LOCKED UP BUT NOT BOUND

Posted on October 21, 2021 by randscallawayffm

I remember and still laugh about the story of the little girl who was wreaking havoc on a commuter plane.  Her mom had little control of her daughter who was out of her seat running around bothering businessmen and others who wanted peace.  The flight attendant was summoned to solve this “problem child”. She leaned in to tell the exasperated mom she needed to have her daughter belted in her seat. 

When the mom failed, the flight attendant took over.  “You will have to sit in your seat right now to be safe”, said the attendant while buckling the child in her seat.  Her humiliated mom gave her child the death stare for her behavior, but then noticed that the obstinate little girl was still smiling after being locked down.  “Why are you smiling?” said the tired mom.  The determined little girl replied, “They may have tied me down, but in my mind, I’m still running around!”

I wonder if the chief priests were as exasperated as this mom in trying to lock up Peter and his crew for preaching Jesus?

ACTS—God Acts through His Disciples

Acts 5:17-42, The Message

To Obey God Rather than Men

17-20 Provoked mightily by all this, the Chief Priest and those on his side, mainly the sect of Sadducees, went into action, arrested the apostles and put them in the town jail. But during the night an angel of God opened the jailhouse door and led them out. He said, “Go to the Temple and take your stand. Tell the people everything there is to say about this Life.”

Promptly obedient, they entered the Temple at daybreak and went on with their teaching.

21-23 Meanwhile, the Chief Priest and his cronies convened the High Council, Israel’s senate, and sent to the jail to have the prisoners brought in. When the police got there, they couldn’t find them anywhere in the jail. They went back and reported, “We found the jail locked tight as a drum and the guards posted at the doors, but when we went inside we didn’t find a soul.”

24 The chief of the Temple police and the high priests were puzzled. “What’s going on here anyway?”

25-26 Just then someone showed up and said, “Did you know that the men you put in jail are back in the Temple teaching the people?” The chief and his police went and got them, but they handled them gently, fearful that the people would riot and turn on them.

27-28 Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. The Chief Priest said, “Didn’t we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus’ name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man.”

29-32 Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail.”

33-37 When they heard that, they were furious and wanted to kill them on the spot. But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God’s Law who was honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time, then said, “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men. Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it. A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds.

38-39 “So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!”

40-42 That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus’ name and sent them off. The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name. Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute.

WHAT DO WE LEARN?

Peter and the apostles were on mission for God, obedient to God and led by God.  As soon as we give our lives to God, He shows us His perfect plan.  He always provides a way to accomplish His plan as we daily commune with Him, trusting and obeying.   

Look back and observe the acts of God:

  1. Protection. God sent angels to bring Peter and the apostles out of lock down.
  2. The Path. God gave Peter and the apostles one clear mission.  Speak Truth about Jesus including their own testimonies about being with Jesus.  “…we are witnesses to these things”.
  3. Boldness to obey. “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men.”
  4. Intervening Presence. God used Gamaliel to run inference for the apostles.  “If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!”
  5. Power in the Name of Jesus.  With fearless confidence, Peter and the apostles “never let up for a minute” with a God-joy that filled their souls no matter what they faced in opposition.

Lord,

We learn that You and Your Redeeming Truth will always be told and cannot be stopped.  You guide and provide along the way of obedience.  Each step of obedience brings us closer to you.  Seeking you and your will first each day brings a joy that is indescribable.  Every day is a learning experience with how great you are!  Thank you for life now and forever.

In Jesus Name, Amen 

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TRUST IN JESUS, THE REASON FOR MEETING!

Posted on October 20, 2021 by randscallawayffm

I grew up in the church.  No, seriously, from birth, I grew up physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually inside a church building surrounded by people who made up what we call “church”, a group of family and friends.  My parents’ lives revolved around what was best for the church, how we could tell others about Jesus, with devoting their lives to prayer and communion with God.  This passion for Jesus was passed down from their parents.

As a young child, living among this group of believers, I assumed we were all related because of my grandpa, Jesse Lacquement.  He was led to gathered his relatives and all their friends and family just before I was born to begin this group.  Being a carpenter by trade, he found an old building to renovate as a meeting place.  He called and visited everyone he knew and encouraged others to do the same.  Because he was a man of wisdom and always ready to help the down and out, everyone went to him for advice and help it seemed.  They all called him “Uncle Jesse”.  This is one of the reasons I thought we were all related.

THE CHURCH PLANT

Upon moving from his farm to the city to find work to support his family, he missed his church at home.  He noticed many others had also come to city to find work like he did.  I am certain that God laid this idea on his heart.  For Jesse Lacquement, the logical thing to do was to gather a group of people to fulfill that need to learn and grow together in Jesus. So, he did.  The term for that now is “church planter”.  Grandpa never claimed to be a preacher, he was only a song leader, who loved Jesus and wanted others to love Jesus, too.  His wife, my grandma, Blanche Lacquement, loved to cook meals for people which was her way of leading people to Jesus.  She never met a stranger that didn’t become her friend within moments.  Together, they made quite a team.  As soon as the group was formed, Grandpa “ordered” a preacher from our denominational office to lead us.  And they obliged.  My legacy in Jesus.

