Courage as the Sign of the Holy Spirit

PASSAGE OF THE DAY:
Acts 7 (click the link)


KEY VERSE:
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
I grew up during a time of theological controversy surrounding the gifts of the Holy Spirit, particularly the gift of tongues. The argument centered around the claim that speaking in tongues (with varying opinions as to what that looked like) is the definitive sign of the Holy Spirit coming on a person. Many people went so far as to claim that if you did not speak in tongues, then you had not received the Holy Spirit.

This controversy has all but faded from mainstream Christian circles nowadays. Most agree that the gift of tongues, like all other spiritual gifts, is simply one evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life, and is no more definitive than say the gift of mercy or serving. Spiritual gifts are given to an individual as God sees fit, and no single gift signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit more than another.

But in the midst of this controversy some 20+ years ago, I was fortunate to study the book of Acts in seminary under Dr. MacGorman, one of my favorite professors. He made a convincing case from Acts that the primary evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit is courage, particularly the courage to speak and act for Christ.

Before he ascended to heaven, Jesus gathered his disciples and told them, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8, NIV).

Acts 1:8 tells us that the result of the presence of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life is “power”… and power for what? To be “witnesses.” The word witness in Greek is marturos, where we get the word martyr. And all throughout the book of Acts we read of the courage of men and women who willingly lay down their lives for Christ. Not that everyone literally dies at the hands of their enemies, but all of them gave up their lives—their finances, plans for the future, security, etc… all for Christ. We already read in Acts 4 how they sold their possessions and gave them away to those in need. How much courage does that take?!

So, Acts 7 introduces us to the first recorded martyr for Christ and gives us one of the most detailed accounts of bravery in the New Testament. The eloquence of Stephen’s sermon is surpassed only by the courage needed to deliver it. Imagine the power that it takes to speak the truth when you know it will cost your life!

Acts 7:54-55 tells us that when they heard Stephen's message of truth, "they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God."

Full of the Holy Spirit, Stephen courageously laid down his life rather than resort to violence. He died crying out for the forgiveness of his murderers. Now that’s the power of the Holy Spirit! When you see that kind of courage that willingly sacrifices him/herself for the love of Christ and others, you are witnessing the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Understand that when I talk about courage, I’m not referring to that uneasy male bravado that props itself up at another’s expense, but true courage that is willing to be humiliated, if necessary, for the love of another (think of Christ willingly beaten and stripped and crucified for all to see).

There are increasing cries for more power of the Holy Spirit, and when most people say that, they mean that they want more healings and signs and wonders. Sure, that would be great, but I think Dr. MacGorman is right. The real evidence of the Spirit, the true display of His power, is seen in the courage to be his marturos, to lay down our lives for the sake of our love for Jesus and our neighbor.

So, if you are looking for the evidence of the work of God in your own life or in others, don’t be overly concerned with the outward show of gifting, but rather the inward power that gives us the courage to love and forgive, like Stephen.


PRAYER:
Father, we want to be like Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit… full of your power to live and love courageously. Even now, we open ourselves to more and more of You.


WHO AM I?
My name is Greg Bland, and I am privileged to serve as pastor of PRF. Here’s what made me smile recently:

• Waking up to Alex putting me in a head lock
• Playing baseball with Chris and Caleb Kirby
• Late night re-runs of 24 with Morgan
• A relaxing lunch with my wife in the middle of a busy day
• Seeing Hailey’s pictures of Nepal
• A conversation with Jordan about his future
• Hearing Arvin Weaver’s and Mike Rinaldi’s life story in our men’s group
• Trimming a palm tree while riding in a mechanical lift, then burning those leaves for the Ash Wednesday service
• And writing this devotional.

Angel Face

PASSAGE OF THE DAY:
Acts 6 (click the link)


KEY VERSE:
All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. (Acts 6:15, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
When I was 17 I went on a summer mission trip to Panama with a group of teenagers (including my brother Alex).  We were with a group called Teen Missions International.  We went to a small island on the east side of the country in the San Blas Island chain, an island called Aligandi which was inhabited by the Kuna Indians.

While I was there, I had a dream.  Which in itself is rare, but the fact that I remember it so clearly is even more significant.

In my dream it was a dark, rainy night.  I was in a cabin, in the middle of nowhere, with a small group of Christians.  We were planning how to save all the other Christians.  See, it was the end times.  And Christians were being persecuted everywhere, but somehow we had evaded persecution so far.

All of a sudden, a WWII German car pulled up outside and German soldiers got out and stormed into the cabin.

They ordered us down on our knees in a line, and one by one shot us each in the head.  I believe I was like number 3 in line, and woke up as the guy next to me got shot.  That was the end of my dream.

When I woke, my heart was pounding.  I could see out the window of the small church basement where we were staying that the sun was starting to rise.  It was maybe like 5:30 or 6:00 in the morning.  Everyone else was still sleeping.  I decided that I’d better get up—I’d had enough of sleeping.  I got dressed quietly so as not to wake the other girls, and went outside.

Our backyard was a courtyard, surrounded by a concrete wall.  And on the other side of the wall was ocean.  Miles and miles of ocean.  The waves literally lapped the opposite side of the wall.  If it weren’t for the outhouse which hung out over the ocean just 20 feet down the wall, it might have been paradise.  It was pretty close, anyway.  I walked out the back door of the church to go and sit on the wall to pray and calm myself, and saw that my little brother Alex was already awake and sitting on the wall!  I was able to immediately share my experience with him.  It was such a God moment.

