Category: Acts

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Describe Love

How do we do that? How can be adequately describe the experience of love and being love?

“But it is just as the Scriptures say, ‘What God has planned for people who love him is more than eyes have seen or ears have heard. It has never even entered our minds!'” I Corinthians 2:9 CEV

Years ago, I tried to answer the question, how do I describe love. This is what I wrote then, it’s still true today.

I woke up this morning and lay in bed for a while thinking – my mind filled with beautiful thoughts; a Montana sunrise, an Arizona sunset, snow sparkling on the branches of a fir tree, a baby’s smile, my husband’s blue eyes, a cup of steaming hot coffee. Seeing our youngest daughter walk down the aisle at her wedding, my oldest daughter and I as we sat in the middle of a mountain stream in our lawn chairs, our son at the helm of his boat, friends gathered on the patio of our home for good bbq, our whole family together laughing & talking & spending time together; yes, it was quite a way to wake up and start the day.

But then I asked, “Father, all of these images I see can be described but how do I describe Your love?”

For the most part, I’m pretty good with words but when I try to describe God’s love I am seriously at a disadvantage. However, this morning I heard the answer to my question and it was “You just did!”

You see, every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father, every good thing we enjoy comes as an outward expression of God’s love; that’s the way He’s always been and that’s the way He’ll always be!

When I’m thinking on these things that I can describe, I’m describing the Father’s love. In every circumstance and situation that I live, I can sense the love of God and know that He is there because God is LOVE!

Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth was to bring God’s love to each and every one of us. He brought the message that God isn’t mad at us and that God desires to have relationship with us – not some experience that is staunch and unfeeling or condemning and angry – but a real, where-the-rubber-meets-the-road, every day, I’m-always-here type of relationship.

I’m not saying that everything will be perfect in our lives because it won’t. But, I do know that in the imperfect, trying, challenging, frustrating, ugly times of our lives that God is always there, and He doesn’t abandon us! He’s always there to offer comfort, help, to bring wisdom, peace and joy even in the midst of our storms. God is love!

Jesus brought comfort to those who had lost family and friends to death, He brought compassion to the prostitute, food to the hungry, wine to the wedding, sanity to the demonic and love and forgiveness to all.

“You know about Jesus from Nazareth. God made him the Messiah by giving him the Holy Spirit and power. Jesus went everywhere doing good for people. He healed those who were ruled by the devil, showing that God was with him.” Acts 10:38 CEV

What words can I use to describe God’s love?

It really can’t be described but it can be experienced every single day!

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Questioning God’s Love

People today often question how a loving God could allow bad things to happen so I would like to answer a bit of that.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

There is a real enemy on this earth, the devil, and he causes and manipulates people and circumstances for evil. God has given us power over all the works of the enemy. And when we get to heaven all will be perfect. No devil, no evil.

I have heard this question asked on several occasions, I’m sure you have too. “How can a loving God send good people to hell?” The answer in their minds appears to be hard and calloused and anything but loving. Jesus addresses that in His teaching.

 “You can enter true life only through the narrow gate. The gate to hell is very wide, and there is plenty of room on the road that leads there. Many people go that way. 14 But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 ERV

No one has ever gone to hell for the bad things they have done but everyone will go to hell for the one thing they haven’t done.

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31

We have to remember that God has the ability to look at the heart while we only look at the outward appearance. It’s only God who can know if someone has accepted or rejected the sacrifice that His Son made for the forgiveness of sin. Good people can’t work their way to heaven, they must have a Savior. On the other hand, bad people can’t be so bad to have God turn them away.

Remember the criminal on the cross. He had a death-bed conversion.

“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you begin ruling as king!’ 43 Then Jesus said to him, ‘I promise you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:42-32 ERV

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9 KJV

“This is what the Scripture says: ‘God’s teaching is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.’ It is the teaching of faith that we tell people. 9 If you openly say, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from death, you will be saved. 10 Yes, we believe in Jesus deep in our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we openly say that we believe in him, and so we are saved. 11 Yes, the Scriptures say, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disappointed.” Romans 10:8-11 CEV

With salvation our whole life is changed. We become new creatures in Christ, we get a heart transplant removing a heart of stone and giving us a heart of flesh and we get our minds washed as they are renewed by God’s word and we no longer conform to this world ways but we are transformed in our thinking, a new mind set.

