INSPIRED-----Saturday, April 10 2010

INSPIRED



April 10, 2010


Today’s Bible Reading- Acts 2: 22-42



22 ‘You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— 23this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power. 25For David says concerning him,

“I saw the Lord always before me,

for he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken;

26therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;

moreover, my flesh will live in hope.

27For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,

or let your Holy One experience corruption.

28You have made known to me the ways of life;

you will make me full of gladness with your presence.”

29 ‘Fellow Israelites, I may say to you confidently of our ancestor David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would put one of his descendants on his throne. 31Foreseeing this, David spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, saying,

“He was not abandoned to Hades,

nor did his flesh experience corruption.”

32This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. 33Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. 34For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“The Lord said to my Lord,

‘Sit at my right hand,

35 until I make your enemies your footstool.’ ”

36Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.’

The First Converts

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ 38Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.’ 40And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ 41So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.


TODAY’S REFLECTIONS

Peter continues his inspired speech making it key that Jesus, whom was crucified (and now raised) was indeed the long awaited Messiah. It is my understanding that the long awaited Messiah was envisioned to be a mighty warrior- much more in the mold of gladiator than humble servant. But, Peter makes it clear that Jesus was indeed that Messiah. He boldly proclaims that the life and teaching of Jesus was the one to follow for the long haul on this journey of life.



Many had gathered to see the spectacle of spoken languages for all to hear (at Pentecost) and now they are open to hearing Peter’s proclamation. One can imagine translators quickly listening to Peter and then recasting his words for the diverse audience. What is neat is that people were listening and sensed that Jesus offered something more than what they experienced- a way of life that might actually work; a way of life that might actually enrich and build up the world instead of tearing it into competing factions; a way that might lead to peace, generosity, and radical care.



We hear many diverse messages all the time (in every medium). We need the miracle of focus ourselves. I however believe that focusing our efforts on Christ and his ways brings us further into engagement with the world, better able to care for the people around us, and has us living lives of incredible gratitude.



As we, in 2010, dedicate ourselves to Jesus’ teaching, to connecting with the people of faith, and praying (which reminds us of our need for power beyond ourselves)- we are “powering up” for the mission God has in store for us. This pattern will continue to be present for the followers. They dedicate themselves to each others, to the gathering and then head out into the mission field. The minister there and continually return to build each other up. A good, life giving pattern. Much better than run, run, run, run. . . . until we are too weary to do much else.



Blessings for a good Saturday. Looks like a beautiful one here in Maryland- sun and nice crisp morning air. Some grass to cut, games to coach, and with some good fortune- a glimpse at the Masters!





Reminder—No Devotions on Sundays. Join us at church at Good Shepherd or a local church in your community. Blessings



Pastor Dave

Still Dreaming Dreams----- Friday April 9 2010

STILL DREAMING DREAMS



April 9, 2010


Today’s Bible Verse- Acts 2: 14-21



14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

17“In the last days it will be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,

and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams.

18Even upon my slaves, both men and women,

in those days I will pour out my Spirit;

and they shall prophesy.

19And I will show portents in the heaven above

and signs on the earth below,

blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

20The sun shall be turned to darkness

and the moon to blood,

before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.

21Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”


TODAY’S REFLECTIONS

Luke often painted Jesus as fulfilling scripture. What is painted today is a glimpse of the church’s mission- namely, to become a community of faith that is a multi-generational and “on fire” for Jesus. Children and teens. Women and men. Young and old alike on fire.



How cool is it in life to see one of the elder members of our society full of joy, hope, and possibilities for the world, the church, and exciting ministry. One of the most inspiring people in my ministry was a man named Dave Trumble. Dave was more than 50 years my Senior- in his 80’s but Dave was the most progressive, charged up Christian I have ever known. To the day he died, he was championing new ways to reach out and share the faith. To the day he died, he was still growing in his relationship with God. To the day he died, he reminded me that the Spirit was alive and well as he was an “old man still dreaming dreams” and inspiring me to be a young man looking for “visions” .



Who are the people in your life who are big dreamers for God- those who inspire you to dream bigger yourself?

We Have it in Us--- Thursday April 8 2010

WE HAVE IT IN US



Thursday, April 8, 2010


Today’s Reading- Acts 2: 1-13

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ 12All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ 13But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

TODAY’S REFLECTIONS

This is one of the most important texts in scripture for it reminds us that “one size does not fit all”. The miracle of Pentecost is that God reached out, using people as instruments, to communicate the good news of Jesus in a variety of ways. We are reminded today that what will reach and connect with one person will “miss the mark” with another. The key is to take the message of Jesus and find a way to frame it in a way that makes sense for people.



Just consider worship. The high traditional orderly worship will appeal to some whereas to others it will be a turnoff. Contemporary music may inspire and touch many, but others will find it repulsive. Reaching out via the internet will speak to some and others will say “God is not present on the internet.”. The key is that the early church found ways to use the gifts they had to speak to the generations in their midst.

I am mindful of the fact that we need to speak some new languages in the coming days to reach out and share Jesus’ timeless message with this generation. Jesus’ message will not change. The way we frame it may to reach people not yet reached.

