Then and Now . . . a huge contrast

The book of Acts shows how the church began and how it was powerful to change lives. From what it says, there was no difference between the laity and the clergy . . .

·       They both served God and others

·       They used their gifts as they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

·       The religious establishment didn’t like any of them

·       Persecution happened to everyone who told the truth about sin and about Jesus Christ.

·       Persecution didn’t stop them from sharing the Gospel.

When a problem arose over the care of widows, the Apostles told the other Christians to “pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” This pleased all of them, so they selected the seven, including “Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.”

After this, “the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.”

But the religious people didn’t like it. They opposed Stephen, but “they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.” So they stirred up the people and their religious leaders, seized Stephen and brought him before the council, setting up false witnesses. He was a layman who “served tables” yet was persecuted. However, he was also godly and those in the council “saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:3–15)

Stephen was sentenced to death by stoning, but that did not stop him from proclaiming the truth. He told his persecutors, “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

Of course they were enraged, but Steven gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

At this, they cried out loudly, plugged their ears and rushed together at him. They took him out of the city and stoned him, laying their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they stoned Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and loudly cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:51–60)

The Bible says Stephen then “fell asleep” and devout men buried him, making great lamentation over him. (Acts 8:2) This began a persecution that reached Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, yet God used this young man’s death in an unexpected way; the followers of Christ kept sharing the gospel with the Jews. (Acts 11:19)

God did something else that was unexpected. That young man who witnessed the blood of Stephen being shed, the one who stood by approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him, became the Apostle Paul. He began sharing with the Jews, but eventually God said to him, “Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” (Acts 22:20–21)

The world was changed by the power of God using this man and other godly people who could face any threat without fear. They knew Jesus Christ. They knew that they were freely justified and had eternal life. They were set free from the bondage of sin and fear. They wanted others to know the same thing, willingly sharing the good news, even if it meant persecution or death.

I’m not sure about the entire world, but the church in North America has lost both that zeal and that powerful influence. We and the world around us need a revival from God.

Because the Lord is my Shepherd . . .

“The Lord is my Shepherd . . .” (Psalm 23:1)

Our church is less than two years into a new building and already the children’s ministry is larger than the space created for it. We are praying for God’s guidance in a solution, knowing that God will answer our prayers. He is our Shepherd.

Each Wednesday my husband and I meet with a small group of believers, study the Word of God and pray for our collective requests. In our discussions we share the many ways that God shepherds us. We are His sheep.

This week I am praying daily for wisdom as I write a particularly challenging term paper. Every day God gives me unexpected thoughts from His Word that add weight to my thesis. I am humbled and grateful that He shepherds me.

Today’s devotional reading begins a new two-month study of Psalm 23. It is called, “Still Waters” because the author’s intent is that readers experience confidence and peace while studying the depths of this well-known psalm.

This author begins with a quick look into the heart of David, the human author of the psalm. Long before this man became king of Israel and wrote this and other psalms, he was a shepherd boy, the youngest of several brothers. He was simply doing his job when God sent His prophet Samuel to look for the next king to replace Saul. He guided this man to this family of brothers, and when he set his eyes on the eldest, the Lord interrupted his assumptions and said, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Samuel considered the next eldest and the next, but his Shepherd kept saying of each that they were not His choice. Finally, Samuel asked the father send for his youngest who was not there but busy tending sheep . . .  

And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” (1 Samuel 16:12)

For a God who looks on the heart, it seems odd to first describe David by his outward appearance. However, throughout the story of David, we are given many glimpses of his heart. One of the first describes his courage. A literal giant among their enemy ranks defies Israel’s army and their God. David steps forward while everyone else is cowering in fear and offers to take the challenge . . .

And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” (1 Samuel 17:33–36)

This is the heart of this young shepherd. He is fearless, not because he is strong or handsome, but because the honor of God and God’s people are more important to him than protecting himself. He knows that his Shepherd will give him whatever he needs to defeat the foe, no matter what or who that foe might be.

David ignored Saul’s estimation of who will win the battle, and confidently faced Goliath knowing that the Lord is his Shepherd. Because He is my Shepherd also, I can stand against all giants that threaten me!

Do not fear, only believe

The word ‘fear’ appears more than 300 times in the New Testament. Some of those instances are commands to fear God. Many of them are telling me not to be afraid of anything else.
 

