“there was a great persecution against
the church which was at Jerusalem…”
Acts 8:1
(Normally these devotions are from our church bulletin from a year ago. This one is from yesterday, Sunday 1 December 2024, and I felt impressed to post it now. As always, I pray it is a blessing.)
Thank you for your prayers while Shelley and I travelled recently. We enjoyed our time visiting our family very much!
The challenge was finding a church to go to. It is often hard finding a church that preaches the gospel and stands for the Bible clearly. Churches can get distracted by their programs, traditions, and cultural influences… If we’re not careful, we’re trying to impress someone, somewhere, and being influenced by people who seem to do it bigger and better! We must not do that or we will be the ones spiritually missing out.
In the verse above, notice the words, “the church… at”.
Many churches are mentioned in the New Testament. The church at Jerusalem is mentioned above, but there were churches, local, visible churches in many cities. Many of the books of the New Testament were letters written to specific churches.
Where is your church? Where is your church home? Where is the local church where God has “set” you? 1 Corinthians 12.28 tells us that God put the first members into the first church Jesus started, and God still sets people in local churches. In Acts 2.41-47 the Bible tells us that when people got saved they were baptised and added to the local church where they lived, or where one would be starting soon.
Here's the point: God gives us a church to be part of. A church home. A church where He has set us. A “body of Christ” in the town where we live, where we worship and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
When we’re on holidays, we should always try to attend church. A church that is like our own local New Testament Baptist church. And that may be challenging! Be gracious. Be kind. Don’t be critical, but let’s do our best for Christ’s sake, for the gospel’s sake, and for the example to others. And may the Lord bless us for doing so.
“And he saith unto them, Follow me,
and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19
I know this is talking about the disciples who were called to follow Jesus. Those twelve men who Jesus called apostles, and who became the first members of the first New Testament church. I know Jesus is telling them that He would teach them everything they needed to know including how to win souls… but how?
There were no Bible colleges or Seminaries. There weren’t any church “programs” or even church buildings. So, how did Jesus do it?
HOW?
More is caught than taught… which means it needs to be the whole “hear, see, then do” process.
Recently, during a hospital visit, I met a lady told me how tired she was of teaching the new ministers at her church how to talk to people, and be nice to them, and act like they care about them… these new ministers, new graduates of Bible colleges
More is caught than taught… “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him,” “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Mark 3:14, Matthew 16:18
“Follow me, and I will make you...”
Begs the question: Are we following Him? Are we with Him? Are we where we ought to be – in His church? If so, then, others who want to follow Him can learn from us… by watching us, listening to us being with us…
More is caught than taught… “Follow me, and I will make you...”
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“them that honour me I will honour,
and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”
1 Samuel 2:30
Eric Liddell, the son of Scottish missionaries to China, was Scotland’s fastest runner and in 1923 won the 100 yard race at the AAA Championship with 9.7 seconds, a record that stood for the next 35 years.
A committed Christian, Liddell spoke at gospel meetings for the Glasgow Students Evangelical Union during his college years. He qualified for the British track and field team for the 1924 Olympics in Paris, but because the 100 meter race was held on Sunday he refused to participate, even though this was his best distance.
It was said that “most athletes come to the games desiring to be great and do great, Eric Liddle came to the Paris Olympics desiring to be good, and to do good.” In spite of personal pleas from the royal family and criticism in the British press for letting down his country, he stood by his decision and spent that Sunday preaching in an evangelical church in Paris. He entered the 400 meter race, and it is said that as he headed to the starting block, a man handed him a piece of paper with a quotation from 1 Samuel 2:30, “... them that honour me I will honour.”He ran with that piece of paper in his hand and won, breaking the world record with a time of 47.6 seconds.
In 1925, Liddell returned to China to preach the gospel. In 1943, he was incarcerated in a Japanese prison camp where he died two years later.Liddell said, “We are all missionaries. Wherever we go, we either bring people nearer to Christ, or we repel them from Christ.” (adapted from D. Cloud)
“them that honour me I will honour,and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”
“and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”
Hebrews 12:1
“…yet he opened not his mouth”
Isaiah 53.7
In the Gospels we are told the story of the people who caused our Lord to suffer. The true account of the pain He bore for us is recorded, but it is done without anything bad said - about those who caused the pain.