Like Peter in our passage today, Grandpa pointed people to Jesus, not him.  Grandpa urged people to meet together for learning more about Jesus, not for impressing other people.  Meager beginnings resulted with long lasting rewards—souls saved.  Lives changed in subsequent generations.  Maturity in God’s love grew in each one who came.  And I was one of them.  This precious legacy of “meeting together regularly” to find and follow Jesus is in my DNA because of one man who obeyed God’s leading, in Jesus Name, for God’s glory.     

We find this legacy of meeting together, doing life together in Jesus Name, began with Peter, the one Jesus proclaimed, “upon whom I will build my church”.  It is amazing what God continues to do in obedient men and women.  This is yet another “act” of God—church—a group of believers, doing life together, to grow in Jesus Name.

ACTS—God Acts through His Disciples

Acts 5:12-16, The Message

They All Met Regularly

Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on stretchers and bedrolls, hoping they would be touched by Peter’s shadow when he walked by. They came from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, throngs of them, bringing the sick and bedeviled. And they all were healed.

POINTS TO PONDER—The Basics

They all “met regularly” in remarkable harmony.

What mattered to the believers was not admiration but that others would put their trust in Jesus.

Because of their trust in Jesus, they brought the sick to be healed—and they all were healed.  God’s acts through Peter and Jesus’ disciples.

“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:22-25, The Message

Lord,

I took for granted far too long what was given to me as a legacy—All trust, hope and faith in You.  I do not take your love, care, mercy and grace for granted no longer.  You are my life.  You are my way of life.  All of my life belongs to you.  I want what you want for even this day.  Show me your ways and I will follow. 

In Jesus Name, For His Glory, Amen.  I believe. 

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DON’T MESS WITH GOD!

Posted on October 19, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Pride is monstrous, evil trait that comes on us in an instant when we feel threatened or fearful of being recognized.  If we allow and don’t stop this attitude, it will spread in us in ways that destroy all that God has done in us in certain seasons of growth.  Jealousy is another devil characteristic that rises up in believers when we think someone else looks better than us in God’s work.  Envy follows closely behind when we want to do good exactly like others are doing good without consulting God about what HE wants from us.

This trifecta of pride, jealousy and envy drove a couple in the work of the early church to lie about their donation to the early church.  Their giving was good, their hearts were not.  But the Holy Spirit knew.  Peter, therefore knew.  Most of all, God knew.  And God acted.

ACTS—God’s Acts Through His Disciples

Acts 5:1-11, The Message

Ananias and Sapphira

1-2 But a man named Ananias—his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it.

3-4 Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn’t lie to men but to God.”

5-6 Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him.

7-8 Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?”

“Yes,” she said, “that price.”

9-10 Peter responded, “What’s going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you’re next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

11 By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with.

SEEM HARSH?  WHAT DO WE LEARN?

All the traits of evil are opposite those of God. Evil took the offensive against the church built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, God’s Son.  God dealt with evil swiftly that day so that evil could not take root in this new growing church build on four principles we read earlier in Acts 2:42-46:

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity.”

What Ananias and his wife, Sapphira did was not in character with God–just the opposite.  They gave to be noticed—Pride.  They gave to look as if they were just like everyone else—Envy.  They gave as much as they thought others had given while holding back—Jealousy with dishonesty thrown in.  God sees hearts.  God responds quickly in sadness for these two people bent on following evil.

The Holy Spirit grows God’s character in us as a gift of God’s love. God knows we cannot do this awesome work all by ourselves.  Jesus told his disciples before He left earth about The Helper and Counselor who would guides and correct their course, always show them what to do, what to say and how to think in God’s ways and character.  The Holy Spirit dwelling in Peter alerted him to what had happened.

THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES

Paul summarizes the gift and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives in Galatians 5.  Here are portions of that letter to the early church;

“So, I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other…”

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”  Galatians 5, NLT

Read all of Galatians 5, it’s worth a read to understand the heart of God a bit better in dealing with evil attacking His church built on the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son.

Lord,

Thank you for teaching me about how to be holy instead of following my old sinful ways that lead me to places I really don’t want to go.  Turn my repentant messes into messages of truthful testimonies about you.  Grow me in Your Holy Spirit.  Enlarge the work of your salvation in me.  Keep me from harm or causing harm.  Keep me focused on You in Holy Communion with you today for I need you every hour.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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FEARLESS CONFIDENCE IN JESUS NAME!