In one passage, Jesus was speaking to the crowds when the ruler of the synagogue came to Him asking that He heal his sick daughter. However,

While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. (Mark 5:35–42)

Jesus’ words remind me of that silly song, “Don’t worry, be happy” as if just saying it will erase all worries. I can only imagine the fear in this father’s heart when his servants said his little girl was beyond hope, but I cannot imagine what went through his mind when Jesus offers what sounds like a pat answer, a cliché: “Do not fear, only believe” as if the man could turn off his emotions and turn on some faith.

Yet this isn’t the only time Jesus says this to fearful people. When three of His disciples were on the mountain with Jesus and heard a voice from heaven, “they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear’” (Matthew 17:6–7). Again, can anyone simply get up and turn off their fear?

The same thing happened when the disciples were in a boat during a storm and saw Jesus coming toward them walking on the water. They were terrified, but “immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid’” (Matthew 14:27).

How can a fearful person just turn it off? In my experience, the only people who can do that are those who hear this ‘do not fear’ from someone they totally trust. I’m thinking a small child with its mother. The child is anxious about something but at the reassuring words of a mother who has never lied to him, he becomes calm.

And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:2–4)

Being like a child is only an example. To turn off fear, I also need the work of the Holy Spirit in my heart and mind, but that is also possible, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). 

Jesus made fearlessness possible. He offers me Himself and His peace to replace fear --- and the privilege of prayer to talk to Him and to access this amazing peace. I do not have to be overcome by anxiety and worry.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5–7)

Today may bring fearful situations, but I do not need to fear. I have challenges looming on the horizon, but I do not need to fear them either. I could make a long list of fearful things as our world is in a mess, but I do not have to be afraid. The One that I totally trust told me so.

Choosing peace

Our youngest son attended a school in junior high where each student was recognized by one character trait. When a neighboring family of four children heard about it, they decided to present me with a poster depicting the trait that they most noticed in me. It was serenity.

Sometimes I feel a bit guilty that I don’t get in a flap over most things. When I do, people know about it, but it isn’t a frequent occurrence. I’ve wondered at times if being calm in crisis is odd, but when I read today’s devotional verse, a sense of gratitude and praise filled my heart.

He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid. . . . (Psalm 112:7–8)

I’m not consistent with this because I sometimes wonder if God is not involved in terrible events, but I cannot think that for long. The Bible gives way too much evidence for His sovereignty, as do the many experiences of my life. Events may not make sense, but I am strongly certain that God is here, working things for the good of His people. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that God is good and He keeps His promises. These truths are anchors for my emotions.

The disciples learned the same thing, but like me, they learned the way of serenity was listening to and choosing to believe the Word of God. When Jesus noted their anxieties, He said to them, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

This means worry and anxiety are choices, just as faith and trust are choices. Those who believe in Jesus can choose to stew over life, or we can “let” go of that and believe in the One who is sovereign over all things. When we do, He puts peace in our hearts.

In another situation, Jesus talked to the disciples as the plot against Him began to unfold. They heard Him talk about leaving them. They were upset and worried. If I had been in their shoes, I likely would have been the same. However, Jesus told them again . . . 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

Again, He says that His followers can choose a troubled heart or choose to not let it be troubled. It isn’t simply a matter of turning off our emotions or fears, or pushing them aside. Instead, it is remembering who He is and His power. It is knowing that God is in charge and then deciding to trust Him instead of giving way to fear.

Not only that, His peace is not like the peace the world gives. Worldly peace depends on peaceful situations, but the peace Jesus gives is wholly independent of what is happening. That is what makes it seem odd. By reason and logic, no one should feel at peace when life falls apart, but I often do because His peace does not depend on everything being in place.

Spurgeon says that Christians should never fear bad news, giving the same reasons that God gives me. Others can get in a flap, but I have an amazing God who has proved His faithfulness over and over. I might get distracted, even have the same alarm as others, at first. But when He urges me to think of Him and I do it, fear is replaced by His peace.

God knows that fear is a dangerous thing. While it might be healthy to fear lions and wild dogs, fear can lead a person into the sin of self-reliance quicker than anything else. It can make me resist or reject God, complain against His providence, and take matters into my own hands in an attempt to escape the problem.

Instead, I need to trust God as He tells me, and to “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” as He says.  He has taken me there and done that enough times to prove to me that in Christ, I can meet trouble with calm composure.

