Written in Heaven

Scripture - Acts 28:31 - "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ."

Observation - I love how this is the last sentence in the book of Acts. The book first introduces Saul as a man who was persecuting the followers of Jesus. At the end of the book, Paul is under arrest in Rome and still preaching the word of God. It's an amazing story of redemption and hope.

Application - Who in my life am I ready to give up on spiritually? When you think about family members who are far from Jesus, do you ever feel like giving up hope? If Saul can be converted to Paul, there's hope for all of us.

Prayer - Dear Lord, I pray for those who are near hopelessness today. I pray for those who have been praying for someone to recognize Jesus as their Savior for days, months, and years and feel like there has been no progress made. Encourage them today Lord. Move on their behalf and on behalf of that friend or family member. May we never lose hope or hunger to see our friends, families, and neighbors follow Jesus. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A little different format today...

Acts 27:3 - "The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindnes to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs."

Today I was thinking that I wanted to write a post to really brag about the Celebrate Recovery program and its leaders. This verse sets me up perfectly for that so I'm going to go with that gut instinct.

Celebrate Recovery kicks off tomorrow night (5:30 at the BridgeWay Ministry Center in Morton, IL) and there is a buzz around this place about it today. I'm constantly amazed (though not surprised) at the way God brings the people He wants together to accomplish the tasks that He sets before us. The leadership team for Celebrate Recovery are people that are passionate, excited, and experiencing recovery of their own from a variety of hurts, habits, and hang-ups. It's great to see people take the situations that used to burden their life now use those same situations for God's glory.

If you're hesitant about coming to Celebrate Recovery, let me encourage you to come. Celebrate Recovery is the modern day equivalent of Acts 27:3 - friends gathering together to help friends through their needs by pointing them to Jesus, our true healer.

I know we have one day left on this 28 days of prayer journey as a church, but I just want to say thank you to all who participated. I know that God really challenged me during this time as well as many of you. At the same time God answered so many prayer needs that we raised. Though we never were in the same room reading or praying together, we truly were experiencing God together as a church on a daily basis. That's a lot to celebrate!

Scripture - Acts 25:24b - "The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer."

Observation - This statement comes within the context of Agrippa the King laying out the case against Paul. The situation is that Paul really has done nothing wrong, but the King doesn't let Paul go because of the political pressure he's under. The King is not willing to lead. Leadership is rarely about gathering consensus as much as it is about determining the correct course and influencing others in that direction. The King was more worried about what others thought rather than doing the right thing.

Application - Am I being more influenced by the people around me or by what I know is right? Who has more say in my decision making: others or Jesus? As I lead am I doing what God is asking me to do or being persuaded by people or issues more than God?

Prayer - Dear Lord, leading is hard. It's tough to cut through the clutter of life, through issues we face, and even through the voices of well meaning people to hear you sometimes. I pray for all of those today who are facing tough choices, that you would strengthen them and guide them more than anything or anyone else. I pray that you would help me today too, to trust you above all others, that you would guide my steps personally and as a leader. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture - Acts 20:24 - "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

Observation - Boo-yah! That's all there is to say after Paul lays down this gem. It's amazing to think that Paul is pretty convinced in his mind that going to Jerusalem will result in his own death, but he feels he must go anyway. Whenever you bust out the "I consider my life worth nothing to me" line, you're venturing into some heavy Holy Spirit territory.

Application - What's holding us back from having that type of faith to Jesus and his work?

Prayer - Dear Lord, I thank you for the example Paul is to all followers of Jesus. I thank you that he surrendered completely to you and gave his life for the Gospel. Lord, help me to surrender everything in my life to you. Help me to hold nothing back that I might 'finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.' In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture - Acts 19:27 - "There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throught the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty."

Observation - This statement is made by a guy name Demetrius. What's interesting about this is that he really made this statement out of fear of losing money, not fear that the god he worshiped would be desecrated. The classic choice of worshiping God or money, and Demetrius chose money.

Application - Following Jesus while always the best decision we can make, can sometimes be very difficult. When you are blessed with wealth, God may ask you to use your wealth in ways that you hadn't planned. You may need to change jobs for less money to serve God in ways that you may be called to. There's no telling what will happen, but it's always best to go with God's direction, rather than your own wealth and desires.