Anyway, I share all that not because I think that is my fate.  I didn’t see it as a future look from God.  But I did see it as a very significant experience in my life.  It made me question if I would willingly put myself in a position of potential persecution, as Stephen did.  Is my devotion to God strong enough that I will stand up for Him when “that” moment comes?  And if so, will I stand with a “face like an angel” as Stephen did?  Or will I be fighting for my honor, standing up to those who blatantly lie about me so as to save my own reputation?  Will I openly preach the gospel and the good news of Christ to anyone at any time?

Honestly I don’t have an answer.  Let’s face it, we won’t actually know until we get put in a position like that.  But my prayer is always, “Lord, give me the strength to stand for You, no matter what.”  My dream, even 15 years later, is still as clear in my memory as if I dreamt it last night.  And it often comes to mind.  I like to think that it keeps me in an “eternal” state of mind, rather than a worldly one.  The reality is, I am often thinking in worldly terms instead.  But I try to think differently.

As our world stands right now, it seems so unlikely that most of us will have to face death and persecution, doesn’t it?  We are American. The most powerful country in the world (for now).  The wealthiest (or so they say).  We are free (right?).  I’m not trying to be the voice of doom, but what if that changes?  What if our world turns upside-down?  It could happen.  And, if it does, I want to be ready.

Remember how different the world felt after 9/11?  Maybe it wasn’t felt as strongly here in Texas; but in the Northeast it was a marked difference.  I lived near Boston at the time and we definitely didn’t feel as safe as we had on 9/10.  Personally I think that is just a glimpse of how “turning upside-down” might feel if and when it happens.

Even if our world doesn’t turn upside-down we all still face persecution every day in little (and sometimes not so little) ways.

When I was in high school I was the only Christian amongst my friends.  They all knew what I believed, it was no secret.  One of the boys in my group would always put his hands together as if he were praying when he would say my name.  It never bothered me.  I actually saw it as a compliment and, although he liked to tease me, I knew even at the time that his mocking was his way of showing his respect.  Sort of like the little boy who pulls the hair of the little girl he likes on the playground.  But he was mocking me nonetheless.  I always just ignored it.  And, I don’t think it would have been wrong for me to confront him either, I just never did.

So where do you have persecutions in your life?  And what do you do with them?  Do you lash out or try to correct them?  Do you gently redirect?  Do you turn the other cheek?  Do you “look like an angel” in the face of persecution?  Personally I think any of those can be the correct response depending on the situation, as long as God is in the middle of it.


POINT OF ACTION:
Ask God to show you how to respond in the face of persecution, either day to day, or what is to come in the future.  Ask God to use you to better a situation for His ministry and Kingdom.  He will give you the words to say and the actions to show when you need them.


WHO AM I?

Hey! I am Kate Sansom.  I am a Mainer by birth but an Honorary Texan (or at least that’s what the t-shirt my brother gave me says... so I like to think it’s true). I love that my husband, Tres, and I are an “old married couple” in the sense that we like to sit outside in our driveway and talk.  But we are a “young” old married couple, since our second wedding anniversary is just a few weeks away!

Separately, I want to put in a plug for the movie “ExtremelyLoud and Incredibly Close” since my brother, Alexander Libby, was the Director’s Assistant and basically helped produce it!

All Honor Is Yours

PASSAGE OF THE DAY:
Acts 5 (click the link)


KEY VERSE:
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. (Acts 5:41, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
Acts 5 starts with the story of Ananias and Sapphira, which is disturbing to say the least. Why? They sin and there is quick retribution. What is going on here?

Acts 4 ends with the story of Barnabas selling a field and offering all the money to the apostles. This is a beautiful story of personal generosity. Notice Act 5 starts with the word “But.” Things weren’t all perfect. Ananias and Sapphira, seeking honor, sell a piece of land and connive together to fool the apostles and church that they had given the full price of the sale of the land. Boom, they pay with their lives for conniving against the Holy Spirit.

Well it’s a good thing I never do this. I never seek to receive honor that I don’t deserve for the good things I do. Hopefully, you detect my sarcasm. What I do in the darkness of my thoughts really represents my walk with God and I would often be embarrassed to have my motives revealed for all to see. “But” God sees it all and wants it all to be given to Him to be redeemed.

So why didn’t Ananias and Sapphira get this chance? I don’t know, but I can speculate. This chapter is the 1st place in Acts where the word “church” is used. Also, remember that the “church” is often referred to as the bride of Christ. God had just paid the ultimate price, the death of His son, and had just poured out the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. I believe that God at this time needed purity at the root of the “church,” Jesus’ bride, and He would have it.

Now the rest of the story… The apostles continued to be obedient to the Holy Spirit preaching in the temple and are arrested. Then they are freed from prison only to be rearrested and taken before the High Council. The disciples receive a thorough whipping and are warned not to speak in Jesus’ name. They leave overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the name of Jesus and they continue to preach in the name of Jesus. Jesus’ bride, the church, was pure undefiled and marching on in the Holy Spirit.

Acts 5 offers us book-end examples: Ananias and Sapphira conniving to receive honor and the apostles being overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the name of Jesus.


POINT OF ACTION:
We should ask ourselves what actions and motives we are keeping private and out of sight of others. When are we seeking honor versus offering all honor to God. God knows all and wants all to be redeemed for His ultimate glory.


PRAYER:
God all honor is Yours. Help us in our weakness to lift up to You what only You can redeem. Shine a light into our darkness so that we can understand Your will for us.