Posted on October 18, 2021 by randscallawayffm

I asked myself this morning, what IS the measure of my confidence?  Is it fearless?  Is it conditional on circumstance?  Is my confidence dependent on what others say about me using descriptive words of who they think I am inside?  Is my confidence based on past achievements and honors?  The answer lies in front of us in this very passage.  Our fearless confidence is not man-made but Holy Spirit led and fed.  Fearless confidence builds, has meaning and purpose, when we think, speak and act, led by God’s Spirit, in Jesus Name!

When a group of believers decides to think, speak and act in Jesus Name for His glory, His will be done, unity blossoms in a beautiful  garden of healthy growing relationships that are of one heart and one mind based on the foundation of Jesus Christ.  The early church believers quoted David who wrote what would happen long before it did.  Jesus, the Word made Flesh, brought this group under His authority from God.  He passed on this God-authority to the believers with a new gift—the Power of His Holy Spirit!

In Jesus Name, with the Power of His Holy Spirit, they became “married” together in beautiful unity—one heart, one mind for God’s purpose.  I am reminded of how much God spoke of this unity from another writing of David found in Psalm 133:1-3; “How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!  It’s like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron’s beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.  It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.” (The Message) Read the last sentence again.  God commands blessings, ordains eternal life when we are in unity with Him and each other!  Yes, unity is beautiful, peaceful and full of God’s love.

Our fearless confidence builds as we call out for help, guidance, direction in Jesus Name trusting that God will fill us with the power of His Spirit to accomplish whatever He gives us to do. That is fearless confidence that dwelt in these new believers.  Fearless confidence is ours for the asking, too.  In Jesus Name, By His Power, For His Glory, Amen. 

Yes, God continues to act through us who are developing fearless confidence in Him!

“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence.”

ACTS—God’s Acts through His Disciples

Acts 4:23-37, The Message

One Heart, One Mind

23-26 As soon as Peter and John were let go, they went to their friends and told them what the high priests and religious leaders had said. Hearing the report, they lifted their voices in a wonderful harmony in prayer: “Strong God, you made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. By the Holy Spirit you spoke through the mouth of your servant and our father, David:

Why the big noise, nations?
Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth’s leaders push for position,
Potentates meet for summit talks,
The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers!

27-28 “For in fact they did meet—Herod and Pontius Pilate with nations and peoples, even Israel itself!—met in this very city to plot against your holy Son Jesus, the One you made Messiah, to carry out the plans you long ago set in motion.

29-30 “And now they’re at it again! Take care of their threats and give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message, as you stretch out your hand to us in healings and miracles and wonders done in the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence.

32-33 The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine; you can’t have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.

34-35 And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person’s need.

36-37 Joseph, called by the apostles “Barnabas” (which means “Son of Comfort”), a Levite born in Cyprus, sold a field that he owned, brought the money, and made an offering of it to the apostles.

Lord,

Until you come, the enemy continues to attack and distract us from you. The believers’ prayer then is my prayer today, “Give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message, as you stretch out your hand to us in healings and miracles and wonders done in the name of your holy servant Jesus.”  May all believers be unified in You, by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus Name, Amen.  I believe.

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“CALLED ON THE CARPET” TO TESTIFY!

Posted on October 16, 2021 by randscallawayffm

When will we learn that God’s Holy Spirit cannot and will not be silenced?  His Spirit will be heard not matter what is happening to us, around us, in us or through us.  Believers who repent and commit their hearts, minds and souls to Jesus immediately embody a holy confidence that comes solely from Christ in us.  Paul spoke about it because he experienced it for himself.  He writes to the church, “This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.” Colossians 1:26-27, NLT

I’m reminded of this scripture passage as Peter and John, full of God’s Holy Spirit, stand to speak after being thrown into jail for doing what God wants, which is now a new way of life, compelling and compassionate, driven with words directly from the Holy Spirit.  They say want needs to be said in the right way, at the right time in the right Spirit—this is the definition of being a disciple of Jesus!  They are so confident with assured mature delivery that the teachers have to stop and remember these men are unlearned, former fishermen, common as dirt, from the community.  But this the secret—Christ lives in them!

When Jesus comes into our lives, everything changes!  Our lives are never the same.  Our language becomes different along with our behaviors.  We don’t even notice at first until someone else notices who knew us before Christ in us.  Growing, with Jesus in us, we think of how we would have reacted to life before Jesus came to live in us and we are grateful, in awe even, of the difference HE makes in our behaviors because of living a new life with Him.  This is the secret—Christ in us!

Don’t miss the message in the mess Peter and John have found themselves in!  They are confident and assured that the Jesus in them is totally in control of the circumstance.  They speak Jesus’ words through His Spirit that is powerful and effective in their release.  There is Power in the Name of Jesus spoken, testified and praised!  The healing of the crippled man brought them to this place, in front of those who killed Jesus, (or thought they did), to testify of the power of salvation that is available to all who believe.