Prayer - Dear Lord, help us today to surrender everything we have to you - including our wealthy. Help us God to not be people obsessed with money or riches, but to be obsessed with God's direction and leading in our lives, that we may be blessings to others and to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture - Acts 18:9-10 - One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."

Observation - Everyone needs encouragment from time to time, even when we are doing something we are called by God to do. Paul knew that God had called him to proclaim the message of Jesus, but was hesitant and even afraid of what might happen if he continued to. But God's timing is perfect; just when Paul was considering giving up, God gave him the encouragement he needed.

Application - In our world, we're not all called to be preachers like Paul, but God does all have specific callings for each life. Sometimes we become afraid, stressed out, tired, or even hopeless and don't want to continue. That's when we need to remember these words from God that if He has called us, we won't fail if we stay faithful to Him.

Prayer - Dear Lord, thank you for calling imperfect people to do great things in the name of Jesus. Help those who are struggling today God with that calling. Help them to stay true to the path you have put them on and give them the endurance, encouragement, and strength they need right now to make it through. Thank you, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture - Acts 17:28a "For in him we live and move and have our being."

Observation - The implications of this statement are staggering. Paul is talking about Jesus and the fact that it is through Him and only Him that we have life. Not only life, but movement, being, thought, emotion, etc. What Paul really is saying is that everything about us is from Jesus.

Application - Am I living my life in every area as if it were from Jesus? Is every action I make a Jesus action? Is every thought I have a Jesus thought? Are my emotions the same as Jesus emotions?

Prayer - Dear Lord, thank you that you have made me and given me life. Thank you for the new life I have found in your son Jesus Christ. Continue to shape me and mold me into the person you want me to be so that I can be the best follower of Jesus, the best husband, the best father, the best pastor, and the best friend I can be to those around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture: Acts 11:24 - "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord."

Observation: This is a reoccurring theme in Acts - the Holy Spirit, faith, and good men. The church was successful with those three ingredients. It seems pretty simple, but has powerful implications.

Application: Would I be described by God as Barnabas here as "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit, and faith"? Even further, am I surrounding myself with people that I could describe that way? Are we holding each other to standards that will help one another grow to this end?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for those who have gone before and set an example about what it means to live life faithfully to Jesus. Thank you that we even have this opportunity before us. Help me Lord, to be faithful, accountable, and humble so you might describe me as Barnabas was described in this passage. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture: Acts 10: 34 &35: Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right

Observation: This verse is really good news. I always find it amazing that people think that Jesus is so exclusive or that Christianity is an exclusive practice. This verse shows how truly inclusive it is. Anyone, literally ANYONE, can live a life of freedom in Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter what you've done, what your skin color is, what your gender is, what's been done to you, etc. That's really good news!

Application: Do I truly believe the gospel of Jesus is for everyone? Are there people that I treat differently and don't believe that Jesus is for them?

Prayer: Dear Lord, it's an amazing privilege to serve a God who takes people who are all screw ups and use them in amazing ways. Thank you that you are not exclusive, keeping men from yourself. Thank you for accepting all men and women, and thank you for loving me even though I don't deserve it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture - Acts 8:36 - "As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"

Observation - This story's pretty cool. Philip is told by God to go to this road, but doesn't know why. Once he's there, he encounters this eunuch from Ethiopia who is reading scripture. Through his conversation with Philip, this eunuch recognizes Jesus as his savior and wants to be baptized right away. I love the faith of Philip in this story and the zeal of this eunuch.

Application - Where's my level of faith today? Would I be willing to do whatever God asked me to do even if I don't know why? Along with that, am I as enthusiastic about my faith as this eunuch is about his?

Prayer - Dear Lord, help me to be as faithful as Philip as you call me to do things I may not understand. Along with that, may I be as zealous as this eunuch that wanted to share his faith with the world instantly. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture - Acts 7:60 - Then he [Stephen] fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Observation - This verse always amazes me. Stephen has been falsely accused of all kinds of stuff, and on top of that this group of men is throwing big rocks at him until he dies. In the midst of one of the most horrific deaths imaginable, Stephen's response is one of forgiveness and turning the other cheek. What an example to the rest of us.

Application - Sometimes I hold grudges against people because of what they say to me or do to me. After reading this passage, it makes me feel pretty stupid that I would hold a grudge against someone for words they speak, when Stephen offered forgiveness as they were taking his life.