WHO AM I?
My name is David Norris and I have been married to Gayle Norris for 28 years. Wow! Time flies when you’re having fun. One of the things I love to do is play guitar and Gayle has bought me my 3 most favorite guitars. Gayle and I have attended PRF for 6 years. We came one Sunday to visit, found out they needed a guitar player and a singer, the next week we were at practice and playing in PRF’s praise band. So sweet of the Lord to provide us a place to worship, fellowship and grow.

Shake Me Lord!

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Acts 4 (click the link)


KEY VERSE:
²⁹ Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰ Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” ³¹ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:29-31, NIV)

THE BIG IDEA:
A man has been unable to walk all his life… Peter and John, through the Holy Spirit, heal him… and now THEY ARE IN JAIL???  

I’m sure during these early birthing days of the church there was tremendous confusion and this new “occupy” movement was making everyone crazy.  Jesus had said that the world would hate them, even persecute them.  He had warned them and now it was happening.  All the known governing authorities both religious and civil in power at the time converged together to try to stop them from preaching about this resurrection from the dead and miraculous healing power. 

Again, just as they questioned Jesus they were asking the same thing now… “By whose authority do you do this”?   Peter, “full of the Holy Spirit,” began to preach and directly answer that question for them.  It was the power of Jesus Christ… and he didn’t stop there… He proceeded to tell the authorities that they were the ones who put Jesus to death and rejected salvation for the nation…  That salvation would now only come from one place… one person… Jesus… the resurrected Jesus. 

It’s one of those moments I would like to have been a witness to this transaction.  Can you imagine the anger from the authorities… mthese ridiculous people should have been begging for their lives… instead they accused the authorities… to their face… of crucifying their only hope of salvation.  That is bold Holy Ghost COURAGE!!! 

As a result they were freed.  Bold truth and a miracle shut the mouths of all.  As a result of what happened, the church began to pray for more COURAGE and more BOLDNESS.  The scriptures say that after they prayed for those things the PLACE they were in was SHAKEN and a new filling of the Holy Spirit took place.

REFLECTIONS:

I have never been in a place that was shaken like that due to prayer… where God himself manifests himself as incredible power.  I thank God that he has allowed me to be filled a few times with the Holy Spirit.  But I wonder what it would be like to pray like that? 

I’m not sure I would have the boldness to pray in the face of such opposition.  I want to.  I want to see miracles like that.  I want my faith to believe like that.  I want God to get my heart to the place where I can say truly and with boldness… “That I didn’t love my life even to death.”  The scriptures say that that’s how the Devil is defeated. 

Jesus did his part… he did lay his life down for me… I think he is waiting for me and you and a people in the earth to once again rise up and say… “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

POINT OF ACTION:

Pray with me for courage and strength to lay down everything that would hinder God doing a miracle in and through me.  Pray that you and I would be bold in the face of a world that needs God’s Love desperately.  Pray that God would manifest himself to us and shake the place we are in!!!!  I want to see it, how about you?

WHO AM I?

I’m June Criner and my favorite thing is playing with my Granddaughter Emily Grace.  Next in line would be laughing until it hurts with my husband Barry.  He cracks me up.  I also like ice cream and a good meal around a table with my family or friends!  I have a continuous love /hate relationship with ICE CREAM!!!   When I get my resurrected body I will be a perfect size 6, until then I can dream…

What I Have

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Acts 3 (click the link)


KEY VERSE:
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
In the second chapter of Acts, Peter speaks boldly to others about Christ the Savior. Chapter 3 begins with Peter living out this message by walking the talk. Peter and John are going about their day, and meet a man begging for what he sees as his needs. They are going to the temple, a place of prayer and worship, when they see this man begging for this worldly need called money. What struck me about this passage is, rather than dismiss the encounter, they engage. Peter and John see past the external and see the internal. They minister to the man in a way he was not expecting, and in the process of doing so they change his life. They looked "straight at him". They saw him, the person. And It gives rise to the opportunity to witness and minister to him just where he is. Peter does not chastise the man for his condition or choices, but instead Peter says, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you." The man was looking for what he wanted (money), but Peter gives him what he needs (compassion). Peter gives the man what he had, the grace, mercy, and love of Christ.

When I was 15, and being more of a delinquent than a Christ follower, I encountered Mr. Welch. It was summertime and I was taking driver's training in preparation for the test to get my driver's license. I was in a place in my life where I was making poor interpretations about what I wanted and thought I needed. But Mr. Welch saw past all that and the outer me, and he spoke to me in a way that challenged me. He offered me hope and possibilities. It was only an hour here and there for only a few short weeks. But it had a major impact that ultimately led me to spiritual and personal choices which still influence me today. Because Mr. Welch gave me what he had, I made new choices, and even headed down the path which became my career.

Peter encounters the beggar and others in their daily walk, and he reminds them that when God raised up his servant (Christ), he sent Him first to you to bless them (Acts 3:26). Peter lives that out by giving of himself and in doing so he blesses them. I don't think there are "chance encounters" or so called coincidences. I have come to believe I encounter what and who I do through both design and choices. And I can choose to give what I have—Christ's grace, mercy and love to those who cross our paths. This chapter reminds me that I want to bring God's mercy to the brokenhearted by demonstrating His compassion. To me, this scripture tells me I can make a difference through Christ when I give of myself.

I would challenge others, as I do myself, to not just look back at what God has done. Look to see what He is doing, and jump into be part of it. His encouragement is we can do much if we engage in what and who we encounter each day. Even in brief encounters with others, we can participate in life changing experiences for others as well as ourselves.


PRAYER:
As St. Francis of Assisi once prayed, I too pray that God will give us all a love that is universal, that we may know Him, and be guided in all things according to his will. I pray for myself and all believers that our words may be HIs words, and our ways His ways. May we see past the material, in the spiritual, for all things eternal.