Peter proclaims: “Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.”  Jesus, the One and Only, saves us.  This is the secret to a new, abundant, free, assured, confident eternal life—Jesus in us! This is another act of God in his disciples.  God acts in our lives, too!

ACTS—God’s Acts through His Disciples

Acts 4:1-22, The Message

Nothing to Hide

1-4 While Peter and John were addressing the people, the priests, the chief of the Temple police, and some Sadducees came up, indignant that these upstart apostles were instructing the people and proclaiming that the resurrection from the dead had taken place in Jesus. They arrested them and threw them in jail until morning, for by now it was late in the evening. But many of those who listened had already believed the Message—in round numbers about five thousand!

5-7 The next day a meeting was called in Jerusalem. The rulers, religious leaders, religion scholars, Annas the Chief Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander—everybody who was anybody was there. They stood Peter and John in the middle of the room and grilled them: “Who put you in charge here? What business do you have doing this?”

8-12 With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I’ll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’ Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.”

13-14 They couldn’t take their eyes off them—Peter and John standing there so confident, so sure of themselves! Their fascination deepened when they realized these two were laymen with no training in Scripture or formal education. They recognized them as companions of Jesus, but with the man right before them, seeing him standing there so upright—so healed!—what could they say against that?

15-17 They sent them out of the room so they could work out a plan. They talked it over: “What can we do with these men? By now it’s known all over town that a miracle has occurred, and that they are behind it. There is no way we can refute that. But so that it doesn’t go any further, let’s silence them with threats so they won’t dare to use Jesus’ name ever again with anyone.”

18-20 They called them back and warned them that they were on no account ever again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John spoke right back, “Whether it’s right in God’s eyes to listen to you rather than to God, you decide. As for us, there’s no question—we can’t keep quiet about what we’ve seen and heard.”

21-22 The religious leaders renewed their threats, but then released them. They couldn’t come up with a charge that would stick, that would keep them in jail. The people wouldn’t have stood for it—they were all praising God over what had happened. The man who had been miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Lord,

How amazing you are in the way you work in our lives today, too.  Your Holy Spirit prompts us and we obey with assurance that you will give us the right words at the right time in the right Spirit of love and grace with confidence—all because of you in us.  Thank you, Lord.  Show me your ways, O Lord and I will follow for I am yours.  I found the secret!

In Jesus Name, Amen.  I believe.

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IN THE NAME OF JESUS—FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!

Posted on October 15, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Hopelessness from seemingly unsurmountable circumstances cause our faces to fall.  Our eyes only look down at our feet.  This physical action comes from an inward feeling of brokenness.  Because we feel we are broken, we don’t feel worth, value or the significance to do anything.  We cannot bear to look into the eyes of others who have hope and seem to be well and have it altogether. There might be a shred of humble pride holding us up enough so others will not know our struggle.  We try to hide it and ignore it.  Then one day it becomes a way of life.  We give up.  We accept the struggle.  We don’t ask for anything else but help to get by for each day.

Then Jesus, with the Power of His Holy Spirit working in His disciples, enters our circumstance with His Holy compassion.  The Name of Jesus changes everything!  At first, we do not and can not believe it.  Why bother?  We think we’re getting by the way we are.  We’ve had this problem since birth.  We know how to deal with life as it is. But God has other plans. 

ACTS—God’s Acts Through His Disciples

Acts 3, The Message

1-5 One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting. At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout. Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” He looked up, expecting to get something from them.

6-8 Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.

8-10 The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.

11 The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon’s Porch to see it for themselves.

Turn to Face God

12-16 When Peter saw he had a congregation, he addressed the people:

“Oh, Israelites, why does this take you by such complete surprise, and why stare at us as if our power or piety made him walk? The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his Son Jesus. The very One that Pilate called innocent, you repudiated. You repudiated the Holy One, the Just One, and asked for a murderer in his place. You no sooner killed the Author of Life than God raised him from the dead—and we’re the witnesses. Faith in Jesus’ name put this man, whose condition you know so well, on his feet—yes, faith and nothing but faith put this man healed and whole right before your eyes.

17-18 “And now, friends, I know you had no idea what you were doing when you killed Jesus, and neither did your leaders. But God, who through the preaching of all the prophets had said all along that his Messiah would be killed, knew exactly what you were doing and used it to fulfill his plans.

19-23 “Now it’s time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus. For the time being he must remain out of sight in heaven until everything is restored to order again just the way God, through the preaching of his holy prophets of old, said it would be. Moses, for instance, said, ‘Your God will raise up for you a prophet just like me from your family. Listen to every word he speaks to you. Every last living soul who refuses to listen to that prophet will be wiped out from the people.’

24-26 “All the prophets from Samuel on down said the same thing, said most emphatically that these days would come. These prophets, along with the covenant God made with your ancestors, are your family tree. God’s covenant-word to Abraham provides the text: ‘By your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’ But you are first in line: God, having raised up his Son, sent him to bless you as you turn, one by one, from your evil ways.”