Judas is called a “traitor”, but that is all.
Did Jesus make any accusations toward these people? At his trial? On the cross? After His resurrection?
Did Jesus lead any of the Gospel writers to record vengeful words against those who caused his suffering?
Is there any indication from the writers of the Gospel themselves, that in the years following the death of Jesus – when he was taken from them – they harboured resentment, bitter memories or ill thoughts toward those people who caused Jesus to suffer so unjustly?! (adapted, source unknown)
Nothing…
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”
Why?
“…it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief… He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”
Why..? Because, it was alright… it was OK… Jesus PAID IT ALL! May we do all we can to follow His example!
“Now therefore give me this mountain”
Joshua 14:6-12
There comes a time when we should ask God to give us what He has promised!
“Now therefore give me this mountain”
There are several things here, so let’s sum them up:
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Joshua and Caleb had been very faithful to God for many years.
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Joshua was the leader of Israel at this time and was now old. He would not live much longer.
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Caleb went to him and reminded him of God’s promise.
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Caleb could expect “this mountain” to be given to him “now” because God had promised!
“and Caleb… said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me… Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day… if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.” Joshua 14:6-12
Here’s the point for us:
God promises us so much in the Bible. Many of these promises are conditional, based on us doing the right thing and being faithful.
It may be time for us to ask for some things we know God had promised! Get on with it! Ask! Right now – today! Ask! Jesus said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16 (Helpful scripture: Matthew 7.7-8, James 4.2-3)
But again, remember: Many of these promises are conditional, based on us doing the right thing and being faithful.
“Now therefore give me this mountain”
“…I know their imagination…”
Deuteronomy 31:21
“…I know their imagination…” This is both shocking and – oddly enough – comforting!
This is shocking because God is saying here that He knew the imagination of these people. He knew what they were thinking up, what they wanted to do, their ideas about themselves, and… their thinking was bad! The word “imagination” here has to do with “conception; image in the mind; idea”. (King James Bible Dictionary & Strong’s)
Then this is comforting because God also knows our thoughts, and imaginations and because of Jesus Christ, God helps us change them to being good!
Remember, we can learn from the mistakes of these people! The Jews knew better! They had been so blessed but were so foolish! “And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles are befallen them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they go about, even now, before I have brought them into the land which I sware.” Deuteronomy 31:21
By the time Jesus came they completely rejected Him. They had created their own religion, their own faith tradition, Judaism. “He (Jesus) came unto his own (the Jews), and his own received him not.” John 1:11
So, we must learn and be comforted by God’s Word changing our thinking, just like He would help those Jews who cared to change – this is repentance.
“And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you;” Ezekiel 11:19
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalms 139:23-24
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“…watch unto prayer…”
1 Peter 4.7
Thank the Lord for the Bible to guide, warn and protect us! The word watch here has to do with being on guard! All through the Bible we see the need for God’s people to be on their guard! As born again New Testament Christians we need to be on our guard!
The Bible speaks clearly about the days in which we live: Speaking of our day and time Jesus said, “...iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Mathew 24.12) And Paul said, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1) People living to please themselves without regard to anyone else or anything else!
“…watch unto prayer.”
To protect ourselves, our family, and our church from this trap -
“…watch unto prayer…”
We are warned, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2.25) Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)
“…watch unto prayer…”
Prayer to the Christian is like breathing. It is constant, it keeps us alive, and it also shows our health and our fitness. Are we weary? “… Watch unto prayer…” Are we needy? “…watch unto prayer…” Do we have hopes? “… Watch unto prayer…” Do we have dreams? “… Watch unto prayer…” Do we, “… watch unto prayer?
“...and giveth it to whomsoever he will. ”
Daniel 4.25
Speaking of God’s power over all of the earth, the Book of Daniel makes it clear that all kings and leaders of this world are where they are because He allows it. God allow man to rule himself... but sadly, man’s “self-rule” without the help of the Creator is a path to self-destruction.