WHO AM I?
I am husband of 17 years to my lovely bride Lee, and father to an extra special 13 year old daughter Micah. Though I go by Edd, my given name is Edward, which means prosperous guardian. I believe my life calling is tied to a special verse found in scripture which says "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" [Micah 6:8]. I'm a bit of an introvert, and don't like confrontation, -hence God proves his sense of humor and purpose by placing me in the career of law enforcement where I have to rely on Him daily. I like to hack at golf balls, and ride motorcycles. I can't play guitar, but I want to. I'm hoping one day to completely walk the talk, and all my ways be His ways.

Tongues of Fire

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Acts 2 (click the link)


KEY VERSE:
¹ When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
Next to the crucifixion/resurrection event, the coming of the Holy Spirit is the biggest turning point in the New Testament. Acts 2 records the fascinating account of the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit. If the story doesn’t seem odd to us, it is only because we have heard it so many times.

Visible tongues of fire, the sound of a tornado, praises to God being lifted high in languages previously unknown to the speaker… I mean, how unexpected and unusual is that! The disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem for the Spirit to come. I’m not sure what they were expecting, but I doubt they had this in mind.

I had a professor who was fond of describing the Holy Spirit as capricious, meaning that the Spirit is unpredictable. The early Celtic Christians referred to the Holy Spirit was as the “wild goose.” And the rest of the book of Acts chronicles one “wild” story after another in the lives of the early believers filled and led by the Spirit. Sometimes they are led by the Spirit away from danger and sometimes right into it!

This promised coming of the Holy Spirit was foretold by Jesus to his disciples in John 16:

“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you…” (v. 7)

“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (vv. 12-13)

The Holy Spirit helps guide our lives as we live to glorify Christ. And this kind of life is full of adventure and unpredictability.

Jesus taught us that “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

Jesus was preparing his early disciples (and us!) that a life led by the Spirit is a day by day, moment by moment surrender to the leadership of Jesus through His Spirit. And that may often take us down paths we would never have dreamed of, but they are paths of true abundant life.

The commonsense life, as Oswald Chambers warned, can be the enemy of the supernatural life. I encourage you to continually develop your sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit, realizing that He may make Himself known and lead in ways we would never see coming.

PRAYER:

Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and courage to follow wherever You lead.

EXTRA CREDIT:

I’ve already gone over my allotted length for this devotional, so this part is extra credit. I was re-reading Waking the Dead by John Eldredge and thought this was well said. (page 95)

“If you’re not pursuing a dangerous quest with your life, well, then, you don’t need a Guide. If you haven’t found yourself in the midst of a ferocious war, then you won’t need a seasoned Captain. If you’ve settled in your mind to live though this is a fairly neutral world and you are simply trying to live your life as best you can, then you can probably get by with the Christianity of tips and techniques. Maybe. I’ll give you about a fifty-fifty chance. But if you intend to live in the Story that God is telling, and if you want the life he offers, then you are going to need more than a handful of principles, however noble they may be. There are too many twists and turns in the road ahead, too many ambushes waiting only God knows where, too much at stake. You cannot possibly prepare yourself for every situation. Narrow is the way, said Jesus. How shall we be sure to find it? We need God intimately and we need him desperately.”

WHO AM I?

My name is Greg Bland. I am currently in a bet with a friend to see who can reach their weight loss goal by the end of February. My motivation ramps up when there is competition involved, so I will often invoke a creative wager when willpower alone is not enough. Lord help me.

BTW, I plan to eat an entire German chocolate cake on March 1.

Tell ALL That Jesus Will Return!

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Acts 1 (click the link)


KEY VERSE:
[Jesus said to them:] "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NIV)


THE BIG IDEA:
This verse contains the last words Jesus spoke while on earth.  Any parting words from a loved one draws us—the parting words of our Lord and Savior are certainly worth listening to! His last words… a promise of the Holy Spirit’s power and a charge to go tell all.


REFLECTIONS:
As I ponder on this verse, my thoughts drift to memories of parting words from my most loved ones as time, distance or death was about to separate us. Memories… Daddy’s “Be strong baby Gal”; Mother’s “You’ve got a Friend—Just call me”; and my Grandaddy as he was dying, “I will be waiting for when you come home.”  It’s like bundling up all those feelings of love, grief, excitement, fear of unknown into a few words that seem so inadequate to cover the depth of the heart’s groaning.

Growing up in East Africa there seemed to be so many goodbyes.  What do you say in parting words?  How do you sum up what needs to be said? Jesus’ parting words were Go GO Go!!!.. tell everyone everywhere what you have witnessed.  Tell your family, friends, town, states, other nations even to ends of the earth—what you have seen and heard.  Don’t worry about ANYTHING because I will give you the power… I will give you what you need.

Cinda Brooks’ Version: "You are unique—your path is like no others’ and you have the ability and responsibility to tell people… and you can do it like no other. Not all are charged to go to Africa, Nepal or India—maybe your charge is to tell those in a tighter circle—in your 'Jerusalem' or to parent or teach a child that may go to these places.  But ALL are charged."


POINT OF ACTION:
Where is your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth?  Where are you meant to tell what you have seen and heard?  Do you let the busyness of life keep you from connecting with people in “your” places and telling them what you have seen and heard?  Do you worry what or how to say?  Jesus promises us the Power—the Holy Spirit.


PRAYER
Ask God… Where? To whom? To open your eyes to opportunities to tell.
Ask God for what He has already promised—the power of the Holy Spirit.