FOR GOD’S GLORY AND STORY…

When Peter saw he had crowd, he was also prompted by the Holy Spirit to make the most of this opportunity to tell the Truth of what just occurred.  “Faith in Jesus’ name put this man, whose condition you know so well, on his feet—yes, faith and nothing but faith put this man healed and whole right before your eyes.”  Peter took no credit.  Impetuous Simon now Peter, the “Rock”, had learned his lessons about humble obedience well.

Peter, full to overflowing with God’s Holy Spirit, preaches the bottom line, in Jesus Name for the glory of God, “Now it’s time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus.”

Peter, from personal experiences with Jesus, now has a powerful testimony!  “God, having raised up his Son, sent him to bless you as you turn, one by one, from your evil ways.”

Yes, there was more than one reason to heal a crippled man in front of the Temple Gate that day, in Jesus Name, for the Glory of God.  This is yet another “act” of God in the lives of His disciples so people will come to know that Jesus came to save them from their sins.

Believe and be saved.

Lord,

There is always more to the story than the people in the story.  It is always all about You!  Your Word was written to tell about Your love, compassion, mercy and grace through salvation provided by You, dear Jesus!  To You be the Glory and praise for all You have done to heal my brokenness, save my soul, renew my spirit and restore the joy of Your salvation in me.  Yes, To YOU be the glory!  I love you, Lord with all my heart, mind and soul.  Thank you for loving me the way your do.  And I’m dancing in the Temple of my heart…

In Jesus Name, For His Glory, Amen.  I believe.

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THAT DAY, GOD ADDED

Posted on October 14, 2021 by randscallawayffm

The Acts 2:42 church has begun with Peter’s yielding to the Spirit of God to boldly announce the Truth of the crucified but now risen Savior, Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit-led apostles stand together to teach the Truth of Jesus, why He came with how to be saved from eternal death and live for Him.  The Holy Spirit-led church is discovering that the closer they come to Jesus, the closer they come to each other. 

Instead of looking inward, the believers first look up to God and then side to side at each other with a new love that is joyful and exciting, unconditional and merciful, and full of grace.  Yes, the attitude of this holy group of over three thousand men, woman and children is contagious.  They gather daily to celebrate their new life with Christ.  They understand that He is for everyone who believes so they are, too.  They cannot seem to get enough of His Presence among them as they live in harmony with each other—all because of His love newly born in them. 

However, we must realize that God’s people are still living among the oppression of the Romans as well as the greed and power-hungry religious leaders who manipulated the government into humiliating Jesus, their opponent of popularity, in their eyes.  These same leaders think they are still “in charge” after managing to have Jesus nailed to a cross.  We wonder, friends, if some of them were persuaded to repent.

No matter what, the Spirit of God came, as promised by Jesus to his followers, and now new life in Jesus is taking off like a wild brush fire.  That day, God added to their numbers.  There was no media blitz, no huge plan to gather the people, only God speaking through totally yielded Peter.  Peter, the Rock upon whom Jesus said he would build His church, has done exactly what He said.  And God added. 

God not only added numbers of believers to the group for strength, for there is always strength and encouragement from large groups of people all going in the same direction to God, He added all they needed to begin His great work.  He added His Power to do His work of salvation.

God added the power of His Holy Spirit who washed over the group with His gifts of love for each other that went deeper, beyond what anyone had ever experienced before believing.  The apostle Paul, who was dramatically saved by grace, will later write of these gifts of God’s Holy Spirit that all believers eventually exhibit in their new yielded, maturing life with Jesus: 

“…The Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”  (Galatians 5)

Paul understood clearly the work of God’s Holy Spirit in our lives!  We cannot be “good” on our own, it is only by the power of His Spirit that we learn to walk in God’s ways, in Jesus Name, for His Glory!  Believe and be saved.  Grow in His grace.

God added unity and harmony to the group of young believers of all ages.  The awe and wonders of God taking place among them in spite of what was going on in the world, drove them to help each other, love like Jesus, share and not hold back.  Their lives were all for God, because of Jesus.  This is the amazing love of God, permeating the community of believers! 

God added discipline to their lives that resulted in joyful living in spite of current circumstances.  This loving discipline drove them back to commitment to the commandment Jesus gave to the disciples as He ascended to heaven.  “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  (Matthew 28)  A promise given.  A promise kept.

God added His never-ending Presence among all who believed.  And the world was never the same.  Hallelujah!  Praise God!  May God add His power to our lives daily!

ACTS—God’s acts through His Disciples

Acts 2:41-47, The Message

41-42 That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.

43-45 Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.

46-47 They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.

Lord,

Thank you for teaching us how to be a community of believers living under the authority of Your Holy Spirit.  Thank you for the public announcement of the washing away of our sins through repentance to you called baptism.  Thank you for pure joy of discipline to come to each morning to begin our day with you.  Thank you for continual celebrations of you with others who believe in communion with common meals where you are praised and lifted high.  Thank you for always enough to share with those in need. 