God’s love is unconditional and reaches to all. Do I question God’s love? No, it’s perfect!

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A Day to Remember

What do you think of when you see the date, December 7th, on the calendar? How many still remember “the day that will live in infamy”?

I took this picture, years ago, at our home in northern Idaho. It was a reminder of those who fought and died for our freedom. Those who died in a war to secure the shores of our nation and also the One who died to bring us spiritual freedom.

Will the generations to come remember the sacrifice of those who died at Pearl Harbor?

The bigger question is will they remember the One who came as a babe, lived a sinless life and died, becoming the spotless sacrifice for our sins?

We are a people who tend to forget.

“While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is to become a mother by the Holy Spirit. 21 A Son will be born to her. You will give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from the punishment of their sins.’” Matthew 1:20-21 NLV

A day to remember. Do you remember the day? when Jesus saved you from your sins?

“ I was near Damascus. All at once, about noon, I saw a bright light from heaven shining around me. 7 I fell to the ground. A voice said to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you work so hard against Me?’ 8 I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, the One you are working against.’” Acts 22:6-8 NLV

Now, my salvation story isn’t as dramatic as the Apostle Paul’s, but I remember. I was a little girl in church on a Sunday evening. I really don’t remember what the preacher said however I knew I wanted Jesus to come live in my heart. I walked forward at the end of the service and Mrs. Turner talked with me about the importance of what I was doing and then she prayed with me to receive Christ.

“Remember this! Jesus Christ, Who was born from the early family of David, was raised from the dead! This is the Good News I preach.” II Timothy 2:8 NLV

A day to remember.

There are so many memories attached to the Christmas season. Songs of joy, celebrations with family and friends, family traditions and activities from Christmases past come flooding in.

May I encourage us all to take time to reflect (remember) the day that Christmas became more about the Person instead of the presents.

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I’ve Got Joy

For the past hour, as I was waking up, the lyrics of a song we sang Sunday morning have been on a continuous loop in my heart.

“I’ve got joy in the morning

Joy in the evening

You keep me dancing

In every season

No matter what comes my way

I’ve got joy”

Joy – it’s greater than happiness. Happiness is conditional. If everything is going well – all the bills are paid, the kids are fed, I feel strong and invigorated, the boss likes my work, my favorite sports team won – then I’m happy. But that’s not joy.

No, joy is different. Joy isn’t dependent upon circumstances.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:2-5 NJKV

Joy in trouble and trials? You can’t be serious. Oh, but I am. This verse was written during a time when Christians were being arrested and severely persecuted. Some were facing death because of their faith and James tells them to consider it joy.

The first thing that comes to my mind, after reading that, is this:

“And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” Acts 16:23-26 NKJV

Paul and Silas had just been beaten and they had joy. I don’t imagine they were happy about the beating they took or that they were in prison but at midnight, in their darkest hour, they had joy. In fact, they were overflowing with joy and could pray and sing.

Now I don’t know, if they had been sitting their complaining about their situation and bemoaning the fact that they had been beaten for preaching, if there would have been an earthquake that would have broken their bonds. But I do know that they counted it joy when they were in a difficult circumstance.

Their joy came from knowing they had done the will of God and they also knew they had His promise to never leave them or abandon them. We have that same promise.

King David said in Psalm 139 that even if he went to hell God would still be with him. When we come to that realization, that God has chosen to be ever-present in our lives, we will know true and abiding joy.

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 NKJV

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” Luke 2:9-11 NKJV

The Lord has given us a wonderful gift – the gift of joy!

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Commissioned for Greatness

Last night I spent some time compiling a list of Scriptures on healing for a prayer meeting tonight. But I had forgotten about these verses until this morning.

“Jesus came and said to them, ‘All power has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go and make followers of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach them to do all the things I have told you. And I am with you always, even to the end of the world.’” Matthew 28:18-20 NLV

This is referred to by some as the Great Commission.