WHO AM I?
Hi!  I’m Cinda Brooks.  When dating, my husband Stanley, asked: “Babe, why do you have to live life so hard?”  I haven’t figured out that answer yet and we’ve been married 16 years.  I love life, challenge, adventure, Stanley, family, friends, my dog Rusty, and my King—not any particular order!  I am a nurse in a Texas Game Warden uniform… actually I’m retired from that and just playing, chasing some dreams, writing a book & traveling with Stanley.

Believe

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Mark 16 (click the link)


KEY VERSE:
Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. (Mark 16:14, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
The key to this passage is the word “believe.” 

That emphasis is in line with the thrust of Mark's gospel, because this gospel does not present Christianity as just a nice story, a fascinating account of events that took place in the first century. It stresses the fact that the death and resurrection of Christ is something to be believed, and it is intended to change lives.

As we act on our belief, it changes us.

Mark wants us to understand what a climate of persistent and stubborn unbelief prevailed among these disciples after the resurrection. They found it difficult to accept this amazing fact: that the one they had seen crucified was now risen and living among them again.

I sympathize with the disciples. I'm sure I would've been right there with Thomas, needing to place my hand in Jesus' side and to touch the nail prints in his hands and feet. I'm just sort of wired to want to personally experience things before I really believe in them.

But the significant thing I notice in this passage is that Jesus expected the Eleven to believe in his resurrection before they saw him. He wanted and expected them to believe the reports of the eyewitnesses who had seen him. They were trustworthy persons and were reporting what they had actually experienced, and that should have been enough to convince these disciples that Jesus was indeed risen from the dead.

So concerned about this is the risen, living Lord, that he rebukes them for their unbelief, just as he had done many times throughout the years they walked with them. He takes them to task because they refused to believe those who had seen him.

You can see the importance he attributes to this matter of believing the eyewitnesses. John's gospel tells us that a week later Jesus appeared to them when Thomas, who had not been with them when he appeared the first time, was present. Jesus invited Thomas to examine him, to put his hand on his side and touch the nail prints in his hands and feet. Thomas did so and fell down at his feet, crying, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28b). Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29).

Years later when Peter is writing his letters to the Christians he says to them, “Though you have not seen him you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8).

One thing is clear from this account in Mark: When we have adequate, trustworthy witnesses who report to us what they have seen, we are expected to respond with belief. We are expected to move forward with a confidence in and a reliance upon the truth of their testimony.

These men saw the risen Lord. They were granted a privilege that we are not granted; but, nevertheless, our faith can rest upon a solid foundation. Even though we have not seen him, we can and must believe because of the eyewitness accounts. And when we believe—when we place our confident assurance upon the testimony of those who've gone before us—we are empowered to live lives of significance. We are empowered to carry the good news of Jesus' resurrection wherever we go.


PRAYER
Lord, I believe! Thank you for the good news that Jesus Christ is not dead but alive and that he lives within my heart and has the power to break the chains of sin and the bondage of evil in my life. When unbelief springs up in my heart, strengthen me to trust in the testimony of those who walked with you. Strengthen me to move forward with confidence—with utter assurance—so that I might live for you wholeheartedly.


WHO AM I?
Hey! I'm Tres Sansom and I have a problem: I'm addicted to chips and salsa. This is a problem because I'd really like to lose some weight. But I just can't seem to say “No!” to the tasty deliciousness of my Clint's salsa. My wife, Kate, is determined to break me of my habit; in fact, she's threatened an intervention on a number of occasions. But I've determined, by God's grace, to overcome my cravings and to fast from salsa during the first week of Lent. It'll be a struggle, but I keep reminding myself that "I can do all things through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

Were You There?

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Mark 15 (click the link)


KEY VERSE:
With a loud cry, Jesus took his last breath. The temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. (Mark 15:37-38, NIRV)


REFLECTIONS:
In rendering the events leading up to the crucifixion, Mark gives us a window on the reactions and choices of those surrounding the trial, crucifixion and burial of the Son of God.  At a distance it’s easy for us to mark out the villains and heroes, the sympathetic and the guilty.  If I’m more honest, however, I can see myself in many of the responses that I would initially judge as being beneath me.

Pilate seems more interested in his reputation and position than in doing what’s clearly right and just.  How do I handle situations that might frame me in an unfavorable light or threaten my standing at work or in the community?  Am I too willing to compromise my integrity for the praise of men?  Am I willing to do the right thing even when no one is looking?

Even the crowd's response of "Crucify Him" can find evidence in my own tendency to reject the authority of the One who holds title to my life.  I put Jesus back on the cross anytime I pursue my own interests, follow my own plans and elevate the unholy trinity of Me, Myself and I.

I’m not even immune from, as the soldiers did, mocking Jesus by calling Him King but living my life otherwise.  I even spit on Him when given the opportunity to introduce others to my Redeemer and am more concerned with their rejection than His.  Even though I know He will never leave me or forsake me, I am too willing to forsake Him for my own selfish interests.

It is easy to pass over a seeming background figure like Joseph of Arimathea.  A man who although being “a prominent member of the council” and having much to lose by even associating with this Jesus, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.  He then with great care prepared the body for burial and placed it in a tomb.  I want to take great care of my Savior in the way I talk, the way I act, the way I represent Him in all my relationships.  He, after all, has given me everything.

My transgressions have been forgiven and are remembered no more.  The curtain was torn so that I might have access to the Holy of Holies and actually come into the throne room of Almighty God. I have new life.  I’ve been given value and purpose because Divine blood was shed for me.