***********

Lord, I’ve read about saints of old who sang praises while being burned at a stake or attacked by lions in an arena of persecution. The peace and courage You give magnifies Your name and shows the world that You are the Most High God. My traumas have not gone to that extreme, but no matter what they are, I want to glorify You. Thank You for Your peace that passes understanding, and for often giving it when I least expect it. I am always amazed (even puzzled) when serenity is in my heart instead of fear or worry. Nevertheless, may those who notice it also recognize that this comes from You. 

(Photo credit)

To Live is Christ — in confidence

At a Christian women’s conference, the auditorium was nearly full, but most of the women were sitting in the back rows. The song leader bounced into the room and started a rousing version of “Anywhere with Jesus” that includes the line “Anywhere with Jesus I will safely go.”

When we finished singing, he called out, “Do you believe that?” The women said, “Yes.” What else could we say? He asked again, and then a third time, getting louder with each request, and getting a louder response. Then he said, “If you believe you can safely go anywhere with Jesus, I want all of you in the back rows to come up and sit in the front.”

It was funny, but it stuck in my mind as an important truth. It popped up again today as I read my devotional verse . . . 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Joshua had just taken over leadership of Israel from his mentor, Moses. This was a big job and this man was probably feeling weak and dismayed. I would have been. However, God reminded him of His promises and His presence. Joshua could go anywhere since God was with him.

Most Christians grab and hold unto a promise like this when they are in a challenging situation. When we have big problems, like Joshua, we turn to our big God. This is the way faith should be — it rises to the occasion, at least to the big occasions. However, that challenge at the women’s conference is my reminder that faith is also about the little things.

I used to resist making phone calls, especially to a business. They made me feel uncomfortable. Anywhere with Jesus? I don’t like driving at night and would rather stay home. Anywhere with Jesus? I’ve had problems with dentists and lately have felt anxious about going back to have my teeth taken care of. Anywhere with Jesus?

If what I believe is only for the big things, what does that say about God? Is He only interested in helping me when I’m backed into a corner by lions, or falling off a cliff? Some think so. They don’t want to “bother” God about things they can handle themselves, or at least things they think they can handle.

I don’t agree. Jesus said that if a sparrow fell to the ground, God knows it. He said that God knows the number of the hairs on our heads. In my mind, God is very interested in details. He cares if I am self-conscious, or nervous at night, or if I feel weak in the knees. He is interested in my littlest fears, those small things that may not bother others. He cares if I am embarrassed, or stressed, or if I need to drive downtown on icy streets.

God told Joshua that he could be strong, courageous and fearless because He was with him wherever he went. God offers me the same challenge and promise. Because of a good-humored song leader, I have given this much thought and am convinced that the Bible verses and the words of that song are true. My heart might pound or my throat might get dry, but because Jesus is with me, I also can go anywhere He wants me to go.

To Live is Christ — worthy of the gospel

Today’s reading is about behavior that adorns the Gospel. My first thoughts include actions of Christian love, kindness, doing good for others, being like Jesus, and so on. The verses for today give me even more ideas.

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. (Philippians 1:27–28)

In Paul’s mind, the gospel is demonstrated by qualities are in my life whether anyone is watching or not. He points to unity among believers, contending together for the truth of the gospel, and doing so without fear. These qualities are not supposed to be put on or faked because someone is looking. They are supposed to be just there all the time, deeply embedded in our lives.

Unity, next to love, might be the most frequent command in the New Testament for Christians. This isn’t about a robot-like sameness where everyone thinks exactly the same thing (which is true of some cults), but together standing firm on what constitutes genuine saving faith. As Christians, we might disagree on many things, but if we are genuine, we will agree on how a person is saved. It is not by our works of righteousness, but by His mercy!

Contending together for the faith is a mutual effort to make this good news known. It is also about standing together against all who oppose the gospel. Again, we may not agree on all points of faith and practice, but Christians are to be ready to fight to the death for the truth: Jesus was crucified to save sinners and rose again the third day. He offers eternal life to all who trust in Him.

Fearlessness as a behavior worthy of the gospel surprised me at first. Yet as I think about it, this makes sense. If I really believe the Good News about Jesus Christ and salvation (and I do), then what would I fear? Can anyone harm me? After all, even death means life! The Bible clearly states why I have nothing to fear from even the strongest opponents of the gospel.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31–39)

Marked by unity and standing together for our faith, Christians can be fearless. What we believe is from God Himself, the One who stands with us and for us. He is our strength and defense.

I can walk worthy, not because I am worthy, but because He has done all these things.