Betrayer Becomes Bold

"But Peter...replied, 'We must obey God rather than human authority.'" Acts 5:29

After healing a crippled man and having charges laid against them by the council of rulers, elders, and teachers of religious law in Jerusalem, Peter and John return to tell the other disciples all that has happened. Because the two men gave testimony to these leaders that the healing came through the powerful name of Jesus Christ, declaring salvation was found in Him alone, the council threatened these courageous disciples. Peter and John were released however because the leaders feared a riot. When all the other believers heard the report, they lifted their voice in prayer and praise!

Later, facing further opposition from officials and warned against teaching in the name of Jesus, Peter again takes a bold stand proclaiming his allegiance to Christ. He will obey God over any other human authority!

Peter was evidently no longer the same man who, before Christ's crucifixion, quickly denied Jesus when feeling intimidated by a servant girl. Much has changed in Peter's life. He has witnessed the resurrection of his Saviour and has been filled with supernatural power. Things change forever when you see death defeated. Fear diminishes and courage rises.

From cowering to courageous. The man who denied, now determined and deliberate. The dabbler turned disciple. From hiding in the shadow to people seeking to stand in his shadow (Acts 5:15). From impetuous to intentional. What happened?

When God's power shows up His passion is released. A personal encounter with the Lord changes everything, or at least it should. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit enabled a reformation that resulted in the gospel being shared and many coming to know Christ. The key was in the time Peter spent in communion with the Lord. He was becoming like the one with whom he was abiding and there was outward evidence of an inner dwelling, leading to transformation. Peter didn't just simply change his mind. Peter was changed by the presence and power of the Lord.

As you reflect back over your life are there evidences of growth? Can you identify times, when knowing the reality of Christ's presence, you were able to face situations or people who would have formerly made you anxious, but now you stand victorious because of God at work in your life? Have you noticed an increasing measure of personal willingness to share your faith, confirming your allegiance to Christ? You too can go from sporadic dabbler to Spirit-filled disciple as you allow the Lord to permeate your life to overflowing!

Seeing and Seizing

"Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd." Acts 3:12a

Disappointed that I did not find the item I was searching for, I headed for the store exit. Funny, I had felt so compelled to stop here. I hadn't left the house planning on coming this way, but an inner prompting persuaded my destination. Now I was frustrated. It was freezing cold outside. I really hadn't had the time for this extra stop. I needed to get home. My husband had just had oral surgery and I should be checking in on him and playing "nurse".

My departure was detained by a young woman leaving he store. I was in such a hurry behind her, at first I didn't see why she was walking so slowly. Completely immersed in my own world, I was unaware of her need or I was choosing not to see. Upon closer observation I realized she was pushing a baby stroller with one hand, while pulling a fully loaded cart with the other. A human "train" so to speak. It was almost Christmas and she was obviously shopping and by the looks of her cart's contents, she had been more fortunate than I.

As she headed towards the parking lot, struggling to keep all her treasures within her grasp, a thought filled my mind. Joy, offer to help her. Immediately I dismissed the idea. I reasoned that she would refuse my help anyway. These days everyone is skeptical of others who offer their services. She would be concerned about "stranger danger". She certainly wouldn't allow me to push her stroller, and I questioned, would she trust me with hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise? Offering to help would only make her nervous. She was handling everything alright. I should just leave her alone.

I turned a blind eye. Unlike Peter, I chose not to see my opportunity. I walked to my car. Unlocked the door. Sat inside. Glanced quickly back. It was then that it happened. As she tried to maneuver all her belongings over the curb, the shopping cart swayed and several of her purchases fell to the pavement. Frustration and exhaustion were written all over her face. As she picked up a skillet, looking for dents, I could almost hear her sigh and see the tear. How could she do it all? Care for an infant, shop, look after all the details of preparing for the holidays, and all in this unbelievably cold weather too. Surely her baby would rather be at home sleeping in a cozy crib, but she had gifts to buy and time was running out. So much still needed to be done. She was weary.

And here I sat. In a warm car. Opportunity seen but not seized. Stricken with guilt gut. My heart aches with my own selfishness. I can't turn back time, even if I wish I could.

Yes, I know, many of you would have helped without hesitation. You would have even gone the second mile, loading her car, returning her cart, making Jesus visible. I made a wrong decision. No excuses. No justifying. Just remorse.

Oh Lord, please forgive me for the many times I have not obeyed Your voice and neglected to seize the opportunity that I see standing right in front of me to share Your love. I can't go back, but I can move forward. Help me become someone You can turn to and say, "I'll ask Joy. She embraces My plans for her, trusts Me and steps out in faith."