WHO AM I?
Hi, I’m Tom Fisk.  I’m a slow learner with whom God has been extremely patient.  Sometimes it feels like I’m living my life backwards.  I had much success early on and now I’m checking and bagging at HEB.  Maybe I’ll go back to school!  The reality of it is that now I’m experiencing God’s definition of success.  I’m married to the love of my life, Shirley, who can tell you that she has not always felt that way.  I told you I was a slow learner.  I’m just now learning to love God who in turn loves her through me.  We have three daughters who have grown up to be remarkable young women.  I’m not sure how that happened.  Well, I do, but it had little to do with me.  We’re excited that the Creator of the Universe wants to do a good work in and through us.

Scattered

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Mark 14 (click on the link)


KEY VERSE:
"You will all turn away," Jesus told the disciples. "It is written, 'I will strike the shepherd down. Then the sheep will be scattered.'" (Mark 14:27, NIRV)


REFLECTIONS:
Ask any Sunday school student who Judas was in the Bible and you will get the same answer. The Betrayer.  The Deceiver.  The Unfaithful One. The thesaurus even lists a synonym of betray as “play Judas.”  At the end of Mark 14, we see why Judas has been dubbed with these unfortunate monikers.  We see Judas kiss Jesus on the cheek letting the Roman soldiers know that “this is the one” they were to arrest.  No doubt, your heart drops every time you hear this part of the story.  If you’re anything like me, you are outraged that Judas could turn his back on Jesus, delivering him into the hands of the enemy and the fate that is soon to come.

It’s easy to be outraged at Judas’ actions.  Hadn’t he been with Jesus while he healed people from town to town?  Judas was there as the lame were made whole, the blind were made to see, and, yes, even the dead brought back to life.  So we sit back and we wonder how Judas could turn his back on all of this.

But he wasn’t the only one.

Judas’ story is not the only story of betrayal and abandonment in Mark 14.

Jesus announces to the disciples that all of them will abandon him before it is all said and done.  And, after Judas hands Jesus over to the Romans, we see it is true.  Everyone scatters leaving Jesus alone to accept his fate.  No one is left.  Not Peter, Jesus’ right hand man; not John, the disciple whom Jesus loved; not even Mark, the illustrious writer of the events. (In fact, it’s believed by many scholars, that Mark is the poor soul who ended up running away naked, he was in such a hurry to flee.)

It’s easy for us to sit in judgment of all of these men.  We think to ourselves, “You big bunch of cowards! Look at all Jesus had done for you and you all tuck tail and run away? Wasn’t he your friend? With friends like that who needs enemies!”

I like to think that had I been there I would have stood in front of Jesus, saying something creative, such as "If you want him you’ve got to go through me first!” I’d like to think that I would have stood by Jesus’ side no matter what.

And then, reality sets in.

Am I really that different then the disciples?  How often have I turned my back to Jesus? When called to defend my friend Jesus, do I rally to the cause, or do I tuck tail?  If I am honest with myself, I know the truth.  I know there are times in my life I have turned my back on my beloved friend.   Times I’ve gone my own way, leaving Jesus behind.

Lucky for me, I have a friend who waits for me to come back to him, and sometimes, if I’m not fast enough, he comes in search of me. Just as he later does for the disciples, Jesus forgives my abandonment and welcomes me back with open arms. If you’ve turned your back on Jesus, it’s never too late.

Ask Jesus to forgive your abandonment and open your arms, because he’s waiting there to receive you.


POINT OF ACTION:
If you have turned your back on Jesus, ask him now to forgive your abandonment.  Ask him to renew his friendship with you to make it better and stronger than ever.  He’s just waiting to hear from you.


WHO AM I?
I am Amanda Preece, and I'm the most blessed person I know.  I am a mother to four beautiful children and wife to one wonderful man.  My sisters are my best friends and I am surrounded by the best group of family and friends a girl could ask for. I have the best job in the world as the Children’s Minister at PRF. I was also suspiciously born without the homemaking gene most other women seem to have,  but, being the blessed gal I am, I married a man who cooks, clean, does the laundry and even sews (he’s my hero) leaving me to do the things I enjoy!  I am happiest when I am playing board games with my kiddos or immersed in a good book. 

The End!

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Mark 13 (click on the link)


KEY VERSE:
"No one knows about that day or hour. Not even the angels in heaven know. The Son does not know. Only the Father knows. Keep watch! Stay awake! You do not know when that time will come." (Mark 13:32-33, NIRV)


THE BIG IDEA:
Early in Chapter 13 (v3-4), four of the disciples are sitting on the Mount of Olives, chatting with Jesus.  (I can imagine in our day, we would be relaxed and probably having a cool beverage as five close friends discuss issues that are important to us.) Peter, James, John and Andrew ask Jesus to tell them WHEN and WHAT signs to expect at the end of the Age. The next few verses (v5-23) are a list of several things that will happen. (Be sure to read them!)   Jesus also states that AFTER those things have happened, the skies will change: “The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”  I don’t think any of us will miss this last sign! Jesus tells them “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will NEVER pass away.”  NO ONE knows the time… so WATCH!  We are not to fall for rumors.  He’s given us the clues to watch for.


REFLECTIONS:
Although it’s more a mild curiosity, I find it very interesting and intriguing that so many things have come to pass through ancient predictions from “wise men of old.” Yet I can totally relax in knowing Jesus’ words and promises to me.  NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR!!!  Period!

As rumors fly about the Mayan calendar and predictions that the world will end this year, the more important thing is to know God’s Word and don’t be fooled as many will be.  If we have placed our life in His hands, we can trust Him and His word.  The end of the earth as we know it may be 12-21-2012, but the more important thing is to study what HE said and WATCH for the signs and clues HE gave us.

