ACTS 7:57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him,
A physical manifestation of an ademant unwillingness to hear any more from Stephen. Seems immature to me. Driven by this emotional outburst these leaders had a foregone conclusion in mind and just wanted to get on with it. How many time have we done something similar by refusing to let facts get in the way of what we wanted to do? We have become champions of justification, excuses and finding the extenuating circumstance that exonerates our direction in the face of reality and facts which clearly could guide us otherwise.
There is something about rebellion of this sort that can be attractive, how many times does the hero of the story go against the odds and prevail and in the end somehow that elevates him even further because he defied logic and conventional wisdom. Thank God we have the Scriptures and the HS to keep us on the track of godliness which will sometimes cause us by faith to do the thing that could seem erratic or outrageous.
APPLICATION
I need to seek God for discernment to hear His voice and to be willing to do the things that defy logic or sound judgement if indeed He is calling me to.
Welcome
One of the most effective ways to allow the Word of God to affect your life is to study it inductively. That is what this blog is all about. Typically one verse per day will be mined for insight and then followed up with how I plan to implement that insight practically. My prayer is that in some way you find this useful in your journey and that it may impact you positively. -G
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Power of Encouragement
Hebrews 10:25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
All the more as we see the day approaching.... very interesting, this means that the further along in this age we get the more prevalent we as believers should be in the posture to encourage one another. Now in order to encourage one another we need to get past the acquaintance stage and progress further to a more deeper level of relationship. Since it is necessary to know what is going on in another person's life in order to sincerely encourage them.
If we are to be known as Jesus' disciples we will be known for our love for one another. How can we love one another if we do not know one another?
So our kinship in Christ is the rail upon which our relationships with one another will ride but our fellowship with one another is where our encouragement will spur us on toward love and good deeds, this will manifest our spiritual growth and maturity.
APPLICATION
I want to be an encourager. In order for this to be so I need to deliberately clarify my intentions in this regard and I believe that once I do that the opportunities will appear.
All the more as we see the day approaching.... very interesting, this means that the further along in this age we get the more prevalent we as believers should be in the posture to encourage one another. Now in order to encourage one another we need to get past the acquaintance stage and progress further to a more deeper level of relationship. Since it is necessary to know what is going on in another person's life in order to sincerely encourage them.
If we are to be known as Jesus' disciples we will be known for our love for one another. How can we love one another if we do not know one another?
So our kinship in Christ is the rail upon which our relationships with one another will ride but our fellowship with one another is where our encouragement will spur us on toward love and good deeds, this will manifest our spiritual growth and maturity.
APPLICATION
I want to be an encourager. In order for this to be so I need to deliberately clarify my intentions in this regard and I believe that once I do that the opportunities will appear.
Our Last Breath
ACTS 7:56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
Stephen knew God, and recognized the Son of God, this is one of only depictions where a man sees God and does not fall down like dead from fear and awe. Perhaps it was because Stephen at this very point is in the process of using every fibre in his being and every mental capacity to pour out his heart and preach to these leaders the Word of God for the sake of their own souls and for the sake of all of Israel whom they have charge over.
Surely it would be a fabulous moment for any of us to come to our last breath in the midst of performing our greatest act of service for the Lord. selah
On the other hand how hard hearted for these religious leaders to commit murder of an obvious holy man of God while he was receiving revelation from heaven. What a dichotomy. When we are not in tune with the Spirit, God can be doing a wonderful thing right in front of us and we will be blind to it.
APPLICATION
To keep my heart sensitive to the Spirit so that I do not lose my way and miss what God may be doing right in front of me.
Stephen knew God, and recognized the Son of God, this is one of only depictions where a man sees God and does not fall down like dead from fear and awe. Perhaps it was because Stephen at this very point is in the process of using every fibre in his being and every mental capacity to pour out his heart and preach to these leaders the Word of God for the sake of their own souls and for the sake of all of Israel whom they have charge over.
Surely it would be a fabulous moment for any of us to come to our last breath in the midst of performing our greatest act of service for the Lord. selah
On the other hand how hard hearted for these religious leaders to commit murder of an obvious holy man of God while he was receiving revelation from heaven. What a dichotomy. When we are not in tune with the Spirit, God can be doing a wonderful thing right in front of us and we will be blind to it.