Thank you for your Holy Spirit that teaches through Spirit-led men and women who teach from Your Word so we stay focused on You and Your ways.  Thank you for the realization of your deep love for us as we remember that you desire an intimate growing relationship with you.  It is so amazing to think that You, the Creator of all, who is in all, and in control of all, desire to talk with me in conversation.  Thank you, Jesus, for the sacrifice you made so I can come boldly to the very throne of God anytime with honesty and sincerity.  Thank you for saving my soul.  Thank you for continuing to transform me to be all you created me to be.  I’m not their yet, but I’m on my way…

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen.  I believe.

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MIC DROPPED

Posted on October 13, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Imagine those moments in life when you must stand up for truth when everyone around you is accusing you of craziness.  Somehow it is easier when you are not alone.  But alone or not, it becomes imperative when God calls you and gives you the words to say.  You cannot sit this one out.  You must stand to speak. 

Peter, who failed so many times because of his impetuousness with his former “act before you think” behaviors, is now fully committed to being led by the Holy Spirit who entered into him to fill his heart, mind and soul.  God’s Holy Spirit that Jesus told them would come has now filled the disciples with a miracle of speaking in the languages of all who have gathered from the surrounding countryside to Jerusalem for the Feast. 

Friends, I have tried to learn French, Creole and Spanish to help me converse somewhat on mission fields in my past.  Learning a new language is no easy task to accomplish.  Imagine being able to suddenly speak another person’s language without all the work!  Wow!  There is absolutely nothing impossible with God!  Mic dropped.

First God.  God’s Holy Spirit provided this language miracle.  People misunderstood the miracle, thinking that the disciples were drunk, so Peter is called to stand to tell his fellow Jews, from all countries and languages the Truth of what is happening.  He boldly tells God’s story of Jesus who died and rose again for their sins.  He tells them they were the ones who sent Jesus to die on the cross!

Our passage opens with a thought that leaps from the page for me today… “Peter stood up, backed by the other eleven”.  When God asks you to do something unbelievably challenging and incredible, He will give us people to stand with us who also are called by Him.  Isn’t God amazing?!

Peter has a mike drop moment when people stop what their accusing to listen.  Thousands are gathered.  God pours out His Spirit on Peter, the fisherman, to speak His words in His way in His timing.  Yes, God is amazing.  Jesus taught Peter well, forgave him perfectly and saw potential in Peter as the Rock.  How Jesus must have been smiling from heaven as He watched Peter in obedience to His Holy Spirit! 

ACTS—God’s Actions through His Disciples

Acts 2:14-42, The Message

Peter Speaks Up

14-21 That’s when Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency: “Fellow Jews, all of you who are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight. These people aren’t drunk as some of you suspect. They haven’t had time to get drunk—it’s only nine o’clock in the morning. This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen:

“In the Last Days,” God says,
“I will pour out my Spirit
    on every kind of people:
Your sons will prophesy,
    also your daughters;
Your young men will see visions,
    your old men dream dreams.
When the time comes,
    I’ll pour out my Spirit
On those who serve me, men and women both,
    and they’ll prophesy.
I’ll set wonders in the sky above
    and signs on the earth below,
Blood and fire and billowing smoke,
    the sun turning black and the moon blood-red,
Before the Day of the Lord arrives,
    the Day tremendous and marvelous;
And whoever calls out for help
    to me, God, will be saved.”

22-28 “Fellow Israelites, listen carefully to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man thoroughly accredited by God to you—the miracles and wonders and signs that God did through him are common knowledge—this Jesus, following the deliberate and well-thought-out plan of God, was betrayed by men who took the law into their own hands, and was handed over to you. And you pinned him to a cross and killed him. But God untied the death ropes and raised him up. Death was no match for him. David said it all:

I saw God before me for all time.
    Nothing can shake me; he’s right by my side.
I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic;
    I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope.
I know you’ll never dump me in Hades;
    I’ll never even smell the stench of death.
You’ve got my feet on the life-path,
    with your face shining sun-joy all around.

29-36 “Dear friends, let me be completely frank with you. Our ancestor David is dead and buried—his tomb is in plain sight today. But being also a prophet and knowing that God had solemnly sworn that a descendant of his would rule his kingdom, seeing far ahead, he talked of the resurrection of the Messiah—‘no trip to Hades, no stench of death.’ This Jesus, God raised up. And every one of us here is a witness to it. Then, raised to the heights at the right hand of God and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he poured out the Spirit he had just received. That is what you see and hear. For David himself did not ascend to heaven, but he did say,

God said to my Master, “Sit at my right hand
Until I make your enemies a stool for resting your feet.”

“All Israel, then, know this: There’s no longer room for doubt—God made him Master and Messiah, this Jesus whom you killed on a cross.”