2012, a leap year, will no doubt be interesting as leadership around the world changes hands, our own elections, financial chaos worldwide, social uprisings, religious persecution, loose living, freaky solar storms, Mayan calendars, and many other unusual events that will happen around the world.

BUT… we can be grounded in Christ and KNOW He has us in the palm of His hand.

Verse 11 spoke volumes to me: “[On account of Me] Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, DO NOT WORRY BEFOREHAND ABOUT WHAT TO SAY.  Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”

My fellow PRF Companions… He has our back!   We don’t have to worry about every detail of what’s ahead. We only need to trust HIM. That doesn’t mean everything will be easy and go our way, but He IS trustworthy. Rest in that and let’s encourage one another.


POINT OF ACTION:
Today’s Challenge:

• There’s PEACE in the midst of world chaos. Stay in your Bible, so you are familiar with what Christ has to say about our situations.
• Choose LIFE!  Choose to live your life so full of Faith in Christ that others want what you have.
• Don’t let the Mayan Calendar scare you.
• As Jesus said to his close friends: “Be on guard, be alert! WATCH!” Don’t be caught snoozing when our Master comes for us.

PRAYER:
Father, thank you for reminding me this week to PRAISE YOU IN ALL THINGS. Thank you for caring for us during our own “storms.” Thank you that you are ALWAYS there when we start to sink… to lift us right back up and walk beside us. I pray for myself and my fellow Companions, that You will show us every step of the way. Your Word is TRUE and will NEVER pass away.  THANK YOU, in Jesus name.


WHO AM I?
I’m Georgia Arms. I’ve been a member of PRF since the late 1980’s. Until recently I was on staff at PRF (10 yrs), and am currently searching for the next place God wants to use my gifts and talents. My dad was a Baptist preacher most of his adult life, and I am one of 10 kids. I enjoy volunteering one weekend a month at Discovery-Austin.org and getting to witness first-hand God’s love and His desire to heal the broken hearted. I also like traveling with my husband, Larry, scrapbooking, genealogy, and hanging out with friends and family.  What fills my tank most is quiet time with God’s Word and genuine conversations with those around me.

Love It

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Mark 12 (click on the link)


KEY VERSE:
[Jesus answered,] "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind and with all your strength.' And here is the second one. 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' There is no commandment more important than these." (Mark 12:30-31, NIRV)


THE BIG IDEA:
Love and then let the chips fall where they may.


REFLECTIONS:
Happy Valentine’s Day!  I am looking forward to a day full of love wishes and candy and gifts capped with our traditional family candlelight dinner.  Even before we had children Jennifer has shaped up a meatloaf to look like a heart adorned with a lace skirt of mashed potatoes and placed it in the center of a romantic, candlelit table.  This is a weird thing, I know, and it has been going on for over a quarter of a century.  Meatloaf is certainly not high on the list of sexy dishes.  But this has become a symbol of Valentine’s and love and has become a thread of memories that keeps us tightly connected to our past and this journey.

Love is a big deal to God.  When the religious scholar asked Jesus about the most important commandment,  He replied that we should love God with all we’ve got and that we should love others as much as we love ourselves.

There were many years of my life that I measured my success as a Jesus follower sort of like you might keep score on a scavenger hunt.  I tried to be nice, to read my Bible, to pray, to go to Church, to tell people about Jesus, no drinking, no cussing (fairly unsuccessful there), to be fair, to be a good husband, to be a good father, to do good deeds and help others.  Most of the time I felt like a skunk because I just couldn’t keep all of these balls in the air.  At best, I felt stuck in the mud and that I just was too cracked to progress as a Jesus person.

Fortunately for me, Jesus boiled down the whole thing into something simple that I could grasp.  The essence of the Jesus Life is to love God and love others.  Everything else is secondary.   Connecting with this idea has been so freeing and life changing.  If I want to improve my relationship with Jennifer, love.  If I want to be a better dad, love.  If I want to draw closer to Jesus, love.  Love, love, love and all of the details that used to consume me just fall into place.


POINT OF ACTION:
I use a simple idea to keep me on track.  In everything that I do, I try to consider if love is at the root of it.  If it is not, I know that I am on the wrong course and I try to adjust accordingly.


WHO AM I?
I am Guy Draper.  I have been married to Jennifer, my high school sweetheart, for nearly 24 years.  We have three children:  Jed (14), Olive-Anne (4) and Lottie (4) and they will all eat that meatloaf if they like it or not!  Love?

Go Get a Donkey

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Mark 11 (click on the link)


KEY VERSE:
He said to them, "Go to the village ahead of you. Just as you enter it, you will find a donkey's colt tied there. No one has ever ridden it. Untie it and bring it here." (Mark 11:2, NIRV)


REFLECTIONS:
Mark 11 continues to chronicle Jesus last days prior to his crucifixion.  The beginning of the chapter finds Jesus nearing Jerusalem giving instructions to a couple disciples:  "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden.  Untie it and bring it here."  The disciples obey, find the colt just where Jesus said it would be, and bring it back as instructed.

Seems a small thing—go get a donkey—maybe even unimportant, perhaps even below these select few disciples who had been given authority over demons and power to heal the sick (see Mark 6:7-8).  Yet this is what the Lord had for these two on this day.

Of course, we know that Jesus rode this donkey into Jerusalem in what is known as the "triumphal entry" which was foretold by the Prophet Zechariah and has been celebrated in Christian tradition as "Palm Sunday" for centuries.  What may have seemed like a menial task at the time was vital to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah would come, “riding on a donkey." (Zech. 9:9).

