BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  ^“So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows  no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Acts 10:34,35 ESV

It is one thing when someone says, something. It is another to understand the meaning and ramifications of what is said. Jesus was very clear in the mandate to the disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:9 ESV)

On the Day of Pentecost Peter spoke the words of the Prophet Joel, “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21 ESV)

But everyone?! Even gentiles? Perhaps the message to the Jews meant, “every Jew who calls on the name of the Lord.” But the everyone, means…..everyone. It means all people, all nations, all time. The way to God was through the cross, not the Law of Moses. It took a vision and some divine revelation to Peter for him to understand that God is the One who calls and declares all people worthy of good news.

There is a quip that I read or heard, “all men are created equal, some are just more “equal” than others.” That is certainly how the Jews would have felt. They were a unique and special people. But as the Lord told Abraham, “And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed–all because you have obeyed me.” (Genesis 22:18 NLT)

So through divine means the Holy Spirit begins to upset the proverbial “apple cart.” Angels appear to Cornelius; Peter receives the same dream (three times). As Peter preaches about Jesus to those at Cornelius’ house, there is an overwhelming demonstration of the Lord’s presence.

“While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God.” (Acts 10:44-46 ESV)

This became significant because these Gentiles who placed their faith in Jesus, received the Holy Spirit in the same manner, as it fell on those in the upper room on Pentecost. No respecter of persons. No partiality.

the Word of the Lord spread with the persecution that arose through the death of Stephen; now the gospel is preparing to spread like “wild fire” through many who come to faith and receive the boldness to declare the goodness of the Lord and salvation through Jesus.

I am reminded of the words of an old hymn that declare, “what He’s done for others, He’ll do for you.” That is what we see in Acts 10 and that is what we see in our world today.

Prayer for today…. Lord thank you that ALL can come to know You and experience the life that You have for them. Thank You for Your amazing plan, for Your amazing grace and for Your Word that is available for all people of all nation. 

I was glad to have a day that was free of appointments. The last few weeks have been pretty intense with being in full “campaign mode” for my city council race. I needed the time to get caught up on some office work and it was pretty focused day. But a cleaner desk, provided the visual gratification of my efforts.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 ESV

As we look at Peter and John it is important to pause and reflect on the most intimidating situations that you can imagine. For a student it may be “called to the principal’s office.” For an employee it is facing a superior when you know the business is laying off workers, or you know that you are facing accountability over some action.

What provides the courage to “stand up for yourself?” What allows an individual to face fierce opposition with boldness and confidence? As I read Psalm 35 this morning, I chuckled because it could be the “politicians plea.” “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!” (Psalm 35:1 ESV) (You can tell I’m getting ready for another election 🙂 )

While Peter’s failure in denying Jesus stands out in the gospel’s, it is important to remember the context. Night time is always a time to fear and caution. Peter had just cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant in the garden. While the other disciples scattered, he at least tried to observe what was happening to Jesus. As he waited near a fire, perhaps he feared as much being a “wanted” man, as well as his association with a man who has just been arrested.

Mark’s gospel, which is believed to be the oldest and the one for which Peter provided the details, still includes the account of Peter’s denial. If I were Peter, providing details for Mark, I think I would conveniently forget the most incriminating parts about myself!

But in the Book of Acts we see a different Peter and different disciples. They have a new confidence and boldness and are willing to speak out, even among the most respected and educated religious authorities of their day. As Peter responds to the question about the healing of the lame man at the Temple, Luke specifically mentions, “Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” (Acts 4:8 ESV) This was more than human courage and the brashness of personality. This was a fulfillment of Jesus’ assurance, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” (Luke 12:11,12 NIV)

This is born out in the religious leaders “taking note that these men had been with Jesus.” In the end when commanded to stop their teaching and miracles, they didn’t back down. Their response was, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19,20 ESV)

In our lives we can be confident that the Holy Spirit is able to help us have boldness and to speak the words that are needed as we take a stand for Christ. When that happens may others, (like the religious leaders listening to Peter and John), take note of the impact of Jesus on our life.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the difference You make in our lives. When we serve You, we need to remember that we are not alone. We don’t function in our own authority or abilities, but in that which is empowered by Your Spirit. 

This morning I went to Greeley for a radio interview on KFKA. I always enjoy these opportunities whenever they arise. I shared about my candidacy for City Council with morning host Gail Fallen.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” Acts 3:5-8 ESV

The first miracle of Jesus in Mark is casting a demon out of a man with “an unclean spirit.” In Matthew, there is just a mention of Jesus, “teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.”  In Luke the first person mentioned by name that was healed was Simon’s mother-in-law. In John the first miracle was “turning water in to wine” at the wedding in Cana of Galilee.

In Acts the first recorded miracle of healing is the lame man at the Temple gate. Much had happen in a short period of time. The disciples went from watching Jesus crucified to dealing with the news of the resurrection and then huddle together on the Day of Pentecost. They went from bewildered, to confused, to believing, to empowered.

This miracle is different from the personal encounters Jesus had with people. It seems they all demonstrated some degree to faith to be healed. In this situation, the man was just looking for a “hand out” and instead received a literal “hand up.”

Perhaps Peter was demonstrating a true “gift of faith” in Jesus ability to heal this man. The man looked to Peter for what he thought he needed, but Peter in turn provided him what he really did need. This is an important issue in many lives and on many fronts.

I was visiting today with Mike Walker, who directs Serve 6.8, a community outreach to those experiencing homelessness or poverty. In our conversation, we discussed how it is easy for those who have experienced “chronic” homelessness to view themselves as being the dependent upon others and always needing to be “care for.”

At times the healing of the body, also involves a “healing of the mind” or at least “mind-set.” Individuals need to know that in Christ they have value and purpose and a destiny. Even in the midst of need, they can have hope. Peter had the man change his gaze upward to them. In his anticipation, he did not receive what he anticipated, but what he needed.

finally in our lives, it is important to understand that the message of Christ and the power He gives to us, enables us to offer to others, more than they expected or believe that they need. We can view others from a lens of God’s care, dignity and hope.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You often give us what we need, even when we don’t realize what we need. We may be looking to the wrong source or seeking the wrong things to fulfill a need that only You can meet. Help us as well, to understand that through You we have the most important thing to offer to others, God’s love, dignity and life.