APPLICATION
To keep my heart sensitive to the Spirit so that I do not lose my way and miss what God may be doing right in front of me.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Be Filled
Acts 7:55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Now what did Luke the writer of Acts see in Stephen at this moment to declare that he was filled with the HS? It was not the speaking in tongues, it was not holy laughter, nor was it being slain in the spirit etc. no it was that Stephen had an unmistakable boldness to testify to the facts of the gospel and the risen Jesus even in the face of those who were clearly about to put him to death. Also Stephen by the power of the fullness of the HS received revelation.
Rev. 12:11
We overcome by the blood of the lamb, the power of testimony and not loving our lives unto death.
Stephen in this moment is fulfulling these very verses perfectly.
APPLICATION
To yearn to be filled with the power of the HS in order to have the ability to do God's will. To seek the infilling of His Spirit in order to be His man on the scene whatever scene that is.
Now what did Luke the writer of Acts see in Stephen at this moment to declare that he was filled with the HS? It was not the speaking in tongues, it was not holy laughter, nor was it being slain in the spirit etc. no it was that Stephen had an unmistakable boldness to testify to the facts of the gospel and the risen Jesus even in the face of those who were clearly about to put him to death. Also Stephen by the power of the fullness of the HS received revelation.
Rev. 12:11
We overcome by the blood of the lamb, the power of testimony and not loving our lives unto death.
Stephen in this moment is fulfulling these very verses perfectly.
APPLICATION
To yearn to be filled with the power of the HS in order to have the ability to do God's will. To seek the infilling of His Spirit in order to be His man on the scene whatever scene that is.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Acts 7:54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.
People in authority have an obligation to make sound judgements, basing their decisions in truth. Emotions, power and the "mob mentality" tend to cloud sound thinking. That is the case here with this ruling council. Men with authority, became emotionally charged up especially at the point when Stephen accused them of murdering the Savior. This caused them to lose touch with reason and sound mind.
When confronted by a harsh truth the flesh is prone to become defensive. When we are defensive we will grasp at any point for "cover" We will tend to "dig in" to our side of the arguement and minimize the value of the truth coming from the other side. This is human nature, and it is poision to our Christian walk. Our judgements and decisions need to be grounded by the truth and not influenced by the culture "mob" or even our own emotions which can lead us astray.
Matt 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment.
In saying this Jesus is putting anger on the same ladder as murder only just a few rungs lower. We find it to actually be true as the scenerio of Stephen being stoned at the hands of this council plays out.
APPLICATION
I need to soberly consider my judgements, not to let emotions cloud my thinking, to stay focused on truth even if it is counter to my arguement
People in authority have an obligation to make sound judgements, basing their decisions in truth. Emotions, power and the "mob mentality" tend to cloud sound thinking. That is the case here with this ruling council. Men with authority, became emotionally charged up especially at the point when Stephen accused them of murdering the Savior. This caused them to lose touch with reason and sound mind.
When confronted by a harsh truth the flesh is prone to become defensive. When we are defensive we will grasp at any point for "cover" We will tend to "dig in" to our side of the arguement and minimize the value of the truth coming from the other side. This is human nature, and it is poision to our Christian walk. Our judgements and decisions need to be grounded by the truth and not influenced by the culture "mob" or even our own emotions which can lead us astray.
Matt 5:21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment.
In saying this Jesus is putting anger on the same ladder as murder only just a few rungs lower. We find it to actually be true as the scenerio of Stephen being stoned at the hands of this council plays out.
APPLICATION
I need to soberly consider my judgements, not to let emotions cloud my thinking, to stay focused on truth even if it is counter to my arguement
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Right Attitude
ACTS 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
A certain humble and grateful joy seems to have been the attitude of this newly formed group of believers. They must have been excited about all the new and exciting things that had been occurring in their midst. It is interesting how we see this new group of interns here at the ranch gelling together and having joy and gratitude be the pervading attitude as well. There is much to be said for a "new thing" to spur the right attitude of hope and expectation. The challenge is how to keep the right attitude over the long haul well after the newness has worn off.
APPLICATION
I need to be mindful that my relationship with God is a lifelong endeavor, I have given Him my life and I expect that it will take a lifetime to become the person He has created me to be.
A certain humble and grateful joy seems to have been the attitude of this newly formed group of believers. They must have been excited about all the new and exciting things that had been occurring in their midst. It is interesting how we see this new group of interns here at the ranch gelling together and having joy and gratitude be the pervading attitude as well. There is much to be said for a "new thing" to spur the right attitude of hope and expectation. The challenge is how to keep the right attitude over the long haul well after the newness has worn off.