I had felt compelled to go to this store, but I didn't purchase one thing. I believe now that God placed me there for the purpose of being His hands and feet to a young mom in need, but instead of letting her meet Jesus in an overcrowded parking lot, I said 'no' and walked away. And so tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that, and all my tomorrow's I will be looking for that one in need. For the weary and wounded. For the broken and betrayed. For the forgotten and forsaken. For the lonely and the loveless. For the abused and abandoned. For the busy and the burdened. For the harried and the harassed. For whoever God allows me to see.

What about you? Don’t just see an opportunity, seize it!!!

How Deep Is Your Love?

"If you need the altar because the land you possess is defiled, then join us in the LORD's land, where the Tabernacle of the LORD is situated, and share our land with us. But do not rebel against the LORD or against us by building an altar other than the one true altar of the LORD our God." Joshua 22:19

How deeply do we care about another believer's walk with the Lord? If we see a brother or sister in Christ making compromises or straying from paths of obedience, do we love them enough to tenderly confront their choices because of our concern for their spiritual well-being?

In Joshua 22 we have a beautiful example of having courage to speak out when the holiness of God is in question. The tribes who had been allotted land on the eastern side of the Jordan River built a "large and imposing altar". When the rest of the people of Israel heard about what the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh had done, they feared this altar was built to worship foreign gods and they immediately prepared to go to war against their own people, if necessary. If this was indeed an act of disobedience to the Lord, the other remaining tribes wanted to warn their relatives of the consequences of such a sin.

Before initiating a battle, they wisely addressed the situation, acting with divine wisdom as they sought clarification. Although what they had "heard" had disturbed and angered them, they didn't presume or jump to irrational conclusions. They did the right thing. They sent a representative to inquire an explanation. What a lesson that is in itself. How often do we make rash judgements based on something we have "heard" instead of what we truly "know"? We catch part of a conversation and our minds run with our own interpretation without understanding all the facts. How often a kind and gentle conversation would illuminate the truth.

As this delegation of leaders came to speak with the seemingly wayward tribes, not only did they question and warn, but not wanting to see these dear brothers drift away from the Lord, in an expression of incredible love, they extended an invitation for them to share some of their own territory and live with them. The desire for the hearts of these other Israelites, prompted the remaining western tribes to willingly offer, at great personal sacrifice, a share in their own land in order to see their relatives free of sin. This confrontation was more than words. They were offering to do whatever it took for the keeping of their souls from walking paths of disobedience.

So, again I ask, how deeply do we care about another believer's walk with the Lord? My heart has been so challenged by the price these brothers and sisters in the Lord were willing to pay for the protection of the hearts of others. 

In the end, once hearing the reasoning and understanding and seeing the situation from the correct perspective, resolution was found. However, I wonder the impact the western tribe's sacrifice and love had on the eastern tribes. As they reflected on the love that initiated the interaction, I can't help but think it had lasting influence. For dear ones to care so deeply for your obedience to the Lord is so tenderly beautiful.

Are there those in our circle of friends and family who we maybe need to grab a coffee with and share a conversation? Don't lightly dismiss any appearance of a wayward walk. Have courage. Be graciously direct. Reconcile relationships. Share and sacrifice your "land". Believe the best. Point each heart to Jesus.

Changed By His Presence

"The Red Sea saw them (the Israelites) coming and hurried out of their way! The water of the Jordan River turned away. The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs! What's wrong, Red Sea, that made you hurry out of their way? What happened, Jordan River, that you turned away! Why mountains, did you skip like rams? Why, hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob." Psalm 114:3-7

I smiled as I read the verses in Psalm 114. What was it that caused a sea to hurry, a river to resend and mountains and hills to skip and hop? As formidable as the Israelites could have appeared as they approached, it wasn't really their appearance that caused this response. All of nature was recognizing the presence of God and responded in the only way they knew how...in obedience. The sea and mountains were unable to stand against the presence of the Lord, and they had no choice but to act in joyful submission. If God's presence has such an influence on His creation, how does His presence in and around our lives impact us? Are we any different because of His presence with us?

The water and land identified God's presence, but do we? Do we see His hand at work around us? Do we hear His voice? Do we take time to notice Him? Does acknowledging Him help guide our words? Does knowing He's with us have any affect on our actions?

Years ago, I read the classic "Practicing the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. It's a call to being conscious of the Lord continually. "To meet God in everyday life, to be aware of being in the presence of God all the time, is not subjective experientialism, it is reality." (Peter Adam) We never have to doubt if God is with us. He is!

When we pause to pray, we acknowledge Him, but what happens after "Amen"? This benediction is not like closing a book or turning off the television. Just because we can't see a physical being doesn't mean that He has left the room. His presence remains. His presence should be influencing us at all times. We can't outrun it or deny it, but we can ignore it and dismiss it.

We encounter His presence through time in His Word and in prayer. We can know His presence through His people. We can awaken to His presence as we sing praise to His name. Being in His presence should fill our hearts with joy and peace. With His presence around us and within us, He is closer than our very breath.