Commissioned – ships are commissioned, officers are commissioned, salesmen are commissioned, works of art are commissioned and we have been commissioned too. To commission is to put into service.

Jesus has put us into service just like He did with the disciples.

“Jesus called His twelve followers to Him. He gave them the right and the power over all demons and to heal diseases. 2 He sent them to preach about the holy nation of God and to heal the sick. ” Luke 9:1-3 NLV

As His followers, we have been commissioned to do the works of Jesus. Somewhere along the way we have lost sight of that. Peter and John were part of this group of twelve and they were also there when Jesus gave this command shortly before His ascension back to heaven. They took their commission seriously. One of the first things they did after Jesus left this earth was heal a lame man.

“The man who was healed held on to Peter and John. All the people who were surprised gathered together around them in a place called Solomon’s Porch. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them, “Jewish men, why are you surprised at this? Why do you look at us as if we had made this man walk by our own power or holy lives? 13 The God of our fathers, the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, has done this. He has honored His Son Jesus…16 You see and know this man here. He has been made strong through faith in Jesus’ name. Yes, it is faith in Christ that has made this man well and strong. This man is standing here in front of you all.” Acts 3:11-16 NLV

By faith in the name of Jesus – our calling, our commission is a mission of faith. Not blind faith but faith in the name of Jesus and in the power of God. The religious leaders arrested Peter and John following this miracle; they were intimated by the impact it had on the people in the Temple. They kept them in jail overnight and when they were released, the religious leaders commanded them not to speak of Jesus like this anymore.

Hear Peter’s answer:

“‘There is no way to be saved from the punishment of sin through anyone else. For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we can be saved.’ 13 They were surprised and wondered how easy it was for Peter and John to speak. They could tell they were men who had not gone to school. But they knew they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:12-14 NLV

Commissioned for greatness.

We too, have been commissioned to show the greatness of God in the world. As Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel (the good news) to every person”. Let’s go!

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Hard to Understand

Each day Dave and I find a different place to eat our afternoon meal. The other day we were enjoying a quaint little Greek/Italian place, roadside, under some huge eucalyptus trees. Outside dining at it’s best!

From the surrounding tables we heard Greek, Spanish, French, German, and English spoke with multiple accents. Everyone was there for the same purpose – to indulge in the delicious food they serve.

We were all hungry!

We even remarked at the time that it was an international melting pot focused on food.

Later that day I wondered if any of us sitting there would have been able to stand and speak so that everyone could understand. I found that rather doubtful but possibly.

That was the miracle in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

“Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem. 6 And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages. 7 They were excited and amazed, and said:

‘Don’t all these who are speaking come from Galilee? 8 Then why do we hear them speaking our very own languages? 9 Some of us are from Parthia, Media, and Elam. Others are from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, parts of Libya near Cyrene, Rome, 11 Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were born Jews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done.'” Acts 2:5-11 CEV

The Lord had a marvelous message to deliver. So many people from so many places all in Jerusalem at the same time. So, He had Peter deliver the message and EVERYONE heard in their own language.

Do you see that some of the people there that day were from Crete? We’re headed to Crete next week and will visit the museum of Titus. Yes, the same Titus from Paul’s travels. He was the first bishop of Crete and was responsible for teaching the citizens there the ways of Christ. One of the things Titus was instructed to teach was that the followers of Christ should be kind to everyone.

“These teachings are useful and helpful for everyone. I want you to insist that the people follow them, so that all who have faith in God will be sure to do good deeds.” Titus 3:8 CEV

Probably very few who are reading this have a command of multiple languages or even a need for it but the language we can all speak is the language of God’s love.

The Apostle Paul, who wrote those words, said it was the goodness of God that brings people to a place of repenting, seeking forgiveness and finding His love.

“Christ encourages you, and his love comforts you. God’s Spirit unites you, and you are concerned for others. 2 Now make me completely happy! Live in harmony by showing love for each other. Be united in what you think, as if you were only one person.” Philippians 2:1-2 CEV

Next time you are in a situation where it’s hard to understand the words or the actions of another person try using the language of God’s love. It just may be the best way to communicate.