APPLICATION
I need to be mindful that my relationship with God is a lifelong endeavor, I have given Him my life and I expect that it will take a lifetime to become the person He has created me to be.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Amazing Leadership is Easy to Follow
7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”
I find it interesting that the armor bearer without hesitation declares affirmatively to Johnathan that he is willing to follow him into battle regardless of the horrendous odds against them being successful. Johnathan must have been an amazing leader in this man's life for him to react that way. We know that Johnathan has the capacity to be a friend as we see how he is willing to lay down the inheritance of his future kingship for David.
A true leader will also have the capacity to be a great friend, one who looks after the best interest of the other, one who is willing to go out of his way for the other even at a cost to themselves. A leader in God's economy will take on the nature of a servant as we see in Philippians 2
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
APPLICATION
I need to be more mindful of the people around me. I need to an encourager to as many people as I can. To get to know people on deeper levels than the acquaintance stage, to learn their goals, their direction and their concerns so that that encouragement comes from a sincere heart and can serve them by helping them to achieve the next thing God has for them. To learn to be a friend.
I find it interesting that the armor bearer without hesitation declares affirmatively to Johnathan that he is willing to follow him into battle regardless of the horrendous odds against them being successful. Johnathan must have been an amazing leader in this man's life for him to react that way. We know that Johnathan has the capacity to be a friend as we see how he is willing to lay down the inheritance of his future kingship for David.
A true leader will also have the capacity to be a great friend, one who looks after the best interest of the other, one who is willing to go out of his way for the other even at a cost to themselves. A leader in God's economy will take on the nature of a servant as we see in Philippians 2
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
APPLICATION
I need to be more mindful of the people around me. I need to an encourager to as many people as I can. To get to know people on deeper levels than the acquaintance stage, to learn their goals, their direction and their concerns so that that encouragement comes from a sincere heart and can serve them by helping them to achieve the next thing God has for them. To learn to be a friend.
God is Faithful
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
Imagine the richness of the fellowship between this community of believers, they were willing to sell possessions to help others in need. These young believers had to be close enough to each other to become aware of each other's needs. This was done spontaneously without needing to be instructed or coerced. Led by the newly in-dwelt Sprit of God those who had more were moved to help those who had need. Person to person, how different that is from our modern system of benevolence. Nowadays our culture relies on the government to aid those who are in financial need in our society, even our churches have developed benevolence ministries to do this but in the beginning it was sponteneous and person to person not through some sort of beauracracy as an intermediary. I also find it worthy of note that they helped others who were in need not out of their wants or desires but out of their needs, God has promised to fulfill our needs.
Phil 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus
APPLICATION
By faith I know that I can trust God to meet my needs. I need to walk in that reality.
Imagine the richness of the fellowship between this community of believers, they were willing to sell possessions to help others in need. These young believers had to be close enough to each other to become aware of each other's needs. This was done spontaneously without needing to be instructed or coerced. Led by the newly in-dwelt Sprit of God those who had more were moved to help those who had need. Person to person, how different that is from our modern system of benevolence. Nowadays our culture relies on the government to aid those who are in financial need in our society, even our churches have developed benevolence ministries to do this but in the beginning it was sponteneous and person to person not through some sort of beauracracy as an intermediary. I also find it worthy of note that they helped others who were in need not out of their wants or desires but out of their needs, God has promised to fulfill our needs.
Phil 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus
APPLICATION
By faith I know that I can trust God to meet my needs. I need to walk in that reality.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Real Community - Acts 2:44
Acts 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
When there is a group of people who gather together and share important elements of life such as shared values, shared space/geography, shared faith or beliefs we call that a community. Such as the medical community or the black community or the community of Whitefish. Community is a word that derives from the word commune which speaks of unity and continued commitment to that unity. In order to maintain a community there needs to be commitment. That commitment is served properly by not thinking more highly of self but considering others better than oneself and thereby putting the needs and desires of the community over personal needs. When this is done consistently the community will thrive.
I need to be mindful of the community I live in and to respect that God has ordained it and to be careful to nurture unity and to take responsibility for it since it is pleasing to Him.
When there is a group of people who gather together and share important elements of life such as shared values, shared space/geography, shared faith or beliefs we call that a community. Such as the medical community or the black community or the community of Whitefish. Community is a word that derives from the word commune which speaks of unity and continued commitment to that unity. In order to maintain a community there needs to be commitment. That commitment is served properly by not thinking more highly of self but considering others better than oneself and thereby putting the needs and desires of the community over personal needs. When this is done consistently the community will thrive.