Whether the significance of this errand snapped on these guys at the time or not, I do not know, but the significance of this simple act of obedience has me considering the potential significance of some of the simple things Jesus may ask of me on any given day. It moves me again to want to do what I can to have my heart tuned to what He is saying—to stop long enough to give Him a chance to be heard.

For me, this translates to living (with much grace for imperfection) in the discipline of a set, daily time to stop, pray, listen, read His word.  Without this—I still belong to Him, He is still crazy about me—but I miss much of His life in and through me for the simple fact that I don't otherwise cease my agenda long enough to hear His heart and do whatever thing He may give me to do in a day.  And truly what I lose is much more even than significant acts of obedience which may be significant moves of His Kingdom on the earth. I miss out on living in the apprehended reality of His lavish love for me—as He seems to never fail to embrace me with His love when I purposely turn my heart, mind and body toward Him.

There was a season when I lived in Houston and my children were young that (mostly out of desperation) I was consistently disciplined about making time to spend in His presence.  There was so much fruit during that season—more than I realized at the time. I went back for a visit to Houston recently and ran into a gal who I mostly considered an acquaintance at that time.  She told me how a letter I had written her while I was in Houston had been life-changing for her.  She had been struggling with depression, infertility and a number of other things that had her at a very low point in her life.  She said that the words in the letter I had written were just what she had needed at the time and they ministered greatly to her heart.  She was gushing gratitude. I wasn’t sure how to respond to her heartfelt thanks because, honestly, I didn’t even remember writing the letter. I had some vague recollection of her having had some troubles when I knew her before, but not much else.  So I just said, “Wow… that was Jesus.”  And it really had been.  Apparently this was one of those “little things”—write a note of encouragement—which He had me do one day when I was listening for His instructions and available to obey.  Small thing—MAJOR KINGDOM IMPACT—who would have known?

This is a testimony of His good intentions and ability to do amazing things through us when we listen and obey.  I won’t tell you about the many days, weeks, months, years I have wasted being my own shepherd.  Alone, frustrated, ineffective, weary—I am grateful for His grace that always is ready to take me back in and do great and wonderful things through my little life if I will just listen for the “small thing” for that day and obey.


PRAYER:
Oh, Lord.  We both know I have spent many, many days without giving a thought to what you may have for me.  Forgive me.  Lord, I can't even seem to desire to hear from you unless you work that in me.  I ask that you would wake me in the morning and put in my heart the desire to, first thing, turn my heart, mind and body toward you.  I want to live in your love, live as your quickly obedient servant, hear your voice and do today the "small thing" you would have for me to do.


POINT OF ACTION:
Stop.  Where can you make time in your day to turn toward Him, enjoy Him, remember who He is and let Him remind you who you are?  To listen for the “small thing” He may have for you today.  Make that space to be with Him.  It will make all the difference.


WHO AM I?
Hey! I’m Lisa Kirby.  My favorite things include a warm cup of tea on the couch in front of a cozy fire with a good book on a cold morning;  long breakfasts with friends; authentic engagement with the hearts of other people over polite conversation; my sweet, gracious, generous, beautiful 83 year old momma; my strong, good, faithful, hard-working husband; my 3 kids who are my favorite people to hang with in all the world; animals; babies; naked trees; smelly candles; worship; cozy jammies; old barns; art of all kinds; and sharing what Jesus shares with me.

Fear and Amazement

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Mark 10 (click on the link)


KEY VERSE:
They were on their way up to Jerusalem. Jesus was leading the way. The disciples were amazed. Those who followed were afraid. (Mark 10:32, NIRV)


REFLECTIONS:
It appears there were two groups following Jesus in Mark 10: the disciples and the crowd. The disciples were amazed, and the crowd was afraid. I can relate to both.

I know what it is to be astonished at the wonder of Jesus, in awe of where he will lead next. And I know what it is to be afraid of the leadership of Jesus, unsure where his leading will end up and whether I have what it takes to walk his path.

Life “with Jesus leading the way” is what you and I long for, what we signed up for when we gave our lives to Christ, but it can still be a bit unnerving. I guess some people get to a point in life where they trust Christ’s leadership without reservation, but most of us experience both fear and amazement throughout our journey with Jesus.

Whether it is the fear of trusting Christ’s leadership with your finances and then the amazement that he really does meet all of our needs, or the fear of approaching a relational conflict as Christ tells us then the amazement that it actually “works,” we usually experience a mixture of fear and astonishment in the practical day-to-day obedience to Christ.

When Jesus is steering my life, it often ends up in amazing places I would never have imagined. Leigh Anne and I chose to adopt Alexander when we figured that our preschool rearing days were a decade behind us. Sure, like the crowd following Jesus, there is some fear in truly trusting in the leadership of Jesus, but there is also the amazement that the life He has in store for me is better than I could ever orchestrate on my own.


POINT OF ACTION:
Which group are you in right now? Are you like the disciples, astonished at the future Jesus is leading you into… or like the crowd, afraid of where this may end up? Pause to pray… commit to surrender this day afresh “with Jesus leading the way.” Ask God to replace any fear with a sense of amazement that you are privileged to follow Christ today.

One quick side note: twice in Mark 10 Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” That is the question I ought to be asking Jesus, but he is asking that to me! Take a few minutes to answer that question right now, just between you and Lord. What is it that you want him to do for you? He is as eager to have that conversation with you as he was with his disciples and blind Bartimaeus.


WHO AM I?
My name is Greg Bland. I enjoy reading theology and real life survival stories. One of my favorite Christian authors is Gregory Boyd. I enjoy traveling and hope to sail from California to Hawaii one day.