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The Sound of Rain

I woke up in the wee hours of the morning to the sound of rain. There is something so soothing about that. The raindrops falling on the roof of our RV lulled me back to sleep. I can’t wait to open the door and the windows because my first favorite thing about a desert rain is the scent.

I remember when my oldest daughter and I flew from the northwest to the desert for my dad’s funeral. It was certainly a time of sadness and our hearts were heavy. We had flown into San Diego and rented a car for our drive to Yuma. As we came down from the Mountain Springs Grade and started across the desert floor, the fragrance of a fresh rain filled our car. Something about that aroma was comforting and made us smile. It was as if the Lord gave us a sensual expression of His love, saying everything would be ok.

Outside of Noah’s flood, rain in the Bible has always been an outpouring of God’s blessings to His people. Even the great flood ended with His promise.

“I promise every living creature that the earth and those living on it will never again be destroyed by a flood. 12-13 The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever.” Genesis 9:11-13 CEV

The Bible talks of the former and latter rains – rain that comes at the beginning of the planting in the Spring.

“The Lord will open the storehouses of the skies where he keeps the rain, and he will send rain on your land at just the right times. He will make you successful in everything you do. You will have plenty of money to lend to other nations, but you won’t need to borrow any yourself.” Deuteronomy 28:11 CEV

When Adam sinned Satan became the ruler of this world. Jesus said that the devil’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. All we have to do is look at what’s been happening to see the devil’s handiwork of destruction.

But the rain that God sends has the purpose of giving life.

“He will give the rain for your land at the right times, the early and late rain. So you may gather in your grain, your new wine and your oil.” Deuteronomy 11:14 NLV

I am so grateful for the rain that God gives. It brings refreshing to the earth.

I am also thankful for the outpouring of God’s Spirit that brings a newness into the lives of mankind.

“‘God says: In the last days I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will have special dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit on my servants, men and women, and they will prophesy.
19 I will work wonders in the sky above.  I will cause miraculous signs on the earth below…” Acts 2:17-19 ERV

Listen, do you hear it? Listen for the sound of God’s refreshing!

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The Name of Jesus

When I was a little girl, my mom would tell me stories about my grandfather. I never knew him; he died the day I was born. Mom felt it was important that I knew about him. He was a gracious and loving man – a man who loved the Lord, both he and my grama were such wonderful Christians.

One thing more she told me is the hymn, “Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know”, was one of his favorites. I was so happy when I learned to play it on the piano.

“Jesus is the sweetest name I know
And He’s just the same as His holy name
And that’s the reason why I love Him so
Jesus is the sweetest name I know”

A few days ago, I was reading in the book of Acts. Peter and John were on their way to the synagogue one day and they encountered a man who was lame. That man asked them for money, but they gave him so much more. Peter grabbed a hold of his hands and told him, “In the name of Jesus, rise up and walk”. The man did. Long story short the religious leaders arrested Peter and John. Before they were released the religious leaders ordered them to no longer speak to people using the name of Jesus. This was Peter’s answer:

“‘There is no way to be saved from the punishment of sin through anyone else. For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we can be saved.’ 13 They were surprised and wondered how easy it was for Peter and John to speak. They could tell they were men who had not gone to school. But they knew they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:12-13 NLV

Peter refused to be silent. There is no other name besides Jesus that has the power to save!

Yesterday as Dave and I were streaming our church service the praise team sang a song that I was unfamiliar with. It triggered a heartfelt response of tears and gratitude. I’ll share just a bit of the lyrics and add a link so you can hear the whole thing.

I Speak Jesus

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over every heart and every mind
‘Cause I know there is peace within Your presence
I speak Jesus

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Til’ every dark addiction starts to break
Declaring there is hope and there is freedom
I speak Jesus

‘Cause Your name is power
Your name is healing
Your name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like a fire…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBIz8vDMG20

The name of Jesus brings power, healing, freedom from addictions and life!

“ Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. 10 So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him. 11 And every tongue will say Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone will give honor to God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 NLV

Yes, the name of Jesus is the sweetest name I know!

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I Wonder…

if I could sing at midnight?

“We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.” Proverbs 16:9 CEV

I’d like to tell you the story of a couple of fellows who let the Lord direct their plans.

They had been arrested for casting a devil out of a woman. Made a lot of folks mad and so they were beaten and thrown into the inner prison. They were chained in a dirty prison cell and they were in the dark. They knew they were being treated unfairly. They had plenty of reason to complain and bemoan their situation.

But instead of complaining they sang. Not quietly, they sang loud enough for the other prisoners to hear them. Singing at midnight in a dirty jail cell – what was there to sing about?

“Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love? If we have no food or clothes or face danger or even death, will that separate us from his love?…37 But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. 38-39 Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love…” Romans 8:35-38 ERV

Paul wrote these words. It was Paul and Silas who were in that prison cell. He knew that he had complete victory through Christ and that nothing could separate him from God’s love!

And as they were singing, God brought victory in the form of an earthquake.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was an earthquake so strong that it shook the foundation of the jail. All the doors of the jail opened, and the chains on all the prisoners fell off. 27 The jailer woke up and saw that the jail doors were open. He thought that the prisoners had already escaped, so he got his sword and was ready to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t hurt yourself! We are all here!’

29 The jailer told someone to bring a light. Then he ran inside and, shaking with fear, fell down in front of Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Men, what must I do to be saved?’ 31 They said to him, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all who live in your house.’” Acts 16:25-31 ERV

Paul and Silas were free but they didn’t escape. They stayed to share the Good News of God’s love with their jailer. When we trust God’s love and His direction, even a jail cell is an opportunity to tell about His goodness.

It’s possible you are in prison? Have you been badly mistreated and abused? Locked away and forgotten? Has sickness or poor health chained you to a wall? Has fear or financial ruin put you behind bars?

You’re not alone! God is right there with you – nothing will separate you from His love. Let that sink into your heart – it will cause you to sing at midnight and in singing praises to the Lord, your heart will come to a place of peace and the prison doors will open.

Rest well! God is bigger than your prison and He breaks every chain.

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Troubled Times

You may think that I am going to share some rich insight this morning on the situations and circumstances that we are facing in our nation and our world today but that isn’t my focus.

Each generation and millennia have had their own share of crises, disasters and unrest.

Jesus lived in a troubled world. The governmental rule was anti-God. The Romans, who ruled over the nation of Israel, preached Caesar as god and his word as infallible. They were living in political slavery when Jesus was born.

I find it interesting that God the Father didn’t use Jesus to rescue the Jews from the Romans in a similar way that he used Moses to rescue the Jews from the Egyptians. Jesus didn’t come to save just one nation. He came to bring reconciliation, peace and freedom to all who would believe.

“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages. He taught in their synagogues and told people the Good News about God’s kingdom. He healed all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. 36 Jesus saw the many people and felt sorry for them because they were worried and helpless—like sheep without a shepherd to lead them. 37 Jesus said to his followers, ‘There is such a big harvest of people to bring in. But there are only a few workers to help harvest them. 38 God owns the harvest. Ask him to send more workers to help gather his harvest.’” Matthew 9:35 – 38 ERV

Jesus was about His Father’s business – a worldwide harvest.

But the corruption of the government was always on Jesus disciples’ minds. They heard Jesus preach; they saw the miracles. In fact, they did miracles themselves but still they wondered when Jesus would take control and change things. Here are Jesus’ last words to his disciples.

“While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, ‘Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?’ 7Jesus said to them, ‘You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. 8But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.'” Acts 1:6-8 ERV

Today, many are asking the same thing. When Lord are you going to do something about political unrest and corruption? Things are not good that is for certain.

Jesus’ answer to us is the same one He gave the disciples. Don’t worry about the political situation and those in power. Leave that up to the Father. Instead, take the message of my salvation to those in your world.

“God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. 19  This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls.” Hebrews 6:18-19 CEV

In troubled times we can run to the Father, we can put our hope in Him.

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