Prayer - Dear Lord, please allow me the insight to love people the way you do. I can't believe you did for me what you did on the cross and for that I'm thankful. Through that work, help me to be Christlike in all my dealings with people, even when they don't have my own best interest in mind. Also, help me to be faithful to pray for my Christian brothers and sisters who do suffer real persecution daily. Give them strength in the face of opposition today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture - Acts 6:7 - "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."

Observation - This verse comes right after a story about delegating responsibility. The disciples were busy doing their Jesus-stuff while there were widows being neglected in receiving of food. So the disciples decided to enlist new volunteers to feed the widows. What I love about the story is that it doesn't end with "So the widows were fed," but with "So the word of God spread." I love it!

Application - What am I doing as a leader to ensure that new people are getting involved in ministry not only for their own benefit, but that the word of God might spread?

Prayer - Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity to lead. During this 28 days of prayer we have been lifting up to you Celebrate Recovery, the Pekin Campus and all the ministries of BridgeWay. Please speak into the hearts of people today who need to get involved in ministry. Help us at BridgeWay to encourage and recruit new leadership and involvement that the word of God might spread. In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture - Acts 4:8a - "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them..."

Observation - Luke (the writer of Acts) uses the phrase 'filled with the Holy Spirit' multiple times in Acts. He wants it to be very clear that the transforming work that's being done is being done by God, and not by man.

Application - This is huge for a preacher to remember. There is nothing I have to offer anyone aside from the Holy Spirit. There is no advice, counsel, or thought that is as powerful or transformational as the work of the Holy Spirit. If Luke chronicled all the times I spoke, would he say 'Then Matt, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them...'? I certainly hope and pray so.

Prayer - Dear Lord, may I always remember that you are the giver of life. We are here only because you allow us to be in your sovereignty. Remind me also that not only are you the giver of life, but the speaker of life as well. Only the words and filling of the Holy Spirit can transform lives. Always allow me to remember that and live my life Spirit filled that I may speak your words and truth to those around me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture - Acts 3:6 - "Then Peter said, 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.'"

Observation - What's interesting to me about this is the concept of worth. This beggar could not fathom anything out there that would be of more worth than silver or gold. There are many people in our world who feel the same way.

Application - The truth of it is, even if Peter had silver or gold, it wouldn't have meant as much to this guy as the gift of walking. In the same way, God has blessed us each with unique gifts that He allows us to use for Him and to serve others that are way more meaningful than money or possessions.

Prayer - Dear Lord, I thank you for entrusting me with the gifts that you have. I thank you that you see me as worthy to serve you and be in relationship with you. May I always know the value of the Holy Spirit and live life understanding that I already attain the most precious gift imaginable: new life in Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name I give thanks, amen.

I love Acts chapter 2!

Scripture - Acts 2:47b "And the lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

Observation - The move of the Holy Spirit is simply amazing in this chapter. Along with that, the faith of the Apostle's is equally amazing. What I love about it is that these guys weren't constrained by any preconceived notions of how the Spirit moves, they just went with it.

Application - When I read this, my first reaction is "I wish I could have been there for that!" But that's not the right one. My initial reaction should be one of expectation, praying and longing to see God do that in the world today - in BridgeWay today.

Prayer - Dear Lord, help me to have faith like the Apostles. Help me not to have preconceived notions about how you are going to move or on the scale you are going to move. But help me to have Acts 2 expectations of what you want to do in your church. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Over the next 28 days we will be embarking on a journey of prayer, fasting, and scripture reading as a church. Dale and I (on our respective blogs) are going to be sharing what God is saying to us as we read through the book of Acts chapter by chapter over the next 28 days.

I'll be sharing my reflections in the form of S.O.A.P. S.O.A.P. stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer.

S - Acts 1: 4, 5, & 8 - "On one occasion, while he [Jesus] was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit...But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'"

O - One of the things we know as Christians is that Jesus is calling us to go as he paraphrases what we know as the 'Great Commission' in this passage. But just like these apostles, we shouldn't go anywhere until we have spent time receiving direction from the Holy Spirit.

A - Am I spending enough time listening for God's instruction before I go do His work?

P - Dear God, help me to realize that you are my guide. Help me to spend more and more time each day seeking your will and direction for my life. Remind me constantly of my need for you and put in my heart a desire to pray and to be in your Word. Thank you for your direction in my life to this point and I surrender all direction to you. In Jesus name, Amen.