37 Cut to the quick, those who were there listening asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers! Brothers! So now what do we do?”

38-39 Peter said, “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.”

40 He went on in this vein for a long time, urging them over and over, “Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!”

41-42 That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.

MIC DROPPING MOMENTS

The Truth about Jesus, even if it hurt, was boldly preached by God’s Holy Spirit through Peter—This was an Act of God.  All gathered understood the message.

The Message was spoken so well that the response was, “What do you do?”

Peter, who experienced Jesus’ forgiveness first hand, responds to the question immediately.  “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven.” 

Peter goes to say, “Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is targeted to you and your children, but also to all who are far away—whomever, in fact, our Master God invites.”  This statement fulfills Scripture, “I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people…”

Peter’s passion for Jesus is revealed as he urges everyone to “Get out while you can; get out of this sick and stupid culture!”  How many times we want to say the same thing now to our lost friends and family who wander around confused.  When led by the Spirit, obey.  Timing is everything.  Only God knows hearts.

AND MANY DID TURN TO GOD!  About 3000, in fact!  Bam!  When God’s Spirit directs, great acts of God take place.

What happens next to the church of new believers built on Jesus Christ as their foundation?  Tomorrow.  Let’s talk it through tomorrow.  Whew, so exciting to read about the Acts of God on common people like you and I.  Mic dropped.

Friends, what mic dropping moments, led by God, have you had in your life?  Who was with you, to back you?  I can recall many times in my own life.  It is now time to stop and praise Him for where He has brought us to this place and time today with what He will do next. Praise Him for the people who He sends to do His work with you.

Lord,

You are amazing.  Your Holy Spirit living in us is amazing.  Come Holy Spirit and direct us today to all that you want us to be and do.  Thank you.  I love you with all my heart, mind and soul.  There is no one like You.

In Jesus Name, For His Glory, Amen.  I believe.

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BLOWN AWAY

Posted on October 12, 2021 by randscallawayffm

I’ve been blown away by the acts of God in many ways over the years!  God is so amazing!  Seemingly unsurmountable financial problems, life-threatening diseases along with caring for aging parents sent us to our knees so many times.  However, before we could rise up from our knees, God provided.  He provided in ways unimaginable, beyond our wildest dreams.  God did what only He could do.  We have been blown away the power of His Holy Spirit working in and through us over the years and even now currently. 

When we pray, the God who is always at work in and around us, acts on our behalf and in our best interests, while growing our faith and trust in Him.  God wants to help us.  God loves each one of us deeply, in ways we can’t always wrap our minds around.  God forgives AND forgets our repented sins.  God grows and matures our faith in the middle of our challenging circumstances.  All the while, God is preparing us for an eternity with Him.  God lives in us when we believe in Jesus, His Son.  Jesus promised a Comforter, Guide, and Helper who is part of Him who will come and live in us. 

Like a strong, powerful wind, His Spirit blew into the beings who believed, His disciples.  Life was never the same for the disciples and followers. 

Life is never the same when we allow God’s Holy Spirit to be the director of our lives.

ACTS—God’s Action Through His Disciples

Acts 2:1-13, The Message

A Sound Like a Strong Wind

1-4 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.

5-11 There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were blown away. They couldn’t for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, “Aren’t these all Galileans? How come we’re hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?

Parthians, Medes, and Elamites;
Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia,
    Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia,
    Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene;
Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes;
Even Cretans and Arabs!

“They’re speaking our languages, describing God’s mighty works!”

12 Their heads were spinning; they couldn’t make head or tail of any of it. They talked back and forth, confused: “What’s going on here?”

13 Others joked, “They’re drunk on cheap wine.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN?

Jesus is gone physically but as promised, His Holy Spirit, comes, weaves His way into willing hearts, minds and souls and fills the believers to the full.

Why did God give them native languages to speak?  So that the world gathered for the Feast from all parts of the surrounding countryside could hear and understand God’s Story of Redemption!  God always knows what He is doing!

When we are willing to tell God’s story to those we do not know well, God promised His Holy Spirit would speak the words for us.  This is a perfect example of this miracle of telling His story to those who do not know our believer’s language. Jesus told his disciples while on earth, “… do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11) Before ascending to heaven, Jesus taught them about His Holy Spirit Who would come to lead and help them. 

At first, unbelievers who observe God’s Acts of miraculous proportions conclude that the Spirit filled disciples are drunk on cheap wine.  However, God’s Acts will prevail.  Can’t wait to see what happens next?  Here’s a preview…

In our next passage, Peter will boldly stand up to the criticisms and tell God’s story of Redemption through Jesus Christ His Son to thousands gathered.  Peter, an impulsive fisherman who had little formal training, stands on the promise of Jesus—“it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”  Thousands will hear, understand, believe, repent and be saved!

