesus as Savior, and be baptized.


Obedience is key to honoring God. Philip had no way of knowing that he would witness to the man in the chariot. Oftentimes in life, God calls us to “arise and go.” It could be a call to the mission field, a school, to witness to an unlikeable person, or even an enemy. Whenever God calls, we need to be obedient.


REFLECT:


In what ways do you sense God’s call in your life? How can you be open to God’s voice so that you know when he is speaking to you?

PRAY:

God Almighty, my heart yearns for more of you and your beautiful truth. Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things in your Word.

WHERE IS YOUR GAZE?

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Day 8

WHERE IS YOUR GAZE?

READ:

Acts 7.1-60

Stephen took his faith seriously. He was so convinced of Christ’s saving power that he was willing to die for what he believed. As he was being stoned to death, Stephen’s gaze was on heaven and Jesus. We know that a person’s worship is always towards the object of his or her affection. What was it about Jesus and the message that he preached that made Stephen willing to give it all up, even his life? Those stones were not small pebbles being thrown at Stephen; those stones were large rocks that were meant to maim and mutilate his body. The excruciating death Stephen suffered is a testimony of how worthy he considered Christ to be.


We sing, “Open the eyes of my heart” asking God to let us turn our gaze upon Jesus who died for our sins. Stephen’s witness and martyrdom demonstrate that Jesus was truly the object of his worship.


REFLECT:


Are you gazing on the Lord with the eyes of your heart? If not, how can you refocus your gaze in order to get back to worshiping the true and living, loving God?

PRAY:

Lord, as I come before you today, speak truth into my heart so that I may live to honor you.

PREACHERS, WAITERS, AND PRAYER WARRIORS

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Day 7

PREACHERS, WAITERS, AND PRAYER WARRIORS

READ:

Acts 6.1-15

As people who belong to God, we are all God’s servants. There is no difference in our rank as we give our service in the Lord’s kingdom. When we read about how the Lord’s followers worked in the Early Church, it is clear that they did not consider one position higher than another. Whether it’s an apostle teaching the Word, a man waiting on tables, or a woman praying, God does not bless us based on our rank. The true mark of a believer’s position is his or her faithfulness in serving God. The men chosen to wait on tables, a seemingly menial and meaningless task, were all people who were filled with the Holy Spirit. It should be a liberating concept to know that whatever you do to help build God’s kingdom, counts. Do it always with a servant’s heart and God will honor your efforts.


REFLECT:


Whatever your position in life may be, are you asking the Holy Spirit to fill you?

PRAY:

Heavenly Father, help me to stay devoted to you in prayer and by reading your Word. Give me understanding so that I may follow you in all that I do.

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY!

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Day 6

IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY!

READ:

Acts 5.1-42

This chapter of the book of Acts clearly displays the awesome power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. In this narrative of Ananias and Sapphira, we see that the Holy Spirit’s power is far greater than that of Satan’s. Satan’s tactics are divisive and contradictory to the Word of God. By tempting the husband and wife to lie and cheat, Satan sowed seeds of corruption in the Church. But, the Holy Spirit, who knows all things and knows our hearts, permanently removes Satan’s instruments, Ananias and Sapphira, from the Church.


While this judgment may seem cruel, it is meant as a warning and a learning experience to the Early Church. The death of these two had an impact on the others. “The church members were afraid, and so was everyone else who heard what had happened” (v 11). We see that when something is held back from God, he is grieved. God did not need Ananias and Sapphira’s funds; he wanted their undivided, sincere faith in God’s providence. As a Father, the Lord wants his children to completely rely on him, so that we are not tempted to hold anything back from him.


REFLECT:


What are you holding back from God? Is it money, like Ananias or Sapphira? Are you lying, cheating, or gossiping to get ahead? The Lord yearns for his children to have complete trust in him. God wants our faith to be undivided and sincere. Is your faith resting completely in the Lord’s providential power?

PRAY:

Lord, speak to me through your Word. Reveal to me the idols and sins that may be hindering my walk with you.

GIVE IT UP FOR THE GOSPEL…SHAKE UP THE HOUSE

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Day 5

GIVE IT UP FOR THE GOSPEL…SHAKE UP THE HOUSE

READ:

Acts 4.1-37

At this point in time, many miracles and unbelievable things were taking place. It was all being done in the name of Jesus, through the preaching of the apostles. The religious teachers of the Law and some rulers were not happy because these miracles were bringing people to Jesus. They were angry and refused to believe even though the signs and wonders could not be denied. They chose to forbid the gospel of Jesus from being shared in Jerusalem, but because Peter and John were bold, that did nothing to stop them. In fact, when the two were arrested and later set free, they and the rest of the Lord’s followers met to pray. They asked God to give them courage to face all their haters, and to continue to show God’s power through miracles and healings as they called on the name of Jesus. As soon as they finished praying, the whole house began to shake, and everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit.


Words cannot describe how God feels when we are not ashamed to acknowledge God’s power before unbelievers and follow him in all circumstances. When we become bold believers, we will tell the world of God’s love that is available to all people.


REFLECT:


Is it hard for you to share the message of Jesus with your friends and family? Do you feel like you are missing out on living life to the fullest when you maintain a godly lifestyle? In what areas of your life do you lack courage?