Grandma Gordon, who lived to be over 100 years old, would pull out a chair for the Lord every morning as she sat down across from Him to read His word and pray. She intentionally welcomed His presence in a tangible way to heighten her own awareness of His with-ness. Throughout the rest of her day that chair was a reminder of God's constant companionship in her home.

I remember going to medical appointments during the Covid pandemic when no one could accompany me, but I still didn't go alone. On the morning of my surgery, I distinctly recall reaching out my hand just as I entered through the hospital's revolving doors, a physical demonstration of reaching for God's hand, certain of His presence by my side. 

We need to cultivate ways that help us become more aware of God. The culture is doing everything it can to drape a cloak of doubt and denial over anything that even slightly resembles the Lord. With Christ alive in us we need to be ambassadors, making His nearness visible by the way we reflect His glory in our obedience and radiate His love to others. We should be changed by His presence and if that involves a little hurrying, turning away, trembling and skipping then others will see that we are filled with the Lord.

When we pause to pray, we acknowledge Him, but what happens after "Amen"? This benediction is not like closing a book or turning off the television. Just because we can't see a physical being doesn't mean He's left the room. His presence remains. His presence should be influencing us at all times. We can't outrun it or deny it, but we can ignore it and dismiss it. 

Claiming the Remaining

"Then Joshua asked them, 'How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?" Joshua 18:3

I've always remembered a quote from a Beth Moore Bible study I did at least fifteen years ago: "Satan is standing on your God-given-ground daring you to take possession of it."

Wondering what "land" of ours Satan is standing on, taunting us, while God is still asking us to take possession of it because He has already given it to us. We know it's ours, but we've done nothing to move towards conquering it in His Name. Procrastination has us hesitating. We need a Joshua to come and question us to put a little dynamite under our feet to get us moving. There is territory God wants us to own for ourselves but we've neglected taking control.

Promised land must be possessed. There is a tension that exists between the receiving and the responsibility. God's gifts shouldn't make us apathetic, but cause us to arise and do whatever it takes to claim what is ours in Christ. Often there is initiative that must be taken on our part to finalize the agreement. God will faithfully keep His promise, but the fulfillment involves our faith and obedience.

Where are you dragging your heels? Have you known the leading of God into new territory but you're lacking spiritual zeal to move forward? Maybe you started with great passion, but drive diminished and there is still land remaining that isn't fully occupied. You know exactly what I'm talking about. It's all those projects the Holy Spirit prompted you to do, but busyness, lack of interest, effort needed and disobedience had you walk away. Passivity isn't pleasing to the Lord and it carries great risk. It's like standing in "no-man's land". It's really not un-owned, it's just uninhabited. It's land that needs to be claimed in the name of Christ.

How long are you going to wait? You see, the entire point of a divine inheritance of any property is the actual possession of it. What good is a possession of anything if we don't actually possess it? We must exercise both will and action to deliberately take hold of what God has already graciously given. We are called to participate in the possession. Yes, God does "give", but He is developing a spiritual muscle in us as we do the "getting" so that we will also be able to do the "keeping". Some possessing won't be easy, as obstacles could stand in the way, but the muscle that is strengthened will then help us maintain the land we now possess.

I heard someone say once that our personal land of promise is where we serve at ultimate effectiveness. It's no wonder that the enemy places a river of fear at its entrance. Let's wait no longer. Rise up and live in whatever God has given! You've surveyed the land and studied the map and now it's time to step in and conquer!

 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the "land" that You have called us to. We confess the uncertainty that has kept us pausing instead of possessing. We desire to cooperate with You, arising and embracing fully our allotted portion. Give us strength to occupy fully what You have already given. Change and strengthen us in the acquisition process. Possessing land takes time, sacrifice, energy and commitment. Lord, we want to occupy all that You've given us to steward. You have promised and provided, now through Your power, help us possess. May our possession not be possessive, but standing on this new ground may we give praise to You and be used for Your glory. Amen.

Fearless or Fear Less?

"Praise the LORD! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying His commands...They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless..." Psalm 112:1, 7-8a

After hearing the speaker's introductory phrase, I was lost in thought: "Imagine a day without fear."

I know that previous devotions have touched on this nemesis, but if scripture can admonish us approximately 365 times not to fear, surely I can tackle the topic again today. You see, for me to envision a day without fear, it would have to be "imagined". At some moment of every day fear catches me off guard. As my constant companion it finds me, wrapping its tentacles around me in a vice grip. The thought of living even a day without it holds me spellbound. Is it even possible?

Today's verses clearly express two types of fear. Good fear and bad fear. One is to reverence and be in awe of the Lord. The other is the panic that pulses through our emotions and initiates fight or flight. Although this initial response is involuntary it's not how Christ-followers are called to live. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we are told that "God has not given us the spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline."