If we believe in Pentecost, we believe that we have it “in us” to reach the next generation. Let the spirit take over and enable us to find the words and ways to reach those not yet “of the way.”

Serving Without the Spotlight--- Wed April 7 2010

SERVING WITHOUT THE SPOTLIGHT


Wednesday, April 7, 2010


Today's Reading -Acts 1:15-26



15 In those days Peter stood up among the believersd (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, 16"Friends,e the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus-- 17for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." 18(Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong,f he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their language Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20"For it is written in the book of Psalms,

'Let his homestead become desolate,

and let there be no one to live in it';

and

'Let another take his position of overseer.'

21So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us--one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." 23So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25to take the placeg in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." 26And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.


TODAY'S REFLECTIONS
Matthias is not mentioned at all in the Gospel of Luke. for that matter, he is not mentioned in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. None of the Gospels give him any print. Acts makes it clear that Matthias was one of those who walked along with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry until the end. He was an "early adopter"- one who grasped the vision of Jesus and what he was trying to do. With Luke telling the story of Acts, one can expect that Matthias had heard and understand the priority of caring for the poor, sharing generously, and walking the talk. He would have heard and seen tremendous and radical acts of inclusion by Jesus. He would have been aware of the tides turning against Jesus in Jerusalem and his ultimate execution. He would also have been one of the witnesses of the resurrection. He'd seen a lot. He'd been mentored. He'd been part of the "way" yet not in the limelight. And you know what--- even after being granted special status in today's text, Matthias gets no more PR. In many ways, that is very cool because Matthias in many ways can be the model for many of us. Many of us quietly go about living our faith- doing our best to follow without getting attention or reward. We do our best and we have an impact on other people's lives. Yet, in the grand scheme of history, no books will be written about us. In the grand scheme, as we live by faith, we please and honor God. Our names, our story (like Matthias) will be remembered vividly by Jesus- who we seek to honor as followers of the "way".



Jesus, like Matthias, help us to be part of your "way". We need not be in the spotlight for we'd much prefer that you be there. Help us point to you more and more for we want the world to know you, experience you, and come to be part of your way. Amen

Balcony Space----- April 6, 2010

BALCONY SPACE (“Gather in the Upper Room”)



April 6, 2010



Read Acts 1: 12-14

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. 13When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of* James. 14All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.



TODAY’S REFLECTIONS

Ronald Heifetz, author of Leadership Without Easy Answers, speaks of the importance of “balcony space”. As I recall, he encourages leaders to take time to get the right people to gather together, spend time together, and look objectively at situations from a “different level”. When we are able to look at a situation from a different perspective, we are often able to make needed change that helps us to be more effective.



For the early Christians to have any impact, they could not “go at it alone”. They needed each other. They needed the support of others. They needed their prayers. They needed fresh insights to how to handle difficult situations and people who were challenges to them. They needed the regular gathering of each other to pause, reflect, and provide a new perspective. Gathering of Christians in every generation should be more than just a gathering. It should be “balcony space” or a gathering in the “upper room”. We can have our balcony time in personal prayer, in private devotions, but lets never forget the power that comes from the gathering with other Christians. The early church would never have had the strength to reach out had they not stuck “together”, hung out together, and were a physical reminder to each other that God had big plans for their mission.

How the Ripples Began --- Monday, April 5, 2010

Monday, April 5, 2010 



Read Acts 1: 1-11

1In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over the course of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4While staying* with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. ‘This’, he said, ‘is what you have heard from me; 5for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with* the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ 7He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ 9When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’



TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL REFLECTIONS

Acts is the 2nd volume written by Luke. It represents a continuation of the journey told in the 24 chapters of Luke. Today, Luke is pausing to recount some of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. He speaks about multiple appearances over a 40 day time period- preaching more about the Kingdom of God, eating with his followers, hanging out with them, and giving them instructions about the future.



One of the great instructions was about their future mission. Jesus chose to use this small group of followers to start a dramatic ripple effect- the Kingdom of God spreading to the ends of the earth. It starts with the resurrection of Jesus- a huge and unexpected splash starting the ripples outward. What is so profound is the Jesus chooses to send out ordinary people like you and I. We may not feel up to the task but one aspect of today’s text is crucial to remember—Jesus promises to “clothe us with power” from on high. Like a small child who can’t get dressed on its own, we cannot possibly impact this world on our own resources. The book of Acts is about how God “dresses us/ clothes us” with power beyond ourselves to impact those around us.



As of today, the disciples are in a waiting mode. They are sort of like small children who have are not yet “dressed for action” but . . . they will be soon enough! Are we in that waiting mode at this point in our lives? Are we fully dressed for action, clothed with God’s spirit to produce ripples for God where we are? If the answer is no, we pray that the spirit will pour out upon you very soon. If the answer is yes, may that spirit stir you up so you can spread the good news in more profound ways. God indeed is a great designer. In due time, he will clothe each of us. And, we will become part of that great “ripple effect” to reach this world with Jesus’ love.

TWO THINGS
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