PRAY:

God, help us to be bold and unashamed of the message of salvation.

IN THE NAME OF JESUS! – A DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE

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Day 4

IN THE NAME OF JESUS! – A DECLARATION OF DEPENDENCE

READ:

Acts 3.1-26

While Peter and John were making their way to the temple to get their church on, a lame man, sitting in front of the gate, begs them money. The two men tell him to look at them, and the lame guy thinks he’s getting money. But then, Peter tells the guy that he doesn’t have any money but he has power to heal in the name of Jesus! Peter orders him to start walking and the guy stand up and starts leaping for joy. He then goes and gets his church on with Peter and John. People who witness the miracle are amazed. Others who missed the actual event sees the man walking, jumping, and praising God in the temple. The people are blown away. Peter tells the people, “You see this man, and you know him. He put his faith in the name of Jesus and was made strong. Faith in Jesus made this man completely well while everyone was watching” (v 16).


Throughout the Gospels, we see healings and miracles that take place when believers call on the name of Jesus. But, we can also use Jesus’ name to declare things over our own lives. When Jesus took our place on the cross, he gave us access to power beyond our finite imagination. We, too, have the same power and authority that Peter and John had. It’s by God’s grace and mercy that we can use this beautiful and almighty name of Jesus that breaks every chain of sin. When we use it, it shows we are dependent on Jesus!


REFLECT:


Do you believe there is power in the name of Jesus? Think of instances where you have seen or experienced the healing power of the name of Jesus. Praise God for them.

PRAY:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the power that your name carries.

As You Go – Pray 5/04/20

Unleashed – As You Go – Pray

“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”  Psalm 63:8

“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire; if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them. They are not a sort of prize which God could, if He chose, just hand out to anyone. They are a great fountain of energy and beauty spurting up at the very centre of reality. If you are close to it, the spray will wet you; if you are not, you will remain dry. Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever? Once a man is separated from God, what can he do but wither and die?” C.S. Lewis

Sitting with David in Psalm 63 this week, I couldn’t help but marvel at the determination, worship and contentment as I read this Psalm. David composed this beautiful and powerful Psalm “when he was in the Wilderness of Judah.” Today, we seemingly find ourselves in a wilderness. Our wilderness is not of our making nor of our choice. Today we are facing challenges and problems we never imagined a few months ago as we “shelter in place” from an unseen enemy. What Psalm will we write in our wilderness?

David’s determination in this Psalm is expressed so powerfully as he writes, “O God, you are my God, I seek you,”.  You will not find an ounce of passivity in David because he is fully focused and determined to find God. I hope you are emotionally and spiritually encouraged and that your only desire is to be for God and you can say “my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

We have all found ourselves thirsty but few where our flesh faints as in a dry and weary land. Hiking the majestic and beautiful Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa years ago I understood this imagery in a real way.  Our water had run out during the hike and there was no water in this “dry and weary land”. No longer did my backpack feel so heavy, no longer did I focus on my tired body, no longer did I see the unbelievable beauty of the mountain range. No, my every thought became, “I need water.”

David still finds himself in his wilderness but his wilderness has been turned into a sanctuary.  He didn’t sit and mourn but actively sought God until he could say, “So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.” David may still be “sheltered in place” in his wilderness but the sound of praise and adoration comes from him as he lifts up his hands and calls on the name of God singing “because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.”

Wilderness life can be hard as I found out that afternoon struggling off the trail, tired and weary. Never had a bedroll and bottle of water been such a marvelous gift. David found contentment and hope in his wilderness and was able to write “my soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.”

David understood he could mourn and complain because he was in a wilderness, or he could praise God. He chose to seek God and worship. We didn’t choose to be in our “wilderness,” but we can choose our reactions and actions. We can mourn or rejoice.  We can weep over what we have lost or seek God as one whose “soul thirsts.” In our seeking God, we can rejoice and shout, “for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.”

God is great,

Pastor Lynn Burton

CALLED TO BE OUT FRONT!

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Day 3

CALLED TO BE OUT FRONT!

READ:

Acts 2.1-47

On the day of Pentecost, the room was filled with the presence of God. Just as Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit came on Jesus’ followers like a bolt of fire. When it fell on each person, they began speaking different languages. Imagine that! A bunch of believers from different nations who had gathered in Jerusalem to seek God’s face, were surprised to hear these followers speaking languages they did not know. Soon a crowd gathered around and they mocked the people who were praying and speaking these new languages because they looked drunk and weird. But Peter, who not too long before had acted grimy by denying he knew Jesus, was now the front man for the group. He explained that the people were not weird or drunk. What the crowd was seeing, up close and personal, was really a prophecy, told by the prophet Joel, coming true. God had promised to send his Spirit to his people and it was happening, just as God had said!


Many times you will be mocked by the world for following Jesus, but don’t worry about it because Jesus himself was mocked, yet he overcame everything evil in the world.


REFLECT:


Are you willing to be a leader for God and not a follower after the things the world offers? Do you find your worth in what others think or say about you?

PRAY:

God, thank you that I am the head and not the tail, I am above and not beneath. I’ve been called to lead others to you, and I am honored.