I hear the Lord coming to me again and asking, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26). In love He inquires, "What is it this time?" The sad thing is, not only is there a "this time", there will probably be a "next time". I desire so much for my faith in God to banish all fear. I want to live with such confidence in the care of the Lord that I don't fear bad news. See, that's the point. It's not that bad news doesn't come, but when it does, fear isn't standing by its side, Jesus is.

As debilitating as fear can be, I will say this. I'm so thankful that when push comes to shove the Lord gives me strength not to let fear make any final decisions. Staring fear in the face the Lord has enabled me to overcome situations and be victorious, not because I was strong but because of powerful presence in me.

There isn't a formula to free ourselves from fear. There isn't a 10-step program or a technique that guarantees success in this area. Rather than trying to deny it, maybe like the Apostle Paul we need to declare it's reality in our hearts before we can fully depend on God to supply all we need in spite of our fear. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling" (1 Corinthians 2:3). Maybe part of fear's hold is its shame. We feel that as Christ-followers fear is evidence of weak faith. Fear is evidence that we need faith. 

I personally feel that if we are breathing, faith and fear will continually rub shoulders, but only one can ultimately govern our thoughts and actions. It comes down to who wins? Victory will go to whoever is fed the best. I don't know that we can eradicate fear completely but God can alleviate its impact as we take hold of the promises in His Word so that it doesn't dominate our lives.

Not certain if this side of eternity we will be fearless, but we can fear less as we joyfully delight in obeying the Lord and grow in our reverent awe of His holiness. Doing so, our confident trust in God will increase. Fearing not will go from imagination to actualization as we walk hand-in-hand with our Saviour.  

God Always Over If Only's

"I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of the LORD, sent me from Kadesh-Barnea to explore the land of Canaan...Now, as you can see, the LORD has kept me alive and well as He promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise - even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old." - Joshua 14:7a, 10

The words spoken above were voiced by Caleb, one of the men sent along with Joshua when Moses instructed them to go and spy out the land of Canaan. Caleb followed the Lord wholeheartedly and returned with an honest report regarding the Promised Land. Then, due to no fault of his own, he spent forty-five years trudging through the desert due to someone else's poor decision. 

Imagine. Forty-five years. That's a long time! Seemingly unnecessary years due to fear and disobedience of others. This wasn't his choice, but he became a helpless pawn in the play. He did everything right. He served sincerely and spoke truthfully, but a four-decade delay follows. How did he  respond? How would you respond? To what extent does frustration, aggravation, irritation and bitterness fill your heart over a wasted wait?

Recently my husband and I were met with another delay in his health care. For over eight months now he has been waiting for needed heart surgery following his cardiac arrest. In and out of hospitals, some set-backs because of his reaction to medication and others a result of his own personal well-being. Those are understandable and easier to accept. Then there are the phone calls of rescheduling that we have no control over at all. The surgeon has other emergencies deemed greater than our need. It's not our choice, but how do we respond?

The last time the Doctor's receptionist called to inform us not to come the following day for the anticipated operation, I could hear the hesitancy in her voice. I'm sure she does hate making these calls. She's just doing her job, be it sometimes unpleasant and stressful for her too, I'm sure. As I listened to her explaining the situation with the critical cases that now presented our postponement, multiple, mixed-feelings filled my heart, but I had a choice over how I would answer.

Throughout life we have to decide if feelings will dictate decisions or if we will trust that the Lord is sovereign and in control. Would expressing my disappointment and anger be beneficial? It wasn't this gal's fault we were facing another delay. We were just part of the fall-out of the changing schedule. Internal turbulence can still be real, but we can trust the Lord when situations shift without our being the cause. Instead of looking at the losses we can focus on the future. Instead of giving voice to the inner turmoil swirling, I told her how thankful I'd be if we were one of those emergencies and the recipients of the time the surgeon was making for us. She apologized again and gave us another hopeful date.

Not dwelling on a problem can be a difficult perspective. How easy it is to rewind injustices and live in what should have been. If only this had happened. If only things had gone this way. I wouldn't be in this crisis now if only someone else hadn't interfered. And, it may be completely true. You could be faultless in where your life is now found, but being held hostage to hostility only holds you as prisoner to your own captivity. 

Caleb was rewarded and eventually given the land he requested. Joshua blessed Caleb and God gave him strength to conquer the land of Hebron and drive out the Anakites. I'll tell you; this is not "easy street" living. It's hard. It's not being weak or walked-over, but being won-over and yielded to the purposes and plans of Christ and growing in trust through every opportunity in every moment of our lives. Today if it feels like you're lumbering through land due to other's lingering, no languishing. Allow God to enliven your heart with the truth of His Word and the promise of His sovereignty as you move forward in obedience to Him.