I need to be mindful of the community I live in and to respect that God has ordained it and to be careful to nurture unity and to take responsibility for it since it is pleasing to Him.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
"Awesome"
Acts 2:43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
Websters 1828 Dictionary of the english language describes the word AWE as follows:
1. Fear mingled with admiration or reverence; reverential fear. Stand in awe and sin not. Ps. 4. 2. Fear; dread inspired by something great, or terrific.AWE, v.t. To strike with fear and reverence; to influence by fear, terror or respect; as, his majesty awed them into silence.
Certainly this is one of those words that has been hijacked by the common vernacular and seriously "dumbed down" I think of the ridiculous movie "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" where a young Sean Penn uses and re uses the phrase "awesome" most times referring to some idiotic marijuana induced figment of his imagination in the irredeemably useless plot. Since that movie came out in 1989 our culture has used the word "awesome" to describe things that have less and less value.
I believe that some words should be reserved for the things of God. The term "awesome" is a perfect example of this. To inspire awe due to greatness mingled with admiration and reverential fear seems to me should be reserved for God and God alone.
APPLICATION
It will be my goal to only use the word "awesome" as it is expressly connected to the Lord or of His works, in my heart only He deserves my true awe.
Websters 1828 Dictionary of the english language describes the word AWE as follows:
awe
Certainly this is one of those words that has been hijacked by the common vernacular and seriously "dumbed down" I think of the ridiculous movie "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" where a young Sean Penn uses and re uses the phrase "awesome" most times referring to some idiotic marijuana induced figment of his imagination in the irredeemably useless plot. Since that movie came out in 1989 our culture has used the word "awesome" to describe things that have less and less value.
I believe that some words should be reserved for the things of God. The term "awesome" is a perfect example of this. To inspire awe due to greatness mingled with admiration and reverential fear seems to me should be reserved for God and God alone.
APPLICATION
It will be my goal to only use the word "awesome" as it is expressly connected to the Lord or of His works, in my heart only He deserves my true awe.
Monday, July 18, 2011
A Welcome Fresh Renewal - Acts 2:42
ACTS 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
This was a community of people who were interdependent on one another like all agricultural communities. They daily drew water from a communal well, they were, clan by clan, family by family often related through marriage and had many common interactions and dependencies with one another all of the time.
Lets consider that this very group of people experienced the resurrection of Christ personally, or if not personally then they indeed knew someone close to themselves who did. At this point in time the crucifixion and resurrection had just occured in their midst, we are talking within weeks of this time period. Many personally saw the risen Jesus. I am sure this had a profound effect on the whole community.
These new converts were hungry believers, devoted to what the Apostles were teaching, perhaps they were all in such awe at the evidence of the resurrection of Christ that they were eagerly devoted to the things of God, the fellowship of the believers, breaking of bread together enjoying each others encouragement and prayer times where they would pour out their hearts and sense the Lords presence. Also let us not forget that the indwelling Holy Spirit was at work in the hearts and lives of these new converts for the very first time in the history of mankind, I am sure they sensed that something amazing was happening.
APPLICATION
I recall when I had a newness to my faith and experienced some of these very same things. That indeed was a sweet time I like King David cry out to renew a steadfast spirit within me, to revive me to a fresh love and excitement of what God is doing today in my life.
This was a community of people who were interdependent on one another like all agricultural communities. They daily drew water from a communal well, they were, clan by clan, family by family often related through marriage and had many common interactions and dependencies with one another all of the time.
Lets consider that this very group of people experienced the resurrection of Christ personally, or if not personally then they indeed knew someone close to themselves who did. At this point in time the crucifixion and resurrection had just occured in their midst, we are talking within weeks of this time period. Many personally saw the risen Jesus. I am sure this had a profound effect on the whole community.
These new converts were hungry believers, devoted to what the Apostles were teaching, perhaps they were all in such awe at the evidence of the resurrection of Christ that they were eagerly devoted to the things of God, the fellowship of the believers, breaking of bread together enjoying each others encouragement and prayer times where they would pour out their hearts and sense the Lords presence. Also let us not forget that the indwelling Holy Spirit was at work in the hearts and lives of these new converts for the very first time in the history of mankind, I am sure they sensed that something amazing was happening.
APPLICATION
I recall when I had a newness to my faith and experienced some of these very same things. That indeed was a sweet time I like King David cry out to renew a steadfast spirit within me, to revive me to a fresh love and excitement of what God is doing today in my life.
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