Which is why we can, and must pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth,” Matthew 6.10
There are some things about our world and the kingdom of God we do not completely understand yet. The Bible does not tell us exactly when the Lord will return for His saints, for them to be “caught up... in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air”, and then to set up His kingdom seven years later when He comes again to “stand” on the earth. The Bible does not tell us exactly why the world is often ruled by wicked men and corrupt governments.
But there are some things we do know: The Lord will return and stand upon the earth. The Lord Jesus Christ will establish His kingdom here on the earth. While ungodly people continue to get more proud and more godless – God is with His saints. He will never leave them nor forsake them.
So be faithful and know that the Lord has control over all of His creation and whoever He allows to rule – we can trust Him and we can pray for them and we can pray... “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth,”. (1 Thessalonians 4.13-18, Job 19.25-27, Hebrews 13.5)
“In every thing give thanks:”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
How important is our attitude?
It is very, very IMPORTANT!
Would you agree that sometimes we sin because we may “do” the right thing, but… our attitude is bad?
Yes, maybe we “go through the motions” but inside we are angry, or bitter, or mean-spirited; and if we were honest with ourselves, we know we’re doing the wrong thing. We are sinning against God with our bad attitude.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
If we want to please God and do His will, we need to be thankful, we need to have joy and gladness in our heart. This is usually a choice!
Jesus was speaking to religious people in Matthew 5.17-48 when he made it clear - our attitudes matter! And thoughts will cause us to sin. In fact, even in the Old Testament the Jews knew this was true. When they had the right attitude, God blessed them! When their attitude was wrong, they suffered for it, and so did their families!
“Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Psalms 100:2
Or…“Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee,” Deuteronomy 28:47
Again, Jesus cautioned religious people, “people of faith” about their attitude. “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matthew 12:34
How important is our attitude? It is very, very IMPORTANT! Remember, God is just – He gives us what we… really want in our hearts… But also remember, God is kind – He can forgive us and help us DO BETTER! Let’s keep our attitudes right!
“darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these:”
Exodus 14:20
This verse is a good illustration of the difference between people who are trying to follow the Lord and people who are not trying to follow the Lord.
The Jews weren’t perfect, but they we’re trying to follow the Lord and get out of Egypt! They were being followed by the Egyptian army who were against the Lord! So the Bible tells us that God put a pillar of fire between these two groups of people. For the Egyptians it was dark and for the Jews it was light.
“And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.” Exodus 14:20
Today it is the same for many people. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the light of the world. “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:4-5 And Jesus confirmed it, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12
Are you in darkness? Are you spiritually in darkness? Are you struggling through life without clear direction?
Come to the Lord Jesus Christ! He will give you light!
Christian, let’s remember that we walk in the Light! So, let’s be clear and open, and kind and compassionate with who we are, and what we believe, and then enjoy “getting on with it”, and serving the Lord!
“…go by day and night:”
Exodus 13:21
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“…go by day and night:”
Sometimes it’s busy all day, and sometimes even at night, there are still things we need to do!
In the verse above the Jews were leaving Egypt and it was a busy time!
They had waited and waited to be delivered from their bondage/slavery in Egypt and now, it was time to GO!
“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:” Exodus 13:21
We see that when it was important for the children of Israel to do what they needed to do, the Lord was there with them! “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:”
Here’s the point for us: God will provide the help, the strength, the light, the rest, the security… God will provide whatever we need, especially during those times in our lives when He is working to help us and it seems that we’re “on the go” – “day and night”! Because it’s also true, and good to remember, “It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” Psalms 127:2
​May the Lord help us in our (sometimes very busy) lives! (Photo church family camp 2017)
“…they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:"
Philippians 3:18
Those are very strong words! To call someone an “enemy of the cross of Christ”!
"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:" Philippians 3:18
What are their characteristics so we can recognize them.
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They follow the lust or desires of their body – they do whatever they want to do!
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Jude describes them as sensual, not spiritual. (Jude v8-18)
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Jude also describes them as filthy, who defile the flesh, speak evil of dignities, they despise God's direction (dominion).