Lord,

Wow!  Your mighty acts are wonderful to see!  It is good to hear that what the disciples face takes them back to the teaching of Jesus, their Master, Savior and Lord.  Jesus promises are true about His Spirit living IN each of us.  May God’s Holy Spirit lead and guide us today in all we think about, decide to say or do.

In Jesus Name, For His glory, Amen.  I believe.

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ROLL CALL!

Posted on October 11, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Remember “roll call” at school?  Sometimes I would tell my students, “raise your hand if you are not here, that will be quicker”.  I loved the reaction the first time I would use those words just to get their attention.  They would turn to look at each other, not knowing quite what to do until the jokester in the room “got it” and would raise his/her hand. It was a good laugh before getting down to the business of the day.  Roll call is a necessary but not favored activity by teachers because our minds were geared to the lessons for the day, not roll call.  And sometimes I would forget and need to be reminded to turn in the “count”.  Yes, I was that teacher.

Dr Luke, the inspired by God writer of Acts, takes “roll call” of the committed.  Good way to begin.  The disciples and other followers have watched Jesus ascend back to heaven with the command, “Go and make disciples…”  The mission has been spelled out in detail by the gospel writer Matthew.  Read Matthew 28.

God sent Jesus.  Jesus now sends out his followers lead by the Disciples, though not all of them.  Luke points out Judas’ crime of betrayal once more and the disciples decide to replace him.  Let’s see what happens next in the “acts” of the disciples, led by God.

ACTS—God’s Acts through the Disciples

Acts 1:12-26, The Message

Returning to Jerusalem

12-13 So they left the mountain called Olives and returned to Jerusalem. It was a little over half a mile. They went to the upper room they had been using as a meeting place:

Peter,

John,

James,

Andrew,

Philip,

Thomas,

Bartholomew,

Matthew,

James, son of Alphaeus,

Simon the Zealot,

Judas, son of James.

14 They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also, Jesus’ mother, Mary, and his brothers.

Replacing Judas

15-17 During this time, Peter stood up in the company—there were about 120 of them in the room at the time—and said, “Friends, long ago the Holy Spirit spoke through David regarding Judas, who became the guide to those who arrested Jesus. That Scripture had to be fulfilled, and now has been. Judas was one of us and had his assigned place in this ministry.

18-20 “As you know, he took the evil bribe money and bought a small farm. There he came to a bad end, rupturing his belly and spilling his guts. Everybody in Jerusalem knows this by now; they call the place Murder Meadow. It’s exactly what we find written in the Psalms:

Let his farm become haunted
So no one can ever live there.

“And also what was written later:

Let someone else take over his post.

21-22 “Judas must now be replaced. The replacement must come from the company of men who stayed together with us from the time Jesus was baptized by John up to the day of his ascension, designated along with us as a witness to his resurrection.”

23-26 They nominated two: Joseph Barsabbas, nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, O God, know every one of us inside and out. Make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way.” They then drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles.

THE “ACTS” –

  1. Roll Call.  The Eleven, the women who followed Jesus along with Mary, his mother AND his brothers were accounted for by Luke.  Note:  Jesus’ brothers were known not to have believed in Jesus before the cross, but now they are all in. There were also 120 others who followed and witnessed Jesus’ commandments and ascension on the mountain.  Roll call complete.
  2. Prayer.  “They were completely together in prayer.”  There is no greater work than to be unified with God in prayer.
  3. The Word.  Guided by scripture and God’s Holy Spirit, Peter (“the rock upon whom I will build my church” said Jesus to Peter) stands up to fulfill scripture.  Judas must be replaced. 
  4. The Holy Spirit.  Guided by God’s Spirit an unbiased plan was put in place with character and belief qualifications for the one to be chosen.  Then they prayed for God’s intervention.  Matthias was chosen to join the Eleven as one of them.
  5. The Church.  The church of about 120 was formed with Twelve Apostles called by Jesus, ordained by God, to lead the group.

We will see and hear even more in subsequent chapters of God’s story of His church in the “acts” of God through His disciples. We see clearly that the early church foundation was built on believing in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus who is our Savior and Lord, our hope for eternity!

God’s “acts” are going to get even more exciting…Stay tuned!

Lord,

I believe.  I believe that You, Father God, sent Jesus, Your Son, to save me and the rest of the world from our sin.  Because of your love, You take away our sin, make us whole, protect us under your wings of safety and provide for our needs.  You love us unconditionally, knowing we are not perfect, and provide perfect forgiveness. 

Your “acts” in my life bring me closer to you.  Your “acts” guide my behavior, challenge my mind to grow and mature, and allow my heart to swell with your love that is beyond my small ability to love.  Yes, Your “acts” are amazing!  Your love, mercy and grace are amazing.  YOU are amazing.  I’m overwhelmed just now with all you have done, are doing and will do in my life.  Help me to love like you love, tell your story for your glory in detail, and behave in ways that please you today.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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