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They turn God's grace, God’s free gifts and love, into loose living with no moral conscience.
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They believe that they can live in sin without consequences!
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They constantly murmur and complain and walk after their own lust.
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Their words are designed to acquire the admiration of men.
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Jude describes them as having crept into the church and the church was unaware of their motivation and agenda.
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Paul sums up the things that Jude describes: their God is their belly, and they boast about things that they should be ashamed of! In other words, they do whatever feels good, whatever satisfies them refusing to accept responsibility or consequences.
How will this end for them? Both Paul and Jude write that their end is destruction. (adapted JD Strain)
So, beware of people who are so focused on themselves, and their agenda for you… your family… your church… that you hardly get a word in, and the Word of God is ignored or twisted! Beware, because they’re not your friend, and in fact, “…they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:"
"And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me?
And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him."
Acts 8:31
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Here was a man who was trying to understand the Bible. He was trying to understand religion. He was trying to understand how to get to heaven, and he wanted Philip to sit with him and tell him what the Bible meant.
"…he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him."
Wouldn’t it be great if someone asked us to sit with them and explain the Bible to them? It doesn’t happen often does it?
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"…he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him."
It should be our heart’s desire as born again Christians to have these opportunities… "…he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him."
Pray for them. Be available for them. Seek them. Be ready for them. It may be a family member who is unsaved. It may be a neighbour, or a work mate… they may want you to sit with them and show them from the Bible how to get to heaven. Could you do it? Do you know for sure, for yourself, that you are going to heaven?
“…in us…” 1 John…?
So… I was doing burgers for the family. I went to open the can of beetroot (pickled beets - a ‘must have’ here in Australia. Yum!).
But the can opener CRACKED!
It had rust in it!
What was in it made it crack! 😠(At least I had our trusty “John Wayne” can opener.)
Here’s the point: What is “in us”?
It’s one of two things:
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8
Deception and lies… “in us”? Or…
“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” 1 John 4:13
The Spirit of Jesus Christ dwelling “in us”?
One will corrupt and fail, the other will save and satisfy!
So, what is “…in us…”?
1 John 1.8, OR 1 John 4.13 – by God’s grace it’s our choice!
“But thou, when thou prayest,
enter into thy closet,”
Matthew 6.6
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What is a “closet” to you?
Depending on where a person comes from, in the world, a “closet” can be different places.
To me, coming from South Dakota, USA, a closet is the cupboard/little room by the front door of the house where all the winter coats, boots, scarves, hats etc. are stored. I don’t think I have ever prayed in one of those “closets”!
What Jesus is telling us to do here is make time and find a place – for private prayer!
Someone has well said that in the Book of Genesis 24.63 Isaac’s “closet” was an open field. David’s “closet” of prayer was his bed at times, Psalm 4.3-4. Peter made a housetop his “closet” in Acts 10.5-9. Jesus Himself found a mountain where He could be alone in prayer in a “closet”, Matthew 14.23. The “closet” for Daniel was open windows, Daniel 6.10. The point for us is, “when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
The point for us is – PRAY!
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble”
Psalm 46.1
Trouble! Often people go through life just waiting for the next disaster! It should not be so for the born again Christian! Better to choose our fight and choose our struggle. Better to choose the struggle of reading our Bible daily – it is a struggle!
Better to choose the struggle of praying faithfully – that we “enter not into temptation”. (Matthew 26.41) Temptation is a great “trouble” and we should be prepared - it comes of its own accord!
Trouble. It is common to this world, and it is common to the Christian life. The difference for the Christian is that we can often choose our struggle and be better prepared for the trouble. A person who does not know the Lord very well, who does not choose to exercise with the Lord daily, diligently reading His Word, who does not choose to “workout” in the gymnasium of prayer – will not easily find scriptures like the one above; and will struggle more than necessary.
The Apostle Paul reminds us, “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” Grab a King James Bible, a pen and a notebook – set some time aside, read awhile, make a note of verses that are a blessing. Write them out. Pray through things that come to mind. Bless the Lord, thank the Lord and enjoy a good “workout” with the Lord. You won’t be disappointed!